Marlin Grill is in beautiful Baytowne Wharf on the property of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.
The food
Upon being seated, our water glasses were immediately filled, and a young lady carrying a basket of rolls asked if we would like one.
The evening of our visit, she offered us either a sun-dried tomato or pumpkin roll. Both of which were light, tender and delicious, especially with the addition of butter.
Marlin Grill offers a nice selection of appetizers.
We chose the pan-fried calamari. The rings were tender and crisp with a light breading. I especially enjoyed the cream-based dipping sauce.
Soups at Marlin Grill include a crab-and-artichoke chowder and a duck-and-andouille sausage gumbo.
I chose the crab chowder and was extremely pleased with my choice. It was rich, thick and flavorful.
One of my guests chose the wedge salad with Maytag blue cheese dressing and apple-smoked bacon. The plate was also dressed with kalamata olives, grape tomatoes and cucumbers.
Other salads include a Caesar and a grilled vegetable salad.
My second guest chose to have dessert later instead of an appetizer.
At Marlin Grill, sides are offered separately and served family style.
We ordered grilled asparagus, grilled marinated vegetables and burgundy mushrooms.
The asparagus had a lovely smoky flavor and was cooked perfectly.
The marinated vegetables came on three skewers and were combinations of tomatoes, mushrooms, red onion, zucchini and yellow squash.
The burgundy mushrooms were delicious also.
Marlin Grill covers the bases on entrees. They offer steaks, fish and seafood as well as poultry and pork and even a Marlin Grill Burger if you prefer a sandwich.
The beef is all 28-day, dry-aged certified Angus beef.
The evening of our visit, there were three specials. Specials change nightly. They were a cobia filet with mango salsa, fillet mignon and a trio of their most popular fish dishes.
I chose the pan-sautéed grouper with lump crab meat, shrimp, and Bienville sauce topped with lemon butter.
The grouper was perfectly cooked and delicious.
One of my guests chose the cobia special, which he said was very good. He thought the mango salsa was wonderful and made the dish.
Our server told us the chef was offering the mango salsa for the first time that night. I tried it and agreed with my guest that it should definitely be added to the menu, delicious.
My second guest chose the shrimp and grits. The shrimp were served over a pair of stone-ground grit cakes. He enjoyed the dish, saying it was spicy, but not overly so.
Asked about dessert our server explained that all desserts are prepared in-house and changed daily.
The evening of our visit, they offered a Southern bread pudding made with cinnamon rolls, white chocolate crème brulee, cheesecake and Key lime pie.
My guest chose the Key lime pie and enjoyed every bite.
The atmosphere
Marlin Grill is inside a lovely building that looks out on the main street of Baytowne Wharf — a good place to people-watch between courses if you have a window table.
If you prefer, there is also seating outside along the front of the building.
The service
Our server, Theodore, was knowledgeable about the food, providing descriptions and recommendations when asked. He was attentive without being intrusive.
After we explained the special event we were celebrating, he had the chef write a congratulatory message around the edge of my guest’s dessert plate, which was a pleasant surprise.
A final taste
If you’re looking for a special place for a celebration with good food and excellent service, give Marlin Grill a try.
QuickBites
Marlin Grill
Location
9100 Baytowne Wharf Blvd.
Suite B2
Destin
351-1990
Hours
5 - 10 p.m. daily
Reservations
Recommended
Handicap accessibility
Good
Children's menu
Yes
Price range
Appetizers $9 - $25
Soup $7
Salads $5 - $10
Sides $5 - $12
Entrees $14 - $52
Payment
Credit cards accepted