Can I Eat At Bonefish Grill While Pregnant?

Updated May 8, 2023

Are you expecting a little bundle of joy and craving a scrumptious meal from Bonefish Grill?

You might be wondering, “Can I eat at Bonefish Grill while pregnant?”

We’ve got you covered!

In this article, we’ll dive into the world of delectable seafood and mouthwatering dishes, guiding you through a culinary adventure that’s not only delicious but also safe for you and your growing baby.

Can I Eat At Bonefish Grill While Pregnant?

As an OB/GYN, I understand that pregnant women often have questions about what foods are safe to eat during pregnancy.

When it comes to Bonefish Grill, there are plenty of options that are safe to consume during pregnancy.

However, there are also some foods to avoid to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.

Let’s talk about it.

Things to keep in mind when eating at Bonefish Grill while pregnant:

• When choosing your dinner order items that are boiled, baked, or grilled.

Bonefish Grill’s menu has plenty of lower-calorie and lower-fat options that are perfect to enjoy during pregnancy.

Boiled Items

Boiled items are a great choice for pregnant women because they are cooked in water, which means they are less likely to be contaminated with harmful bacteria.

Some of the best-boiled items on the Bonefish Grill menu include:

• Steamed Asparagus
• Prince Edward Island Mussels Josephine
• Cold Water Lobster Tails

Baked Items

Baked items are another safe choice for pregnant women, as they are cooked in an oven at high temperatures, which helps to kill any harmful bacteria.

Here are some of the best-baked items on the Bonefish Grill menu:

• Bang Bang Shrimp 
• Fontina Pork Chop
• Crab Cakes

Grilled Items

Grilled items are a healthy and safe choice for pregnant women, as they are cooked at high temperatures, which helps to kill any harmful bacteria.

Here are some of the best-grilled items on the Bonefish Grill menu:

• Atlantic Salmon
• Mahi-Mahi
• Filet Mignon

Ordering items that are boiled, broiled, or grilled is going to be lower in calories than items cooked in butter or cream sauces or menu items that are baked and stuffed with cheese.

• You should avoid certain foods that pose a risk of foodborne illness, such as listeria, salmonella, vibriosis, and E. coli.

These can be particularly harmful during pregnancy and can lead to serious complications such as miscarriage or stillbirth.

According to the University of Michigan Medicine, pregnant women should avoid raw or undercooked seafood, including shellfish.

They should also avoid certain types of fish that contain high levels of mercury, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish.

However, there are many types of seafood that are safe for pregnant women to eat, including salmon, shrimp, and tilapia.

• Consider starting with soup and/or salad.

Starting your meal with a soup or salad at Bonefish Grill can be an excellent way to kick off a healthy, pregnancy-friendly dining experience. 

With choices like a fresh Bonefish Grill fresh house salad, served with a citrus-herb vinaigrette dressing, or warm, comforting corn chowder and crab packed with protein and fiber, you can be sure that you’re making smart choices for your well-being.

Beginning your meal with a lighter option helps manage portion sizes and leaves room for the main course.

• Watch portion sizes

It’s easy to overindulge when eating out but consuming too many calories can lead to excessive weight gain and other health complications during your pregnancy.

It’s also important to note that Bonefish Grill offers a variety of alcoholic beverages, which should be avoided during pregnancy.

Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause lifelong developmental and cognitive problems in the baby. Instead of alcohol, opt for a non-alcoholic beverage such as water, herbal tea, or fruit juice.

In addition to making healthy food choices, it’s also important to practice good food safety habits when eating out.

This includes washing your hands before and after eating, avoiding cross-contamination, and ensuring all foods are cooked to the appropriate temperature.

If you’re unsure about the safety of a particular dish, don’t hesitate to ask your server or a manager for more information.

Our favorite Bonefish Grill Menu Options for Pregnant Women:

Bonefish Grill offers a variety of seafood options that pregnant women can enjoy.

My absolute favorite at the Bonefish Grills we have eaten at in South Carolina and Florida is the Mahi-Mahi with Mango Salsa.

Here are some safe menu options:

Consider something off of their wood-fired menu.

• Atlantic Salmon: This looks amazing pair it with their steamed asparagus or seasonal vegetable for a super healthy option.
• Mahi-Mahi: I have had this several times and it is so good. It is mild, not overly fishy, and pairs perfectly with the mango salsa and jasmine rice.
• Rainbow Trout: This is a good option if you like freshwater fish. 
• Chilean Sea Bass: Have this with their delicious whipped potato and seasonal vegetables for a delicious dinner.
• Mahi-Mahi and Shrimp: An Excellent option to enjoy during pregnancy, loaded with protein and low in fat and calories!
• Chicken and Shrimp: Another solid option if you do not want Mahi-Mahi and shrimp, also low in fat and calories.

More pregnancy-safe menu options:

• Parmesan Crusted Trout
• Cold Water Lobster Tails:
• Blackened Baja Fish Taco
• Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: 
• Rainbow Trout
• Scallop and Shrimp Skewer

According to the Bonefish Grill FAQ page, they follow the FDA’s guidelines for seafood safety and mercury levels.

