Can you truly say you’ve maximized your vacation experience if you didn’t sample the tasty culture of the destination? We think not! From fine dining to beachfront seafood shacks, and even takeout options to enjoy in the comfort of your vacation rental – you can find the flavor to dazzle your taste buds in many forms here in Galveston. To get you started in the right direction, here’s the ultimate guide to the Galveston restaurants that should be tops on your must-do list!
The Black Pearl Oyster Bar
Photo Credit: kimsfoodbook via Instagram
327 23rd St, Galveston, TX • 77550 • (409) 762-7299
$$ Oyster Bar
Neighborhood hangout with a New Orleans vibe serving raw and cooked Creole/Cajun-style coastal favorites, including the biggest and best bowl of seafood gumbo on Galveston Island.
Favorite Picks: Oysters, Boudin Balls, Gumbo
Blvd. Seafood
Photo Credit: blvdseafood via Instagram
2804 Avenue R 1/2, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 762-2583 • http://blvdseafood.com
$$ Seafood Restaurant
Bright, modern eatery offering award-winning New American seafood cuisine via lunch, dinner, and brunch alongside a full bar.
Favorite Picks: Crab Cakes, Chowder, Sliders
Brews Brothers
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2404 Strand St, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 763-2739 • https://www.facebook.com/BrewsBrothersGalveston
$$ Brewpub
Modern, casual brewpub offering creative American bar bites and the finest craft beers available from breweries both local and abroad.
Favorite Picks: Burgers, Beers
Cajun Greek
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2226 61st St, Galveston, TX 77551 • (409) 744-7041 • http://cajun-greek-seafood.com
$$ Seafood Restaurant
Relaxed Cajun restaurant serving Galveston for decades. Featuring crawfish, local seafood, and gyros in a laid-back setting with a bar.
Favorite Picks: Gyros, Catfish, Crab Cakes
Coastal Grill
Photo Credit: coastalgrillgalveston via Instagram
1827 Strand St, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 765-5386 • https://www.coastalgrillgalveston.com
$$ Seafood Restaurant
Nestled on the scenic Galveston Strand, offering fresh Gulf seafood dishes, burgers, wraps, and tacos.
Favorite Picks: Tacos, Hummus, Shrimp Po Boy
Eatcetera
Photo Credit: eatcetera.galveston via Instagram
408 25th St, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 762-0803 • https://velvetcheftx.com
$$ Sandwich Shop/Deli
Elevated, contemporary sandwich shop, with soups, salads, beer, and wine. Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Vegetarian options. Second, scaled-back “cafe” location at Galveston Railroad Museum.
Favorite Picks: Panini, Roast Beef, Soups
Fish Tales
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2502 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 762-8545 • https://www.fishtalesgalveston.com
$$ Seafood Restaurant
Cheery beachfront hangout with balcony seating offering casual American seafood and tropical cocktails. Arguably, the most popular balcony on the Galveston Seawall!
Favorite Picks: Shrimp, Baby Back Ribs, Crab Cakes
Fisherman’s Wharf
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2200 Harborside Dr, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 765-5708 • https://www.fishermanswharfgalveston.com
$$ Seafood Restaurant
A Galveston legacy since the 1940s serving local seafood, grilled meats, and signature cocktails with waterfront views. Ideally located next to the Historic Strand District, the Tall Ship Elissa, and Galveston Cruise Terminal.
Favorite Picks: Oysters, Shrimp Kisses, Redfish
Gaido’s
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3828 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 761-5504 • https://www.gaidosseaside.com
$$$ Seafood Restaurant
Elegant, iconic seafood eatery featuring Gulf views and a nautical theme as well as the freshest coastal catches.
Favorite Picks: Pecan Pie, Red Snapper, Bisque
Galvez Bar & Grill
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2024 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 515-2145 • https://www.hotelgalvez.com/bar-and-grille
$$ Seafood Restaurant
Enjoy freshly caught Gulf Coast seafood or the best Sunday brunch in Galveston, Texas in an elegant space at the Hotel Galvez.
Favorite Picks: Prime Rib, Eggs Benedict, Smoked Salmon
Grotto Ristorante
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5222 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551 • (409) 740-8605 • https://www.grottorestaurants.com/location/grotto-galveston-tx
$$ Italian Restaurant
Neapolitan-style Italian dishes paired with Italian and domestic wines in an upscale, old-world setting inside the San Luis Resort. Patio dining available.
