Catalina Island's Best Waterfront Dining: A Stop-by-Stop Food Tour Along Crescent Avenue

For the original people of Catalina, their diet was closely tied to the Pacific Ocean. Some of the first foods of the native islanders were fish, shellfish, and even seals. They also foraged for prickly pear and acorns and would eat quail and water fowl as well.  Our modern day diets have evolved immensely, and so has Catalina’s food scene.

Everything is better by the water, and in Catalina, the waterfront dining scene is excellent. Fortunately, an island location allows for morning walks with coffee by the water, brunch by the bay, lunch under the sun, and dinners with ocean views. In Catalina, you can even grab a midday bite or an ice cream cone and pull up a seat on the beach. 

Read on to learn more about Catalina Island’s best waterfront dining, and discover how great a stop-by-stop food tour along Crescent Avenue can be. 

A Catalina Food Tour is a strong start to your trip. Whether you’re staying on Catalina just for the day, or you’re planning a longer vacation, starting with a food tour is ideal. You’ll join a foodie tour guide as you check out at least 5 different eateries around Avalon. The total walking distance is just less than one mile, and you’ll get to try highly rated entrees, drinks, and desserts along the way. 

Perhaps one of the most beneficial things of a Catalina Food Tour–other than a full belly-is the fact that you get to try so much of Avalon’s best cuisine in one excursion. With all of your newfound foodie knowledge, you can venture to more waterfront dining spots around Avalon later, or you can revisit some favorites and try even more dishes (or cocktails!). 

It’s more than just food. Of course, you’ll get some great waterfront dining views and delicious bites on your walking tour. In addition to that, Catalina Food Tour guides deliver a fully cultural experience, complete with local lore about the food, the chefs, and even establishment history. As you cruise through your Avalon food tour, you will also get to sight see and check out some memorable landmarks and charming island spots. 

A bit about some favorite waterfront establishments: Catalina Food Tours visit at least 5 stops each tour. Learn a little about a few different waterfront ones before you go. 

• El Galleon: A restaurant with the namesake of a seaworthy Spanish warship must also come with some gorgeous ocean views. One of the coolest parts of El Galleon might be its arched doorways and dining patio that open out onto Avalon’s Crescent Avenue. This open-air setting allows for views of town and the Pacific while enjoying specials like Baja calamari, prime rib melt, flat iron steak frite, or lemon grass chicken crunch salad. Come back on Friday and Saturday nights for late night karaoke. 

• Bluewater Avalon: At Bluewater, you can sit overlooking some of the bluest ocean water as you enjoy a waterfront meal.  This restaurant aims to be a reflection of its community–so everything from the ambience to the menu options is truly Catalina inspired. Seafood is sustainably caught, and often prepared with a classic style or a modern twist. Try seared scallops with roasted jalapeno aioli or a Tuscan seared tuna salad. There are so many great choices at Bluewater–right on the water. 

• Steve’s Steakhouse and Seafood: In the summer, Steve’s offers truly waterfront dining; in the evening, the restaurant moves dining tables out to the sand in Avalon and serve signature dishes on the beach. Dining also happens in the equally lovely upstairs dining room at Steve’s–with a view from up high over Avalon. Head here for starters like some sliced blackened ahi or coconut shrimp, or have the full fine dining experience with a local swordfish or New York steak dinner. 

• Topside by NDMK: This unique spot in Avalon offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and amazing panoramic views over Avalon Harbor. Early birds can enjoy a hangover breakfast burrito or a purple (blueberry) pancake stack. Lunch on surf and turf sliders or a catch of the day sandwich. Dinner is especially gorgeous at Topside, with twinkling boat lights and shimmering ocean water, paired with steamed clams in spaghetti or Catalina Island lobster. 

• Lloyd’s of Avalon: You won’t find a place to sit inside of this sweet shop, but you can take your treats to go. Walk along the front street or beaches in Avalon with a bag of freshly pulled saltwater taffy, homemade fudge, ice cream, or candy from this island favorite since 1941.  

Where will a Catalina Food Tour take you? Food tours meet right in the middle of Avalon at the Wrigley Fountain. From there, you’ll venture on to the most delicious experience of your Catalina trip, complete with some of Catalina Island’s best waterfront dining. Locals and visitors alike have loved this experience. Head to the Catalina Food Tours website to learn more, or book your tour today!