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Gulf-Fresh Fare: In the Kitchen with South Walton

By: TLP's Partners

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While South Walton, Florida, is best known for its sugar-white sand and 16 beach neighborhoods, the thriving culinary scene is what keeps visitors coming back year after year.

Whether it’s coastal casual, eclectic Asian cuisine, rustic Italian comfort food or fine dining fare, South Walton’s restaurant scene is bursting with world-class restaurants, fresh Gulf flavors and remarkable wine lists. But the true heart of the scene is its award-winning chefs.

Here we take a peek behind the curtain to show you some of the ingredients, flavors and culinary masters making this slice of paradise a must-visit dining destination.

Meet the Chefs

Ready to go behind the scenes of South Walton’s culinary scene? Step into the kitchen with these renowned chefs!

Chef Nikhil Abuvala

As Chef and Owner of Roux30a and Daytrader Tiki Bar, Nikhil Abuvala is no stranger to bold flavor. Whether he’s curating catch-of-the-day tasting menus or experimenting with Polynesian-inspired favorites, his menus revolve around seasonal produce and Gulf-fresh seafood. In fact, along with being named a finalist for the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef of the South 2025, two of his restaurants were also recognized as recommendations within the MICHELIN Guide 2026.

Chef Dan Vargo

Dan Vargo is a private chef and the owner of Fine Coastal Cuisine, using South Walton’s local produce and fresh-caught fish to bring the restaurant experience directly to guests’ homes. With decades of experience in top-tier restaurants and resorts across Florida, Maryland and Ireland, he’s cultivated a special brand of relaxed fine dining.

Chef Fleetwood Covington

Executive Chef Fleetwood Covington transforms ingredients into edible works of art at Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood. Trained as a professional concert pianist, this musician-turned-chef creates an award-winning symphony of local flavors with global influences.

Chef David Cunningham

Chef David Cunningham is the owner of Cinders & Salt, an at-home private dining company in South Walton. Tapping into his Louisiana roots, he utilizes wood-firing to prepare dishes with the freshest local seafood and ingredients. After years running restaurants, he now enjoys the one-on-one interaction of the private chef experience.

Chef Jim Shirley

Step into the kitchen with Chef Jim Shirley, founder of South Walton favorites like Great Southern Café, Farm & Fire, The Bay and The Meltdown on 30A. Shirley’s unique take on modern Southern cuisine is inspired by watching his grandmothers at the stove as a child. Through his restaurants, he creates a shared experience imbued with the sense of interconnectedness that defines South Walton’s beach neighborhoods.

Secure your seat at the table today.

No matter if you’re a culinary explorer, a self-proclaimed foodie, or just looking for a space to host your group, South Walton offers a diverse array of tasty eats.

Looking for a view to complement your meal? You don’t have to look too far for a breathtaking sunset, so sit back, relax and enjoy a mouthwatering meal. Plan your perfect getaway here.