Where To Find The Best Seafood Restaurants on Catalina Island

Catalina Island has quite a history with fishing. The island’s original inhabitants lived in daily connection with the ocean. For thousands of years, the people of the island feasted on abalone, urchins, sea bass, and even seals. Using handmade nets and hooks, catches were local, fresh, and inherently sustainable. By the late 1800s to the early 1900s, the island had become both a resort town and a sportfishing destination. The founder of Catalina’s Tuna Club worked to ensure that local populations of bluefin tuna and giant sea bass would not be wiped out. Rod and reel rules were soon established, inspiring modern sportfishing ethics. However, these standards were challenged by commercial fishing–which had a major, negative impact on sea life around the island. A shift happened in the late 20th century, when Catalina came to the forefront of marine restoration and conservation. 

Today, all around Catalina Island are Marine Protected Areas, State Marine Reserves, and Marine Conservation Areas. Regulations and protections allow the ocean ecosystem around the island to thrive; they help ensure that there will be fish for the future. If you’re a seafood lover, you’re likely an ocean lover too. This makes Catalina a great place to enjoy all the ocean has to offer, including fresh catches and local flavors. One of the best ways to indulge in Catalina’s favorite foods is on a Catalina Food Tour, with a local foodie guide who will walk you to at least five locations around Avalon. Many of the island’s restaurants focus on sustainability and local inspiration when it comes to their menus. Read on to discover the best seafood restaurants on Catalina Island. 

Super local. NDMK Fish House is a favorite stop on Catalina Food Tours. A family owned business, even the name (pronounced “endemic”) pays homage to its focus on native islander species and specialties. The seafood choices at NDMK range from locally caught to ethically sourced from neighboring states and countries. The menu features Southern California swordfish, spiny lobster, white sea bass, yellowtail, and mahi mahi. Yellowfin tuna is sourced from Hawaii, while salmon is from Swanson Island in Canada, and halibut hails from Seward, Alaska. While NDMK offers typical fish house fare like fish and chips and fish tacos, some island inspired dishes also deserve your attention. There’s Catalina Cioppino, the Clemente sandwich, and the Deep Drop burrito. Take a Catalina Food Tour to check NDMK out, and then head there on your own to explore even more flavors. 

Ocean views and ocean foods. NDMK has thrived since opening in 2019, and its team opened a second restaurant on the island–Topside. This spot offers amazing views of Avalon Harbor as well as an array of great dishes and craft cocktails. Using fresh ingredients from local farms and markets whenever possible, Topside serves dishes like lobster ravioli, surf and turf sliders, scallop pasta, and shrimp noodles. Take a Catalina Food Tour to sample some local dishes here, and then come back for cocktails or dessert with a view.

Fine dining. Steve’s Steakhouse has been an Avalon favorite for more than 25 years, serving steaks, seafood, and more. Try starting with their ponzu scallops on the half shell, sliced blackened ahi, or coconut shrimp. The dinner menu features options from the turf and from the surf. Seafood lovers will enjoy choices like twin lobster tails, calamari steaks, or fresh, locally harpooned swordfish. Steve’s also offers panoramic views of Avalon’s harbor; from your dinner table, you can see where your local seafood is sourced. 

In-season specialties. Bluewater Grill is another cool spot for Catalina seafood. Set right on the water in Avalon, the menu features fun takes on seafood like Tuscan seared tuna salad, lobster rolls, and rock lobster tail. Even the kids’ choices are adventurous–with seafood options like shrimp or salmon dipping sticks on the menu. 

Not just Mexican food. Coyote Joe’s, another stop on Catalina Food Tours, has a full food and drink menu with plenty of Mexican fare and margaritas, but its seafood dishes really stand out. Check out the Mexican shrimp cocktail, camarones al mojo de ajo, or green aguachiles for some really fresh seafood flavors. 

A classic establishment. Situated on Avalon’s main street–Crescent Avenue–El Galleon has been a long-standing well loved stop for apps, happy hours, and dinner. The menu at El Galleon boasts some fun seafood items like scallop and clam chowder, firecracker shrimp, Baja calamari, and an ahi tuna poke bowl. A Catalina Food Tour can take you here, and you can always come back for some late night karaoke.

Take a Catalina Food Tour. All of the stops on Catalina Food Tours come with a side of local storytelling, landmark sightseeing, and fabulous culinary sampling. If you’re a seafood lover, starting with a food tour is a great idea to both get the lay of the land as well as some local history. Book your Catalina Food Tour on our website, or give us a call at 310-961-3730 to learn more.