Catalina Country Club Restaurant
Originally owned and used by the Chicago Cubs, the Catalina Country Club shows off impressive architecture and is now open to the public; it is only a 5-minute walk from the center of town. The restaurant sits on the first tee of the Catalina Golf Course. The restaurant offers romantic dinners for two out on the fountain patio with views of the golf course and Pacific Ocean, or a family reunion or wedding reception could be held in one of the many reception areas. It is highly recommended that parties of more than six call ahead for reservations.
The menu is classified as California Cuisine, which means only the freshest items are used, from their Artisan Cheese Sampler using domestic and imported cheeses, to quail roasted with bacon and goat cheese stuffing served along with potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Along with the meal, choose from their extensive wine list. Prices are on the high side, but to begin or end your stay on the Catalina Islands, there is no better place to go.
Catalina Country Club Restaurant
1 Country Club Drive
Avalon, Catalina Island, CA 90704
(310) 510-7404
Original Jack's Country Kitchen
Located just a few doors away from the Green Pleasure Pier (a wonderful pier that frames Crescent Beach and is filled with quaint shops), this restaurant offers breakfast to start your day of sight-seeing off on the right foot. Jack's is also a good place to refuel with lunch during your shopping trip. Do not let the appearance fool you--it may only appear to be a diner, but it is clean and all of their food is fresh, often organic and prepared daily. The serving sizes are filling and almost enough for two.
They offer such breakfast classics as eggs Benedict, but you can choose from a wealth of variations from simple Canadian bacon to Dungeness crab. Lunch is no slouch in their offers either, especially if you order Chili Size with Crispy Fries, an open-faced hamburger with fries on the side. Everything is drenched in homemade meat chili and topped with cheddar cheese and jalapeno peppers.
Original Jack's Country Kitchen
118 Catalina Avenue
Avalon, Catalina Island, CA 90704
(310) 510-1308
Ristorante Villa Portofino
This is the place to go for Italian food. Located in the hotel Villa Portofino, this restaurant offers the feel of Tuscany with its decor and a view of the Pacific Ocean. Further, the restaurant goes from being child friendly to romantic all within just tables of one another; an outdoor patio is available for a more secluded feel. This venue is perfect for wedding receptions and formal dining.
The menu offerings are all Italian classics from insalata caprese, which is fresh mozzarella served with tomatoes and basil dressed with lemon, balsamic vinegar and olive oil, to carra d'agnello al rosemarino, a grill rack of lamb with rosemary gravy served with seasonal vegetables. All good Italian meals need a good wine, and with the restaurant's large list, there is a suitable wine for any dish.
Ristorante Villa Portofino
101 Crescent
Santa Catalina, CA 90704
(310) 510-2009
ristorantevillaportofino.com/