Get Your FREE 56-Page Pregnancy Meal Planner Here

What to Avoid When Eating at Bonefish Grill While Pregnant

When dining out while pregnant, it’s important to be cautious about what you eat.

Bonefish Grill offers a variety of delicious seafood dishes, but there are some items that pregnant women should avoid.

• Pregnant women should avoid certain types of seafood due to their high levels of mercury, such as sharks, swordfish, and marlin.

While Bonefish Grill does not offer these types of fish, you should be aware of their potential risks.

• Raw Oysters – Raw oysters can contain a variety of harmful bacteria, including Vibrio vulnificus which can cause severe illness or even death in pregnant women.

Raw shellfish and raw fish are an absolute no-go during pregnancy.

Raw or undercooked oysters can contain Vibrio bacteria, which can lead to an infection called vibriosis.

Raw or undercooked seafood should also be avoided, as it can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

This includes dishes like sushi and ceviche.

Bonefish Grill offers cooked seafood options, but it’s important to ensure that they are cooked thoroughly before consumption.

• Deep-fried foods: Fried shrimp, french fries, fish, and chips are not going to be the healthiest choices you can make at the Bonefish Grill.

If you choose a fried meal option, watch your portion size and take half home for another meal.

• Bacon Mac and cheese: It is to die for, no question, but it is loaded with fat and calories. If you decide to get it, split it with your dinner companions. Take some home for the next day!

Bonefish Grill nutritional information for pregnancy-friendly menu options:

Please note that the nutritional information may vary depending on the preparation method and any sides or sauces that are added.

It’s always a good idea to check with the restaurant or consult their website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Food Safety During Pregnancy

Pregnancy requires extra caution when it comes to food choices.

Some foods can pose risks to the health of both the mother and the developing fetus.

You’ll want to ensure food is prepared and cooked safely to avoid foodborne illnesses\

Low-mercury fish can be a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for the baby’s brain development.

When dining at Bonefish Grill, you should be cautious about the types of seafood they consume.

The restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes, including shrimp, scallops, salmon, and tilapia.

It’s important to make sure that the seafood is cooked thoroughly to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Mayo Clinic advises pregnant women to avoid raw or undercooked seafood, such as sushi or ceviche, and smoked seafood, such as smoked salmon, which may be contaminated with listeria.

You should also ensure that the food is prepared and cooked in a clean environment.

They should avoid eating food that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours, wash their hands before and after handling food, and use separate cutting boards for raw meat and seafood to avoid cross-contamination.

What is vibriosis?

Vibriosis is an ailment triggered by the Vibrio bacteria, typically found in warm coastal waters.

Common symptoms of vibriosis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.

For pregnant women, these symptoms can be particularly severe, so it’s crucial to exercise caution when consuming raw seafood like sushi or oysters.

To stay on the safe side, pregnant women are advised to steer clear of raw or undercooked shellfish and seafood.

Vibrio bacteria can also be present in certain crustaceans, such as lobster and crab.

We recommended that expectant mothers limit their intake of these foods to well-cooked dishes.

Tips for Eating Out Safely While Pregnant

Eating out while pregnant can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to choosing a restaurant that serves safe and healthy food for the mom-to-be and her growing baby. Here are some tips to help:

• Choose restaurants that serve fresh, cooked-to-order food. Avoid whenever possible fast food chains or restaurants that serve pre-cooked or reheated food.
• Check the menu beforehand and look for dishes that are cooked thoroughly, such as grilled or baked fish, chicken, or beef. Avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish, or eggs.
• Ask the server about the ingredients and cooking methods used in the dishes you are interested in. Don’t hesitate to ask for modifications or substitutions if necessary.
• Avoid dishes that contain high-mercury fish, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish. Stick to low-mercury fish options, such as salmon, shrimp, tilapia, or cod.
• Choose dishes that are rich in nutrients, such as protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Avoid dishes that are high in saturated fat, sodium, or added sugars.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic beverages, caffeine, or sugary drinks. Opt for fresh juices, herbal tea, or milk instead.

These are foods to not eat when pregnant:

• Foods that are not pasteurized– certain types of cheese like soft cheeses, Brie, Blue Cheese, etc.
• Certain types of fish– shark, swordfish, anything high in mercury
• Raw eggs including egg nog, hollandaise sauce, Caesar dressing, homemade mayonnaise, homemade eggnog, and runny eggs.
• Undercooked meats– lunch meats. Deli meats.
• Hot foods that are not “hot”, avoid hot foods that have been sitting out without a warming source. Same for foods that should be eaten cold. If no ice or refrigeration source is keeping the food cold, take a pass.
• Caffeine– soda, chocolate, and energy drinks. (Limit your caffeine to less than 200 mg a day)
• Herbal Teas (There are so many ingredients in herbal teas so it is best to avoid them simply. Green tea is OK.)
• Alcohol: There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Avoid sauces made with alcohol, desserts made with alcohol, and all alcoholic beverages.