Not all hotel restaurants are created equal. But the H2O Grill and Bonsai Sushi Bar in the Hilton Pensacola Beach Resorts sets a high bar. While hotel guests may opt to dine at an on-site restaurant simply out of convenience, this one is different. Guests return for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or if they’re lucky enough to be staying at the hotel on a Sunday, a delectable brunch buffet featuring bottomless mimosas and a Bloody Mary station.
The upscale restaurant offers a fantastic view of the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or you can sit poolside and enjoy the cool ocean breezes. H2O Grill is an open-concept restaurant and is rather exposed to the hotel lobby and area where guests walk to and from their rooms or the pool. If you’re looking for an intimate atmosphere, this probably isn’t the best option.
The restaurant offers seasonal buffet specials on a regular basis. The everyday menu is expansive, offering everything from casual beach fare to more upscale surf and turf options. You’ll find small plate options, grilled pizzas, sandwiches, salads and unique desserts like goat cheese cheesecake. Sushi is also available, but it’s only served nightly from 4-10 p.m. The menu includes classic rolls, nirigi and sashimi; a variety of sake is also available.
Our menu favorites included:
Build Your Own Burger
With a ton of toppings, cheeses and sauces, including Portobello mushrooms, roasted jalapenos and sun-dried tomato pesto, the Build Your Own Burger option is not only delicious, but a good value.
Cola Grilled Shrimp Cobb Salad
Marinated in cola before being perfectly grilled, the skewered shrimp add a unique flavor to the classic Cobb salad. Served with ranch dressing or try one of the restaurant’s other house-made options.
Ginger Snap Scallops
You can’t go wrong with scallops at the H2O Grill. Always perfectly prepared, the scallops are sweet, succulent and filling. In this dish, the scallops are served on a ginger-snap coated crostini and accompanied by blackberry chutney and a balsamic glaze. Yum!
Center Cut Bone-In Ribeye Steak
H2O consistently serves well-prepared steaks. Grilled to order, the bone-in ribeye is a decadent option that comes with two hearty sides. We recommend the fried Brussels sprouts and lobster mac and cheese.
Cajun Omelet
If you’re having breakfast, try this omelet that includes andouille sausage, crawfish and Cajun spices. What a way to wake up!
Cucumber Crush
After dinner, enjoy this refreshing drink poolside. A mix of vodka, thai basil & black pepper purée, soda water and cucumber, your taste buds will thank you for the experience.
Pensacola Beach Roll
You can’t go wrong with this signature creation that mixes tuna, krab stick, cucumber and avocado and is topped with crushed peanuts and eel sauce. Delicious!
From creative cuisine to tasty beverages, H2O Grill and Bonsai Sushi Bar has something to suit any palate and budget. Just don’t arrive before 4 p.m. for sushi or you’ll leave disappointed.
Insider Tip:
You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the H2O Grill and Bonsai Sushi Bar. The restaurant caters to locals by offering a 15 percent discount to anyone with a Pensacola address. Just show your ID to get the discount.