Curious about the best Watercolor Florida restaurants? This small community along the Florida 30A coast is packed with delicious places to eat. This food guide covers all the best places to eat in Watercolor, plus neighboring Seaside. And also touches on some of the ca n't-miss restaurants close by on 30A. You'll find it all in Watercolor from seafood joints, food trucks, wine bars, fine dining, and more.
Planning a trip to Watercolor or a nearby town? Also, check out my Top Things to Do in Watercolor Florida and Top 20 Favorite Moments from Watercolor and Seaside, Florida.
Watercolor Florida Restaurants
Watercolor Florida restaurants are so delicious! This small 500-acre community in Northwest Florida along the scenic highway 30A coast is known for its gorgeous beaches and high-end amenities like a beach club and Camp Watercolor. They are also known for a fabulous collection of restaurants in a small area. You'll find everything from fine dining with sweeping Gulf of Mexico views, to casual beach eats, a biscuit shop, a coffee shop, and even a fabulous Wine Shop.
Watercolor is immediately adjacent and walkable to the more famous and busy Seaside Florida, which is filled with even more tasty places to eat. Here you'll find more beachfront dining, quirky shrimp shacks, beach burgers, fancy brunch spots, coffee shops, bakeries, and the famous food truck row called Airstream Row. Between the two towns, you can fill your vacation week with all the different tasty food options. Since the two communities are so close to each other, I added both Watercolor restaurants and Seaside restaurants to this guide. I also added some of the best and most memorable places to eat within a short dive on 30A. A few of them blew me away with their combination of charm and delicious food.
If you are looking for where to eat in Watercolor and beyond, start here!
Best Watercolor Florida Restaurants
Fish Out of Water
If you are looking for Watercolor Florida restaurants, Fish Out of Water or FOOW is one of your best bets. This dining spot is located in the Watercolor Inn and offers family-style dining with everything from fresh seafood, tacos, burgers, steak, and pasta. There is a heavy emphasis on fresh fish and seafood.
This restaurant is open to everyone, regardless of whether you are staying in Watercolor or not.
There is an indoor dining area and a spectacular back deck that looks over the resort's pool and the ocean. There are panoramic Gulf views here and you can see the sunset from this spot. They have some of the best views in this area. You can see the white sand dunes and water.
We were pleasantly surprised at the food and the view.
The single most common dish we saw in this area including at Watercolor Florida restaurants was some sort of fish dip, often a smoked tuna dip. FOOW had their version and it was one of our favorites from our trip.
We also really enjoyed both the fresh and baked oysters.
And we rounded off our meal with the fresh Catch of the Day. FOOW is such a fabulous addition to the list of Watercolor Restaurants. It's a great combination of a gorgeous view plus tasty food. If you are staying in Watercolor it's worth a stop! There is even seasonal live music.
WaterColor Grill - WaterColor Beach Club Restaurant
Another one of the best WaterColor Florida restaurants is the Watercolor Grill at the Watercolor Beach Club. This restaurant is only available to those with wristbands and access to the beach club, which you get by staying at one of the WaterColor homes.
The grill offers a great combination of simple food that's easy to eat at a pool chair but also has a nicer dinner menu with items like plated grilled fish and chicken. You can eat and order it in their indoor restaurant, at outdoor tables, or at the pool chairs, which is a huge perk.
They also have a full bar with frozen drinks and cocktails.
We enjoyed the Seafood Ceviche.
The Gulf Fish Sandwich was also great. They also have nachos, sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, burgers, salads, quesadillas, and wings. The kid's meals are great too and come with a rice crispy treat and juice box.
Sitting above the Watercolor Beach Club is Costa Chica a more intimate dining area that serves WaterColor Grill food, but also has specialty margaritas and tequila. The elevated deck has great beach views and is a nice place for a cocktail.
Beach Cow
For a more casual WaterColor Florida restaurant, try Beach Cow. It's also located with the Watercolor Beach Club, so it's only available to homeowners and rental guests. It's located right at the entrance from the beach to the pool area and offers super casual grab-and-go burgers plus ice cream and shakes. It's open during the high season. If you are on the beach and looking for fuss-free food to take back with you, this is your spot for a coastal lifestyle.
