Bonefish Grill, known for its vibrant seafood and wood-grilled specialties, offers a diverse menu catering to a wide range of tastes. Deciding on the “best” thing to order is subjective, depending on individual preferences and dietary considerations. However, we can explore popular choices, assess their flavor profiles, and delve into what makes them stand out. This comprehensive guide will navigate the Bonefish Grill menu, highlighting top contenders and offering insights to help you make the perfect selection.
The Bang Bang Shrimp: An Iconic Appetizer
No discussion about Bonefish Grill is complete without mentioning the Bang Bang Shrimp. This appetizer has become synonymous with the restaurant, and for good reason.
Bang Bang Shrimp consists of crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. The sauce is the key – a blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a secret ingredient (rumored to be sriracha or a similar chili paste). This combination creates a harmonious balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors that tantalizes the taste buds.
The shrimp are perfectly cooked, maintaining a slight snap with each bite. The breading adds a satisfying crunch, complementing the smooth texture of the sauce. The portion size is generous enough to share, but many find it hard to resist polishing off the entire plate.
The dish’s popularity stems from its accessibility. It’s not overwhelmingly spicy, making it palatable for most palates. The sweetness tempers the heat, creating a well-rounded flavor profile that appeals to both seafood lovers and those who are hesitant about spicy food.
While seemingly simple, the execution of the Bang Bang Shrimp is crucial. Consistency in the sauce’s flavor and the shrimp’s crispness is what keeps customers coming back for more. Many have attempted to recreate the recipe at home, but Bonefish Grill’s version remains the gold standard.
Beyond the Bang Bang: Exploring Entree Options
While the Bang Bang Shrimp is a must-try appetizer, Bonefish Grill’s entree selection is equally impressive. From wood-grilled fish to succulent steaks, there’s something for everyone.
Wood-Grilled Fish: A Healthy and Flavorful Choice
Bonefish Grill excels at preparing fresh fish on their wood-burning grill. This method imparts a smoky flavor that enhances the natural taste of the fish. The menu typically features several varieties, including salmon, mahi-mahi, and sea bass, with seasonal offerings adding further variety.
The Atlantic Salmon is a consistently popular choice. Its rich, buttery flavor is complemented by the wood-grilling process. Diners can choose from a variety of toppings and sauces to customize their dish. Lemon butter sauce, mango salsa, and pan-Asian glaze are common options.
Mahi-mahi, a mild and flaky fish, is another excellent selection. Its subtle flavor profile makes it a versatile canvas for bolder sauces and toppings. The mango salsa, with its sweet and tangy notes, pairs particularly well with mahi-mahi.
Chilean Sea Bass, when available, is considered a premium option. Its delicate, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor make it a truly decadent experience. It’s often served with a simple preparation to allow the fish’s natural qualities to shine.
The wood-grilling technique ensures that the fish remains moist and flavorful, avoiding the dryness that can sometimes plague cooked fish. The char from the grill adds a smoky depth that elevates the dish to another level.
Land Lovers: Steaks and Chicken
For those who prefer land-based fare, Bonefish Grill offers a selection of steaks and chicken dishes. While seafood is their specialty, these options are prepared with the same attention to detail and quality.
The Filet Mignon is a classic choice, known for its tenderness and delicate flavor. It’s typically served with a simple seasoning, allowing the quality of the beef to speak for itself. Diners can add sauces like béarnaise or peppercorn to enhance the flavor.
The Rib-Eye Steak, with its rich marbling, offers a more robust flavor profile. The higher fat content keeps the steak juicy and flavorful during the grilling process. It’s often served with a simple salt and pepper seasoning to highlight the beef’s natural taste.
The Lily’s Chicken is a popular non-seafood option. This dish features a grilled chicken breast topped with goat cheese, spinach, artichoke hearts, and a lemon basil sauce. The combination of flavors is bright and refreshing, offering a lighter alternative to the heavier steak options.
These land-based dishes are cooked to order, ensuring that each diner receives their preferred level of doneness. The sides offered, such as garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, complement the entrees perfectly.
Pasta Dishes: A Comforting Option
Bonefish Grill also features a selection of pasta dishes that provide a comforting and satisfying meal. These dishes often incorporate seafood, showcasing the restaurant’s expertise in preparing these ingredients.
The Shrimp Pad Thai is a popular choice, featuring rice noodles, shrimp, tofu, peanuts, and a flavorful pad Thai sauce. This dish offers a balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, with a satisfying crunch from the peanuts.
