Food has a way of shaping travel memories, turning simple moments into something that stays with you long after the trip ends. The flavors, presentation, and atmosphere of a meal often reflect the spirit of a place just as much as its scenery.
That connection comes to life on Catalina Island, where waterfront seafood, cozy cafes, and island cocktails create a dining scene that feels both vibrant and inviting. Here are the standout spots that make this California escape a must visit for anyone who loves great food with a view.
1. Steve’s Steakhouse and Seafood
Steve’s Steakhouse and Seafood is one of the fanciest places to eat, but it’s a nice start or end to your Catalina Island trip. It’s mostly praised among locals and visitors for its steak choices, like the ribeye and the filet mignon. We heard from the one of the staff at the visitor center that the rib eye is one of the best she’d ever had.
This place also specializes in seafood plates, people’s favorites being the choice of the day, the swordfish, and the fish and chips. The menu has vegetarian and vegan choices, making it suitable for the whole bunch. Best of all, the place is friendly with excellent service to make sure you come back for more!
We picked the Cauliflower Steak, one of the vegan options, which was a big, roasted half-head of a cauliflower. It came with a tasty sauce, vegan cheese, asparagus, and we chose a baked potato instead of sweet potato fries.
We also got the Veggie Platter with a baked potato, asparagus, and a steamed artichoke. We’ve never had a full artichoke before so we had to ask ChatGPT how to eat one. Once we figured it out, we dipped each artichoke petal in the sauce. That sauce was the highlight and made us go back for more petals!
We split both entrees and were pretty full but we couldn’t leave without trying Steve’s Signature dessert – Key Lime Pie. This place isn’t just for meat and seafood lovers – they’ve got great choices for vegans and vegetarians too, and everyone there is super nice, we’d definitely come back again.
😋 Pro Tip: Ask to sit at the left corner table near the window for a view of the Catalina Casino in the distance.
2. Maggie’s Blue Rose
Maggie’s Blue Rose welcomes you with a vibe that’s all about Mexican culture, from the music to the decor. We only waited about 5 minutes before we were seated. They offered us a bar table, but we preferred a regular one where each table had its own battery-powered candle, adding to the cozy atmosphere with Latin music playing in the background.
For our meal, we went with the Grilled Fajitas Platter (Veggie option) which came with grilled onions, corn, mushrooms, peppers, rice and beans, guacamole, sour cream, and tortillas. We also got a side of beans.
The food was tasty, though a bit oily since we prefer less oil, the better. The chefs here are serious about flavor, using fresh ingredients. We heard that the restaurant’s lobster tacos and jalapeno poppers are very popular!
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3. The Naughty Fox
The Naughty Fox might be a small restaurant, but it offers a mighty menu ranging from expertly cooked breakfast dishes like eggs, frittatas, and French toast to an all-day menu. Although the place was busy causing a 20-minute wait after we ordered, we got seats at the bar ant the wait was worthwhile after we tasted our food.
We ordered the Quinoa & Papaya Salad, loaded with fresh fruits and veggies like cucumber, carrot, mango, pear, avocado, scallions, and dressed in a zesty lime-miso vinaigrette—it was both refreshing and filling.
We also ordered the Naughty Tacos, choosing the veggie option, topped with spicy aioli, cabbage-plum slaw, and pico de gallo—easily the best tacos on the island!
Plus, sitting at the bar, we watched as they mixed up their famous Buffalo Milk drink for us – a creamy concoction of vodka, crème de cocoa, crème de banana, Kahlua, half n’ half, and fresh nutmeg. The Naughty Fox shines with its select, high-quality dishes and super friendly staff, making every visit a treat.
😋 Tip: The Naughty Tacos is one of their most popular dishes and we recommend them – so good!
4. M Restaurant & Events
If you’re planning a romantic dinner or a business meeting on Catalina Island, M Restaurant & Events is the ideal spot. This elegant venue features both indoor and outdoor seating and boasts one of the island’s best wine selections. M Restaurant was the only place that offered us complimentary cups of water, unlike other restaurants that charged for bottled water, prompting us to bring our own.
The menu shines with its Cioppino and pasta dishes, including the Penne Primavera, which we ordered along with a bowl of the same veggies used in the pasta. Surprisingly, the bowl of veggies was only $4 – we thought it would be 3x that price!
The restaurant also offers premium-quality appetizers like burrata, cheesy garlic bread, and calamari. Though they take reservations, we didn’t make one and were pleased to find they had ample room for walk-ins. The elegant decor of M Restaurant adds to its charm – a great place to gather with family, friends or your partner.
😋 Tip: Get the Scallop Pesto Linguine paired with wine.
5. Catalina Island Brew House
If you’re looking for a casual dining experience, go to Catalina Island Brew House. You order at the counter and then wait at your table. Right under Hotel Vista Del Mar, this spot is known for being the only place on the island that brews its own beer. If you’re into local brews and pizza, come here.
