Eat Like a Local: The Best Food Experiences on Catalina Island

When you’re visiting Catalina Island, maybe your accommodations will come with a coffee maker. The idea is that you can enjoy your morning joe in your pajamas while on vacation–without having to head out the door. But, one of the best things about traveling to new places is discovering the local favorite spots for a cup of coffee (or pastries), a creamy ice cream cone, the tastiest tacos, or even some hidden gems off the beaten path. Avalon is the perfect town for finding sweet treats, fun cocktails, and memorable meals–all within walking distance from wherever you’re staying. Better yet, you can join our walking Catalina Food Tour to visit special spots around town all in one go. Read on to learn more about how to eat like a local, and discover some of the best food experiences on Catalina Island. 

Start your day right. Skip the Keurig cups, and head to the charming brick-paved Metropole Marketplace. In the heart of this marketplace you’ll find Catalina Coffee and Cookie Company. Open from 6am to 6pm, don’t be surprised if there’s a line out the door when you come to place your order. Skip the line and order online -- it’s a popular spot–for many good reasons. Some of those reasons include: breakfast burritos, ham and cheese croissants, blueberry scones, and the best cinnamon roll ever. Coffee options are aplenty from hot to iced, including: caramel butter rum flavored coffee, white mochas, and all the classics like espresso and cappuccino. Take your coffee and snacks to go as you stroll through Avalon, or grab a newspaper and sit on the serpentine wall with your java to savor a slow morning–just like a local. 

Have a healthy lunch with a side of adventure. If you really were a Catalina local, you could pack your cooler with goods from your fridge for a beach day, but, thanks to Cafe Metropole, you can still have a local-like picnic around Avalon. In addition to a great selection of fresh sandwiches, pitas, smoothies, bowls, avo toasts, salads, and snacks, this cafe offers real island experiences with 5 different options for packed picnic excursions.

Try some true island cuisine. It’s not going to be a surprise that seafood is popular on an island.  For the freshest fish tacos, head to NDMK fish house ( pronounced “endemic), where you can choose from items like a spicy tuna sandwich, Catalina Cioppino, and fresh ceviche. They also serve classic fish tacos with your choice of fish–blackened or deep fried. NDMK’s sister restaurant, Topside, has top notch views of Avalon and offers exciting seafood choices like scallops on the half shell, surf and turf sliders, local lobster, or fresh catch tartare. Ask any local where their favorite spot is and most will send you to The Lobster Trap -- another great location to discover fresh, locally caught seafood. 

Make lunch dessert a thing. If you’re visiting the island, you’ll note that a busy spot for local kids–and truly, adults too–is Lloyd’s of Avalon. Established in 1941, this sweet shop has been making fresh fudge and saltwater taffy for islanders and visitors for decades. Swing by for a midday pick me up–some candy, an ice cream cone, a fun frozen drink, a caramel apple, or–of course–some saltwater taffy. 

Have a happy hour. Some of the most memorable times around Catalina are spent sipping away at cocktail hour. You’ll know when cocktail hour is by the blast of boat horns in the harbor. Head to the Marlin Club for an Avalon Pain Killer or a Buffalo Milk–both favorite local libations. The Marlin Club is Avalon’s oldest dive bar, and its sea-faring decor is not to be missed during your live-like-a-local visit. If you prefer some good snacks with your drinks, head over to El Galleon for their happy hour specials. For an even happier hour, be sure to catch karaoke–on Saturday nights at El Galleon.  

Corazon de Avalon. When it comes to great food on Catalina Island, Mexican cuisine holds a very special place in Avalon's heart. Whether you're savoring award-winning margaritas and gourmet street tacos at Maggie's Blue Rose right on Crescent Avenue, grabbing a casual bite and cold drink at the laid-back Coyote Joe's, or digging into Mexican-inspired lunch and dinner favorites at the beloved Buffalo Nickel, there's a flavor and vibe for every mood and every visitor. Next time you're on the island and the craving hits, let the rhythm of Avalon guide you to one of these local favorites — you really can't go wrong!

Don’t skip dinner. If you’re up for a quick and casual bite, head to Catalina Charlie’s for burgers, hot dogs, tacos, burritos, or salads. If you’d rather make dinner more of an event, book a table at The M, Blue Water Grill or Steve’s Steakhouse. These Avalon establishments are the best places for a sit-down dinner downtown, and all offer great surf and turf options. 

Does this seem like too much to do on your own?  Catalina Food Tours can help! Book a 2.5-hour walking food tour of Avalon, and taste the favorite flavors of Catalina. A foodie guide will take you to at least 5 local stops where you’ll sample an assortment of entrees, drinks, and desserts. Taking a Catalina Food Tour gives you the added bonus of fun facts about Catalina landmarks and legends. Got a big crew visiting Catalina with you? Private tours are available too. Food tours run daily, rain or shine! Book your walking food tour of Avalon here.