Catalina Island is a popular daycation spot about 30 miles off the coast of Orange County, CA, and it’s home to a mix of touristy attractions—think jet skis, parasailing, mini golf, a casino, and miles of scenic hiking trails. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for an adventure.
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Where to find vegan food on Catalina Island
Here, we’ve gathered a few of the best places to find tasty, hearty plant-based food on the island.
1 Catalina Coffee and Cookie Company
For breakfast, the Catalina Coffee and Cookie Company has taken special care to incorporate a plant-based selection. Before you pass on this option looking for something more substantial, note that this shop does more than just coffee and cookies. All the sandwiches can be made with tasty plant-based ingredients like fire-roasted corn, smashed avocado, arugula, roasted vegetables, quinoa, and breakfast potatoes.
And for drinks, the various coffees and smoothies can be made vegan with oat or almond milk.
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Aja Gore
2M Restaurant
Waterfront Italian-inspired dining typically does not indicate an abundance of vegan options, but the times have changed and even this cheese- and seafood-heavy upscale eatery now caters to its plant-based patrons. Vegan entrées at M Restaurant include the classic penne primavera made with fresh asparagus, zucchini, mushrooms, and sundried tomato tossed with herbs, shallots, and extra virgin olive oil, and the simple yet delicious Arrabiata Pasta.
Manager Scottie Meyer also says the staff are happy to make substitutions to other dishes or pull together a special order for vegans who want something off-menu. “We can modify just about anything,” Meyer told VegNews. “We have guests from around the world and many of them want a plant-based option. The menu boasts tomato broth bases, seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs, and sauces made in-house daily.”
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Aja Gore
3Coyote Joe’s Restaurant
When in doubt, Mexican joints are fairly reliable for their vegan options—rice and beans are an OG vegan staple, after all. We’ve confirmed Coyote Joe’s does not use animal-based broth or lard in the black beans (avoid the refried beans and the rice; unfortunately, these items are made with lard). While limited in options, if you have a giant vegan burrito in hand, there’s really nothing else you need. The Soy Chorizo and Avocado Burrito is stuffed with plant-based chorizo, avo, black beans, and an assortment of veggies. It’s enormous, filling, and everything you could want after an island excursion. Pair that with a margarita and call it a good day.
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BobbieBarth | Happy Cow
4NDMK
For something fresh and energizing, put NDMK on your radar. It’s outwardly focused on seafood, but there are a few plant-based hidden gems worthy of your dollars. Ask for the poke bowl made vegan and you’ll get a wholesome bowl packed with rice, veggies, avocado, and tofu. The “Spot” Burger can also be modified with a plant-based patty—just say the magic word (“vegan”). To supplement your main, add french fries, a side salad, seaweed salad, rice, or sautéed vegetables.
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Cafe Metropole
5 Cafe Metropole
Just around the corner from Catalina Coffee and Cookie Company is Café Metropole. The kitchen focuses on fresh, homemade ingredients made to satisfy your hunger and nourish your action-packed day. Note to hikers, watersport enthusiasts, or island tour-goers: this is a great spot to grab lunch to-go and pack for the trail or for the boat. Café Metropole Manager Kristine Jordan recommends one of their avocado toasts (they’re huge), but if you’re packing lunch, the Smashed Chickpea with vegan mayo, chickpeas, pickles, dijon, lettuce, tomato, and sprouts is the way to go.
“We’ve really started seeing an increase in orders for our vegan options,” Kristine told VegNews in 2022. “The chickpea salad sandwich is one of our most popular items and you can also get a fresh avocado loaded with the chickpea salad.” Along with vegan juices, smoothies, and açaí bowls, diners can enjoy the Veggie Stack sandwich or veggie pita, which are each jam-packed with fresh vegetables and hummus. Finish it up with a fresh-pressed immunity shot made with ginger, apple, and lemon.
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archaeofiero | Happy Cow
6Steve’s Steak House
Certain steak houses will surprise you with their vegan dishes, and Steve’s is one of them. Like M, it leans more toward the upscale end so check your shorts and sandals for something a bit more formal. Unlike M, there’s no need to ask for special requests if the one dedicated vegan option isn’t to your liking—Steve’s offers a full vegan menu complete with appetizers, entrées, and sides. Hits include the Cauliflower Steak Dinner paired with a creamy vegan cheese sauce and veggie sides; a stacked Impossible Burger with sweet potato fries; and BBQ Vegan Chicken Tenders.
Find it here
7 Local tips
Beyond the eateries mentioned above, there are a handful of other noteworthy plant-based options. For something sweet, swing by any of the ice cream shops to check out their assortment of sorbets. If you’re staying at the Hotel Atwater, you can also treat yourself to an avocado toast breakfast with fruit cups and oatmeal.