The Canteen - Camp Watercolor Restaurant
Add The Canteen to your list of best WaterColor Florida restaurants. This grab-and-go spot with walk-up counter service is located in Camp WaterColor, which is also only available to those with a WaterColor wristband which you get by staying in WaterColor.
The Canteen has food to go to take back to your pool chairs while at the waterpark area, perfect for the summer camp vibe of Camp Watercolor. They have a nice menu including salads, burgers, sandwiches, chicken tenders, hot dogs, and a bunch of sandwiches including a fish sandwich and veggie burger. They also have snacks and famous cookie ice cream sandwiches. They also offer a similar kids menu that includes a juice box and rice crispy treat.
If you are playing in Camp WaterColor this is a great spot for a quick bite.
They also have a fabulous pool bar with frozen drinks and cocktails to enjoy poolside.
Wine World
Wine World also called The Wine Bar is an unexpected gem on the list of WaterColor Florida restaurants. Located in the shopping area of WaterColor, they offer indoor and outdoor dining on a patio plus a fabulous menu that has everything from small plates, dips, wood-fired pizza, salad, and full entrees like fresh fish, steak, and chicken.
They also have a fabulous selection of gourmet cheese that you can mix into a cheese board, or order one of their already-created ones. It's a great addition to enjoying their also extensive wine menu.
This isn't your normal beach food but is a fabulous place to eat in WaterColor.
Scratch Biscuit Kitchen
Also in the WaterColor Town Center, Scratch is a great place for breakfast and lunch in Watercolor. Their specialty is homemade biscuits that are either served with gravy or in a sandwich. They also have classic breakfast plates and more traditional lunch sandwiches.
They have a fabulous lunch special with daily sandwiches, sides, desserts, and beverages for just $12, which is a great deal for this area.
Beach Happy Cafe
The last addition to the official list of WaterColor Florida restaurants is Beach Happy Cafe which is a casual spot for coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, and ice cream. They have a full espresso coffee menu and even off-drinks. They are to-go and delivery services. It's located in WaterColor Town Center.
That's the complete list of WaterColor restaurants BUT if you cross over into Seaside next door there are lots more options. It's an easy walk or bike ride there, so I'm adding all of the Seaside options to this list.
Best Seaside Restaurants
Bud & Alleys
Bud & Alley's is one of the most famous Seaside restaurants and so close to WaterColor that you can add it to your list of WaterColor Florida restaurants. It's even family-owned.
This waterfront spot has been around since the 80's and has a gorgeous outdoor deck and cozy indoor restaurant, both with pretty Gulf views. The restaurant has a fun old Florida vibe.
Since it's a thing in this part of Florida, we had to try their Smoked Fish Dip, which was also tasty.
The dinner entrees were also really tasty. We loved their Seared Diver Scallops. The grits were some of the tastiest we've had!
We also loved the fish special of the day. The menu also features crab cakes, salmon, and flounder. There is a heavy emphasis on fish and seafood but there is a steak on the menu.
Bud & Alley's Pizza Bar & Trattoria
Bud & Alley's owns several restaurants right along the waterfront in Seaside and another spot to try is their Pizza Bar. If you are looking for local pizza near WaterColor Florida, this is a great option. They offer Neapolistian wood-fired pizza with fresh mozzarella and tasty toppings. They also have pasta, sandwiches, and salads.
Bud & Alley's Taco Bar
Looking for more WaterColor Florida restaurants in Seaside? You have to try the Bud & Alley Taco Bar. This super casual beachfront spot has a tasty menu with tacos and great drinks.
We all loved our grab-and-go shrimp and fish tacos with beans, rice, and chips. Such a tasty and fun spot. The seating it outside and perfect for coming in off the beach, which we did!
Shrimp Shack
Another can't-miss iconic Seaside restaurant is the Shrimp Shack. It's also located in this same area right off the beach boardwalk in Seaside.
The super charming counter service spot has outdoor seating, some with spectacular ocean views. They feature tons of fresh seafood including fresh shrimp, lobster rolls, shrimp po boy, lobsters, crab cakes, and crab claws.
