This was our first time visiting the Bonefish Grill and our group of three picky eaters with moderately high standards agree that this experience was amazing especially for a franchise restaurant.
We had a reservation for 17:00 and arrived 30 minutes early. It wasn't busy yet so we were seated immediately. One of our group is a disabled man in an electric wheelchair and the staff were very accommodating and respectful--some places we go the staff and servers won't engage him I guess because they think he can't speak or something, but everyone was engaging, kind, and treated him just like they treated the rest of us. This gets a 0.5 Star bonus.
Our server's name was Daemon and he was amazing. He could easily be a server in a much more upscale restaurant and fit right in. The only flaw in his service was a very minor one not worthy of a loss of stars--a reach across the table, but it was only because the aisle was blocked and he really wanted us all to have our drinks refilled promptly. he even apologised for the reach as he did it. Also, the disabled man in our group is the reason we were there as it was his birthday so Daemon provided him with a complimentary dessert and chocolates. Daemon, if you're reading this, thank you. You are amazing. Service was 5 stars!
One minor odd thing about this place is that they cover the tables with a tablecloth and then place a piece of brown paper over the table. It gives it kind of a cheap feel, but we agreed it's pretty genius for making turnover faster so we see why they do it. It would be nice though if they were to upgrade the tablecloths, not cover the tables in paper, and use real candles on the table instead of the battery-operated flameless candles. This would provide a classier ambiance. (-0.25 Stars)
Now for the most important part of the review--food. We ordered two appetizers: Wagyu Beef and Ginger Pot Stickers, and NY Strip Tataki with a hot mustard and soy sauce. Both of these appetizers were phenomenal, and the hot mustard and soy went fabulously with both. Our three mains were the Wild Mahi Mahi with mango salsa, steamed asparagus, and herbed couscous; a filet steak with shrimp scampi and garlic potatoes; and a filet steak with butternut squash and garlic potatoes. The Mahi Mahi main was perfect and the asparagus and couscous were delicious with it. The filet and shrimp main had a couple of minor flaws with the filet being a little under the requested medium rare temp, the shrimp were overcooked by about a minute and a half so they were rubbery, and the shrimp were also served without a sauce. The filet and butternut squash main was perfect with the filet cooked to a perfect medium rare and served with a delicious Béarnaise sauce. The cooks in this kitchen, unlike in some franchise restaurants, mostly know what they're doing and seem to strive to put out quality food. (apps and mains get 4.33 Stars)
We tried three of the desserts as well: the chocolate crème brûlée, the custard crème brûlée, and the macadamia nut chocolate brownie with raspberry sauce and vanilla ice cream. Both crème brûlées were okay, but far from perfect as they were served completely cold instead of with the hot caramelised sugar crust and cool custard base that it should be. Both were also served with a large blob of unnecessary whipped cream. The macadamia nut chocolate brownie was served with the raspberry sauce, ice cream, and a blob of unnecessary whipped cream--getting rid of the whipped cream on all of these desserts would be a solid decision. (desserts get 2.75 stars)
Conclusion: We'll be returning here someday, asking for Daemon, and probably skipping dessert. Overall we give the Bonefish Grill 4.25 stars, and we'll round up to 5 stars for the Yelp rating. You should definitely give this restaurant a chance if you haven't already, or give it a second chance if you happened to have an unpleasant first impression. :) read more