Bonsai

Name: Bonsai
Address: 12 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach, FL, United States, 32561
Telephone: (850) 932-8194
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.5

4.5

167 Reviews

$50 and over

Sushi

Top Tags:

Located on the second floor of the Hilton Pensacola Beach, Bonsai offers an elevated, contemporary menu lined with fine Japanese cuisine overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. From hand-rolled ramen noodles to delectable Japanese A5 wagyu and top-shelf sake, Bonsai is a world-class experience like none other.

Executive Chef Richard Assaf
Bonsai Chef Ryusho Hashida

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
Sushi
Hours of operation
Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(850) 932-8194
Website
http://bonsaipensacolabeach.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Richard Assaf
Private party facilities
Please call 850-932-8194 to reserve your event.

Location
12 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Neighborhood
Pensacola
Cross street
12 Via De Luna Dr.
Parking details
Valet parking included when dining at Bonsai.
Public transit
There is a convenient free beach trolley that shuttles all over the island and has a stop in front of the hotel.
Additional
Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

SMOKED TUNA$25.00
avocado, cucumber, zuke, bluefin tuna, hackleback caviar
FAROE ISLAND SALMON BRULE$30.00
cucumber, hamachi, lemon zest, salmon roe
YASAI$32.00
edamame kiritanpo, crispy tofu, red aka-kyabetsu, chantrelle, kyuri
FLORIDA CITRUS$34.00
avocado, salmon, hamachi, snapper, lemon, salmon roe
A5 JAPANESE WAGYU$58.00
lobster salad, tare, bottarga
SEA SCALLOPS$38.00
crab salad, shiso, hackleback caviar, lemon

HAND ROLLED RAMEN

BERKSHIRE PORK$44.00
Berkshire chasu, hand pulled noodles, shiitake, cage free egg, scallion
TAKO SEA SCALLOP$58.00
nasturtium, salmon roe, Omaha mussel broth, shiso, squid ink noodles
HARU$32.00
bell pepper, nasturtium, onion, shiitake broth, spinach noodles

ENTREES

ROASTED CHILEAN SEA BASS$55.00
patagonian toothfish, uni, hinona kabu, oyster mushroom, kinome
ASTAKOS LOBSTER$65.00
whole lobster, sakura cheese, ossetra caviar, piman, karashi
OMAKASE MENU
HAMACHI TIRADITO
hamachi, ossetra caviar, mussels' broth, gold chives
BERKSHIRE PORK BELLY
maple sugar, black garlic shoyu
HOKKAIDO CRAB RAVIOLI
turnip pasta, Hokkaido crab, micro chives, shiso, honey xeres
A5 WAGYU STRIPLOIN
kombu sea salt, barrel aged whiskey shoyu

LIBATIONS

Jalisco Athletic Club$22.00
cenote Reposado, Benedictine, yellow chartreuse, lime, mezcal perfume
Wisteria Mist$22.00
butterfly pea Kappa Pisco, Luxardo Marascino, lime cordial
A Change of Pace$22.00
Chivas Regal 13 Rye Cask, Oka Kura Burmetto, ginger infused shochu, orange bitters
Golden Girl$22.00
Kikori, Yuzu liquor, apple, caraway, absinthe perfume
Vermillion$22.00
Cointreau, cranberry, malo-lactic acid, bubbles
Cheers, Mike$34.00
- Porthole infusion - Botanist Gin, Drambuie, Ginger Beer

KIKIZAKE

5 Sake Flight

Manzairaku
Honjozo Chubu
Kikusui Shuzo "Chrysanthemum Mist"
Junmai Daiginjo, Chubu
Kagatsuru "Umeshu"
Plum sake, Chubu
Kiku Masamune Shuzo "Cedar Spice"
Junmai, Taru, Kinki
Heiwa Shuzo
Nigori, Wakayama

