Dharma Blue — Restaurant in Pensacola

Came to this place for sushi because my typical sushi place I go to was closed on this particular day (not sure why - it was a holiday I think). I went up to the hostess, and she said that there was a 15-20 minute wait to be seated. However, there was nowhere to wait. They expected my elderly family member and I to stand outside in 90 degree farenheit heat. We went outside and saw that there were 6 empty tables. I asked the hostess why they couldn't seat us at one of the outdoor tables, some of which were in the shade and therefore we wouldn't feel the heat as much. She gave me some excuse about the tables being reserved, but no one new was showing up to sit there. She also mentioned about the kitchen being behind. After about 10-15 minutes, I had enough, and I was concerned about my elderly family member being out in the heat. I told the girl to cancel my table and that I'd be taking my business elsewhere and how I was concerned about a senior citizen being left out standing in the heat. She didn't care.

I think what it comes down to is that this place is extremely short staffed. I only saw 1 or 2 servers for the entire place, which had a fair amount of tables. 2 servers indoors and 2 servers outdoors really are needed for the place to run better and more efficiently, not 2 servers for a whole restaurant full of people. For the amount of money they charge for the food, I'd expect better quality service. My family member and I left and ended up going to a Hibachi/ Japanese restaurant that also had sushi and had a much...

SERVICE - We got our tables quick. Our Server, Hannah, introduced us with her name and gave us our drinks immediately. She was nice and quick to give us her honest opinion and best options. She was engaged in honest conversation without being a saleswoman, which I respect. 9/10

ATMOSPHERE - A little dark, a little older, but not bad. With the quality of food and service, the atmosphere lacks to keep up, but nonetheless, the wall art is nice. 5/10

FOOD - Food came on time. Dharma Blue owns their own marina, so all of their fish is caught fresh. 8/10

Dragon Roll: delicious. I could taste everything and all the flavors melted on my tongue. 8/10 Big Papi: Dharma Blue's best seller, it really was all it was talked up to be. So far it's the best sushi I've ever had. It had a combination of vastly different flavors that all somehow tasted like it was supposed to be together. 10/10 Tiger Roll: Not bad. I definitely tasted the fresh raw fish, and me not being a big fish fan, it tasted amazingly fresh without it being fishy. 6/10 Spicy Octopus: Wasn't spicy. Great, Amazingly fresh taste. 6/10 Creme Brulee: Amazing, great flavor, the fruits went well with it, I wish it was more. 9/10

OVERALL - This is the Best Sushi spot in Pensacola, FL that I've ever been to. Fair...

Our first time dining at Dharma Blue. When I called, I was told reservations weren't necessary but a good idea. I agree, the place fills up quick. We had 7:30 reservations (made the same day) and it was very busy when we arrived. We chose to sit outside, because it was a gorgeous night. Our waitress was very pleasant, very knowledgeable and very helpful. We ordered fried green tomatoes (delicious) and dharma chips (I thought a little salty, but my family enjoyed them) for appetizers. My oldest daughter ordered sushi and my youngest the chicken tenders. They both enjoyed their food....said it was delicious. My husband and I ordered the ribeye. Both were cooked as ordered (med well and med). I had what I can only call a religious experience. It is, by far, the best steak I have ever eaten. So tender and juicy, the meat melted in my mouth. The flavor was spot on. The asparagus was cooked perfectly and the mashed potatoes very delicious. The cream brulee was a wonderful ending to the meal. We had 2 apps, 4 meals and 1 dessert for $113. The restaurant is family friendly, but also cozy for a date night. It sits by a wonderful park that we took a walk in after dinner. We spent about 2 hours here for dinner, but it was well worth the wait. Definitely a return visit...