You should treat yourself when on vacation. Bonsai offers you the upscale Asian fusion dining experience you deserve to have at least once while in Pensacola Beach.
A visit to Bonsai gives you the feeling of going to a private club. You’ll go to the second floor of the Hilton Pensacola Beach to reach the restaurant. From this vantage point, the restaurant provides stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Inside, the open kitchen allows you to see the chefs hard at work preparing the handmade dishes you’ll enjoy. Unlike many other sushi restaurants that substitute horseradish for wasabi, you will have authentic freshly grated wasabi with your meal at Bonsai.
Authenticity and quality are exceptionally vital to the composition of all the dishes at Bonsai. You won’t find California rolls or other American flavors. Instead, you’ll find top-quality, carefully crafted maki, nigiri, sashimi, and ramen that let the natural flavors of the ingredients shine through.
Presentation is another hallmark of the dishes here. Visitors frequently praise the food plating, the service, and the flavor of everything they order.
The food is the biggest reason to visit. Due to changes in the availability of the freshest seafood, you may notice some minor changes to the menu items. However, the quality will remain the same, despite changes to ingredients in menu offerings.
Can’t miss dishes on the menu at Bonsai include:
Omakase
The Omakase is a six-course meal, but instead of making your own selections from the menu, you allow the chef to do it for you. Diners who cannot decide what to get from the standard offerings choose the Omakase menu that comes either with only food or food paired with wine and sake. You’ll never know what you might taste when the chef chooses from the menu for you.
Previous diners have had A5 wagyu beef with Himalayan salt, Korobuta pork belly, Florida citrus maki, hickory smoked nigiri tuna, and matcha ice cream.
Florida Citrus Roll
The Florida citrus roll includes a lemony brightness that complements the salmon, snapper, hiramasa, avocado, and salmon roe. Diners note how well the lemon pairs with the various fish in the roll. Several people report it as the best sushi roll they’ve eaten. Plus, the chef regularly chooses this as a maki option to go with the omakase menu. Try this citrusy, well-balanced light option for a shared appetizer or part of a multicourse meal at Bonsai.
Berkshire Pork Ramen
While you can find many places that serve ramen, you won’t find another place with ramen as good as that served at Bonsai. Several ramen options are on the menu. One of the most recommended is the Berkshire pork ramen.
What sets apart the ramen dishes at Bonsai are the hand-pulled ramen noodles. By preparing the noodles in-house, you get the freshest flavor and best texture possible from this star of the dish. The rich broth infused with multiple flavors only enhances the experience.
This dish includes richly flavored broth with hand-pulled ramen noodles that have the perfect texture. Toppings are ample and include a halved, cage-free boiled egg and scallions. Shiitake mushrooms and meaty, melt-in-your-mouth pieces of pork round out this hearty dish.
Berkshire Pork Belly
For an appetizer that blends sweet and savory perfectly into a balanced bite, try the Berkshire pork belly. Maple syrup and rich black garlic shoyu infuse Berkshire pork belly. Diners note the garlic packs an unexpected punch after biting into the sweetly glazed meat. If you want an appetizer without seafood, try the Berkshire pork belly for a great way to whet your appetite for the main courses.
For those on vacation, Bonsai serves as a great spot for a memorable date night to treat yourself and your significant other to an unforgettable upscale meal.
Insider Tips:
-Make reservations to ensure that you get a table.
-Request a seat on the outdoor patio to also see a view of poolside entertainment, on evenings when the hotel hosts events.