For many Southern California boaters, Catalina Island has long been synonymous with turquoise water, picturesque harbors and the unmistakable charm of Mediterranean-inspired architecture rising above Avalon Bay. Visitors come for the moorings, the fishing, the hiking trails, and the chance to slow down — on island time.
But increasingly, they’re staying for the food.
Over the past several years, Catalina has quietly developed into one of Southern California’s most distinctive dining destinations, where waterfront restaurants, fresh seafood, island-inspired cuisine and talented chefs have become just as much a part of the Catalina experience as dropping anchor in Avalon Harbor or tying up in Two Harbors.
The island’s growing culinary reputation is perhaps best showcased during Taste Around Avalon, Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority’s annual celebration of the island’s restaurants, chefs, bartenders and cafés. Each spring, residents and visitors stroll through Avalon sampling signature dishes, desserts and handcrafted cocktails before voting for their favorites. More than just a competition, the event celebrates the creativity, quality and hospitality that define Catalina’s dining scene.
This year’s event drew more than 1,000 residents and visitors who sampled offerings from restaurants throughout Avalon. Steve’s Steakhouse & Seafood claimed first place in the Food category with its Prime New York Steak, Jumbo Shrimp and Armenian Wedding Rice, while Maggie’s Blue Rose earned second place in the Cocktail category with its Guava Margarita and tied for third in the Food category with its Chicken Mole, Shrimp Poblano Enchiladas and Spicy Mango Salad. Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority President and CEO Jim Luttjohann said the event continues to showcase the creativity, talent and hospitality that make Avalon such a unique culinary destination.
The 21st Annual Taste Around Avalon is already scheduled for June 3, 2027.
While Catalina is known for its relaxed waterfront atmosphere, its dining scene extends far beyond casual dockside fare. Visitors will find everything from fresh-off-the-grill seafood and locally inspired specialties to handcrafted cocktails, premium steaks, authentic Italian cuisine and chef-driven menus featuring high-quality ingredients.
Many restaurants embrace the island’s maritime setting with open-air patios, harbor views and end-of-the-dock locations where guests can watch boats drift by while enjoying dinner just steps from the water. Others surprise visitors with refined dining experiences that rival those found on the mainland.
For boaters making the crossing, a memorable meal has become another reason to spend an extra night on the island. Whether grabbing lunch after a morning on the water, enjoying happy hour overlooking Avalon Harbor, or sitting down for dinner after a day of exploring, Catalina’s restaurants have become destinations in their own right.
In the following pages, The Log highlights Catalina’s vibrant culinary scene — featuring several of the restaurants that helping shaped it. Each offers its own unique flavors, atmosphere, and reason to pull up a chair.
Coyote Joe’s Bar & Restaurant
A long-time Avalon favorite since 1982, Coyote Joe’s Bar & Restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine just steps from the waterfront. Guests can start with the popular queso fundido with chorizo, coconut shrimp or fried calamari before diving into hearty house specialties like traditional chicken pozole, Mexican shrimp cocktail or the restaurant’s loaded Ryan’s Gnarly Nachos — a local favorite piled high with your choice of protein, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch after a morning on the water or winding down with dinner and drinks after a day exploring Avalon, Coyote Joe’s offers a lively island atmosphere and generous portions that’ve kept boaters and visitors coming back for decades.
Location: 113 Catalina Ave., Avalon, CA 90704
Phone: (310) 510-1176
Hours: Open daily, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
For more information, visit coyotejoesbarandrestuarant.com.
Steve’s Steakhouse & Seafood
For more than five decades, Steve’s Steakhouse & Seafood has been a Catalina Island dining tradition, pairing panoramic views of Avalon Harbor with an extensive menu of premium steaks, fresh seafood and handcrafted cocktails. Located inside the Hotel Vista Del Mar, the waterfront restaurant is known for signature entrées such as fresh swordfish, when available, blackened ahi tuna, Avalon-style shrimp or scallops, tender filet mignon, and a flavorful 12-ounce New York steak.
The restaurant’s reputation was further cemented during the 2026 Taste Around Avalon, where it captured first place in the Food category with its winning combination of Prime New York Steak, Jumbo Shrimp and Armenian Wedding Rice.
