Last Friday, we picked up our friends, Tony and Sylvia Atchison, and headed to Pensacola for an afternoon of wandering around Palafox Street and an early dinner at Dharma Blue. After poking around Don Alans men’s clothing store, Bubba’s Sweet Shop, and the Bodacious Olive, we proceeded to Dharma Blue, about four blocks away.

This iconic restaurant is one of the early establishments of Charles Morgan of Harbor Docks fame. The eatery is named after the working title of a screenplay by Joan Giddens that Charles thought was a perfect name for the restaurant. 

Dharma Blue opened on February 13, 1996, and has been operating for 27 years. Constructed in the 1830s, the inviting exterior of this old, converted house in the historic area of downtown Pensacola, is known for its excellent fresh catch and its freshly prepared Sushi, provided daily by Harbor Docks Seafood Market in Destin.

When you enter Dharma Blue, it feels like walking into an art gallery. Every wall is adorned with original paintings, most of which are by Frantic, the folk art painter who lived nearby and was a prolific painter. Frantic is now gone, but her art lives on and is increasingly sought after by collectors. The minute you step into the restaurant, your senses say, “Wow, this is going to be fun!”

There are also several original “Yard Dog Art” by Lamar Sorrento from Memphis. One evening years ago, Charles got a call from Mia, the restaurant’s manager, saying that members of an English rock band were in town and wanted to buy the Sorrento paintings. Charles, thinking they wanted just one, said, “Go look in the back and see what we paid for it and double it.” “No,” said Mia, “they want to buy all twenty of them.” Charles sold them all, called Lamar, and had them all replaced with new originals by the next Tuesday.

The atmosphere at Dharma’s is casual but sophisticated. It’s not fancy but the charm of the place puts you in a good mood immediately. There is a bar on the right side and the sushi bar is on the left with tables to dine throughout, so folks don’t feel isolated from the fun. There is a large dining room in the rear of the house-now-eatery that can host private parties. It's also decked to the walls with art.

 Chef Brian Culleton changes the menu daily with several local fresh fish choices prepared in three different ways. The appetizers include three fried offerings: oysters, mullet, and calamari. Perhaps you may prefer the smoked tuna dip or the lump crabmeat ceviche. There is a filet of beef or a ribeye, or a classic cheeseburger if that’s your pleasure. The Chicken Pasta with andouille sausage looks delicious too.

On the other side of the menu is a full list of amazing Sushi appetizers, rolls, sashimi (just fresh fish), and nigiri. Dharma offers both warm and chilled sake to complement your meal. Each entree comes with a Dharma or Caesar salad. To really go home happy, there is white chocolate Bread pudding, creme brulee, or key lime pie for dessert.

Two of us chose grouper for the Almond Crusted Fresh Catch. It was excellent! Linda had the Yellowtail sashimi that she loved, and Sylvia had a Big Papi tuna roll. She let me try it and it will be my choice next time. These were tough decisions, but we all scored a win.

It was like dining in a hip art gallery with all your fun friends and wonderful food in a charming, delightful atmosphere with perfect service by Victoria.  We can’t wait to go back!