How to Eat Gluten-Free at Bonefish Grill

This post details how to go about eating gluten-free at Bonefish Grill and contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosures.

The Bonefish Grill is a casual dining seafood restaurant chain with more than 200 locations in 28 states. I decided to research the Bonefish Grill’s gluten-free menu for this article, as well as test the food for hidden with my Nima Sensor.

The Nima Sensor is a portable gluten detecting device that enables you to test a small, pea-sized portion of your food before you eat it. The gluten detecting device will tell you if it finds gluten or if your dish is free from the sticky protein and safe for you to eat.

Unfortunately, the fate of the Nima Sensor changed in March 2020 when the owners sold the company to the Medline. Many in the gluten-free industry suspect the Nima Sensor has gone out of business.

Nevertheless, you can see the Nima Sensor in action when you watch this Facebook Live video. I tested the gluten-free flourless brownie for gluten using my Nima Sensor.

Bonefish Grill’s Gluten-Free Menu

You can see the Bonefish Grill’s Gluten-Free Menu here, but I’ll sum it up for you below.

First, however, I want to comment on how welcoming the Bonefish Grill is to gluten-free patrons as it has a dedicated gluten-free menu!

On the the Bonefish Grill website, you’ll also find this wonderful message to gluten-free patrons:

“Gluten-free definitely does not mean taste-free. It’s easy to eat well and live well if you know where to look! At Bonefish Grill, you can choose from an entire menu dedicated to gluten-free options. From gluten-free appetizers, to fresh, wood-grilled specialties and even decadent desserts, you can have something new and different every time you come in.”

Wow, a restaurant that cares about the food it serves its gluten-free customers. Thank you!

Here are some of the foods you can eat off of the Bonefish Grill’s gluten-free menu. Remember to inquire with your server for the latest gluten-free menu options:

Salads: You can eat many of the salads. Just make sure they’re prepared without croutons (and without farro/ancient grains if it’s part of the salad you’re ordering).

Grilled Fish: The grilled fish items are only lightly seasoned and wood-grilled, making them a safe bet for you. Salmon, sea bass and trout are typically available on the grilled fish menu. (See below – I tested the rainbow trout for hidden gluten.)

Meat Dishes: You can choose from several steaks that are prepared without gluten, as well as Lily’s Chicken entree, also gluten-free.

Seafood Specialities: Several seafood options (lobster and shrimp) are available on the gluten-free menu at Bonefish Grill.

Sides: The garlic whipped mashed potatoes, the seasonal vegetables and the jasmine rice are all gluten-free, as is the steamed asparagus and sweet potato mash (premium sides).

Dessert: Bonefish Grill has two gluten-free desserts on its menu (last I checked), including a flourless macadamia nut chocolate brownie and creme brulee. I tested the flourless brownie with my Nima Sensor and share the results below.

Brunch: Bonefish Grill offers a Saturday and Sunday morning brunch that includes several omelets for its gluten-free customers. I have not personally enjoyed brunch at the Bonefish Grill, so I don’t have any first hand experience to report back to you at this time.

Eating Gluten-Free at Bonefish Grill

I decided to eat at the Bonefish Grill with my husband so we could test a few dishes for gluten. I wanted to see how the restaurant handled my request, how I was treated, and how the food fared.

When I arrived I asked for a gluten-free menu and was provided with one without hesitation.

Then, when I ordered, I told my server, “I eat gluten-free and am serious about it.” He said “no problem” and took my order.

I later spoke with the manager (she stopped by to check on us) and she said they take allergies very seriously. She said they use clean pans to cook allergy meals. She said the only thing that she cannot guarantee gluten-free is anything cooked in the deep fryer. Makes sense – they do not have a dedicated fryer.

We ordered the following two items and here is how they fared when put to the Nima Sensor test:

Grilled Rainbow Trout: All grilled fish dishes come with two signature sides. I ordered my dish with spinach and rice (the rice has a wonderful flavor to it – highly recommend). It also comes with a sauce (I got the mango salsa).

As you can see below, the Nima Sensor was all smiles when I tested my trout – hooray!

I also really enjoyed the trout. It was lightly seasoned (I added a bit more salt) and was cooked to perfection. Will definitely order this exact dish again.

Macadamia Nut Flourless Chocolate Brownie: I also tested the Macadamia Nut Flourless Chocolate Brownie for gluten using my Nima Sensor. Once again, Nima is all smiles – horray!

This brownie is rich and sweet. It came with a raspberry sauce, vanilla bean ice cream, whipped cream and chopped nuts. It’s rich and sinfully decadent. A few bites will leave a wonderful taste that lingers in your mouth long after you’ve dined.

Good News!

The good news is the Bonefish Grill is a great place to eat at when you cannot eat gluten. Of course, remember to always:

• Disclose your “allergy” to your server. Be sure to convey the seriousness of your request.
• Request the latest gluten-free menu. The menu changes depending on the season.
• Look for clues that help you decode if your food is safe, test you food with your Nima Sensor (if you have one), and trust your gut (it won’t lead you astray).

Other Restaurants I’ve Tested

I’ve tested dozens of restaurants for hidden gluten with my Nima Sensor. Here are a few you might like to check out before you dine:

• What’s Gluten-Free at the Cheesecake Factory?
• What’s Gluten-Free at the Olive Garden?
• Get to Know Red Robin’s Gluten-Free Menu

For a full list of restaurants I’ve tested, visit my Nima Tested archives.