One of the stalwart restaurants on Catalina Island is Antonio’s Pizzeria! Not the best food and service you’ll find, but they’re a solid choice with an expansive menu of favorites. It’s situated right on the water, so you can enjoy stunning views when sitting on their deck. We enjoyed this outstanding white pizza with chicken, bacon and maters.
Outstanding Seafood Pasta (add lobster) at The Lobster Trap on Catalina Island! This is such a fun and trippy place. Definitely added to our list of go-to faves for next visit.
(Visited December 10, 2019) In all our trips to Catalina Island we’ve never tried Pete’s Plaza Cafe until this visit! About a block inland from Crescent Avenue in the heart of Avalon is a no frills kitchen with covered outdoor seating. They serve a variety of foodstuffs but seem to specialize in tacos. We took advantage of their great Happy Hour $1 taco special. We ate light because there were bigger dinner plans in store for us. I really enjoyed these carne asada tacos and cerveza. Their salsas were excellent. Pete’s will definitely be a must visit on all our future trips.
(Visited December 9, 2019) Any visit to Catalina Island would not be complete without a trip to Buffalo Nickel Restaurant! We eat there every time we go. Just a short shuttle drive south of Avalon near the heliport. We always plan our island visits to include a Monday night. That’s when they do the pasta bar thing at Buffalo Nickel and my son dearly adores it. My burrito this time unfortunately wasn’t as good as previous visits.
(Visited December 9, 2019) This place puts the “fun” in fundido! Outstanding Queso Fundido with chorizo at Maggie’s Blue Rose on Catalina Island. One of our newest favorite restaurants in Avalon. We go at least twice during each visit. Always stunning margaritas and among the best chips & salsa.
Outstanding Chilean Sea Bass and Spicy Shrimp Pasta at Waterman’s Harbor in Dana Point, CA!
(Visited December 8, 2019) Excellent calamari appetizer at Harpoon Henry’s at Dana Point Harbor! I loved how it was prepared steak style and cut into strips. A nice change from the traditional rings, tubes and hideous spidery legs. Tasted really good and was accompanied by two delicious dipping sauces. In business since 1975, Harpoon Henry’s offers a spectacular waterfront view, fresh seafood, and the latest in California beach cuisine.
(Visited December 7, 2019) Outstanding Eggs Benedict for champagne brunch! Always perfectly poached eggs here. The OG was decorated beautifully for Christmas with fresh poinsettias on the tables and whatnot.
(Visited December 6, 2019) Excellent Pad Thai lunch special with BBQ pork at Pailin Thai in Rancho Bernardo!
Food Observations 