Best Restaurants On Catalina Island
Take the Catalina Express ferry to a close-to-home tropical paradise on Catalina Island. The city of Avalon, Catalina's main hub, is one-square mile city chock full of activities, shopping opportunities, and restaurants galore. Visit our favorite dining recommendations while in Catalina.
Bluewater Avalon
306 Crescent Ave.
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-3474
www.bluewatergrill.com
The city's newest restaurant, Bluewater Avalon should be familiar to SoCal diners with four sister restaurant locations on the mainland. Sustainable, top quality seafood takes center stage at Bluewater Avalon, located directly on the wharf in the middle of town. The San Francisco Style Cioppino with clams, mussels, crabmeat, shrimp, scallops and fish in a zesty marinara sauce is lovely. We heartily recommend sitting outdoors and dining on their patio so you can watch the sailboats come in from their busy day. Bluewater offers a kid's menu, oyster bar, sushi bar, and an extensive wine list. Be sure to visit them during Happy Hour for some great specials.
Lobster Trap
128 Catalina Ave.
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-8585
www.catalinalobstertrap.com
From a superb clam chowder to a pancake breakfast shot (jameson and buttershots chased with orange juice chased with bacon!) to perfect fish, lobster, and beef tacos to an incredibly diverse lineup of choices from both land and sea, the Lobster Trap is a must try while visiting Catalina. Owned by a commercial fisherman who actually serves up his own daily catch (as well as the local California spiny lobster that he searches for during the winter season), the Lobster Trap is a fun, casual, and tasty place to grab a bite to eat with your friends.
Steve's Steakhouse
417 Crescent Ave.
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-0333
www.stevessteakhouse.com
Voted the #1 restaurant in Avalon, this local favorite is our favorite choice as well. In addition to offering up choice cuts of steak, fresh seafood, and even a rack of lamb, the service at Steve's is impeccable, allowing guests the full fine dining experience. An extensive wine list and full bar are available as well. Be sure to reserve a window seat to watch beautiful views from this second floor restaurant overlooking the harbor.
Lloyd's Confectionery
315 Crescent Ave.
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-7266
www.catalinacandy.com
Although we- certainly wouldn't recommend it as a meal replacement, you absolutely must stop in Lloyd's Confectionary while visiting Avalon for a sweet tooth fix. The taffy making in the front window will lure you into this candy lover's paradise full of sweet goodies, ice cream, shakes, peanut brittle, fudge, chocolates, and enormous caramel apples. A Catalina tradition since 1934, you must also try the taffy!
Descanso Beach Club
1 Descanso Ave.
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-7410
www.visitcatalinaisland.com
For an open air meal right on the beach, head past the Casino to Descanso Beach Club's Restaurant, offering both lounge chair food service, and service in their beachfront outdoor patio. Famous Catalina cocktails (like Buffalo Milk made with creme de cocoa, Kahlua, creme de banana, vodka, and half and half) are legendary here, as are their beach parties offered throughout the summer that change Descanso Beach from a laid back ocean paradise to a hip and stylish scene. Appetizers, burgers, wraps, and sandwiches complete the menu at this outdoor paradise.
