Bonito Bistro — Restaurant in Bonita Springs

Today I just happened to visit Bonito Bistro on their opening day. I ordered their Smash Burger, which came with Beef Tallow French Fries, Housemade Pickles, Cheddar Cheese, Caramelized Onions, and Bonito Sauce. Also. I ordered an ice cold coke. Their Smash Burger is seared just how you wish every Smash Burger too be seared. Crispy edges, nice crisp shiny crust, the onions caramelized to perfection, gooey cheddar cheese, and the bonito sauce went perfectly. Now, I must say, the bun was absolutely magnificent, kind of like the ferrari of hamburger buns. Just a perfect vessel for all the meaty goodness. Now, onto the Beef Tallow French Fries, they had a very unique umami flavor you will not taste anywhere else. I've also heard beef tallow fries are much better for you instead of seed oil or soy based oils. I sat at the bar for a quick bite after work. The ambiance is cool upscale casual, imo. Bathroom was very clean, with tasteful art hanging. The restaurant was also very well decorated with some modern & contemporary art. An Anthony Bourdain painting was a nice touch above the bar. The menu appeared to be well balanced, well written, and has something for everyone. I forgot to take a photo of the menu as I was in a bit of a dash. The bonito bistro staff were very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. I was listening to the bartender interacting with other customers, his customer service skills are great. I was impressed that you can even see inside the kitchen from the bar. I think I may have even seen the Chef back there cooking. What a joy. All in all, I will visit again in short order to try some of their other offerings. I left super full & content. I couldn't possibly have taken another bite. Which is a good thing. Look forward to...

Dining at this restaurant was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm, attentive service.

The food was a true culinary masterpiece. Every dish was presented like a work of art—vibrant, elegant, and appealing to the eye. The flavors were just as impressive as the presentation, with each bite perfectly balanced and thoughtfully composed.

The fresh Branzino was a standout—impeccably prepared, incredibly flavorful, and clearly of the highest quality. Every element on the plate complemented the next, showing an expert level of skill and creativity in the kitchen.

This restaurant is a new gem in Bonita Springs . With its combination of excellent food and stunning presentation, it’s a place I’ll return to again and again. Highly...

Don’t miss this hidden gem! We enjoyed a truly memorable meal here — from start to finish, everything was exceptional. We had the mussels, the 6oz filet, and the Jerk Grouper, and each dish was full of flavor and beautifully presented. The vegetables on the Jerk Grouper plate were hands-down the best I’ve ever had at a restaurant — perfectly cooked and seasoned. The wine selection was fabulous, and the crème brûlée was rich and decadent. To top it all off, they sent us home with warm chocolate chip cookies — the perfect late-night treat. What a thoughtful touch! Highly recommend....