2023 Restaurant Spotlight: Fish Out of Water

Fish Out of Water has long been synonymous with locally inspired, Southern cuisine that celebrates the Gulf Coast’s very best — all served in an approachable setting that’s ideal for a post-beach family lunch, a girls-night happy hour or a romantic date night.

Housed within the acclaimed WaterColor Inn, Fish Out of Water is a go-to spot for anyone in a vacation state of mind.

As one of 30A’s only large, family-style restaurants and bars overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Fish Out of Water embodies the spirit of the WaterColor community: coastal, laid-back, elevated and fresh. 

Fish Out of Water’s culinary offerings are guided by the world-class expertise of its culinary team and their commitment to authentic cuisine and impeccable flavors.

The restaurant boasts impressively varied brunch (8 a.m–2 p.m.) and dinner (4–10 p.m.) menus. Guest favorites include avocado toast on house-made sourdough bread; locally sourced Gulf Oysters; the restaurant’s signature Sweet Tea Chicken, complete with bourbon glaze and house-made pickles; and an indulgent surf and turf platter of filet medallions and lobster tail — are you drooling yet? Too, Fish Out of Water features decadent desserts, such as the noteworthy Dirt Road Anthem mud pie — yes, please! 

Additionally, Fish Out of Water’s daily happy hour menu (2–4 p.m.) provides the opportunity to enjoy the view while sipping on one — or a few — of the restaurant’s drink specials.

Choose from inventive cocktails, an eclectic selection of craft beers or select a wine from the restaurant’s extensive on-site cellar — all while enjoying seasonally available live music.

“Inviting and vibrant, Fish Out of Water specializes in coastal, Gulf-sourced cuisine,” said executive chef Blaine Wilkinson. “Our open-kitchen setting also allows our guests to admire their food being prepared in real time by our amazing culinary team.”

At Fish Out of Water, the best seat in the house is always guaranteed, with breathtaking views from every seat.

Long after lunch, dinner or vacation has ended, guests can replicate the Fish Out of Water experience with an impressive, well-curated selection of rare spirits, specialty barware, WaterColor-branded merchandise and more from FOOW Package Store, located next to the WaterColor Beach access.

Fish Out of Water is open daily, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (seasonal hours apply). In an effort to seat guests more efficiently, the restaurant does not accept reservations. To-go dining orders may be placed online at FOOW30A.com.

Fish Out of Water | WaterColor Inn

34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach
(850) 534-5050 | foow30a.com