The Grand Marlin of Pensacola Beach
2,105 reviews
#3 of 35 Restaurants in Pensacola Beach$$$$, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options+1 850-677-9153+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Mon
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Tue
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Wed
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Thu
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Fri
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sat
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Reserve a table
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice 2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Special Occasion Dining, Romantic, View, Groups, Bar Scene, Business meetings
Does this restaurant accept bookings?
Details
About
The Grand Marlin Restaurant features a main dining area with a shucked to order oyster bar, exterior North Drop Bar overlooking the beautiful Santa Rosa Sound, and private meeting rooms. This Pensacola Beach restaurant, with an air of island casualness, serves the highest-quality cuisine, including the freshest local seafood featured on menus designed and printed daily to take advantage of the local bounty. The atmosphere creates a fusion of the Caribbean and the Pensacola Bay Area. Executive Chef Gregg McCarthy has a passion for great-tasting food and particularly loves working his culinary magic with fresh Gulf Coast seafood. Boaters and beach-goers feel comfortable in shorts and flip-flops at the oyster bar, in the dining room and at the North Drop Bar. The Grand Marlin has a space and atmosphere for all occasions and is looking forward to creating an authentic experience between time and tide.
PRICE RANGE
RM 43.00 – RM 129.00
CUISINES
Seafood
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront, Beach
Contribute
4.5
2,105 reviews
Excellent
1,473
Very good
423
Average
128
Poor
51
Terrible
30
Ceez787
Boynton Beach1113 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
This restaurant has a large bar area, a fine dining area and a covered outdoor area (enclosed when too windy or cold) all with the same fine menu, We went on a Monday Night I believe (or was it Tuesday) when they serve fresh oysters for 50 cents !!! try finding that in South Florida. They have plenty of parking and the place is huge so you should not have a problem getting a table or a spot on the bar within a reasonable period of time. We had a sort of seafood medley (shrimp, fish, clams, etc, on angle hair pasta) I don't recall what they call it but it is reasonably priced (under $30) and quite delish, the oysters were fresh and you can't beat the price. Our server was professional, courteous, friendly and efficient, could not ask for more.
Written 29 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathleen S
Huntsville65 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
My husband and I visited this restaurant on a Friday night. We had a reservation and were seated promptly. This is a very very busy place and it is extremely noisy. If you are looking for a quiet place, look elsewhere. It was packed. The waiter was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu and wine selection. I had the mahi mahi dish with citrus sauce and it was very good. My husband had the Wahoo and he found it to be dry. We did not have any appetizers or salads. The menu has quite a variety of fish, especially oysters. There is seating at the bar and outside in addition to the large dining area. We shared a hot brownie with ice cream and it was delicious. Looking at the dessert menu, there was not anything too special or time consuming to make, but it was all plated very well.
Written 2 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sdn1977
Pensacola28 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
Ordinarily we love this place for dinner or brunch. It's the nicest place on Pensacola Beach with a water view and has really good food. I checked all the places in Pensacola Beach for best "Best Happy Hours" and Grand Marlin had the best deal on drinks and appetizers. We met friends there only to find out that we couldn't get any of the happy hour specials because we were sitting at a table instead of the bar. We're in the same room with the bar 3 feet away from it and can't get the specials. I've never been to a restaurant which has a happy hour and designates where you sit to get certain prices! It's very difficult for 4 or more people to have drinks and appetizers sitting in a row at a bar! So remember....only go here for Happy Hour if there are 2 of you and sit ONLY at the bar! I don't recommend the calamari, too chewy.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wanda B
Pensacola3 contributions
Nov 2019 • none
Friends invited us to dine with them at the Grand Marlin on a beautiful day at the beach and what a joy. We sat at a window so we could see the water and we really enjoyed our first visit. The food, fish of course, was very fresh and delicious and the view was as good as it gets. What fun!
