Dakota Watson

Executive Chef

Dakota Watson is the Executive Chef at Indaco Alys Beach, where he leads the kitchen and overall culinary direction at the Town Center’s neighborhood Italian restaurant. Growing up in Ohio, Watson was inspired early on by icons like Gordon Ramsay, Bobby Flay, and his own family traditions in the kitchen. He went on to study Culinary Arts in Pastry and Baking at Hocking College in Athens, Ohio where he earned his associate's degree. He then moved to Florida where he began his career along the Emerald Coast, cooking at local favorites like Nonna’s Ristorante in Destin and Cuvee 30A in Inlet Beach, where he worked his way up to Executive Chef. 

Now, just a couple miles down the beach, Watson’s role at Indaco is focused on menu quality and development, kitchen leadership, and ensuring a special experience for every guest that comes in Indaco’s doors, from vacationing families to Panhandle locals. 

When he’s off the clock, Watson enjoys staying active as a fitness coach, taking trips to the beach, and, of course, dining with family and friends