Owner Steve Bray said the restaurant has built its reputation by remaining committed to consistency, pairing premium ingredients with what he describes as “drop dead gorgeous views of Avalon Bay.” Just as important, Bray said, is the team behind the scenes.
“We are all family here and get along as a well-oiled machine,” he said, noting that many employees stay with the restaurant long-term. Looking ahead, Bray said guests can continue to expect the same familiar faces, attentive service and talented kitchen staff, along with seasonal menu changes that introduce fresh flavors throughout the year.
Guests can begin their meal with favorites including ponzu scallops on the half shell, oysters on the half shell or coconut shrimp, then toast the evening with one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails, including the Catalina Iced Tea, Mai Tai or Pomegranate Margarita. Whether celebrating a special occasion, enjoying dinner after a day on the water or taking in a Catalina sunset from the outdoor patio, Steve’s combines elevated coastal cuisine with one of the island’s most iconic harborfront settings.
Location: Hotel Vista Del Mar, 417 Crescent Ave., Avalon, CA 90704
Phone: (310) 510-0333
Hours: Friday, 4:30 to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, 4:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Sunday, 4:00 to 8:30 p.m.; Monday through Thursday, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
For more information, go to stevessteakhouse.com.
Maggie’s Blue Rose
A Catalina Island favorite for waterfront Mexican cuisine, Maggie’s Blue Rose combines award-winning flavors with panoramic views of Avalon Harbor. Located along Crescent Avenue in the heart of Avalon, the restaurant is known for its lively atmosphere, handcrafted margaritas and creative take on traditional Mexican fare.
According to Brenda Hoefs and her husband Steve, who both own Maggie’s Blue Rose, The M, the Catalina Island Brew House, and The Encanto Cafe, the restaurant is about more than just the menu.
“Maggie’s is all about the experience. It’s vibrant and lively and right in the heart of Avalon on Front Street with a stunning view of the ocean. The margaritas are award winning, the food is bold and flavorful, and there’s a unique warmth to it that is a reflection of our island culture.”
Guests can enjoy specialties such as lobster enchiladas, Dungeness crab enchiladas, the signature seafood-stuffed poblano and flavorful chipotle shrimp, alongside appetizers including crab and corn empanadas, queso fundido and fresh traditional guacamole.
The restaurant also stood out during the 2026 Taste Around Avalon, earning second place in the Cocktail category with its Guava Margarita while tying for third place in the Food category with its Chicken Mole, Shrimp Poblano Enchiladas and Spicy Mango Salad.
Hoefs said the restaurant takes pride in continually elevating both its menu and guest experience.
“The food, drinks and the atmosphere. We have won awards for the best food and drinks in the Taste of Avalon for as many years as we can count! We look forward to being creative and innovative every year and continually upgrading our offerings to wow our customers with fresh flavors and something new.”
Looking ahead, she said Maggie’s Blue Rose plans to continue building on the experience guests have come to expect.
“We’re excited to keep building on what guests already love — new dishes, new drinks, more of those little island touches that make Maggie’s feel like a celebration every time you visit.”
Whether arriving by boat or exploring Avalon on foot, Maggie’s Blue Rose offers a vibrant dining experience that celebrates the flavors and hospitality of Catalina Island.
Location: Metropole Marketplace, 417 Crescent Ave., Avalon, CA 90704
Phone: (310) 510-3300
Visit maggiesbluerose.com for more information.
Catalina Island Brew House
Whether you’re starting the morning with a fresh cup of coffee or winding down with a locally brewed beer, Catalina Island Brew House offers a laid-back gathering spot just steps from Avalon Harbor. Home to the island’s only brewery, the Brew House crafts small-batch beers using desalinated seawater, making it the only place on Catalina where visitors can enjoy beer brewed on the island itself.
According to Brenda Hoefs, the Brew House offers something for guests throughout the day.
“We’re the only spot on the island where you can get beer actually brewed right here on Catalina. We are truly a BREW house, brewing beer and coffee for you all in one beautiful oceanfront location. Start your morning with our fresh brewed coffee and fresh baked pastry, come back in the afternoon for a beer and artisan pizza. We have all your bases covered in Avalon!”
The café opens daily at 7:00 a.m. with fresh-roasted Dancing Goats coffee, specialty teas and breakfast favorites such as egg & cheese croissants, prosciutto & Swiss croissants, and fresh pastries such as cinnamon rolls.