What 167 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.8Service
4.2Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Northwest Florida
Good for business meals
Northwest Florida
Innovative
Northwest Florida
Healthy
Northwest Florida
Great for fine wines
Northwest Florida
Romantic
Northwest Florida
Great for scenic views
Pensacola
Best Overall
Pensacola
Best Food
Pensacola
Best Service
Pensacola
Best Ambiance
Pensacola
Best Value
Pensacola
Good for groups
Pensacola
Healthy
Pensacola
Neighborhood gem
Pensacola
Great for fine wines
Pensacola
Romantic
Pensacola
Good for special occasions
Pensacola
Lively

167 Reviews

t
terryf
Tallahassee
110 reviews
vip
5.0
110 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was amazing. Service was great. Restaurant was very empty, but a little pricey for two people who live here . $500 for a good dinner not a amazing dinner but good is a bit expensive for the lack of quality trying to be like a restaurant like Nobu. I will go back
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience4
Service was very welcoming and nice, the food is good
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Phenomenal as always. I go back every time I’m in Pensacola.
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JB
JoeB
Mexico City
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall3food5service5ambience1
Great food and a delightful server. However this is a Hilton Concierge lounge hastily converted to what we are to believe is the Nobu equivalent in price. Ramen for $50. Sushi at 12 a piece. No way this place survives the winter.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Mexico City
10 reviews
vip
1.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall1food1service2ambience1
Lento, feo, la comida no es la mejor y caro, no lo recomiendo hay muchos otros sitios mejores en la zona
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston
2 reviews
vip
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Service excellent, but the food is expensive for the taste experience, it does not have much flavor on the palate I have tried another sushi bars less expensive and delicious
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D
Donna10
Atlanta Metro
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Shawn was our waiter. He explained everything to us.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Pittsburgh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A small intimate space with a top quality delivery. The sushi is on par with a major city in a beach hotel. Ramen and classic dishes are well executed with superior quality
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CD
ChrisD
Jacksonville
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food. Above normal sushi!! Service outstanding by Shelby. Very welcoming with awesome views from 2nd floor of Hilton.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very small and intimate. Total of 7 tables in the restaurant. Excellent experience.
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WC
WilliamC
Tallahassee
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best restaurants we've eaten at in Pensacola
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R
Robert
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall3food5service5ambience1
If the ambience had been more thoughtful, it would have been a perfect experience. Server was best ever. Food was creatively delicious. Presentation of the meal was well thought out. But the restaurant space itself felt like hotel furniture. There was no art. The view of the unfinished roof was somewhat grotesque. FOR A $500.00 experience, we were truly disappointed with the venue.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New Orleans
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Unbelievable food!! Unbelievable servers and chef!! All fish were extremely fresh and beautiful elegant presentation!! The drinks were incredible… lastly the accommodations for our kids were beyond anything we have experienced here in Pensacola! I highly recommend for anyone seeking top tier restaurant in Pensacola!
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MC
MarkC
Los Angeles
101 reviews
vip
5.0
101 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the tasting menu (omakase) and were happy with every dish! The "crab ravioli", which is really thinly sliced radish over a crab salad filing, is refreshing, light and delicious. The saki list is great, the wagyu is the perfect portion, and service is always quick and accurate. The price is not cheap, especially for Pensacola, but it's more than fair for the quality of the food, variety of what is offered and the impeccable service. You don't leave hungry and the cozy setup makes it feel very intimate. Great for an upscale dinner date night.
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EL
ELizaL
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on May 24, 2023
overall1food2service5ambience1
This is a Hilton hotel restaurant priced at Michelin star rates.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas
4 reviews
vip
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2023
overall2food1service3ambience5
I'm posting this review to see if it actually shows up because I suspect most of the reviews are fake news. I have to say that I've eaten sushi in Tokyo, Japan which is arguably the best place in the world to enjoy sushi. I've also eaten sushi in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and the sushi was even pretty darn good there. The food at this restaurant is terrible. We started with the appetizer that the server raves about; pork belly. The pork belly was mostly fat and gristle; my wife's portion was entirely fat! They were kind enough to substitute the appetizer with another dish. We ate 3 sushi rolls and they were all awful. I've honestly had better sushi at a Whole Foods or Publix. The quality of the ingredients are mediocre at best. The tuna is stringy and get stuck in your teeth rather than melting in your mouth. They salmon they smoke in the $20 cold smoke doohickey you can buy on Amazon is all smoke and mirrors. Honestly the only things we enjoyed were the million dollar view of the beach and the $80 bottle of Moët.
1 person found this helpful
BD
BillieD
Key West
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ambience great and servers friendly. I had Faroe Farms Salmon which is always the best and fresh. A5 Wagyu appetizer melts in your mouth; very tasty. Lobster and Chilean Sea bass both very good. I love their soy sauce; the mild taste without salt taste brings out the flavor of the food. The Mannequin Chardonnay great if you like buttery taste. This is a gastronomic adventure although a bit pricey. Reservations a must. Enjoy.
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CT
CarmenT
New Orleans
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Fabulous as always! Smoked tuna roll and A 5 wagyu!
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T
Teddy
