Daytrader Tiki Bar is Now Open in Seaside Florida

[Teresa]

Daytrader Tiki Bar is Now Open in SEASIDE

Chef-Owner Nikhil Abuvala Begins Welcoming Guests on May 23 with Debut of New Polynesian and Tiki Culture-Inspired Eatery Located in Acclaimed South Walton Beach Neighborhood

With great excitement, SEASIDE® and Chef-Owner Nikhil Abuvala are pleased to announce the highly anticipated opening of The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant.

Located at the entrance of the iconic Coleman Beach Pavilion in Seaside, Fl, The Daytrader invites guests to clock out of reality and clock into escape. Inspired by Chef Abuvala’s passion for the coastal cuisine and culture of the more than 1,000 islands that make up Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean, The Daytrader seeks to deliver a Polynesian Coast meets the Gulf of Mexico experience, rooted in escapism, with a playful anti-corporate attitude to pair.

Open daily for lunch and dinner service, The Daytrader will join the ranks of some of the most notable South Walton eateries as Seaside’s newest merchant and first new table service restaurant debut in over a decade.

Chef Abuvala’s roots run deep in Northwest Florida where he currently owns and operates three unique restaurant concepts: his flagship and first venture Roux 30a, Nanbu Noodle Bar, both of which are located in Grayton Beach, as well as Nanbu Too in Destin. A South Walton resident for most of his life and local business owner for the past 10 years,

Chef Abuvala’s commitment to his community is apparent in his thoughtful additions to the ever-growing and much-lauded culinary destination the area has come to be known for.

“There are so many unique dining opportunities in South Walton,” said Chef Abuvala. “Our top feeder markets are mostly made up of these vibrant foodie towns… those people have sophisticated palates and honestly appreciate culinary diversity and thoughtfully crafted menus. It can be challenging to stay ahead of the curve with all the talent down here, so for me, I’m not doing it unless it's something that’s yet to be done in this market."

Chef Abuvala partnered with Jonathan Douglas & Associates for architectural and exterior design services, and Stantec, a global leader in sustainability and design, to provide interior design and landscape architecture services for The Daytrader. The Stantec team looked to create a modern tiki and escapism-focused atmosphere by utilizing a thoughtful mix of structured yet unpredictable forms and finishes. Inside, bold, imperfect patterns pair with brass accents and wood paneling, moody lighting and natural textures. On the beachside terrace, guests can escape to an outdoor oasis adorned with lush greenery, a blend of bright-colored furnishings, and ambient lighting to illuminate the textured reed roof. Most of the 130 seats in the restaurant can be found in covered outdoor spaces.

“The design incorporates funky colored furnishings and warm wood-toned tiki influences to heighten the individuality and personality of The Daytrader,” said Jeanette Carter, interior design principal at Stantec. “Our team mixed boldly patterned wallcoverings, playful pink tile and layers of woven basket lighting to achieve a modern meets tiki experience.”

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[award]

Can't wait to visit this lovely place with all the Key West vibes!!!

 

[Teresa]

ABOUT THE DAYTRADER TIKI BAR & RESTAURANT | SEASIDE, FLORIDA
Escape the fever-pitch of phone calls for the fever dream of island fantasia and otherworldliness at The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant in sunny Seaside, Florida, one of 16 acclaimed beach neighborhoods in iconic South Walton. Chef-owner Nikhil Abuvala’s fourth concept in Northwest Florida allows guests to clock out of reality and clock into a dining experience characterized by locally sourced seafood, ingredient-driven fare and an uncompromising ‘out of office’ attitude. Trade your place at the desk for a place at The Daytrader Tiki bar to sip on eclectic cocktails made with fresh-pressed juice and sugarcane that’s macerated in-house, all while surrounded by eccentric hand-picked vintage decor and authentic tiki vibes. The coast of Asia meets the Gulf of Mexico on this Polynesian-inspired menu with small plates like Ahi Crispy Rice and Maui Fries, a Hawaiian-style twist on the Sloppy Joe sandwich, and dishes like Wagyu Kalbi Short Ribs and Sheepshead Dukkah for mains.

The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant is located at 2236 E. County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 and is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www.daytradertiki.com and follow along on Instagram.

ABOUT CHEF NIKHIL ABUVALA
Initially inspired by his grandmother at the kitchen countertop of his childhood home, Chef Nikhil Abuvala has aspired to bring worldly cuisine to his family, friends and community since his youth. This curiosity led him abroad, where he expanded his palette and explored cultures and cuisines while cooking in kitchens around the world. He returned to his hometown in Northwest Florida in 2013 and opened his first concept Roux 30a in Grayton Beach, an award-winning restaurant characterized by intimate private dining and tasting menus. He went on to open Nanbu Noodle Bar in early 2019, a second venture inspired by his early love for Asian fare, which offers guests Japanese cuisine with a southern flair. Expanding upon this success, Nanbu Too debuted within the City Food Hall in Destin in early 2023. His most recent venture, The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant, opened its doors in Seaside, Florida in May of 2023. The Daytrader features Polynesian-inspired, locally sourced seafood and ingredient-driven cocktails. Chef Abuvala has been featured in national publications such as Forbes, Garden & Gun, Fodor’s Travel, and Southern Living, and to date has visited more than 30 countries, immersing himself in the food and culture of each unique destination seeking inspiration for his next restaurant venture. He harbors a fierce love for the Northwest Florida community where he regularly participates in and sponsors local charity fundraising events.