Foodie Itinerary
Dine waterside: Summer’s warm evenings and sun-drenched days are ideal for dining outside overlooking the water. Restaurants on Catalina Island offer a myriad of opportunities to enjoy dining al fresco. Descanso Beach, located just past the iconic Catalina Casino, serves lunch and cocktails on the sand for the ultimate island meal. Bluewater Avalon and Antonio’s Cabaret both offer dining perched over Avalon Harbor. For more casual options Avalon Seafood and Eric’s on the Pier offer casual beach fare on the bustling green Pleasure Pier.
Taste Catalina wine: In the center of the island is El Rancho Escondido, which was home to the Wrigley family’s celebrated Arabian horses for decades. The historic ranch now raises grapes and a limited production of Catalina Island grown Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel are crafted at the award-winning Rusack Vineyards in Solvang.
Dine on fresh fish: There’s nothing better than fresh fish on an island. Expect to find halibut, seabass, sand dabs or swordfish in the summer at places like Bluewater Avalon, Avalon Grille, The Lobster Trap, Seaport Bistro and Steve’s Steakhouse & Seafood.
Have a bison burger: Get on the Bison Food Trail! Sweeter and leaner than beef, bison meat is becoming a popular alternative to its more domesticated cousin. On Catalina Island, bison burgers can be found in a number of local eateries, providing a delicious opportunity to sample this healthier option. Just in case you’ve fallen in love with the bison you’ve seen in the interior of the island, not to worry, the bison in the burgers are raised on the mainland.
Food Tour: One of the best ways to get an overview of #CatalinaFoodie culture is by taking a Catalina food tour, which visits half a dozen eateries on a walking tour of Avalon.
Dine decadently: You’re on vacation, it’s time to indulge. Vacationers rave about Steve’s Steakhouse & Seafood, Bluewater Avalon, Maggie’s Blue Rose, Avalon Grille and Seaport Bistro.
Go casual: Avalon’s beachside ambiance invites you to let your hair down and go casual. Café Metropole, Original Jack’s Country Kitchen, Three Palms Arcade, Luau Larry’s and El Galleon offer a variety of casual dining options. For pizza, you won’t want to miss Original Antonio’s and Mexican classics can be found at Mi Casita and Coyote Joe’s. Want to a take picnic and enjoy the great outdoors? Grab and go options can be found at Coney Island West and Eric's on the Pier.
Indulge your sweet tooth: Saltwater taffy is a seaside resort tradition and in Avalon it can be found at Lloyd’s of Avalon, which also features an array of candies, chocolates and gourmet caramel apples sure to tempt. Confections and baked treats will also be discovered at Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co. and the Avalon Bake Shop.
Cool off with ice cream – or Fro-Yo: There’s nothing like ice cream on warm summer days and Catalina Island offers several options. At Scoops, the scratch-made ice cream and gelato are always delicious, and you’ll want to plan more than one visit to try out their many tempting flavors. Descanso Fresh, Lloyd’s of Avalon and Avalon Bake
Get out of town: While Avalon is Catalina Island’s only city, it isn’t the only place to indulge your inner foodie. At the DC-3 Café, breakfast and lunch options are delicious and the view of the interior of the island is not to be missed. In remote Two Harbors, on the West End of the island, the Harbor Reef Restaurant has been serving dinner to generations of boaters, campers and adventurers. In the summer, they frequently offer local line-caught swordfish along with their regular menu of prime rib, steaks and seafood.