Tallahassee
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall1food1service3ambience4
Unfortunately not great. Steak was cold, fish was past due and the lobster was overcooked into a rubber-like texture. Not worth the price but won't return.
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BB
BeverlyB
Tallahassee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The waiter is very nice, and with the extra mile with my food allergy food was fantastic great setting very romantic
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BP
BrianP
Tallahassee
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on April 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wine was pricey... food and service were outstanding
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TB
TBickle
Chicago
4 reviews
vip
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall2food4service4ambience2
I've enjoyed "fine dining" all over the world, and appreciate and accept smaller portions of highly crafted food. But this place left my entire family still starving on an incredibly pricey tab. Should be advertised as micro-food. Very disappointing and one of the worst dining "values" ever. Felt almost like we'd be pranked.
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GF
GarrettF
Atlanta Metro
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The atmosphere and service was outstanding! Best meal I have ever eaten! Server was very friendly and considerate. Food was full of flavor and surprisingly left with a full stomach. 10/10 recommend.
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EY
EricY
Tallahassee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good and service was great, Berkshire pork was fantastic
1 person found this helpful
t
terryf
Tallahassee
110 reviews
vip
4.0
110 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Service and food was good but way to expensive for what it was .
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was great, service was great.
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MR
MikeR
Nashville
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best meals I ever had. Had the okamase..pricey but would do it again.
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W
6Wits
Greater Boston
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and drinks are so beautiful here; and absolutely delicious!!!
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MJ
MarcelJ
Alabama
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience4
The last time we paid $700 for 2 was in Italy at a Michelin star restaurant.The food was good until and including the salmon. After that it was the same just a different fish. We come there regularly so expectations for a tasting dinner where very high! We prefer the regular menu
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JB
JBMA
Greater Boston
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall1food2service1ambience1
One of my daughters has a shellfish allergy. We eat at several places around the US , sushi places, successfully. Last night, we informed our server of the allergy. We ordered 3 rolls and ramen. When the rolls came, I confirmed with the waitress that my shellfish allergy daughter could eat two out of the three rolls safely. She confirmed. The three of us each took a piece of roll. Then the waitress came running over and basically pulled the sushi off of the table and was very flustered. She said everything was OK but said that the kitchen didn’t realize the allergy and they did not use clean utensils and boards. My daughter with the allergy spit out her roll piece, and turned sheet white. She did not have a reaction, but this sent her into an anxiety attack, which then turned into a bloody nose. We went to the bathroom for 10 min to try to clean up and calm down. The manager never came up to us to ask if we were ok or to apologize. As we were leaving, he gave a flippant inexperienced apology and asked if he could give us dessert. Our bill was $360.00!!! Also the ramen was literally spaghetti noodles, nothing like the pictures advertising in the hotel elevator and on the website. and the most tasteless broth I’ve ever had. This place is awful and I would not recommend it to anyone. It is extremely overpriced and in a space the size of two hotel rooms. Literally.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nous étions seuls dans le restaurant avec nos enfants pour Noël . Tout le monde était aux petits soins. Pas de mots pour décrire les 5 plats que ce merveilleux chef nous a orchestré. Une vraie symphonie de saveurs. Je recommande ce restaurant très vivement!!!! Merci pour cette belle expérience.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful!! Hidden gem. Uniquely crafted cuisine and fantastic personal service. A must for people who love high end Japanese inspired cuisine.
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BD
BillieD
Key West
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The ambiance and music were relaxing and the service excellent. I dined on Faroe Island Salmon sashimi, seared A5 Wagyu Beef, crab ravioli, and lobster. Mannequin Chardonnay was the perfect wine for all of the food choices The soy sauce served with the sashimi allowed for the true flavor of the salmon rather than the usual salty soy sauce served in most Japanese restaurants. I dined at Bonsai two consecutive nights while staying at The Hilton HoteI. I live local and will return to this highly recommended restaurant. Bon Appetit.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Never disappoints! New menu was absolutely amazing. Can’t wait to go back!!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Wonderful service, excellent and beautifully presented menu. A bit pricey, more for special occasions.
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M
Mosasaur
Alabama
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding. Fresh. Elegant. Great service and great presentation.
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WE
WilliamE
San Francisco
34 reviews
vip
4.0
34 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience5
Amazing experience as always...
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L
Lori
New Orleans
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
This restaurant was amazing. It was really a very cool dining experience. Well there was only one server, he was very attentive, and it wasn't terribly busy. The menu was a little bit difficult to understand, but once we figured it out it made sense.
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ED
ErinD
Miami
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a unique and fabulous experience!!! It was like dining in NYC or Japan!!!
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MB
MarkB
Atlantic City
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Five Stars across the board ! Nice addition to the Hilton ! Ms Groves was a Absolutely A Pleasure!
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FAQs

