Restaurants in Santa Catalina Island

Recommended Avalon options include the Bluewater Avalon (310/510-7494), a new American restaurant with some dock seating and a full bar. It's on the waterfront in the center of town, across from the Green Pleasure Pier. You will find locals at the Lobster Trap (310/510-8585; www.catalinalobstertrap.com), a casual seafood-and-cocktails joint, is a fun night out where the namesake dish is served so fresh that you can choose your dinner. Maggie's Blue Rose (310/510-3300; maggiesbluerose.com), facing the water, does freshly-made authentic Mexican with funky contemporary artworks and a full bar.

On the Two Harbors side of the island, the Harbor Reef Restaurant is the place to eat—literally. There's not a choice. Good thing it's not bad.