About Our WaterColor Restaurant

With Seaside Views Over the Emerald Coast

As one of the 30A area’s only large family-style restaurants and bars overlooking the Gulf, Fish Out of Water® embodies the spirit of the WaterColor community: coastal, fun, and unpretentious, with impeccable service and cuisine. Located at the AAA Four-Diamond and Forbes-rated WaterColor Inn, a St. Joe Company property, Fish Out of Water serves seasonal regional cuisine with a Southern Coastal approach in Santa Rosa Beach on Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast. Opened in June 2018 after extensive renovations and menu updates, Fish Out of Water focuses on the fresh flavors of the coast combined with one of 30A’s most impressive Gulf views. High quality and efficient service sets the tone in an approachable, inspired setting serving lunch and dinner daily, along with weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Family at a patio table with a full serving of food

WaterColor Casual

At Fish Out of Water®, we welcome you to stay in beach mode when dining with us. We are resort casual and swimsuit-friendly (shirt and/or cover-up required).

Walk-Ins Welcome

In an effort to seat our guests more efficiently, we do not accept reservations at the restaurant.

Director of Restaurants | Jeremy Smith
Fish Out of Water Restaurant Manager | Adrienne Outler
Director of Culinary and Executive Chef | Louis Martorano

We love connecting with writers, creators, and storytellers who want to experience Fish Out of Water® up close. If you’re working on a dining feature, exploring the food scene along 30A, or looking to highlight coastal flavors and fresh Gulf ingredients, we’re happy to help with details, interviews, and anything else you need.

If you're interested in visiting FISH or requesting an influencer-hosted experience, we invite you to fill out our media visit form so we can learn a little more about your project and how we can support it.

For general press questions, media materials, or high-res images, feel free to reach out anytime.

Press Contact:

MMGY Public Relations
e: stjoe@mmgy.com

Designer and Architect Cooper Carry of The Johnson Studio led the complete Fish Out of Water® redesign, emphasizing Gulf of Mexico views and proximity to the white sand beaches synonymous with South Walton. The reimagined space includes a streamlined, open-air kitchen as well as an expanded Gulf view bar wrapping from the interior to the exterior, setting an indoor-outdoor vibe. Highlighting WaterColor Inn’s natural seaside environment, coastal hues mingle with warm hickory wood, blue/gray patterned fabric, and neutral textures. Light flows in through large windows during the day, while the sunset impresses guests in the evenings as nautical bulb fixtures turn on to provide a warm, ambient glow. Varied table options, booths, communal spaces, and the patio all boast Gulf views from every seat.

Artwork throughout the restaurant was commissioned and painted by local 30A celebrity artist, Justin Gaffrey.

View Justin's Work

Fish Out of Water® is located on the 2nd level of WaterColor Inn with elevator access through the main lobby or at the Fish Out of Water entrance, located on the west side of the hotel. Entry into the restaurant does not include doors or stairs and is wheelchair accessible.

About Our WaterColor Restaurant

With Seaside Views Over the Emerald Coast

WaterColor Casual

Walk-Ins Welcome

Our Team

Press & Media

Design & Decor

ADA Accessibility