Dining in Avalon in the Summer: Everything You Need To Know

When you walk around the streets of Avalon in the summer, it’s a feast for the senses. Bright beach chairs and towels dot the sandy shoreline. Beautiful scenery abounds. Little waves lap at the shore all day, and boat horns sound at 5 o’clock, reminding everyone that it’s happy hour. The town bustles with kids playing, golf carts humming along, and live music pouring from local watering holes. Morning clouds can offer a cool start to the day before the sun shines warmly in the afternoon. If you time it right, you’ll smell fresh waffle cones baking at Catalina’s ice cream shops, or catch the scent of dinner prep happening at local restaurants. 

With all these sights, sounds, feelings, and scents–there’s only one thing left to do: enjoy the tastes that Avalon has to offer. Catalina’s culinary scene is what you might expect from an island town–and more. Read on to learn everything you need to know about dining in Avalon in the summer.

It can be a busy place! Summer in Avalon is the busiest time of year for this island town. That means the restaurants tend to be a bit more packed, especially during times like the dinner rush from 6 to 8pm, and even more so on the weekends. Even some weekdays can be bustling downtown, thanks to the cruise ships that come to port. Weeknight dinners at off times might be your best bet for booking a reservation. Check with local restaurants to see if they give you the option to book a table. Steve’s Steakhouse is a great spot for fine dining and bay views. And if food is a major fun part of your vacation, keep this in mind: A great way to experience some of the best dining in Avalon without the crazy crowds is to book a Catalina Food Tour. A food tour is a unique dining adventure that allows participants to partake in many different flavors at favorite spots around Avalon. In addition, you’ll get to learn a bit about Catalina’s culture and history. 

You’ll find fresh local seafood.  While Catalina can be a year-round destination, anglers around Avalon happen to have a lot of luck during the summer months. For centuries, the island has been fed by its surrounding waters. Some of the best local catches can be sampled at NDMK fish house (pronounced “endemic”). This family-owned business does a great job of sourcing and publicizing where their fresh seafood ingredients originate, making it a fantastic choice for sustainability. Around Avalon, you’ll also find that many establishments offer fresh fish dishes. The Lobster Trap is a favorite local go-to for excellent yellowtail, halibut, swordfish, and of course, lobster. Coyote Joe’s, in addition to having solid Mexican food items, includes fresh shrimp and fish in many dishes. 

On the waterfront. An island location comes with lovely views at many places. Bluewater Avalon is one of the best bets for having a meal right on the water in Avalon. There is plenty of delicious surf and turf cuisine here, and the kids’ menu has some fresh and healthy options as well. If you don’t need to be right on the water, head up to Topside to get gorgeous views from up high alongside your breakfast, lunch, dinner, or cocktails.

Grab and go. Avalon is such a walkable town. Fuel your morning at Catalina Coffee and Cookie Co. where you can get coffee, pastries, and even breakfast burritos or sandwiches on the go. Need a healthy snack or lunch for the beach? Cafe Metropole can help with that. There are plenty of casual eateries around town if you’d rather spend more time adventuring than sitting down and dining. 

Sample the island’s favorite flavors. Maybe you’re having three square meals on vacation, but we would be remiss to leave out some of the most fun items in Avalon’s food and drink repertoire. 

• Buffalo milk: Almost every bar on the island offers a version of a Buffalo Milk–a blended homage to the island’s bison population. Legend has it that the drink was created in Two Harbors (the town on the West End of the island), but head to some of our favorite Catalina Food Tours stops–El Galleon or The Marlin Club–to try one in Avalon. 

• Sweets and treats: All island towns should have a favorite sweet shoppe. In Avalon, that’s Lloyd’s, purveyor of confections like fresh fudge, decadent caramel apples, ice cream, candy, and locally made saltwater taffy. 

Book a Catalina Food Tour. A sure way not to miss out on the best that Avalon’s food scene has to offer is to try it all on a tour. When you take a Catalina Food Tour, an experienced foodie guide will lead you to five or more tasting (and drinking) locations. The tour includes just less than one mile of walking through Avalon, and you’ll sample beverages, entrees, and desserts along the way. Be sure to book ahead of time for a Catalina Food Tour. Questions? Give us a call at 310-961-3730, or reach out to us online.