One of our favorites was the Shrimp Salad Roll. They also have a full fun bar with great beach drinks.
Pickle's Burgers and Shakes
Another beachfront super charming Seaside Florida restaurant is Pickle's. This one features less seafood and focuses on burgers and fries. They also offer sandwiches, salads, and ice cream. This is a casual spot with counter service and outdoor seating.
Great Southern
One of the more upscale Seaside Florida restaurants is the Great Southern. Located back in the town center, they serve updated Southern cuisine with steaks, grits, seafood, steaks, mac and cheese, and lobster.
They are best known for their breakfast menu which features classic breakfast plates plus Southern items like Fried Green Tomato Benedict, Grits, and Chicken & Waffles.
b.f.f.
BFF is the most casual cousin to the Great Southern and offers tasty drinks and bar items. They have a fun selection of mojitos including mango, guava pineapple, cherry, and coconut! They their Strawberry Mojito too! Don't miss their happy hour.
87 Central Square
87 Central Square is a more upscale downtown Seaside restaurant with an eclectic menu featuring sushi, poke, cheese boards, and entrees like lamb, burgers, and ramen. It has an interesting menu with something for everyone! They are known for their Seafood Paella, which is only available on Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30.
The Day Trader Tiki Bar & Restaurant
Looking for a unique WaterColor Florida restaurant? A new addition to the Seaside restaurant scene is the The Day Trader Tiki Bar & Restaurant. It has a fabulous Hawaiian-inspired menu with poke, musubi, macadamia nut-crusted fish, and seared ahi tuna. The menu is complemented by a full tiki-bar-inspired drink menu that you will swoon over!
Black Bear Bread Co.
Black Bear Bread Co. is a Parisian-style cafe and bakery the spot to to go for fresh baked breads and sweets. They also have a full coffee bar. Located just off the Seaside Town Center, this spot had a line when it opened at 7 AM and I could see why!
The coffee and baked goods were so tasty! Add this to your list of places to try in WaterColor and Seaside.
Amavida
The other spot for coffee drinks in Seaside is the Amavida Roasters located in the town center. There is also a location in Rosemary Beach.
They also had a line and I can see why! This was one tasty cold brew.
Seaside Food Trucks - Airstream Row
The other option for more casual Seaside and WaterColor Florida restaurants is the famous Airstream Row which features all sorts of fun food trucks. One of the more famous options is Crepes du Soleil, which is known for its tasty crepes and frose.
They also have Barefoot BBQ, Frost Bites, The Meltdown on 30A, Mr. Gyro Hero, and Wild Bill's Beach Dogs.
Another favorite spot is the Green Stream featuring smoothies and acai bowls.
Nigel's Fancy Banana
Looking for some sweets in Seaside and WaterColor? A unique spot is Nigels' Banana Stand which has hand-dipped frozen bananas.
It's Heavenly
The more traditional Seaside ice cream shop is It's Heavenly.
We loved their ice cream and gelato.
Pop Alchemy
And for a more unique treat, there is also Pop Alchemy, which has gourmet poolsides with fresh flavors.
The kids loved this watermelon one!
Modica Market
An unexpected Seaside and WaterColor Florida restaurant is the Modica Market, a charming, small gourmet grocery store in the town center. They grocery staples and drinks.
They also have prepared foods and meals to go including breakfast, lunch, and dessert. They have tasty breakfast sandwiches to go!
Seaside Farmer's Market
Another unexpected place to eat in Seaside is the Seaside Farmer's Market which is held on Tuesday and Saturday mornings in the Seaside Amphitheater from 9-1.
They have a fabulous collection of fresh fruits and vegetables for cooking.
Or you can find prepared foods to make meals at home. My favorites were the bagels.
And we also love this fish dip!
Best Nearby Watercolor Restaurants Along 30A
Those are all of the WaterColor Florida restaurants and Seaside Restaurants but the other cute small towns along 30A have other fabulous places to eat. Here are a few of the best to pick from during your visit.
Grayton Seafood Company
While looking for WaterColor Florida restaurants I came across Grayton Seafood Complany. It was just the kind of low-key super, hidden gem place I was looking for. This spot is in a shopping center but has amazing fish and seafood. This spot is worth the quick couple mile drive from WaterColor in Grayton Beach.