We opted for the Gardener pizza, loaded with artichokes, Kalamata olives, tomatoes, red peppers, and garlic – minus the cheese. We also enjoyed a fresh Brew House Salad sprinkled with walnuts, almonds, dried cranberries, and a bit of feta above some mixed greens. We finished our meal with their fresh house coffee – Dancing Goats Blend, French Roast.
6. Mi Casita
Mi Casita is a piece of Mexico situated in the heart of Catalina Island, with its interior reflecting the festive culture of the country. The place has lively vacation vibes and brings some of the boldest flavors on the island to your table.
Mi Casita is like a little piece of Mexico with an interior that bursts with the vibrant, festive culture of Mexico. This restaurant specializes in Jalisco-style Mexican food, making it a must-visit for authentic flavors. Expect a bit of a wait—about 15 minutes after ordering. The decor enhances the Mexican ambiance, complete with lively colors and traditional motifs.
We ordered veggie fajitas, which came out spicy and loaded with mushrooms, tomatoes and other veggies. We got the fajitas with black beans, Mi Casita rice, guacamole, sour cream, and corn tortillas. I loved how the rice had carrot bits and peas – tasted like having veggie fried rice.
7. Avalon Grille
Avalon Grille is a contemporary-style restaurant that specializes in local fish and high-quality meats. Its seating area is styled in elegance with its wooden surfaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and airy patio.
Avalon Grille is definitely a solid choice if you want a change from the casual scenery of the island and want to have a romantic dinner with your partner or a fine dining meal with your family or friends. Avalon Grille’s menu is full of delicious choices, but we also recommend leaving space for the mouthwatering Peach Tartlet!
We split the Meatless Meat Loaf which came with a soy meat loaf, mashed potatoes, broccolini and creamy mushroom sauce. We also ordered a side of Fall Vegetable Succotash which was a seasonal mix of roasted veggies.
😋 Tip: Try the famous Wrigley Martini.
8. NDMK Fish House
If you’re a fish fan or love sushi and poke bowls, go to NDMK Fish House. This spot is celebrated for its incredibly fresh fish, providing a true taste of the island. We stopped by for brunch and started with Edamame as an appetizer and asked for the crunchy Chili oil to be on the side (instead of on the top). Glad we did since the edamame was a bit oily.
We ordered the Miss Catalina sushi roll and dipped that into the chili oil – so good! The seaweed flavor was mild and the sauce that came with the roll was delicious. The most praised dishes on the menu are sea bass, island lobster, and fish tacos. You can also have quail egg if you’re up for a change!
Besides its flawless menu, NDMK Fish House has a friendly staff. The space is small, and seating is tight. Plus there’s a noticeable fish smell, which fits with the ocean-themed decor, including TV screens showing marine life and fish-themed decorations.
😋 Tip: Fish and chips are the least greasy you’ll have on the island! Also, the Poke bowl and the Sashimi plate are local favorites!
9. Cafe Metropole
If you’re up for a quick bite in a friendly and charming cafe, Cafe Metropole is a great choice. It’s small and you just order at the casher and wait for your name to be called for the food. The cafe’s decor is simple and modern and it has a few tables inside but more outdoor seating.
Its menu includes healthy and refreshing choices like smoothie bowls, salads, and avocado toast, so it’s a safe bet if you don’t want to ruin your diet while on vacation. Other than that, it serves delicious sandwiches, with people’s favorites being the tuna melt and the vegan choices like chickpeas.
We each ordered the veggie Pressed Sandie which came with mixed greens and house vinaigrette. The sandwich came with roasted bell pepper, onion, zucchini, yellow squash, avocado and hummus. I got it on sourdough bread and Kiran’s on whole wheat bread and we ate half of each of ours to taste them both.
😋 Tip: If you’re looking for a light lunch or a snack, come here.
10. Pancake Cottage
If you want to have a homestyle breakfast to kick off your day with a perfect start, Pancake Cottage is your go-to restaurant. Its menu is full of tasty choices, including waffles, omelets, and skillets. But, of course, the pancakes are the star of the menu, especially the cinnamon roll stack.
The restaurant also serves a few selections for lunch and dinner, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads. We came here before our Casino tour and split a Build Your Own Omelet with 3 egg whites, spinach, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, Ortega peppers with sourdough toast and hash browns.
We also noticed that one of the guys working here was also at Mi Casita the other day that we visited – small world!
😋 Tip: Other than the cinnamon roll stack, the hash browns and the chicken fried steak are local favorites!
11. Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co.
Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co is not just a cozy spot for a pick-me-up; it’s an island staple celebrating 20 years of serving happiness in a cup (and on a plate)! We swung by for brunch and mixed it up with sides of fire-roasted corn, fresh arugula, and roasted veggies. It’s a snug place inside, but they’ve got some outdoor seating.