Later in the day, guests can enjoy hearty sandwiches, crisp salads and artisan pizzas, including the Turkey Pesto Panini, Curried Tuna Sandwich, Brew House Salad, and pizzas like the Margherita, Supreme and BBQ Chicken. Rotating house brews include the Island Hop IPA, Gariblondie Blonde Ale, Rabid Fox Amber Ale, Lovers Cove Wheat and Dancing Goat Harbor Porter. Guests can also cool off with the Brew House’s award-winning Sparkling Lavender Lemonade while enjoying the relaxed waterfront atmosphere.
Hoefs said one of the restaurant’s greatest points of pride is the support it receives from both Catalina residents and mainland visitors.
“We owe a lot to the loyalty of our customers. We’ve got locals stopping in for their morning coffee — and when afternoon rolls around, folks wander in for a pint of something you can’t get anywhere else on the island. Not many places can say that.”
Looking to the future, she said the Brew House plans to continue expanding its offerings while remaining a destination guests can enjoy from sunrise to sunset.
“We’re excited to keep growing what guests already love — new brews, new bites — and keep the Brew House the place people build into their whole day, morning to night.”
Location: 417 Crescent Ave., Avalon, CA 90704
Open daily beginning at 7:00 a.m.
(310) 339-8085
For more information, visit catalinabrewhouse.com.
The M Restaurant
From morning coffee overlooking Avalon Harbor to candlelit dinners at sunset, The M Restaurant offers an elevated waterfront dining experience throughout the day. Located on Crescent Avenue in the Metropole Marketplace, the coastal Italian restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, making it a favorite stop for both overnight boaters and day visitors.
For Hoefs, The M is designed to be more than simply a place to dine.
“The M is a place to gather and enjoy. It is a place for celebrations, whether large or intimate. It sort of whisks you away to a place where all that matters is the food, the view, and the company. It’s not just a restaurant with an ocean view; it’s a place that reminds you that enjoying the moment together on our magical island is all that matters.”
Morning guests can enjoy favorites like the Bagel & Lox Tower, Brioche French Toast or Avocado Toast, while lunch features fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches and signature flatbreads. As evening arrives, the menu shifts to Italian-inspired coastal cuisine with dishes such as Manila clams, calamari, handcrafted flatbreads, and house-made Italian meatballs — all complemented by an extensive wine list featuring selections from California, Italy, France and New Zealand.
Hoefs said much of the restaurant’s success comes from the people behind the scenes.
“Our team. The kitchen and the front-of-house staff care about every plate and every guest. We’re family owned and operated, and we believe that the details matter. We share that passion with our staff and hope guests can sense the difference as well.”
Looking ahead, she said the restaurant plans to continue expanding its offerings while building on its reputation as a gathering place overlooking Avalon Harbor.
“We’re always refining the menu, and we’re excited to keep growing our events — weddings, celebrations, gatherings — that make the most of that harbor view. There’s a lot more to come.”
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a leisurely meal after a day on the water, The M pairs seasonal cuisine with sweeping harbor views in one of Avalon’s premier waterfront settings.
Location: Metropole Marketplace, 205 Crescent Ave., Avalon, CA 90704
Phone: (310) 510-8404
Go to mrestaurantandevents.com for more information.
Catalina’s dining scene continues to evolve with the opening of El Encanto Café, a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant housed inside the island’s historic El Encanto building along Avalon’s waterfront. Brenda Hoefs said the restaurant blends Catalina’s rich history with fresh cuisine and a welcoming gathering space.
“The historic El Encanto is an architectural gem on the island, where Mediterranean villa meets Mexican plaza. The food is a reflection of the colorful courtyard — fresh, natural and a treat for the senses,” she said.
Hoefs added that reopening the beloved property has been especially meaningful for the community. “We’re thrilled that El Encanto is open again for all of the public to enjoy. After being closed for so long, we can’t wait for friends, neighbors and visitors to return and enjoy the place that has held so many memories for generations.”
Looking ahead, she said the restaurant will continue to grow as both a dining destination and community gathering place. “We are excited to watch El Encanto grow and to host events that bring people together to enjoy this beautiful space.” The addition of El Encanto Café further expands the island’s diverse culinary offerings, giving boaters and visitors yet another reason to linger ashore after a day on the water.