The Seafood Alfredo combines pasta with a creamy Alfredo sauce and a medley of seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, and mussels. This rich and decadent dish is a classic comfort food option.
The pasta dishes offer a good alternative for those seeking something different from the wood-grilled fish or steaks. They are typically served in generous portions, making them a filling and satisfying meal.
Side Dishes: Completing the Meal
No meal is complete without the perfect side dishes, and Bonefish Grill offers a variety of options to complement their entrees.
Garlic Whipped Potatoes are a classic choice, offering a creamy and flavorful accompaniment to any dish. The garlic adds a subtle kick that enhances the flavor without being overpowering.
Steamed Broccoli provides a healthy and refreshing option. The broccoli is cooked to a perfect tenderness, maintaining its vibrant green color and crisp texture.
Jasmine Rice is a simple yet elegant choice, offering a neutral base that pairs well with a variety of sauces and toppings.
Seasonal Vegetables offer a rotating selection of fresh produce, showcasing the best of what’s in season. These vegetables are often grilled or roasted, bringing out their natural sweetness and flavor.
The side dishes are carefully selected to complement the entrees, providing a balanced and satisfying meal. They are prepared with the same attention to detail as the main courses, ensuring a consistent level of quality.
Desserts: A Sweet Ending
To complete your Bonefish Grill experience, consider indulging in one of their decadent desserts.
The Macadamia Nut Brownie is a warm, fudgy brownie topped with macadamia nuts and vanilla ice cream. This rich and indulgent dessert is perfect for chocolate lovers.
The Key Lime Pie offers a refreshing and tart alternative. The creamy key lime filling is perfectly balanced with a graham cracker crust.
The Jen’s Jamaican Coconut Pie is a tropical-inspired dessert featuring a coconut cream filling and a flaky crust. This dessert is a favorite among those who enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean.
These desserts provide a sweet and satisfying ending to your meal at Bonefish Grill. They are prepared with high-quality ingredients and offer a variety of flavors to suit different preferences.
Beverages: Complementing Your Meal
Bonefish Grill offers a wide range of beverages to complement your meal, including cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options.
Their cocktail menu features a variety of creative and refreshing drinks, many of which incorporate tropical fruits and flavors. The Bonefish Pomegranate Martini is a popular choice, featuring vodka, pomegranate juice, and a hint of citrus.
Their wine list includes a selection of reds, whites, and rosés, chosen to pair well with their seafood and other dishes. The staff can offer recommendations to help you find the perfect wine to complement your meal.
They also offer a selection of domestic and imported beers, as well as non-alcoholic options such as soft drinks, iced tea, and lemonade.
The beverage selection at Bonefish Grill is carefully curated to enhance the dining experience, providing options for every taste and preference.
Considering Dietary Restrictions
Bonefish Grill is generally accommodating to dietary restrictions and allergies. It’s always recommended to inform your server of any specific needs or concerns.
They offer gluten-free options, including many of their wood-grilled fish dishes and some of their side dishes. They can also modify certain dishes to remove gluten-containing ingredients.
They also offer vegetarian options, such as the Lily’s Chicken (without the chicken) or certain pasta dishes. They can also create custom vegetarian dishes upon request.
For those with allergies, it’s crucial to inform your server so they can take precautions to avoid cross-contamination. They can also provide information about the ingredients in each dish.
The Verdict: What is the “Best” Thing to Order?
While the Bang Bang Shrimp is undoubtedly a standout and a must-try for first-timers, the “best” thing to order ultimately depends on individual preference.
For seafood lovers, the wood-grilled fish, particularly the salmon or mahi-mahi with a flavorful sauce, is an excellent choice. For those who prefer land-based fare, the filet mignon or Lily’s Chicken are solid options. The Shrimp Pad Thai offers a unique and flavorful alternative.
Consider your dietary restrictions and preferences when making your decision. Don’t be afraid to ask your server for recommendations or to customize your dish.
Ultimately, the best way to find your favorite dish at Bonefish Grill is to explore the menu and try different options. With its focus on fresh ingredients, flavorful preparations, and accommodating service, Bonefish Grill offers a dining experience that is sure to please.
Here is a structured summary:
Top Recommendations
- Bang Bang Shrimp: A must-try appetizer known for its creamy, spicy, and sweet flavor.
- Wood-Grilled Fish (Salmon, Mahi-Mahi): Healthy and flavorful, customizable with sauces and toppings.
- Filet Mignon: Tender and classic steak option.
- Lily’s Chicken: Grilled chicken with goat cheese, spinach, and lemon basil sauce.
Choosing the best item depends on individual taste and dietary needs, but these are consistently popular and well-regarded options.