Favorite Picks: Veal, Pizza, Chocolate Cake
Gumbo Diner
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3602 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 762-3232 • https://thegumbodiner.com
$$ Diner
Unique, award-winning beachside eatery where American dining and New Orleans flair meet. Weekly specials for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Favorite Picks: Chicken and Waffles, Seafood Omelet, Etouffee
Gypsy Joynt
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2711 Market St, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 497-2069 • http://www.gypsyjoynt.com
$$ Cafe
Beads, flags, and live music lend a hippie vibe to this family-owned, eclectic, Bohemian-style American comfort food cafe.
Favorite Picks: Focaccia, Kale Slaw, Sandwiches
Jimmy’s on the Pier
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9001 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554 • (409) 974-4726 • https://www.jimmysonthepier.com
$$ Seafood Restaurant
Restaurant and bar located on the pier, serving breakfast-to-dinner Southern-comfort eats, fresh local seafood, and the best views on the island.
Favorite Picks: Burgers, Fish Tacos, Clam Chowder
Katie’s Seafood House
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2000 Wharf Rd, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 765-5688 • http://katiesseafoodhouse.com
$$ Seafood Restaurant
Waterfront dining and seafood market – coastal favorites straight from the boats to your plate. Signature cocktails available!
Favorite Picks: Flounder, Red Snapper Cocktail, Crab Mac & Cheese
Leon’s World Finest Bar-B-Que
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5427 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77551 • (409) 744-0070 • http://www.leonsbbq.com
$$ Barbecue Restaurant
Longtime local snack shack serving smoked-meat sandwiches and platters plus sides, desserts, beer, and wine. Fanus for its signature BBQ sauce, derived from imported ingredients, and perfected by “Dr BBQ”.
Favorite Picks: Brisket, Prime Beef, Turkey Legs
Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar
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2107 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 744-8626 • https://www.littledaddysgumbobar.com/our-menu-galveston-location
$$ Cajun Restaurant
Galveston eatery with a huge bar serving traditional gumbo, seafood stews, and more prepared in steam kettles.
Favorite Picks: Seafood Gumbo, Po Boy, Etouffee
Mama Teresa’s Flying Pizza
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416 21st St, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 765-6262 • http://www.mamateresas.com
$$ Italian Restaurant
Popular award-winning pizzeria and Italian joint offering a range of specialty pies, pasta dishes, and po boys in a laid-back setting.
Favorite Picks: Pizza, Tuscan Chicken, Spaghetti
Mario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant
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628 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 763-1693 • https://mariosseawall.com
$$ Italian Restaurant
Spacious Italian eatery with mosaic walls offers classic entrees including lobster ravioli and gelato. Experience authentic Italian cuisine at its finest, in Galveston’s oldest Italian restaurant.
Favorite Picks: Gelato, Pizza, Pasta
Miller’s Seawall Grill
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1824 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 763-8777 • http://millersseawallgrill.com
$$ Seafood Restaurant
No-frills eatery serving giant breakfasts along with lunch and dinner fare with views of the water.
Favorite Picks: Meatloaf, Breakfast All Day, Peach Cobbler
Mosquito Cafe
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628 14th St, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 763-1010 • https://www.mosquitocafe.com
$$ American Cafe
Fast and casual American eats with an eclectic twist served in an 1870s building with a sunny patio. selected by Zagat’s as One of the Top 15 Restaurants in the Houston Metropolitan Area.
Favorite Picks: Eggs Benedict, Napa Salad, Shrimp Tacos
Nate’s West End Bar & Grill
Photo Credit: nateswestendgalveston via Instagram
17515 Termini-San Luis Pass Rd, Galveston, TX 77554 • (409) 737-9530 • https://www.natesgalveston.com
$$ Seafood Restaurant
Beachfront spot with a relaxed vibe, daily special, outdoor seating, and menu staples such as catfish, shrimp, and burgers. Prime picnic stop!
Favorite Picks: Chicken Fried Steak, Shrimp Kisses, Shrimp Po Boys
Nick’s Kitchen and Beach Bar
Photo Credit: nicksgalveston via Instagram
3802 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 761-5502 • http://www.nicksgalveston.com
$$ Seafood Restaurant
Local seafood is prepared a variety of ways at this lively seaside joint. Home to the Redfish Pool Bar and live music.