Luau Larry’s
No Catalina dining guide would be complete without Luau Larry’s, an Avalon institution that has become as much a part of the island experience as the Casino or the waterfront. A favorite among locals, boaters and first-time visitors alike, the lively Polynesian-themed restaurant and bar has built a loyal following with its relaxed atmosphere, tropical cocktails and unmistakable island personality.
Whether you’re stopping in after a day on the water, meeting friends for happy hour, or simply looking for a classic Catalina experience, Luau Larry’s delivers exactly what visitors have come to expect for decades. Menu favorites include fresh oysters on the half shell, ahi poke, deep-fried calamari, Mexican shrimp cocktail, fish and chips, coconut battered shrimp, specialty pizzas, burgers, and the famous Buffalo Burger.
Behind the bar, signature drinks such as the legendary Wiki Wacker, Maui Mai Tai and Paradise Piña Colada have become Catalina traditions in their own right, with many visitors making it a point to order at least one before leaving the island. With great cocktails, casual island fare and an atmosphere that’s unmistakably Catalina, Luau Larry’s continues to be one of Avalon’s most iconic gathering places.
Location: Pavilion Hotel, 509 Crescent Ave., Avalon, CA 90704
Phone: (310) 510-1919
Visit luaularrys.com for more information.
Eric’s on the Pier
Located on Avalon’s iconic Green Pleasure Pier, Eric’s on the Pier has become a favorite stop for boaters, beachgoers and families looking for a casual meal with a front-row view of Avalon Harbor. Just steps from the sand, the open-air eatery offers plenty of outdoor seating where diners can enjoy the harbor atmosphere while watching boats come and go.
Eric’s on the Pier has been serving Avalon since the 1920s, making it one of the island’s longest-running dining traditions. Located on historic Green Pleasure Pier, the casual waterfront restaurant has welcomed generations of locals, boaters and visitors with hearty comfort food and a relaxed atmosphere. Its location also places diners in the heart of one of Catalina’s most storied landmarks. Originally completed in 1909, Green Pleasure Pier has served as Avalon Harbor’s gathering place for more than a century, once functioning as the city’s official sportfishing weigh station and even hosting seaplanes during the 1950s and 1960s.
The menu features a wide variety of casual favorites, from burgers—including the signature Buffalo Burger — to tacos, burritos and Baja-style seafood. Popular choices include the Fish & Chips, Shrimp & Chips, Baja fish tacos and hearty breakfast burritos served in the morning. Guests can also cool off with ice cream, frozen treats, smoothies and cold drinks, or pair lunch with a draft beer or glass of wine.
Katrina Lee says one of the qualities that continues to set Eric’s on the Pier apart is its status as one of Avalon’s oldest dining establishments. She describes the restaurant as an island icon and says the team takes pride not only in its food, but also its service, atmosphere and longstanding connection to Catalina. Looking ahead, Lee says the goal remains simple: to continue serving great food and friendly service while guests enjoy the sunshine and views from Green Pleasure Pier.
Whether stopping by after a morning on the water or grabbing a quick bite before exploring Avalon, Eric’s on the Pier delivers a laid-back island dining experience in one of Catalina’s most recognizable waterfront locations.
Location: 2 Green Pleasure Pier, Avalon, CA 90704
Phone: (310) 510-0894
Hours: Monday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more information, visit ericsonthepier.com.
The Naughty Fox
Tucked inside the Bellanca Hotel, The Naughty Fox offers a fresh take on Catalina dining with a menu that spans breakfast, lunch, dinner, and one of Avalon’s liveliest happy hours. Open daily at 8:00 a.m., the restaurant pairs contemporary California coastal cuisine with a playful personality inspired by Catalina’s iconic island fox.
Owner Stacey Warne said The Naughty Fox has carved out its own identity by blending quality food and craft cocktails with a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
“I think it’s a combination of setting and personality,” Warne said. “The name says it all — we like to have fun at Naughty Fox, so there’s a playful energy. But the cocktails are proper drinks, and the food is high quality.”