We enjoyed ourselves so much that we took our children there Thanksgiving for a traditional holiday meal and it was delicious. It was especially great for me because I did not have to cook, so I could enjoy just being with my family eating a delicious meal. Generous portions!!
The service was excellent which made it even better and we chose to sit on the balcony outside for the best view of the water. Really enjoyable. They also have a wonderful gift shop with unusual gifts. I bought a Pelican bottle stopper which is a great reminder of my day with family. I hope you enjoy your trip to the Grand Marlin as much as I did.
Written 15 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BJ
Odessa8 contributions
Sept 2021 • family
Beautiful restaurant. I’m guessing you’ll be treated better with better service and indoor seating if you have a reservation. Peg leg Pete’s had a 2.5 wait time so we opted to come here. We waited 40 minutes and were seated outdoors (it was extremely humid) although there were seats available inside. The service was mediocre at best. It took 25 minutes just to get our drinks (water) and another 15 for the margarita to show up. It was one hour and fifteen minutes from the time we sit down until the first plates of food arrived. When the meals showed up they came at two different times about 5 minutes apart. My salad was never brought to the table. The seafood was very tasty, but the ribeyes were both very tough. I would not return. The cost was not reflected in the quality of service or the food. There are other comparable options for less money unless you just want to say you’ve been here.
Written 5 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2RetiredHatchlings
Kansas59 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
We celebrated our 40th Anniversary here for Dinner. The food was fantastic. I had the Fried Shrimp Platter with delicious Slaw and French Fries. My husband enjoyed the Seafood Platter with all his favorites and a Squid he hadn't previously tried, on a bed of Angel Hair Pasta with a tasty Italian Sauce. Their menue changes daily depending on what fresh fish and seafood is available. The waiter brought us out a complimentary delicious dessert since we were celebrating Our Anniversary. It was a Pecan Praline Basket filled with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, covered in Fresh Strawberries, Blackberries, and Blueberries. Then a Drizzling of Chocolate and Caramel. Delightful surprise.
Prices were as expected for high end dining, but not outrageous.
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sliphorn
Springfield1032 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
I dined here last night and loved. Thankfully I had made a enervation as it was very buys at 5:30 on a Sunday night. I had trouble actually finding it without crossing the toll bridge as it is right there but a phone call to them got me in the lot. My waiter was good and brought me a sample of beer to try. I have one dozen oysters and then ordered another to be followed by the cioppino. The cioppino arrived before the oysters so they took the second dozen and my beer off the bill,which was great. The oysters were plump and tasty. The cioppino was great, but I could have used fewer calamari as they are tough to my taste. All the rest was great. It is a nice high end restaurant so I question as to why TV's with football had to be on in the dining room. I imagine that this is the best in town and will be back if in the area again.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dancerose
Williamsburg292 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Visiting family in the area took me to the Grand Marlin as it is a favorite of theirs. I can see why. The views of the water are beautiful and the food is delicious. We had a variety of appetizers that we shared - lobster fingers, tuna spread - and the men enjoyed platters of raw oysters (we ladies opted out). All of us ad a cup of lobster bisque - so yummy! I had a fried oyster platter for the main event, served with fries and slaw. Everything was perfectly prepared and delivered to the table at the right time. Two thumbs up!
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • couples
The four couples seated after us had left and the tables were cleaned before we were served out dessert. The waitress was MIA and never refilled our tea’s. Had to ask other waitresses to refill our drinks and to find our waitress, took 15 minutes for her to show up so we could get to go boxes and ask for dessert. This restaurant cannot cook a steak to medium if they tried. Will not return, horrible service and the food is NOT worth the price. Best to either stay home and cook steak to correct temperature or find a place that has nice service and decent food. Not worth the plus $130 cost!!!
