Fresh Galveston Seafood: Where To Get It & Recipes You Can Prepare At Your Beach Retreat

Galveston, Texas has been offering up some of the county’s finest seafood for decades – and with good reason. Location, location, location! Fishermen know that Galveston Bay is in the perfect spot along the Gulf shores to host a thriving supply of redfish, speckled trout, grouper, black drum, flounder, cobia, wahoo, tuna, mahi mahi, red snapper, kingfish, and more. Naturally, seafood restaurants reign supreme, taking full advantage of the coastal harvest, and the menu choices are seemingly endless.

It doesn’t matter if you’re craving fish tacos, jumbo shrimp, a bowl of gumbo, or some fresh etouffee, Galveston has you covered. With so many seafood restaurants to choose from, it can be easy to find yourself overwhelmed. We have compiled this list of some of our favorite seafood restaurants to help you narrow down the options a bit. Fresh seafood is in no short supply around here, so feel free to spread the foodie love around with a combination of traditional favorites and clever new innovations from these (and other) locations.

For a full list of Galveston eateries (including more seafood favorites), check out our complete guide to dining on the island!

Top Galveston Seafood Eateries

THE BLACK PEARL OYSTER BAR

327 23rd St, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 762-7299

A neighborhood hangout, complete with a realistic New Orleans vibe, offering raw and cooked Creole/Cajun-style coastal favorites. The Black Pearl Oyster Bar offers the biggest and best bowl of seafood gumbo on Galveston Island.

Local Favorites: Oysters, Boudin Balls, Gumbo

BLVD. SEAFOOD

2804 Avenue R 1/2, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 762-2583 • http://blvdseafood.com

Blvd. Seafood is a bright, modern eatery offering award-winning “New American” seafood cuisine. Open for lunch, dinner, and brunch alongside a full bar.

Local Favorites: Crab Cakes, Clam Chowder, Sliders

CAJUN GREEK

2226 61st St, Galveston, TX 77551 • (409) 744-7041 • http://cajun-greek-seafood.com

A Galveston staple for decades, Cajun Greek is a laid back traditional Cajun restaurant and bar serving crawfish, local seafood, and gyros.

Local Favorites: Gyros, Catfish, Crab Cakes

FISHERMAN’S WHARF

2200 Harborside Dr, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 765-5708 • https://www.fishermanswharfgalveston.com

Since the 1940s this Galveston legacy has been serving local seafood, grilled meats, and signature cocktails with amazing waterfront views. Conveniently located next to the Historic Strand District, the Tall Ship Elissa, and Galveston Cruise Terminal.

Local Favorites: Oysters, Shrimp Kisses, Redfish

GAIDO’S

3828 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 761-5504 • https://www.gaidosseaside.com

Gaido’s offers an elegant nautical setting complimented by fantastic Gulf views. The ambiance is second only to the culinary experience comprised of the “freshest coastal catches” available.

Local Favorites: Pecan Pie, Red Snapper, Bisque

SALTWATER GRILL

2017 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX 77553 • (409) 762-3474 • https://saltwatergrill.com

Fresh seafood, prime steaks and gourmet cuisine in an elegant, energized atmosphere. Impeccable fine-dining conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Galveston Island.

Local Favorites: Mussels, Steak, Sea Bass

SHEARN’S SEAFOOD AND PRIME STEAKS

7 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554 • (409) 683-4554 • https://www.moodygardenshotel.com/dining/shearns-seafood-prime-steaks

Shearn’s Seafood and Prime Steaks is the premier destination for fine dining in Galveston. Offering an elegant rooftop setting at Moody Gardens serving the finest steaks, seafood, and cocktails complete with breathtaking water views. An excellent venue for special occasions.

Local Favorites: Lobster Bisque, Prime Steak, Snapper

SHRIMP N STUFF

3901 Avenue O, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 763-2805 • https://www.shrimpnstuff.com

A cozy seafood spot and scratch-kitchen with a tree-covered patio. Open for lunch and dinner, as well as picnic pick-ups!

Local Favorites: Crab Balls, Catfish, Shrimp Po Boys

WILLIE G’S SEAFOOD AND STEAKS

2100 Harborside Dr, Galveston, TX 77550 • (409) 762-3030 • https://www.williegs.com/location/willie-gs-galveston

Located on Pier 21, Willie G’s offers elegant waterfront dining harborside – perfect for surf ‘n turn combos! Fresh seafood meets steakhouse staples, with next-level libations and unparalleled views. The original Willie G’s is located in Houston, near the Galleria, where it opened in 1981.

Local Favorites: Crabmeat, Scallops, Parmesan-Crusted Shrimp

Do-It-Yourself

For many people, preparing a meal themselves enhances the culinary experience. When you’re on vacation, it can especially help you to get a real feel for the area’s culture and embrace the destination more authentically. It doesn’t matter if you prefer to make that fresh catch yourself, or purchase your main ingredient from a fresh fish market, sourcing your fish in Galveston won’t pose a challenge. We have included our favorite local recipe for Shrimp Kisses for the perfect island flavor right from your own vacation rental.

Local Tip: For the best selection of fresh local seafood, visit Katie’s Seafood Market on Pier 19, the largest fresh fish retailer on Galveston Island!

SHRIMP KISSES

INGREDIENTS

  • 18 XL Raw Gulf Shrimp purchased fresh that day
  • 1 lb. of center cut bacon
  • Frying oil of your choice
  • A box of toothpicksFilling:
  • 1 8 oz. package of cream cheese room temperature
  • 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar
  • 1 cup freshly shredded monterey jack
  • 2 green onions, sliced as thin as possible
  • 10 chunks of pineapple cut into about 1″ cubes
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup cream
  • Fresh lemon

Garnish with cilantro and chipotle pepper powder if desired.

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Peel and butterfly cut all of the raw shrimp. Butterfly cut the shrimp through the belly rather than the back as it will hold the filling better.
  2. Making the filling. Mix the freshly grated cheese with the sliced green onions, and the room-temp cream cheese in a bowl and mash them together with a fork until the mixture is smooth enough to make soft cheese balls.
  3. Stuff the shrimp by scooping up a small ball of cheese and rolling it into a small ball (1/2″ diameter). Stuff the cheese ball into the butterflied belly of the shrimp. Ensure that it fills up the entire space.
  4. Roll each stuffed shrimp with a strip of center cut bacon. Ensure full coverage as you wrap the shrimp. Hold the Bacon in place with toothpicks.
  5. Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes while you prepare the pineapple sauce.
  6. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Spread the pineapple chunks on a foil-lined baking sheet and spray them with a small amount of cooking spray or oil. Cook the pineapple on the center rack in the oven until they turn an even brown color (about 20 min but watch them carefully as they will burn easily).
  7. Remove the pineapple from the oven and immediately place them in a blender or food processor. Blend until pureed, adding a little water if necessary. Heat the puree in a saucepan with 1/4 c. butter, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lemon. Once the butter melts stir in the cream. The mixture should be heated slowly until it comes to a boil. Allow the sauce to simmer until it gains a slight thickness. Keep the sauce warm while cooking the shrimp.
  8. You can cook your shrimp in a deep fryer if you have one available or in a cast iron pan on the stovetop. You will want to get your oil to around 320 degrees and fry the shrimp until the bacon is crisp and the cheese inside is melting.
  9. Plate with a small amount of sauce and add garnish to taste with cilantro and chipotle pepper powder.