Bonsai is rated 4.5 stars by 167 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

12 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561

Additional information

Cross street
12 Via De Luna Dr.
Neighborhood
Pensacola
Hours of operation
Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
Sushi
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Valet parking included when dining at Bonsai.
Public transit
There is a convenient free beach trolley that shuttles all over the island and has a stop in front of the hotel.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Richard Assaf
Additional
Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://bonsaipensacolabeach.com/
Phone number
(850) 932-8194
Private party facilities
Please call 850-932-8194 to reserve your event.

Bonsai

Make a reservation

Additional information

Salmon Roe

Berkshire Pork Belly

BERKSHIRE PORK BELLY

NIGIRI

Bluefin Tuna$9.00

Faroe Island Salmon$9.00

Hamachi$9.00

Steelhead$9.00

Snapper$9.00

Salmon Roe$9.00

SASHIMI

Bluefin Tuna$12.00

Faroe Island Salmon$12.00

Hamachi$12.00

Steelhead$12.00

Snapper$12.00

Salmon Roe$12.00

STARTERS

Hokkaido Crab Ravioli$32.00

A5 Wagyu Striploin$52.00

Hamachi Tiradito$38.00

Berkshire Pork Belly$34.00

MAKI

SMOKED TUNA$25.00

FAROE ISLAND SALMON BRULE$30.00

YASAI$32.00

FLORIDA CITRUS$34.00

A5 JAPANESE WAGYU$58.00

SEA SCALLOPS$38.00

HAND ROLLED RAMEN

BERKSHIRE PORK$44.00

TAKO SEA SCALLOP$58.00

HARU$32.00

ENTREES

ROASTED CHILEAN SEA BASS$55.00

ASTAKOS LOBSTER$65.00

OMAKASE MENU

HAMACHI TIRADITO

BERKSHIRE PORK BELLY

HOKKAIDO CRAB RAVIOLI

A5 WAGYU STRIPLOIN

LIBATIONS

Jalisco Athletic Club$22.00

Wisteria Mist$22.00

A Change of Pace$22.00

Golden Girl$22.00

Vermillion$22.00

Cheers, Mike$34.00

KIKIZAKE

Manzairaku

Kikusui Shuzo "Chrysanthemum Mist"

Kagatsuru "Umeshu"

Kiku Masamune Shuzo "Cedar Spice"

Heiwa Shuzo

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

How is Bonsai restaurant rated?

Is Bonsai currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information