Aja 30A: Elevated Asian Fusion and Sushi in Inlet Beach

Aja 30A Inlet Beach brings elevated Asian fusion to Scenic Highway 30A, pairing a full sushi bar with Thai-, Chinese-, and Japanese-inspired entrees. The restaurant sits in a stylish, low-lit dining room built for both a quiet dinner and a livelier night out. Because it draws longtime 30A locals and visiting families alike, the menu balances familiar comfort dishes with more adventurous sushi and sashimi choices. Its patio and full bar also make it easy to stop in for cocktails alone, even without staying for a full dinner.

The Team Behind Aja 30A

David Richard, Sr. and Certified Master Chef Tom Catherall lead Aja together. Richard is a longtime New Orleans entrepreneur who splits his time between Louisiana, Rosemary Beach, and Puerto Rico, and he shapes much of the restaurant’s energetic atmosphere. Catherall, meanwhile, began his culinary training at age 15 in Newcastle, England, before building a string of Atlanta restaurants, including Azalea, Tom Tom’s, and Twist, between 1996 and 2014. He also owns Lola Coastal Italian, just up the road in Rosemary Beach.

What’s on the Menu

The kitchen serves sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. It also serves heartier entrees such as Kung Pao chicken, Thai red curry, and bang bang shrimp lo mein. For guests with bigger appetites, the steak list runs from a classic ribeye up to Australian and A5 Wagyu cuts. Behind the bar, the drink menu is just as extensive, with house cocktails, a deep sake list, and a wine program that ranges from everyday bottles to marquee names like Opus One. For special occasions, the restaurant also offers a caviar and bubbles menu with vintage champagne pairings.

Nightlife, Catering, and Reviews

On Friday and Saturday nights the dining room takes on a livelier, late-night energy that regulars often compare to Miami. Aja also caters private events and occasionally hosts special tastings, including a sake-pairing dinner series run with a local wine room. As a result, the restaurant has built a loyal following, and reviewers consistently praise the bang bang shrimp lo mein, the cocktail list, and the patio seating.

Where to Find Aja 30A Inlet Beach

Aja 30A Inlet Beach sits at 12805 US-98, Unit T-101, Inlet Beach, FL 32461. It’s open 5 PM to 9:30 PM Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and 5 PM to midnight on Friday and Saturday, with a daily happy hour from 5 PM to 6 PM. Because reservations fill quickly on weekend nights, it’s worth calling ahead to 850-493-6437 before planning a visit.