Favorite Picks: Fried Oreos, Shrimp, Burgers
Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood
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7809 Broadway St, Galveston, TX 77554 • (409) 572-2650 • http://www.number13steak.com
$$$$ Steakhouse
Upscale chophouse serving fine steaks and seafood at Pelican Rest Marina, with terrace seating and sweeping water views. Number 13 encourages a business casual dress code. On the Terrace, a casual dress code is encouraged.
Favorite Picks: Beef Wellington, Fried Quail, Shrimp and Grits
The Original Mexican Cafe
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1401 Market St, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 762-6001 • http://www.theoriginalgalveston.com
$$ Mexican Restaurant
Tex-Mex venue serving up classics with two stories of dining areas and a history dating back to 1916. Full bar and happy hour specials daily. Repeatedly voted best Mexican food on the island.
Favorite Picks: Enchiladas, Tacos, Seafood
Porch Cafe
Photo Credit: porchcafegalveston via Instagram
1625 E Beach Dr #2A, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 762-0808 • https://www.porchcafe.com
$$ New American
Fine cuisine, events, and wine tasting on the Gulf Coast. Upscale bistro and multi-level venue on the island’s East End.
Favorite Picks: Fried Green Tomatoes, Crab Cakes, Chicken and Waffles
Riondo’s Ristorante
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2328 Strand St, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 621-9595 • https://www.riondos.com
$$$ Italian Restaurant
Italian cuisine from “farm to fork” and “sea to table”, served in a sophisticated, open environment in the heart of Historic Downtown Galveston. Sidewalk seating available.
Favorite Picks: Gnocchi, Bananas Foster, Chicken
Rudy & Paco
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2028 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 762-3696 • https://www.rudyandpaco.com
$$$ Latin American Restaurant
Restaurant with a Central and South American-influenced menu of steaks and seafood. Said to be the island’s most unique and most romantic dining experience. Shorts are not allowed in main dining room at dinner, but are accepted at the bar. Lunch is casual and shorts are acceptable.
Favorite Picks: Empanadas, Grouper, Soft Shell Crab
Salsas Mexican Restaurant
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4604 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551 • (409) 621-2630 • https://www.salsasgalveston.com
$$ Mexican Restaurant
Local eatery featuring a large menu of south-of-the-border favorites set to breathtaking Gulf views. A lively hot spot for Galveston locals and visitors alike.
Favorite Picks: Fajitas, Margaritas, Tacos
Saltwater Grill
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2017 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX 77553 • (409) 762-3474 • https://saltwatergrill.com
$$$ Seafood Restaurant
Prime steaks and gourmet cuisine in an elegant, energized atmosphere. Impeccable fine-dining conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Galveston Island.
Favorite Picks: Mussels, Steak, Sea Bass
Shark Shack Beach Bar & Grill
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2402 Strand St, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 497-2006 • http://sharkshackbeachbarandgrill.com/
$$ Seafood Shack
Down-home, casual eatery serving seafood dishes and hearty pub grub alongside beer, wine, and cocktails. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner service, with Happy Hours every day but Mondays.
Favorite Picks: Shark Bites, Fish Tacos, Burgers
Shearn’s Seafood and Prime Steaks
7 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554 • (409) 683-4554 • https://www.moodygardenshotel.com/dining/shearns-seafood-prime-steaks
$$ Steakhouse
Rooftop restaurant at Moody Gardens offering steaks, seafood, and cocktails in elegance with water views. The premier destination for fine dining in Galveston.
Favorite Picks: Lobster Bisque, Prime Steak, Snapper
Shrimp N Stuff
Photo Credit: shrimpnstuff via Instagram
3901 Avenue O, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 763-2805 • https://www.shrimpnstuff.com
$ Seafood Restaurant
Cozy seafood spot and scratch-kitchen with a tree-covered patio. Open for lunch and dinner, as well as picnic pick-ups!
Favorite Picks: Crab Balls, Catfish, Shrimp Po Boys
ShyKatZ Deli & Bakery
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1528 Avenue L, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 770-0500 • http://shykatz.com
$$ Bakery
Quaint cafe and bakery serving sandwiches and other deli fare, breakfast all day, pastries, and cakes on the island’s East End.
