#117 of 131 Pensacola Beach Restaurants

Bonefish Grill

Check Out Pensacola's Take on Contemporary Seafood Chain Bonefish Grill
Local Expert's Rating:
4 / 5
The Bottom Line:

The Pensacola edition of the nationwide chain Bonefish Grill combines a diverse, seafood-focused menu with an element of local flair. It's just upscale enough to feel special and just relaxed enough to ensure a comfortable night out.

- The FloridaPanhandle.com Local Expert Team

Bonefish Grill may be a nationwide chain, but its welcoming atmosphere and seafood-oriented menu make it a natural favorite in Pensacola. This particular location holds enough regional flair to make it feel special. Still, it manages to abide by the lofty expectations that Bonefish Grill enthusiasts will hold after visiting the chain’s other restaurants.

When you step inside, you will be impressed by the immaculate appearance. The appealing interior features spacious booths with white tablecloths, as well as dimmed lighting to create a sense of ambiance. A full bar can also be found, complete with bustling but friendly bartenders. Service can be slow at times, but this isn’t the type of restaurant suited to quick dining — it warrants a slower pace. If you’re in a hurry, however, takeout and delivery options are available.

The vast menu includes a variety of inventive dishes that should appeal to seafood lovers in search of a little culinary creativity. Favorite ingredients such as shrimp, lobster, and salmon are incorporated in everything from gnocchi to tacos. Those who prefer a simpler approach will appreciate the range of grilled options. Burgers, chicken, and steak round out the menu to keep seafood skeptics happy.

The various entrees served at Bonefish Grill can be paired with a variety of wines, beers, and cocktails. If you’re feeling festive, don’t hesitate to order the signature Bonefish Pomegranate Martini or Parker’s Margarita. Otherwise, cappuccino, iced tea, and soda are excellent options.

A few of our favorite menu items include the following:

Bang Bang Shrimp
Start your Bonefish Grill experience off with a bang while sharing this tantalizing appetizer with loved ones. Depending on your appetite, this also works well in place of a standard entree. Either way, you’ll love the crispy shrimp, which are tossed in a creamy sauce that holds a hint of spice.

Grilled Atlantic Salmon
As one of several wood-grilled options, this satisfying dish is lightly seasoned and served with lemon. If you prefer, you can also order it with one of Bonefish Grill’s signature sauces. Enjoy with your choice of two sides. Favorites include garlic mashed potatoes, coleslaw, seasonal vegetables, and French fries. 

Thermidor Gnocchi
Offering a fun spin on a comforting meal, this golden-brown potato dish is loaded with shrimp and chunks of sweet lobster, as well as peas, mushrooms, and fresh tomatoes. All this is tossed in an unforgettable lobster sherry cream sauce. 

Lily’s Chicken
Seafood may be the focus at Bonefish Grill and in much of Pensacola, but you can still enjoy a tasty meal if you prefer to eat “from the land.” This phrase marks the non-seafood section of Bonefish Grill’s menu, which includes a chicken-based entree featuring goat cheese, artichoke hearts, spinach, and a delectable lemon basil sauce.

Classic Cheesecake
Simple and scrumptious, this dessert is not to be missed. It’s served with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and the perfect amount of melba sauce to deliver a fruity flavor. Other excellent desserts worth ordering include the flourless macadamia nut brownie and the cranberry white chocolate cookie.

If you’re on the hunt for a reliable chain restaurant but still want the seafood experience for which Pensacola is known, look no further than the Bonefish Grill. You’ll be glad you gave this contemporary chain a try.

Insider Tips:
– Regular visitors to this and other Bonefish Grill locations may benefit from joining the restaurant’s Dine Rewards club, which provides access to exclusive events and the occasional discount. Registration is available on the restaurant’s official website.
– The Pensacola location encourages reservations, which can be made directly on the website for small parties or over the phone for groups of six or more.