Catalina Island Restaurants
Dozens of restaurants, ranging from fine dining to fast food, dot the Avalon Harbor shoreline and the streets surrounding it. No matter what style of dining or style of cuisine
you’re looking for, you’ll find it in one of the following restaurants.
Fine dining |
One of the finest restaurants on the island, Ristorante Villa Portofino features a range of Italian and
continental dishes created by Executive Chef Greg Wenger. With Tuscan décor and a waterfront location, the Villa Portofino has become a favorite of locals and visitors alike. The Catalina Country Club was once the playground of the Chicago
Cubs and is now open to the public for lunch and dinner seven days a week and Sunday Brunch in the summer months. Organic beef and sustainably harvested seafood entrées on the Country Club’s menu are
complimented by an extensive wine list. At Steve’s Steakhouse, diners will
find a classic steakhouse menu, friendly service and a stunning view of Avalon Harbor. With both indoor and outdoor dining as well as an eclectic menu and nightly chef’s specials, the Channel House is a regular stop for many Island visitors.
Lunch and dinner are served nightly.
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Casual |
The gold standard in Avalon for fresh seafood, Armstrong’s has an ideal location perched over Avalon
Harbor. Lunch and dinner are served on an outdoor deck and an indoor dining room. The Landing has one of the best views in the city and its
menu features an eclectic mix of pizza, pasta, seafood and steaks. El Galleon offers a wide range of entrées and daily karaoke. Busy Bee features waterfront dining
for breakfast and lunch.
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Something different |
The Descanso Beach Club is a private beach club located just
west of the Casino. With cocktail service on the sand and a menu of appetizers, salads and sandwiches, Descanso is open daily in the summer months. Located at the Airport in the Sky, about 10 miles
from Avalon in the interior of the island, Buffalo Springs Station offers unique burgers, gourmet
sandwiches and Mexican entrées. Although transportation must be arranged, the view of planes landing and buffalo grazing is worth the extra effort. Burgers, sandwiches, pizza, Mexican specialties,
steaks and fish can all be found at the Buffalo Nickel, which is located about a mile out of town on Pebbly Beach Road. Delivery is available, as is a shuttle bus to the restaurant’s location.
Families won’t want to miss a trip to Antonio’s Cabaret, which is perched over Avalon Harbor. With
a décor of historic local signs and peanuts that can be tossed on the floor, Antonio’s is a great place to take the kids for pizza and sandwiches. In the shadow of the historic Casino building, the Casino Dock Café is open in the summer months with a full
bar, a casual menu and a great view of Avalon Harbor. Luau Larry’s is the consummate island bar, with Jimmy Buffet on the sound system and a menu of burgers, sandwiches and appetizers.
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Mexican |
Catalina Cantina offers great people watching to accompany its menu of Mexican specialties, casual American dishes and a vast array of margaritas. Coyote Joe’s has both indoor and outdoor seating, a full bar and a menu of tacos,
nachos and other Mexican entrées. Mi Casita has become famous for its casuelas, which is the perfect drink to enjoy along with the
restaurant’s menu of classic Mexican entrées and warm hospitality.
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Asian |
A favorite of visitors and locals alike, Mr. Ning’s features traditional Chinese dining in a casual atmosphere. Open for lunch and dinner, Ning’s regular menu is
complimented by a number of daily specials. Flip’s Saltwater Bar and Grill is Avalon’s only sushi bar,
offering typical Japanese rolls as well as a number that have been developed just for the island. Steaks, tempura and other entrées are also available as is live entertainment on summer evenings.
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Breakfast |
A number of restaurants in Avalon offer classic American breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. The Cottage Restaurant, Joe’s Place and Sally’s Waffle Shop are all located
close to the green Pleasure Pier.
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Fast food |
Avalon has a number of places to pick up a quick burger, grab some fish and chips or order a sandwich to go. Burgers and sandwiches can be found at Coney Island West, Eric’s
on the Pier, Pete’s Plaza Café and the Pic Nic Fry. Pic Nic Fry is also frequently open until after 2 a.m. Deli style sandwiches are the order of the day at Lori’s Good Stuff, Debbie's Island Deli and Von’s Express. Topless Taco and Avalon Seafood all offer a quick bite,
as does Katie’s Kitchen, the Sand Trap and The Barbecue Place.
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Coffee Bars |
While there is no Starbuck’s in Avalon, java junkies can get their fix at CC Gallagher’s, the Catalina Cookie Company or Courtyard Coffee. |
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