Written 17 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Companion825522
Pensacola Beach4 contributions
Mar 2022 • friends
Surprised as this used to be my favorite restaurant on Pensacola Beach. Pros: it is clean with a nice view and not crowded. Happy hour prices are good, $3 house wine, wine is average quality however, they are strict with measuring which is surprising for an "upscale" restaurant. Cons: Very inattentive service, as if the bar staff hates their job. Had to ask multiple times for service, we were seated at the bar. Food: Oysters, good, a few so small it was like just scraping the shell. Fish Dip, average at best served with Ritz crackers, really? How about some grilled crusty french bread or Artisan crackers?? Ahi Tuna Poke has definitely decreased in size with way more avocado than tuna served with plenty of STALE rice crackers. Super disappointed, especially after a two week trip to Jax, FL where the food is beyond incredible. I'm not sure I'll choose to dine and drink at the Marlin again, at least not for appetizers at the outside bar. Prices for appetizers: $22, $19, $12.
Written 18 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve
1 contribution
Dec 2019 • none
My wife and I have been to The Grand Marlin several times and it has always been very good. My complaint is that they advertise on their website Happy Hour Specials from 11 to 6PM M-F, and 3 to 6pm Sat & Sun, beer 2.50, wine $3 and liquor $4. Because of that we decided to meet some friends there for drinks and appetizers. When we were seated our waiter informed us that those specials are only good if you sit at the bar. Since we had friends we wanted to sit across from them and talk. .So, we opted not to sit at the bar and therefore were denied the happy hour prices. Our table along with many others was right beside the bar. I have never been to a restaurant before that advertised a happy hour and did not honor it based on whether you sat at a table of at the bar, particularly when you are in the bar area. Had we known we would have picked another restaurant to go to as there are many in the area that have Happy Hour Specials. I think this is very misleading for the customer and I'm disappointed they operate this way. So, buyer beware!
Written 23 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hennybogan2017
Toronto202 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
The bar at The Grand Marlin is one of the beach’s top places, but this time around, something was missing. The high drop craft beer was delicious and the calamari plate was bang-on. The wrap-around bar had a great variety of drinkypoos and pub food and my fellow patrons were enjoying themselves in this high-ceilinged room by the water. Even our server had our drafts and snacks readied at a moment’s notice. What was missing was the normal bartender’s congeniality, the welcoming smile and can you spare me a bit of eye contact while barely acknowledging me. Oh, almost forgot. Even for happy hour, our bill was more than reasonable.
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynda H
Gulf Breeze35 contributions
Nov 2020 • none
We had lunch here with my mother who uses a walker - The Grand Marlin is very ADA compliant and she had no trouble whatsoever. Even though this area just recently went through Hurricane Sally you would not know it. The inside was pristine and the outside deck looked amazing. Our server Chris was running all over the place making sure the customers had everything they needed and an amazing server named Matt stopped by to check on us frequently due to Chris running the entire inside by himself. Although they were understaffed due to the Pensacola Bridge being destroyed by Skanska, the staff obviously has done a great job "stepping up" to ensure that all customers have a great dining experience. The food and drinks were both amazing.
Written 17 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicki G
Gulf Breeze6 contributions
Jul 2021 • couples
I was expecting a very nice dinner however the table was dirty and I asked them to clean it. I ordered salmon and it tasted like it was boiled. NO SEASONING AT ALL. OUR WAITER was good but the food was not.Took forever to get food. Very disappointed. They took my meal off of the bill
Still not a fan
Written 28 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angelica
Denver2 contributions
Oct 2022 • couples
The Calamari and the gumbo were tasty and well prepared. The cocktail shrimp ended up being 5 pieces for $17! We were surprised when only 5 shrimp came out. And it was missing the “comeback sauce.” The grouper would’ve been excellent but it was so soaked with butter that we couldn’t finish. The other pictures we saw had a butter sauce on the bottom but ours was so saturated that it was sitting in 1/4” of melted (maybe clarified) butter. We halved it but I couldn’t finish because it was too rich - that is very rare for me. Also my husband was annoyed that they charged $17.50 for an old fashion with Knob Creek.
Written 12 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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