Located in the Metropole Marketplace, this spot is the go-to for breakfast, brunch or a midday coffee run. We came back in the afternoon for their rich Kona blend coffee and the popular Eclipse cookie. That cookie was so soft and chewy!
12. Descanso Beach Club
Descanso Beach Club offers one of the best waterfront views on Catalina Island, making it a perfect spot to enjoy both the scenery and delicious food. It’s only a 15-minute walk from downtown Avalon and features lots of outdoor seating, best if you love soaking in the sun.
We each ordered a veggie wrap with coleslaw and charged it to the room, and after a 15-minute wait signaled by a buzzer, found them tasty but not quite filling. We ended up at El Galleon for more, enjoying fresh broccoli and a loaded baked potato. The beach club is also the place to be on Saturdays in the summer with a live DJ setting the party atmosphere.
😋 Tip: We recommend the Mango margarita and the surf & turf nachos, a great snack after getting out of the ocean.
13. Bistro at the Atwater
If you’re looking for a quick grab-and-go breakfast or lunch, then go to Bistro at the Atwater. Even though it’s small, it makes a large statement with its trendy decor.
Since it’s in connected to Hotel Atwater where we stayed, it was a quick walk to get breakfast. We started our day there with oatmeal with bananas & yogurt parfaits with berries and granola. Kiran chose almond oatmeal and an Americano and I chose blueberry maple oatmeal and an organic Jasmine green tea.
The yogurt didn’t taste fresh, which was a bit of a bummer. But they have loads of other choices like breakfast burritos, bagels, croissants, muffins, sandwiches and salads.
14. Bluewater Grill
The splendid view of Avalon Harbor’s waters and seafood-centered menu have made Bluewater Grill one of the most sought-after restaurants on the island. It’s a casual dining place that provides a friendly ambiance and excellent service, perfect for a laidback meal in between visiting tourist attractions.
There’s also a kid’s section suitable for ages ten and under, which is ideal in case you’re on a family vacation. Best of all, the restaurant is wheelchair-friendly and has vegetarian and vegan options to ensure everybody enjoys their food!
😋 Tip: The best dishes on Bluewater Grill’s menu are Italy’s Cioppino, the lobster roll, and the free sourdough bread.
15. Buffalo Nickel
Buffalo Nickel Inc promises you a chill dining experience complemented by bold Mexican flavors and premium choices from the sea. Its most acclaimed dishes are the charbroiled Mahi Mahi, burritos, and BBQ. The fajitas, quesadillas, and build-your-own-pizza selections are must-tries, too.
It’s your go-to choice if you want to have a laid-back dinner on the island. Best of all, the restaurant has menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you’re all set for the day!
😋 Tip: Try the famous Buffalo Milk drink – it includes banana, Crème de Cacao, nutmeg, and more!
16. The Sandtrap
The Sandtrap is another Mexican restaurant on Catalina Island, famous for its wide selection of delicious tacos. Its best dishes are ground beef tacos, street tacos, chilaquiles, and carnitas tacos. The place is known for its casual ambiance, ideal for a slow day on the island.
On top of that, it has an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy the warm weather and the passing crowds. The Sandtrap is one of the best places to go for brunch or a quick snack. It’s also accessible for wheelchairs and has a TV with live sports going on.
😋 Tip: Go during 2-7 pm for happy hour street tacos and drinks.
17. Luau Larry’s
You might be shocked at the crowds that fill Luau Larry’s at night, but believe us, they have good reason to be there. The Hawaiian and tiki-themed restaurant serves mouthwatering meals with a friendly and casual flair that’ll leave you craving more.
Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, burgers, or salads, you’ll find what you’re looking for on its menu. Best of all, the place offers live music with a waterfront view of Avalon Harbor. It’s also wheelchair accessible.
😋 Tip: Although Luau Larry’s has a diverse menu, its most loved plates are oysters, fish and chips, and ahi salad. And make sure to get the Wiki Wacker!
18. Original Jack’s Country Kitchen
Original Jack’s Country Kitchen treats you to delicious meals with a homey feel, perfect for those who want to get away from the busyness of the island for a while. It’s famous for its filling and tasty breakfast dishes, the most acclaimed ones being the eggs benedict, the French toast specials, and the house specialties.
The restaurant also has menus for lunch and desserts, but they aren’t as praised and famous around the island as the breakfast menu. Best of all, whether you’re on a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diet, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious meal in Original Jack’s Country Kitchen!
😋 Tip: Get the Nova Scotia Benedict, Portuguese French Toast, and Huevos Rancheros.
19. The Lobster Trap
If you’re looking for a local fav and you’re craving seafood, head to The Lobster Trap. The restaurant is known for its fresh food plates, the most famous ones being the Catalina local lobster and lobster salad. The menu also has gluten-free and vegetarian options. Go to The Lobster Trap if you want to get to know the locals better and taste Catalina Island’s authentic sea life flavors!
😋 Tip: We recommend the New England clam chowder, lobster roll, and lobster tacos.
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