Fresh Catch & Local Flavor: A Seafood Lover's Food Tour of Avalon, Catalina Island

It is fascinating to think about the first residents of Catalina. The island’s native people–the Tongva–had fishing practices that matched the island’s unique location. Using fish hooks made of bone or soapstone, large nets, and wooden and bone harpoons, the Tongva people would hunt and fish everything from seals and sea lions to abalone, crab, octopus, lobster, yellowtail, and tuna. They’d fish from their ti’at, long plank-built canoes that were sewn and sealed together for deep channel fishing trips. Catalina fishing has evolved over the centuries. In 1898, The Tuna Club was founded in Avalon, and it remains one of the oldest fishing clubs in the United States. 

Today, there is a mindful approach to fishing with a focus on protecting the sea and sea life with Marine Protected Areas and sustainability practices when it comes to dining. Catalina has some seasonal favorites like seabass and spiny lobster, and its Green Pleasure Pier remains a main meetup spot for many local fishermen. The “fish for the future” mentality of today allows for great appreciation for and celebration of fresh catches and local flavors. Taking a Catalina Food Tour allows you to experience many different local seafood specials from favorite island eateries. Read on to discover A Seafood Lover’s Food Tour of Avalon, Catalina Island.

El Galleon: A favorite local establishment since 1967, this is a special stop on the Catalina Food Tour. While a food tour will come with some set offerings, check out these featured seafood items on their menu. For starters: there’s scallop and clam chowder, a nice take on the New England version that has bay scallops, clams, potatoes, onions, cream, and spices. Or, try Baja calamari, seasoned with roasted poblano peppers and cilantro, served with chipotle and lime aioli. Firecracker shrimp come with El Galleon’s secret spicy sweet sauce. Maybe your food tour will encourage you to try some larger plates like beer-battered fish and chips, shrimp scampi linguine, or an ahi tuna poke bowl. For classic Catalina seafood items, check out El Galleon’s seasonal fresh fish sandwich, the fresh catch of the day, or Baja fish tacos.

Coyote Joe’s: Catalina’s proximity to Mexico means the island is blessed with the influence of Mexican culinary flavors. Coyote Joe’s offers many dishes featuring shrimp: Mexican shrimp cocktail, camarones a la diabla, ceviche, camarones al mojo de ajo, caldo de camaron, and even a shrimp and avocado burrito.  

NDMK and Topside by NDMK: Created by locals, NDMK is a fish house that serves some of the freshest catches in town. Not only does their menu feature fish tacos, fish sandwiches, and fish and chips, it also showcases some special dishes like local spiny lobster and house-made Catalina cioppino. Topside is NDMK’s sister restaurant that offers apps like oysters, scallops, lobster ravioli as well as fun pasta seafood dishes such as steamed clams in spaghetti, dark seas pasta, and shrimp noodles. For the true seafood fans, there’s the local catch grilled fish plate, Catalina lobster, and Alaskan king crab legs.

The Lobster Trap: One of Avalon's most popular restaurant also has some of its best seafood. The Lobster Trap features an array of fresh fish and shellfish. Favorites include macadamia nut crusted sea bass, whole local lobster and their poke, as well as their clam chowder, a favorite of visitors and locals alike. Looking for something a little more casual? Check out The Trap's sister restaurant, Avalon Seafood, which has been an institution on the end of the green Pleasure Pier since the 1900s.

Bluewater Grill Avalon: This seafood establishment sits on the old site of the SS Catalina Ferry dock, and its menu boasts seafood cooked in a number of fabulous ways: sauteed sand dabs, roasted barramundi, pan seared salmon, blackened swordfish, and miso glazed cod. There’s also offerings of oysters, clams, mussels, prawns, lobster, and crab in addition to many fish dishes –served boat-to-plate fresh. 

Steve’s Steakhouse and Seafood: The Catalina Food tour often makes a stop at Steve’s, which has an amazing view of Avalon Bay. Fresh seafood dishes here include: swordfish, blackened ahi tuna, broiled shrimp, twin lobster tails, shrimp or scallops Avalon (scampi) style, salmon, and calamari steak. Land lubbers can also get their turf favorites at Steve’s such as steaks, burgers, chicken, and lamb.

Taste all the flavors of Catalina! Take a walking food tour with a local guide who will lead you to at least 5 locations throughout Avalon. The walk is less than one mile, and you’ll get to sample entrees, desserts, and drinks along the way. In addition, you’ll also feast on fun local lore and island history. This experience is local-tested and approved! Visitors of all kinds–couples, friends, bachelorette groups, and even company outings have all taken the food tour around Avalon. It’s a great way to get the lay of the land and enjoy the fresh catches and local flavors of Catalina. 

Ready to book? Give us a call at 310-961-3730, or book a tour online using our booking link.