Bluewater Grill

About

Boasting the most picturesque spot on Catalina Island, Bluewater Avalon debuted in June 2013, and has been a hit with locals and visitors ever since.

Story

Boasting one of the most picturesque spots on Santa Catalina Island, Bluewater Avalon debuted in June 2013, and has been at the top of locals’ and visitors’ don’t-miss lists ever since. The restaurant occupies a dramatic, over-the-water indoor/outdoor facility that once served as the arrival and departure point for the SS Avalon and SS Catalina steamers.

Visitors can find a contemporary, Island-influenced fish house serving up to 40 varieties of fresh fish annually, including such local specialties as California spiny lobster, white seabass and harpooned swordfish, in season. Other highlights include an intimate bayfront bar with full wine list, wrap-around outdoor dining deck, kid’s and small-plates menus and offseason weekday happy hours.

The onsite market sells fresh seasonal seafood and shellfish by the pound to cook at home, plus prepared meals and takeout favorites.

Bluewater Avalon also hosts a series of monthly seafood tasting and wine-pairing events on the second Tuesday of every month. These popular celebrations give local seafood fans the chance to learn about the latest fish varieties, meal-planning, preparation and serving techniques right from the experts.

Bluewater Avalon is also known for working directly with fisherman to serve the absolute-freshest seafood and shellfish certified for sustainability by the Aquarium of the Pacific, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Marine Stewardship Council. The restaurant is one of the only in Southern California to operate its own fishing vessel, The Pilikia, to increase its sustainable harvest of swordfish and other local delicacies.

Because of these efforts, more than 90 percent of the seafood and shellfish on the menu is sustainably caught or farmed – among the highest of any seafood restaurant in California.