7 Popular Bonefish Grill Menu Items, Ranked Worst To Best
Bonefish Grill has become my go-to spot for seafood that doesn’t break the bank while still feeling like a special night out.
I’ve sampled nearly everything on their menu over the years, from appetizers to desserts.
The restaurant strikes that perfect balance between casual and upscale dining, making it ideal for date nights or family gatherings.
Let me walk you through their most popular menu items, ranked from my least to most favorite based on countless visits and plenty of doggy bags.
1. Lily’s Chicken
Ordering chicken at a seafood restaurant might seem like playing it safe, but sometimes I’m just not in the mood for ocean fare. Lily’s Chicken is Bonefish’s nod to land-lovers – a goat cheese, spinach, and artichoke-topped chicken breast that sounds more exciting than it tastes.
The chicken itself is often overcooked, leaving it drier than the Sahara at high noon. While the toppings add some moisture, they can’t fully rescue the parched protein beneath. The lemon butter sauce tries valiantly to save the dish but usually falls short.
That said, the garlic whipped potatoes served alongside are honestly the highlight – creamy, garlicky, and infinitely more memorable than the chicken they accompany. If you’re seafood-averse, you might be better off building a meal from appetizers instead of settling for this landlocked option.
2. Cod Imperial
My first encounter with Cod Imperial came during a business dinner when I couldn’t decide between seafood options. The server’s enthusiastic recommendation led me to this curious creation – a cod fillet crowned with shrimp, scallops, and crabmeat in a lemon caper butter.
While the concept sounds like seafood nirvana, the execution often misses the mark. The cod itself tends to get lost beneath its fancy toppings, becoming merely a bland platform for the more flavorful seafood above. The imperial topping, though rich and buttery, sometimes arrives lukewarm by the time it reaches the table.
The saving grace is that zesty lemon caper butter, which adds much-needed brightness to an otherwise heavy dish. When you’re craving seafood but can’t pick just one type, this offers variety – though not necessarily the best version of any component.
3. Crab-Crusted Cod
I tried the Crab-Crusted Cod during a rainy anniversary dinner when I wanted something special without splurging on lobster. The presentation immediately impressed – a generous cod fillet wearing a golden crown of lump crabmeat, all swimming in a pool of lemon butter.
The cod itself provides a mild, flaky canvas that lets the sweeter crab shine. Unlike its Imperial cousin, this dish knows its star is the crab topping, which brings a delightful textural contrast to the tender fish below. The crust achieves that perfect golden brown without drying out the delicate cod.
My only gripe? Sometimes the kitchen gets heavy-handed with the salt, overwhelming the natural sweetness of the crab. When executed correctly, though, this dish strikes a beautiful balance between comfort and sophistication – exactly what Bonefish does best when they’re on their game.
4. Ahi Tuna Steak
The waiter raised an eyebrow when I requested the Ahi Tuna rare on my first visit. “Good choice,” he nodded approvingly. Minutes later, I understood his reaction when a gorgeous slab of ruby-red tuna arrived, seared perfectly on the outside while maintaining that cool, silky center that makes ahi so special.
Bonefish doesn’t try to mask the natural flavor with heavy sauces – just a light ginger-soy glaze that complements rather than competes with the fish. The sesame seeds crusting the edges add a nutty crunch that elevates each bite. Their jasmine rice side dish provides the perfect neutral companion to soak up any excess sauce.
For sushi lovers wanting something more substantial, this dish bridges the gap between raw bar and cooked entree. The quality of the tuna consistently impresses me – no fishy aftertaste or stringy texture, just clean ocean flavor in every bite.
5. Filet Mignon
“You’re ordering steak at a seafood restaurant?” my wife teased the first time I chose the Filet Mignon at Bonefish. Her skepticism vanished after stealing a bite of my perfectly medium-rare cut, its center warm and rosy while the exterior boasted a herb-crusted sear that would make steakhouses jealous.
Bonefish’s 6 or 8-ounce filet comes topped with a pat of gorgonzola butter that slowly melts, creating a rich sauce that elevates an already tender piece of beef. The meat itself requires minimal chewing – it practically dissolves on your tongue, making you forget you’re dining at a place with ‘fish’ in its name.
The accompanying mashed potatoes arrive fluffy and buttery, perfect for sopping up steak juices. While I’m usually a seafood enthusiast, their filet has become my guilty pleasure when I’m craving something from the land rather than the sea.
6. Bang Bang Tacos
My first encounter with Bang Bang Tacos happened accidentally when the kitchen ran out of their famous shrimp appetizer. “Try these instead,” suggested our server with a knowing smile. That happy accident has turned into a must-order every visit since.
These street-style tacos feature the same crispy shrimp tossed in that addictive creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, but tucked into warm flour tortillas with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and a cooling avocado crema. The contrast between the warm, crunchy shrimp and the cool, fresh toppings creates textural magic in each bite.
What makes these tacos special is how they transform the appetizer experience into something more substantial without losing the playful finger-food appeal. The kitchen doesn’t skimp on the sauce either – these beauties come properly dressed, requiring extra napkins and absolutely zero regrets. They’ve become my favorite shareable item to kick off any Bonefish meal.
7. Bang Bang Shrimp
The first time I tried Bang Bang Shrimp was during a Wednesday special night five years ago. One bite of those crispy shrimp coated in creamy, spicy sauce and I was instantly converted into a Bonefish regular. This signature appetizer has achieved cult status for good reason – it’s simply impossible to stop eating once you start.
The magic lies in perfect contrasts: crunchy exterior giving way to tender shrimp, all enveloped in a sauce that delivers heat without overwhelming your taste buds. The sweet-spicy-creamy trifecta creates an addictive flavor bomb that keeps you reaching for “just one more” until the lettuce-lined bowl is embarrassingly empty.
I’ve attempted countless homemade versions but never quite captured that Bonefish magic. While other menu items might occasionally disappoint, Bang Bang Shrimp delivers consistent perfection every single time. It’s the non-negotiable starting point for any proper Bonefish experience – skip it at your own peril!