Located just across from Avalon Bay, the restaurant offers postcard-worthy views while maintaining what Warne describes as the feel of “a stylish little neighborhood spot.” She added that while the menu is approachable, it also features unexpected twists, with the Ahi Nachos — a colorful combination of ahi poke, mango, chiles and crispy wonton chips — remaining one of guests’ favorite dishes.
Morning visitors can fuel up with favorites like the Catalina Burrito, Avocado Crush toast, French toast topped with whipped honey butter, or a refreshing acai bowl before heading out on the water. As the day progresses, the menu shifts to shareable plates including calamari, hummus and crudités, loaded Island Fries, and the signature Ahi Nachos, along with hearty bowls such as the Surf & Turf Bowl and Ginger Teriyaki Shrimp Bowl. Guests can also customize many of the bowls with a variety of flavorful sauces.
Behind the bar, creative cocktails — including the Foxy Lady, Island Jenny, Chili Mango Margarita and Vic’s Mai Tai — have helped make The Naughty Fox a popular gathering place for afternoon drinks, especially during weekday happy hour.
For Warne, however, the restaurant is about more than food and cocktails.
“Being inside Bellanca Hotel and on Catalina Island means we are part of people’s vacation memories,” she said. “People are often here as part of a celebration — anniversaries, birthdays — we’ve even had a few marriage proposals. We try to really give that personal touch to everyone who dines with us.”
Looking ahead, Warne said guests can continue to expect a fun, welcoming atmosphere paired with elevated comfort food and inventive cocktails.
“We’re not trying to be the fanciest restaurant on the island,” she said. “We are aiming for a fun spot that also has great food.” She added that, in her opinion, The Naughty Fox serves some of the island’s most interesting cocktails — drinks that aren’t gimmicky but might just convince guests to stay for one more round.
Location: Bellanca Hotel, 111 Crescent Ave., Avalon, CA 90704
Phone: (310) 510-0555
Hours: Breakfast, 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.; Lunch & Dinner, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Happy Hour, Monday through Thursday, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Go to bellancahotel.com/the-naughty-fox/ for more information.
Whether you’re looking for an award-winning steak dinner, waterfront Mexican cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, fresh seafood or a legendary island watering hole, Catalina’s restaurants continue to prove there’s far more to the island than beautiful harbors alone. As Taste Around Avalon demonstrates each year, the island’s culinary scene is every bit as memorable as its coves and coastlines. For boaters making the crossing, planning where to eat has become just as important as planning where to tie up. And with the next Taste Around Avalon already set for June 3, 2027, there has never been a better time to discover why Catalina has become one of Southern California’s premier waterfront dining destinations.
Antonio’s Pizzeria
Last but not least — and a longtime Avalon favorite — Antonio’s Pizzeria has been serving locals and visitors since 1977, earning a reputation as one of Catalina Island’s go-to spots for hearty Italian comfort food. Located just a short walk from the waterfront on Sumner Avenue, the family-friendly restaurant offers dine-in and takeout options, making it a convenient stop after a day on the water or exploring town.
Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Antonio’s has spent more than four decades serving handcrafted pizzas, pasta dinners, salads and oversized sandwiches. Signature menu items include the Margherita Pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza and the restaurant’s specialty sourdough pepperoni pizza. Diners can also choose from pasta favorites such as spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccine Alfredo, shrimp scampi, chicken pesto, lasagna and ravioli, while sandwich options range from Italian submarines and pastrami dips to meatball subs and Philly cheesesteaks.
Other customer favorites include Antonio’s Cheese Crisp, hot garlic bread, jumbo roasted chicken wings and the restaurant’s famous “Mamma Mia’s Day Old Spaghetti,” a baked dish featuring chilled spaghetti and meatballs blended with olive oil, butter, mushrooms, onions, Parmesan cheese and topped with melted mozzarella and Jack cheese before being served with garlic bread and salad.
The beverage menu includes imported and domestic beers, California and imported wines, specialty coffees and Italian ice, making it easy to pair a meal with a refreshing drink after a day on Catalina.
For many visitors, Antonio’s has become part of the Catalina tradition. As the restaurant puts it, “If you haven’t been to Antonio’s, you haven’t been to Avalon.”
Location: 114 Sumner Ave., Avalon, CA 90704
Hours: Open daily for lunch and dinner
Phone: (310) 510-0060
Visit antonioscatalina.com for more information.