What is the overall most popular dish at Bonefish Grill that people consistently rave about?
The Bang Bang Shrimp is arguably the most popular and consistently raved-about dish at Bonefish Grill. It features crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that strikes a delightful balance between sweet and savory. The texture and flavor combination make it an addictive appetizer that many consider a must-order item on every visit.
Beyond its popularity as an appetizer, the Bang Bang Shrimp is often cited as a defining element of the Bonefish Grill experience. Its iconic status has led to variations and inspired dishes across other restaurants, but the original recipe remains a favorite among patrons. Many reviewers highlight its consistent quality and the generous portion size as reasons for its enduring appeal.
Aside from the Bang Bang Shrimp, what seafood entrée stands out as a top recommendation?
The Chilean Sea Bass is frequently mentioned as a standout seafood entrée at Bonefish Grill. Known for its rich, buttery flavor and flaky texture, the Sea Bass is often prepared with delicate sauces and accompaniments that enhance its natural taste. It represents a higher-end option on the menu, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality seafood.
The preparation methods for the Chilean Sea Bass often involve pan-searing or baking, allowing the fish to retain its moisture and delicate structure. Common pairings include lemon butter sauce, mango salsa, or other light and flavorful toppings that complement the fish’s inherent richness. For those seeking a more refined seafood experience, the Chilean Sea Bass is a highly recommended choice.
Are there any non-seafood options at Bonefish Grill that are worth considering?
While Bonefish Grill is primarily known for its seafood, they do offer several non-seafood options that are worth exploring. The Filet Mignon is a particularly popular choice, offering a tender and flavorful cut of beef that provides a satisfying alternative for those who prefer land-based protein. The preparation and quality of the steak are often praised by diners.
Other non-seafood items such as the Chicken Marsala or the Fontina Chop also provide appealing options. These dishes demonstrate that Bonefish Grill can deliver quality and flavor beyond its seafood offerings, catering to a wider range of palates and dietary preferences. It’s always a good idea to explore the full menu to find a hidden gem you might enjoy.
What side dishes are frequently praised and considered a “must-try” at Bonefish Grill?
The Garlic Whipped Potatoes are consistently praised as a must-try side dish at Bonefish Grill. Their creamy texture and rich garlic flavor make them a comforting and flavorful accompaniment to many of the restaurant’s entrees. They are often considered a step above the typical mashed potato offering and a worthwhile upgrade from standard sides.
Another popular side dish is the Steamed Broccoli, which is prepared simply and allows the freshness of the vegetable to shine. While it might seem like a basic choice, the perfectly cooked broccoli provides a healthy and refreshing contrast to the richer, heavier dishes on the menu. Its simplicity and quality make it a reliable and enjoyable side.
For dessert, what is the most frequently recommended or highly-rated option?
The Macadamia Nut Brownie is consistently ranked as the top dessert option at Bonefish Grill. Its combination of warm, gooey brownie, macadamia nuts, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate sauce creates a decadent and satisfying treat. The contrasting textures and flavors make it a memorable ending to the meal.
Many reviewers specifically highlight the generous portion size of the Macadamia Nut Brownie, making it perfect for sharing. The combination of warm and cold elements, along with the rich chocolate and nutty flavors, creates a delightful sensory experience. Its popularity stems from its comforting familiarity combined with high-quality ingredients and execution.
What’s a good strategy for ordering if you’re a first-time visitor to Bonefish Grill?
For a first-time visitor, a great strategy is to start with the Bang Bang Shrimp as an appetizer – it’s a signature dish for a reason. This will give you a good sense of the restaurant’s flavor profile and set the stage for a satisfying meal. Consider sharing it if you are with a group to save room for other courses.
For your entrée, consider asking your server for recommendations based on your preferences. If you enjoy seafood, the Chilean Sea Bass is a popular choice, or you might want to try one of their daily fresh fish specials. Don’t hesitate to ask about preparation methods and sauce pairings to ensure you choose something that aligns with your taste.
Does Bonefish Grill offer any special deals or promotions that customers should be aware of?
Bonefish Grill frequently offers seasonal menus and limited-time promotions that showcase new dishes and ingredients. Checking their website or signing up for their email list is a good way to stay informed about these special offerings. They often feature discounted meals or drink specials during specific times of the year or week.
Additionally, Bonefish Grill often participates in restaurant week events or offers special prix fixe menus for holidays. These promotions can provide a great opportunity to sample a variety of dishes at a discounted price. Inquiring about daily specials or promotions with your server is always a good idea to maximize value.