DINE AROUND

Terranea’s exceptional seaside restaurants offer something for every appetite. Learn more to make the best reservation to feed every sense.

mar’sel

The name pairs the Spanish word for “sea” and the French word for “salt,” a nod to the resort’s stunning Southern California location. The culinary team uses innovative techniques to craft modern California cuisine with a decidedly local influence.

THE SETTING: Understated elegance. Pass by a blossoming herb and vegetable garden outside before you’re seated at a table simply adorned with a crisp tablecloth and take in views of the Pacific.

BEST FOR: Holidays and special occasions/birthdays and anniversaries. Ideal for a romantic dinner with your special someone, as well as those seeking a quiet atmosphere with stunning views.

WHAT TO ORDER: A signature item that showcases the culinary bounty of Southern California and specifically the resort, such as the Terranea Heirloom Tomato Salad with burrata cheese and garden basil; the Local Sunchokes with chestnut vinegar and toasted garlic; or the Pacific Spot Prawns. 

WHAT TO DRINK: Kick off your meal with a cocktail crafted with resort-grown ingredients like strawberries, lavender, and rosemary. But you don’t want to miss the wine: mar’sel was named one of “America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants” for 2021 by Wine Enthusiast, so ask any of the servers to guide you through the list.

PRO TIP: Choose a seasonal tasting menu with unique themes and ingredients such as vegan and both white and black truffles.

WHEN: Dinner offered Tuesday through Saturday; prix fixe brunch on Sunday.

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catalina kitchen

The New American restaurant’s open kitchen, white brick, and copper accents give this seafood stunner a warm Southern California vibe, complemented by a sweeping patio that provides gorgeous ocean views.

THE SETTING: Inside catalina kitchen, watch as chefs prepare shellfish at the raw bar and pull flatbreads from a flickering stone oven. Located just below the main lobby, the restaurant’s central location makes it popular for dining at any time of day.

BEST FOR: A business dinner that won’t feel stuffy, or any kind of relaxed group meal, as the space can accommodate larger groups with advance reservations.

WHAT TO EAT: Start with the fresh ceviche and flat breads, then move on to any of the perfectly cooked seafood or meat dishes, decadent pastas, and satisfying vegetable side dishes. Don’t forget to save room for the beignets for dessert.

WHAT TO DRINK: Order a wine from the Drink Local list, like the Catalina View Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, which is from a local vineyard just a few miles away.

PRO TIP: The Sunday Brunch Buffet is very popular, and perfect for holidays like Mother’s Day and Easter.

WHEN: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner offered Monday through Sunday.

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Nelson’s

A modern-day surf shack set atop the coves made famous by the 1950s show Sea Hunt, from which the restaurant takes its name. The main character, portrayed by Lloyd Bridges, was named Mike Nelson.

THE SETTING: Popular with resort guests and locals alike, Nelson’s is a bar and grill with a contemporary sensibility, pairing stunning ocean views with an indoor-outdoor feel.

BEST FOR: Some of the best Southern California sunsets and seasonal whale watching, so request one of the outdoor picnic-style tables—and you might just spot a couple of whales.

WHAT TO EAT: Crispy Chicken Sandwich is bar food at its best: crunchy fried organic chicken breast, honey sriracha aioli, poblano pepper, pickles, tomatoes, avocado, and alfalfa sprouts on a perfectly squishy sesame brioche bun. Opt for a mix of regular and sweet potato fries (a restaurant favorite) to get the full experience.

WHAT TO DRINK: Nelson’s has the biggest beer selection at the resort. Try a pint from one of L.A.’s local breweries like Angel City, Golden Road, Santa Monica Brew Works, or Firestone Walker 805.

PRO TIP: A must try is Tanteo tequila spicy margarita. Watch top sporting events on multiple tv screens. 

HOURS: Lunch and dinner offered Monday through Sunday.

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bashi

Vibrant flavors come alive at this cozy spot, where the menu of shared dishes includes Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian classics made with fresh, local ingredients.

THE SETTING: A slatted wooden ceiling, blue tabletops, and a tiled floor give the eatery a festive feel, while the long-mirrored bar is a great spot for a drink.

BEST FOR: A fun-filled dinner with a group of friends—the more the merrier, so you can share more dishes!

WHAT TO EAT: You can’t go wrong with the extensive sushi menu; order a couple of handmade rolls to start. Don’t miss the Shaking Beef, a show-stopping main dish.

WHAT TO DRINK: The kitchen’s flavors pair well with one of the refreshing Signature Cocktails, such as the effervescent Bashito (Tito’s vodka, Soho lychee liqueur, Fever Tree club soda, Thai basil, and lime) 

or fruity Blackberry Crush (Botanist gin, Mionetto prosecco, hibiscus honey, lemon, blackberries, and orange twist).

PRO TIP: Nothing kicks off a great night like bashi’s sake menu. Enjoy a half-off bottle of sake and diverse Asian beer selection.

WHEN: Dinner offered Monday through Sunday; lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

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KEEP IT CASUAL

Just looking for quick bite? Whether heading out for a hike or hanging poolside, there’s something for every appetite.

SEA BEANS

Your corner cafe and market, right at the resort, near the entrance. Drop in for a sandwich, wrap, smoothie, gourmet coffee, cookies the size of your face, flaky croissants, focaccia, or grab-and-go snacks like trail mix for your ocean-side walk. The creamy house-made gelato? That’s available to go from sea beans, too. With a curated selection of wine and beer as well, it’s the perfect place to stock up for your room or villa.

LOBBY BAR AND TERRACE

Enjoy a handcrafted signature cocktail inside our lobby bar and lounge or on the terrace with Catalina Island view, along with refined bar bites. Experience expanded cocktails and scotch with bar bites and seasonal menu snacks. Care for some tunes with your tipple? There’s live music on weekend evenings.

Menus are refreshed seasonally and use fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. Please visit Terranea.com/dining for most up to date operational hours. Offerings subject to change.