Name: Grilled Whole Branzino
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 (1- to 1¼ pound) whole branzino, cleaned and scaled; 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving; 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 4-6 sprigs fresh dill

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I never ate whole fish until I moved to Portugal four years ago. Now? Grilled Branzino is a regular part of my meal plans. I'm telling you this because there are thousands of grilled fish recipes online and you're probably wondering if this one's worth your time.

It is. Not because it's fancy or complicated, but because it's the simplest method for getting restaurant-quality fish at home. After years of developing seafood recipes, this one works every time, yielding tender, flavorful fish with crispy skin and perfect char marks.

2 whole grilled fish on a platter next to a spoon.

If branzino is one of your favorites, try my Miso Marinated Branzino Fillets or Oven Roasted Branzino next.

What You'll Need to Make Grilled Branzino

Ingredients for whole grilled branzino on a table.

Whole branzino (also called European sea bass) is increasingly available at fishmongers and even some grocery stores. Ask them to clean and scale it for you...that's the only "hard" part, and they'll do it in 30 seconds. Each 1- to 1¼-pound fish typically serves 2 people, though I've been known to devour one solo with a big salad.

Full ingredient list and measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Grill Whole Branzino: A Visual Guide

Fish stuffed with dill and sliced lemons. — Generously salt the cavity of each fish, then stuff with lemon halves and fresh dill. Coat th outside with olive oil and salt.

Fish grilled over hot coal. — Place fish and one lemon half (cut-side down) on the hot grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes without moving.

What Is Branzino?

Branzino is a mild, white-fleshed Mediterranean fish with a delicate sweetness similar to snapper or striped bass. It usually comes in the perfect 1-2 pound size making it ideal for grill beginners. The crispy skin is completely edible and (for me) the best part.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this with crusty bread to soak up the olive oil, a simple arugula salad, or roasted potatoes and grilled vegetables. Want to go full Mediterranean? Serve with a garlicky herb sauce (similar to my grilled calamari) or a bright chimichurri.

Can I use a grill basket?

Absolutely! A fish grilling basket makes flipping easier, especially if you're nervous about the fish sticking. Just oil the basket AND your fish well before adding the fish.

Ready to Grill?

This is hands-down the easiest way to look like a seafood pro. Trust the process, keep it simple, and in about 15 minutes you'll have a showstopper dish that tastes like vacation, no passport required.