A New Hot Spot on 30A: Aja 30A

I Love the Nightlife. I Want to Boogie.

By McKenna Mears

Imagine an upscale dining experience, where a DJ plays a carefully curated selection of tunes beside a gracefully flowing water feature, lights move in sync with the music, and servers glide through the tables with freshly prepared sushi rolls and high-end wines. The restaurant’s ambiance is a blend of modern chic and Asian elegance, creating a unique and unforgettable dining experience. This experience is not in exotic destinations like the Mediterranean coast of the South of France, trend-setting locales in Southern California, or the ultrachic South Beach in Miami, Florida. Surprisingly, it’s located in a different kind of south—in a region of the Florida Panhandle known as South Walton. There, you will find the chic restaurant—Aja 30A.

Located in the heart of 30Avenue, a premier shopping and dining destination in Inlet Beach, Florida, Aja 30A revolutionizes the dining experience along Walton County’s chic Highway 30-A corridor. Every aspect of the restaurant’s ambiance, from the carefully crafted decor and subtle lighting to the impressive feature mural and specially selected art pieces, reflects a commitment to excellence. The menu is unquestionably one of the restaurant’s standout features, offering sophisticated Asian cuisine made with premium ingredients locally sourced and imported daily from places like Spain and Japan. But just as unique as Aja 30A’s cuisine experience is the story behind its creation.

In a region of the Florida Panhandle known as South Walton. There, you will find the chic restaurant—Aja 30A.

Chef Tom Catherall has had a remarkable culinary journey, gathering diverse cooking experiences from around the world. Originally from Newcastle, England, he is a distinguished Certified Master Chef, a title held by only seventy chefs nationwide. Over nearly three decades, Catherall has built an illustrious career, owning and operating fourteen esteemed restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia. His diverse portfolio included seafood, steak, Spanish tapas, and sushi.

Located less than a mile from 30Avenue and nestled between the New Urbanism communities of Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach, you’ll find the vacation resort village of Seacrest Beach. In the heart of the town center, you can discover Lola Coastal Italian, one of Catherall’s newest culinary concepts. Lola Coastal Italian offers a diverse menu, including pasta, fresh seafood, artisanal pizzas, and more, all served in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. “I only want the best for my patrons, so I use the finest ingredients, source sustainable fish and meats, and support local farmers,” says owner Catherall. This commitment to sustainability and supporting local communities is a key part of Catherall’s ethos. “I prioritize providing accessible dining and value to ensure that customers can enjoy outstanding meals without compromising on quality,” says Catherall.

As the summer draws down, the lively nights of DJs and dancing at Aja 30A might make way for a more relaxed atmosphere. Nevertheless, the restaurant continues to be a popular destination for exceptional dining.

One of the regular patrons at Lola was David Richard, Sr., a prominent entrepreneur, dealmaker, and aspiring restaurateur who often dined at Lola. After engaging in conversations and food tastings, Catherall surprised his new friend with a bowl of gumbo. Richard, a New Orleans native with a discerning palate for the dish, was so impressed that he wanted to discuss food further. Eventually, the conversation turned to the lack of high-quality sushi in the area. Catherall and Richard recognized the need for top-tier establishments offering high-grade fish, premium ingredients, and expertly paired beverages. They decided to work together to create a new premier sushi destination for the area. When it was time to name the new venture, they chose the name “Aja” (pronounced “Asia”), which was inspired by one of Catherall’s former renowned Atlanta establishments and the Steely Dan album released in 1977.

Richard reflects on their decision to launch the joint venture, stating, “I’ve met so many wonderful people in this community, and I’m thrilled to be part of something that adds a missing element to such a great place alongside a world-class chef.” Catherall, who has traveled extensively across Asia and has firsthand experience with authentic Asian cuisine, brings unparalleled expertise to the restaurant. Richard continues, “Chef Catherall’s restaurants are very successful, and many of his loyal Atlanta patrons are excited to enjoy his outstanding dining once again at one of their favorite vacation resort settings. His international background and culinary mastery bring a rare level of sophistication and skill to Aja 30A.”

Every aspect of the restaurant’s ambiance, from the carefully crafted decor and subtle lighting to the impressive feature mural and specially selected art pieces, reflects a commitment to excellence.

One of the most outstanding aspects of the Aja 30A experience, which has garnered glowing reviews, is its exceptional service. “The team is committed to providing service that impresses guests.” The manager at Aja 30A, who previously worked at a high-end restaurant renowned for its service, is instrumental in setting and maintaining the high standards at Aja 30A while the team strives for seamless coordination.

Chef Catherall values engaging with his guests as a critical element of the Aja 30A experience. “I want to meet my guests,” he says. “We have many regulars, and I aim to exceed their expectations and connect with them personally.” This hands-on approach is how Chef Catherall initially met Richard. Their engaging conversations eventually led to their partnership in owning the restaurant together.

At Aja 30A, no detail is overlooked. The restaurant offers the finest liquor, wine, and champagne displayed behind a sleek bar. Guests can sit at the sushi bar and witness the sushi chefs’ artistry up close. Every element, from the music to the lighting, is meticulously curated to create a unique dining experience. Even the design of the to-go boxes reflects the restaurant’s commitment to luxury and excellence. These thoughtful details are a significant part of what keeps guests returning for more.

His international background and culinary mastery bring a rare level of sophistication and skill to Aja 30A.

Aja’s nightlife scene includes cool music in the restaurant nightly, weekend DJ sets, specialty cocktails, and more. | Photos by Hunter Burgtorf

Aja 30A has recently expanded into premier catering, offering bespoke event services and more. This expansion allows Aja 30A to bring its unique dining experience to a wider audience, making it an ideal choice for those looking for exceptional catering for their events. “One highlight of our catering options is the ‘Aja Dragon’s Den,’ a dragon-shaped platter featuring nine of our signature rolls,” shares Richard. This visually stunning platter has proven especially popular for in-house catering. In addition, Aja 30A can provide sushi chefs to prepare dishes on-site, enhancing the catering experience with outstanding expertise.

Aja’s interior was designed in collaboration with Marisol Gullo of Not Too Shabby. | Photo by Modernmade Photography, courtesy of 30Avenue

As the summer draws down, the lively nights of DJs and dancing at Aja 30A might make way for a more relaxed atmosphere. Nevertheless, the restaurant continues to be a popular destination for exceptional dining. Despite being open for only two years, Aja 30A has rapidly become a local favorite and a popular spot for visitors from across the Southeast. While there are plans for Aja 30A to expand to new cities, the present time offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the exceptional ambiance and cuisine that define this unique restaurant. Whether dining in its elegant setting or experiencing its high-end catering options, Aja 30A promises a memorable experience that captivates locals and visitors alike.

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To learn more about Aja 30A, visit Aja30a.com and follow @aja30a on Instagram and Facebook.