The Global Grill

Though I think this Pensacola restaurant got a rough start and much of the art on its walls is atrocious, we have become quite the fans of The Global Grill recently. It has become a weekly stop and we’ve even begun to develop a regular order. This restaurant has become additionally attractive as we have begun a carb-controlled diet.Let’s first address the atmosphere, which will further explain the ”rough start” comment. The Global Grill is well recognized in Pensacola for its…um…”cooler than thou” attititude. To be sure, it is one of the coolest restaurants in Pensacola, with its hip “tapas” menu, artsy atmosphere, designed decor, and downtown location. The servers are noted for the same hip, artsy, pierced, model-like attitude. And while all this could lend itself to a patron’s feeling of inclusion in a hip set, a restaurant can not survive by decorum alone. The Global Grill quickly became home to a rather happenstance happy hour crowd (still evident to this day), but gained the solid support of some notable Pensacola professionals. The restaurant coasted on this professional patronage and “cool” for some time. Service suffered. Food quality followed.I note all this because I found it offensive. Not because of its substance, but because of its nature- that a potentially great restaurant woud allow itself to stoop that low.Fortunately, someone pulled it all together. Food quality is now consistently stellar. Service, while still quirky (which I like), is superior. The kitchen is remarkably brisk. And better art now compliments the orginal pieces. The crowd is now a better mix of Pensacola demographics and more friendly. Prices remain healthy, but in my opinion. you do get what you pay for.

The only complaints I now have is that the “blue room” is consistently too cold. Let’s see what we can do about that?

Our favorite tapas include:
- Herbed Focaccia with Olives and Feta Cheese
- Crab West Indies and Avocado Martini
- Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce
- Peppercorn Beef Brochettes,Smoked Gouda Cheese Sauce

All the desserts are to-die-for. This is the second local restaurant reviewed that you can go just for a late night dessert-only indulgence. The wine list is superb, featuring one of our favorite red vineyards: David Bruce. The Russian River Reserve 2 (Pinot Noir) is a great bottle for a fair price. 

Name: The Global Grill
Location: 25 S Palafox St, Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: 850.469.9966
Price: $$-$$$$$
Website: www.dineglobalgrill.com

Horizen

Now I am about to say that Horizen offers the best sushi in Pensacola, but I want to qualify my statement first.  Pensacola is a town of superior sushi. Its about the very fresh fish we have here and our long relationships with the Japanese via the Navy, and that is long and complicated. Suffice it to say that in a town of great sushi, Horizen edges out the competition. Why? I think its the sticky rice, but I am not sure.

The Tiger Roll is the item to get on this menu. Never have I eaten here and not ordered a Tiger Roll. It is a house specialty.  There are other standard sushi rolsl that are spectacular as well. I have never had bad sushi here. I can’t say that for any other sushi house I have eaten at. And I have eaten at Horizen more than any other sushi house.

However, I have had bad service here. I have had horrible service here. It has dramatically improved since they brought they brought some of the Front of the House managers over from Hunan, but it is still hit or miss. If the restaurant is busy, the three to four sushi rollers can’t keep up. It can take an extraordinary amount of time to get your order. Enjoy the Japanese wine selection, the sake, and some seaweed salad.

If you find waiting long lengths for your food inexcusable, as I do, don’t write Horizen off, just don’t go during peak hours. Its great for a late lunch or dinner. Or on a Monday or Tuesday evening…

Name: Horizen
Location: 3103 E Strong St., Pensacola (just behind Hunan on the east end of Cervantes)
Phone: (850) 432-7899
Price: $$
Website: http://www.horizensushi.com/

Fish House

If we had to pick one restaurant that would best represent Pensacola, it would have to be the Fish House. Located on the water, this restaurant has outdoor waterfront dining, delicious fine seafood menu, and lots of local flavor. For starters, though the food is fine dining quality and presentation, the atmosphere is decidedly casual. There are many business suits for lunch and the same at dinner, but you’ll always find shorts, flops, and suntans.

It is the Fish House, and they serve the best seafood in Pensacola. This is quite an accolade, as I consider Pensacola seafood some of the very best in the world. But not only is the Fish House good at fish, it is good at everything. For example, their burger sits as one of the best I have ever had. Their steaks are also superior. While the supremacy of the food at the Fish House waxes and wanes with chef moods, it never drops below excellent. The grits in the best in the South.

The Fish House offers indoor and outdoor dining. Indoor dining is marked by a crowded, white table cloth atmosphere and massive fish tanks. Outdoor dining happens on one of many levels of decks, covered by a variety of umbrellas and wide canvas strips. It is heated during Pensacola’s very short winter, and the ocean breeze cools it after noon during the summer (though one should pick summer lunch seating carefully). Delightfully, the Fish House decks sit on the east side of the building.  While this precludes a sunset view, it does often a quick cool down at dinner time.

The only complaint that I may have about Fish House comes in the “local flavor”. The Fish House is a favorite watering hole of local socialites and wannabes, and they don’t mind starting early. What this means is that by early evening, the bar areas can be quite loud and somewhat obnoxious. If you prefer more peaceful dining, be sure to request seating away from the bars.

That being said, the Fish House is the first place that I recommend to visitors to Pensacola, my first choice for a business lunch, or a great place to go with Friends. On the right evening, it can be romantic as well. Regardless, you will have a superior dining experience.

(Well-kept secret: Fish house has the best burgers on the face of the earth. Really.)

Name: Fish House
Location: 600 S Barracks St # 10, Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: 850.470.0003
Price: $$-$$$$$
Official Website: http://www.goodgrits.com/