We tried the fish dip and it was fabulous.
These sauteed crab claws were one of the most delicious things we had during our entire trip! If they have them on the menu don't miss them.
The blackened fish special was also fabulous.
And you can't miss their homemade crab cakes.
Old Florida Fish House
Old Florida Fish House is a charming, beautiful, and special spot. The view alone makes it one of the ca n't-miss 30A and WaterColor Restaurants. Located on one of the Dune Lakes, they have a huge restaurant complex with dining, shopping, ice cream, and shopping. It's a big place with a lot going on, which might turn some people off, but I feel it was unique enough to make it part of your trip.
The entire place is filled with gorgeous tropical plants, lights, and shade trees. It reminded me a bit of Hawaii!
They also had great food! We enjoyed their grilled oysters.
The fish dip was great!
For dinners, we loved the redfish.
And the fish special was also great.
One of the highlights was this incredible Strawberry Shortcake. The charm of Old Florida Fish House, food, and views make it a must-add spot to your 30A trip.
We were all smiles enjoying the sunshine and food! It was a few miles away from WaterColor, but worth the drive.
Cafe Thirty-A
Cafe Thirty-A in Seagrove Beach was the best finer dining meal we had while looking for 30A and WaterColor Florida restaurants. They have casual fine dining that felt fancy, but we still felt ok bringing the kids. We loved the attentive wonderful service and delicious food.
Our favorites were the ceviche.
This tuna was one of the best tuna dishes I've eaten outside of Hawaii and the second most memorable food on our entire trip.
We also love the fresh grouper.
Other 30A Restaurants to Try:
- Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar: Located in Rosemary Beach this is a fabulous spot for an upscale brunch with a view. They also have a great dinner menu with a refined feel.
- The Perfect Pig: Santa Rosa Beach is a great place for a fabulous brunch. They also serve lunch and dinner. The feature gourmet Southern food with a twist.
- Chiringo: A casual beach bar with seafood baskets, wings, and ocean views. Located in Grayton Beach.
- Chanticleer Eatery: A southern-inspired restaurant with fresh seafood in Grayton Beach.
- The Red Bar: An iconic Grayton Beach Restaurant with local food and cajun inspired menu. A local favorite.
- The Citizen: An upscale restaurant in Alys Beach offering coastal tavern cuisine.
- Ambrosia: A high-end steakhouse in Santa Rosa Bech with pasta, seafood, and the best cut of steaks.
- La Crema Tapas and Chocolate: A favorite in Rosemary Beach with tapas and dessert.
- Local Cantina: A Mexican restaurant in Seagrove with traditional Mexican food with coastal inspiration.
- Havana Beach at The Pearl: On Rosemary Beach this fun spot is inspired by El Florida, Hemingway's favorite spot in Old Havanna. Features American food with Cuban influences. Check out their hand-carved mahogany bar.
- Vue on 30A: One of the older restaurants in this area complete with panoramic views of the Gulf. Voted the best fine dining option in the area.
- Reel Em In Fresh Seafood and Gourmet: Offering easy delivery this is a great option for prepared seafood and cook-at-home seafood options! The crab cakes are delicious!
Watercolor Florida Restaurants
If you are trying to figure out the best WaterColor Restaurants, I hope this guide can help you plan where to eat on your trip. Whether you stick to WaterColor and Seaside or check out some of the other fabulous restaurants on 30A you are bound to eat well during your trip. I love how this area has such a variety of options, including lots of casual places for families!
Happy eating!
More About Watercolor Florida & the Panhandle
- Best Things to Do in Watercolor Florida
- Top 20 Favorite Moments from Watercolor Florida
- Destin Travel Guide
- Best Destin Restaurants
- Top 20 Favorite Moments from Destin Florida
- Destin Weekend Trip
More Florida Beach Town Restaurant Guide:
- Best Amelia Island Restaurants
- Best Anna Maria Island Restaurants
- Best Destin Restaurants
- Best Macro Island Restaurants
- Best Sanibel Restaurants
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