One evening. Over 20 restaurants. Endless delicious bites. Welcome to Taste Around Avalon — Catalina Island's beloved annual food and drink event, now celebrating its 20th year.
Each May, the charming seaside town of Avalon transforms into an open-air food festival unlike anything on the mainland. Locals and visitors alike stroll through town from restaurant to restaurant, sampling signature dishes, handcrafted cocktails, refreshing non-alcoholic drinks, and indulgent desserts — all while soaking up the warm island air and harbor views that make Catalina Island magical.
This is your chance to taste the very best of Avalon's dining scene in a single unforgettable night, and vote for your favorites to be crowned Best Taste of the Year.
2026 Participating Restaurants
Antonio's Pizzeria / Food: BBQ Chicken Pizza
Avalon Grille / Food: Piri Piri Marinated Local Seabass, Cocktail: Dragonberry Mojito, Drink (NO alcohol): Dirty Soda
Avalon Smokehouse / Food: Slow smoked pulled pork sliders Topped with a Caesar Slaw our Ca Gold BBQ sauce and crispy onions Food: Bo's Mac Bowl Mini Mac and Cheese Bowls topped with Texas style Brisket our signature jalapeño apple bbq sauce and crispy onion & pickled onion, 1 spare rib Food: Slow smoked ribs topped with our cowboy candy glaze
Bluewater Avalon / Food: New England Clam Chowder, Cocktail: Pain Reliever (Catalina Rum Co)
Catalina Charlie's: Food:Lobster and shrimp taquito with Jack cheese, Agua Chille Sauce and a black garlic aioli drizzle Cocktail: Drink: Booze Julias
Catalina Cones / Dessert:
Buffalo Milk Soft Serve
Catalina Island Brewhouse / Drink (NO alcohol): Strawberry Matcha, Dessert: Catalina Carrot Cake
El Galleon / Food: BBQ Pork Rib & Hard Cheddar Mac & Cheese, Cocktail: Coconut Guava Margarita, Dessert: Warm Butter Cake with Whipped Cream and Seansonal Berry Compote
Jack's Trattoria by Original Jacks / Food: Mozzarella Marinara & Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli in our House Pink Sauce, Cocktail: Peach Bellini, Dessert: Cannoli
Lloyd's of Avalon / Dessert: Mini Chamoyada
Luau Larry's / Food: Ceviche w/ Shrimp and Ahi, Cocktail: Dragon Lemon Drop
Maggie's Blue Rose / Food: Chicken Mole, Shrimp Poblano Enchiladas, & Spicy Mango Salad, Cocktail: Guava Margarita (Cookie's Favorite)
Mrs. T's Chinese Kitchen / Food: Teriyaki Chicken, Drink (NO alcohol): Flashy Lemonade
Pier 24 / Food: Executive Fish Taco, Cocktail: The Lime in the Coconut, Drink (NO alcohol): Mango Tango
Sailor’s Delight Ice Cream Shop / Dessert: Mini waffle cone Oreo sundae
Scoops Catalina Creamery / Dessert: Dole Whip
Steve's Steakhouse / Food: Prime New York Steak, Jumbo Shrimp & Armenian Wedding Rice
Topside by NDMK / Food: Pastrami Slider, Cocktail: The Day Off.
How It Works
Step 1 — Purchase a Voting Card Every taster needs a Voting Card to participate. Cards are available at the Love Catalina Visitor Center on the Green Pleasure Pier before the event, and at Wrigley Stage during the event from 5–9 PM.
- Advance Purchase (Wednesday, May 27): $2 per card
- Event Day (Thursday, May 28): $3 per card
Pro tip: Buy your card early at the Visitor Center to skip the line on event night!
Step 2 — Kick Off at Wrigley Stage at 5 PM Join us at Wrigley Stage for a welcome from Love Catalina Island and a quick overview of the evening. Then you're off!
Step 3 — Sip, Sample & Savor Stroll through Avalon and visit each participating restaurant. Show your card, purchase a taste, and get your card stamped at each stop. Tastings are available in four categories, typically priced at just $1–$5 each:
- Appetizers & Main Dishes
- Sweets & Treats
- Cocktails (alcohol)
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Local tip: Bring $20–$40 in small bills — many restaurants run low on change as the evening goes on. Some locations also accept credit card or Apple Pay.
Step 4 — Cast Your Vote After tasting your way through town, vote for your favorite in each category on your Voting Card. The top picks in all four categories earn the title of Best Taste of the Year — and a $100 prize for the winning establishments!
Step 5 — Turn In Your Card & Enter to Win Return your completed Voting Card to Wrigley Stage by 9:15 PM and you'll be entered in a bonus drawing for a $50 Catalina Island Gift Certificate.
Why Taste Around Avalon Is a Must-Do
Taste Around Avalon isn't just a food event — it's a celebration of everything that makes Catalina Island's culinary scene so special. In one evening you'll discover new favorite restaurants, meet the talented chefs behind the food, and experience Avalon in a way that most visitors never get to. Whether you're a dedicated foodie, a family looking for a memorable night out, or a couple making the most of an island getaway, this event has something for everyone — at a price that won't break the bank.
And why rush back to the mainland? Consider making it a weekend. Spend the night in Avalon, wake up to ocean views, and spend the next day snorkeling, hiking, or simply lingering over breakfast at one of the very restaurants you loved the night before. Browse places to stay on Catalina Island and make the most of your visit.
Taste Around Avalon is presented by Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority.
2025 Winners
Cocktail (Drink with Alcohol): El Galleon — Peanut Crumble Non-Alcoholic Drink: Avalon Grille — Coco No Loco Food: Avalon Grille — Smoked Pork Belly Bao Dessert: Sailor's Delight Ice Cream Shop — Mini Brownie Sundae