Favorite Picks: French Toast, Breakfast Burrito, Strawberry Cake
Sky Bar Steak & Sushi
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2105 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 621-4759 • http://skybargalveston.com
$$ Sushi Restaurant
Authentic Japanese and Asian cuisine accentuated by creative sushi rolls and steaks, and a lively happy hour – the perfect time to try the award-winning “Best Martini in Town”.
Favorite Picks: Sushi, Wonton Soup, Curry
The Spot
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3204 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 621-5237 • http://thespot.islandfamous.com
$$ Pub Grub
Premier, multi-level beachfront dining and entertainment destination for traditional American grub including burgers and wings with open-air deck seating and sparkling Gulf views.
Favorite Picks: Burgers, Waffle Fries, Wings
Star Drug Store
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510 23rd St, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 766-7719 • https://galvestonstardrug.com
$ Soda Shop/Deli
The oldest drug store in Texas, where standard deli fare and soda fountain classics are served in a vintage setting. Offering breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch – as well as nostalgic gifts and collectibles.
Favorite Picks: Pancakes, Rueben, Ice Cream
The Steakhouse
Photo Credit: thesanluisresort via Instagram
5222 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551 • (409) 740-8606 • https://www.sanluisresort.com/restaurants.asp
$$$ Steakhouse
Elegant, award-winning steakhouse inside the San Luis Resort. Popular, refined dining spot for meat, seafood, and picturesque views.
Favorite Picks: Lobster Mashed Potatoes, Escargot, Surf & Turf
Sunflower Bakery and Cafe
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512 14th St, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 763-5500 • https://thesunflowerbakeryandcafe.com
$$ Cafe
Fresh baked goods plus an all-day from-scratch menu of down-home American meals in a comfy setting with a patio. Located in the heart of Galveston’s Historic East End.
Favorite Picks: Eggs Benedict, Cinnamon Rolls, Spinach Quiche
Taquilo’s Tex-Mex Cantina
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2101 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 497-4279 • http://taquilos.com
$$ Tex-Mex
Colorful, authentic Tex-Mex eatery offering classic dishes, as well as “the best fajitas and margaritas in town”. Covered sidewalk patio seating available.
Favorite Picks: Fajitas, Spicy Tuna, Tres Leches Cake
Texas Pit Stop BBQ
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6612 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551 • (409) 744-2222 • https://www.txpitstopbbq.com
$$ Barbecue Restaurant
Counter-service spot offering award-winning competition-style Texas BBQ ribs, brisket, sausage, and sides in spacious digs.
Favorite Picks: Pulled Pork, Ribs, Twice Baked Potato
Trattoria La Vigna
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412 20th St, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 497-4927 • http://www.trattorialavignagalveston.com
$$ Italian Restaurant
Charming local trattoria serving classic fresh pasta entrees paired with Italian wine in snug digs with a patio.
Favorite Picks: Tiramisu, Veal, Homemade Pasta
Waterman’s Restaurant
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14302 Stewart Rd, Galveston, TX 77554 • (409) 632-0233 • http://watermansrestaurant.com
$$$ Seafood Restaurant
Seafood eatery and bar overlooking Galveston Bay with ample outdoor seating and a low-key vibe. Spectacular sunset dining option. Located adjacent to the Waterman’s Marina.
Favorite Picks: Shrimp Kisses, Snapper, Boudin Balls
Willie G’s Seafood & Steaks
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2100 Harborside Dr, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 762-3030 • https://www.williegs.com/location/willie-gs-galveston
$$$ Seafood Restaurant
Louisiana-inspired seafood, chops, and libations in an elegant, waterfront setting beside the harbor.
Favorite Picks: Oysters Rockefeller, Steak, Redfish
Yaga’s Tropical Cafe
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2314 Strand St, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 762-6676 • https://www.yagascafe.com
$$ Cafe
Low-key, island locale for drinks, dancing, and casual eats such as pizzas and burgers. Live entertainment every weekend!
Favorite Picks: Pizza, Cajun Potatoes, Sandwiches
Yamato Japanese Restaurant
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2104 61st St, Galveston, TX 77551 • (409) 744-2742 • https://www.yamatotx.com
$$ Japanese Restaurant
Local eatery serving classic hibachi and sushi plus creative maki rolls in a warm, mellow atmosphere for more than 30 years.
Favorite Picks: Sushi, Fried Rice, Hibachi