The Best Seafood Restaurants in Galveston – By Island Locals
The Best Seafood Restaurants in Galveston
With over 2 dozen seafood restaurants in Galveston, each with their own specialties and atmospheres, here is a list of the best seafood options here on the island.
There is definitely no shortage of restaurants in Galveston When it comes to comparing the best seafood restaurants in Galveston, you’ll soon discover the treasures of the Gulf are prepared with traditional local flavors, along with a handful of specialty dishes that are sure to keep you craving more.
Galveston Seafood: In Town and East End
Here are some favorite places for seafood in Galveston, these are located on the east end of the island and in town – closer to the cruise terminal.
Shrimp ‘N Stuff
3901 Avenue O, Galveston TXSaltwater Grill
2017 Postoffice St, Galveston TX
Katie’s Seafood House
2000 Wharf Rd, Galveston TX
Shrimp ‘N Stuff Downtown
2506 Avenue H, Galveston TX
Fish Company Taco
1914 23rd St, Galveston TX
Fisherman’s Wharf
2200 Harborside Dr, Galveston TXWillie G’s Seafood & Steaks
2100 Harborside Dr, Galveston TXBlack Pearl Oyster Bar
327 23rd St, Galveston TX
Galveston Seafood: On The Seawall
Right on the gulf, these restaurants are located on Galveston Island’s famous Seawall Boulevard. Your dining experience will likely include outdoor seating and a great view, just for starters.
Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant
3828 Seawall Blvd, Galveston TX
Miller’s Seawall Grill
1824 Seawall Blvd, Galveston TX
BLVD Seafood
2804 Avenue R 1/2 at Seawall Blvd, Galveston TX
Nick’s Kitchen and Beach Bar
3802 Seawall Blvd, Galveston TX
Benno’s Cajun Seafood Restaurant
1200 Seawall Blvd, Galveston TX
Fish Tales
2502 Seawall Blvd, Galveston TX
Galveston Seafood: West End
These great Galveston seafood restaurants are located west of 61st Street on Galveston Island
Jimmy’s on the Pier
9001 Seawall Blvd, Galveston TX
Waterman’s Restaurant
14302 Stewart Rd, Galveston TX
Inside Waterman’s Marina
Nate’s Westend Seafood & Steaks
17515 Termini-San Luis Pass Rd, Galveston TX
Cajun Greek
2226 61st St, Galveston TX
Darlene’s Shrimp Shack
1727 61st St #1097, Galveston TX
Shearn’s Seafood and Prime Steaks
7 Hope Blvd, Galveston TX
In Moody Gardens Resort Hotel
Fresh Local Seafood
There are plenty of Galveston restaurants that serve up a standard seafood platter or crab meat and call it a great meal. Whether you are ready for an elegant evening of fine dining or a no frills eatery, you can always find a good option to satisfy your taste buds.
Galveston locals have a thing for supporting local seafood sources so we tend to return to our perfect spot to enjoy fresh fish, seafood entrees, oysters, and THE freshest gulf shrimp around- all while taking in a spectacular sunset view.
That being said, the best places for fresh fish, fresh local seafood and great service really depend on what you want and where you are located.
If you happen to be out around the historic strand district you are in the perfect spot for everything Harborside and Strand, including the freshest seafood. However, a few places can be a bit of a tourist trap so check reviews before you go. We all do that anyway, don’t we?
Near Harborside? First stop by and pay tribute to the tall ship Elissa, then swing by for an appetizer: those famous shrimp kisses at Fisherman’s Wharf. Save your big appetite for Katie’s Seafood House right next door. They are the restaurant counterpart to Katie’s Seafood Market which supplies the restaurant with all fresh local seafood.
When you just want a casual eatery, we suggest Shark Shack or someplace similar. The quality of food and the service is just as nice as a fine dining experience, but a bit more along the lines of American bar bites. Try the Fish N Chips made of cod fish fillets, be sure to ask for the malt vinegar or it’s not the same! It can get loud when the place is full, but they do get positive points for the decor and vibe.
Speaking of fine dining. On the seawall there is always Gaido’s. Otherwise your choices are usually going to be Rudy & Paco if you are in town, or Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood out by beautiful Pelican Rest Marina.
By the way, did you know that Rudy & Paco was voted one of the most romantic restaurants in the United States? They offer a cozy location and a South American-influenced menu of steaks and seafood selections. Also, as Texas Monthly points out: Rudy & Paco is included on OpenTable’s list of top 100 “Best Restaurants in America.” There is a dress code at dinner, check out the website for details. Be sure to make reservations and go when you are celebrating, you’ll find a great atmosphere situated in an elegant space for a special dinner!
If you are dining before a show at The Grand 1894 Opera House (which we highly recommend) then arrive early, find a parking spot and visit Saltwater Grill. It’s right across the street. Even if you just grab a bowl of clam chowder or enjoy the varied selection during Happy Hour,
For casual dining on the seawall, do yourself a favor and skip Bubba Gumps. For the local usual on the seawall, it’s is always The Spot. It’s your one stop shop complete with four different venues.
If you are in the mood for an Italian restaurant, you probably already know Mario’s Seawall is not just for pizza. They offer authentic Italian cuisine and some pretty darn good seafood too, and not just pasta dishes!
For an old standard, grab Shrimp ‘n Stuff downtown. If you are on Broadway (and they’re open) grab some of the best shrimp around from Darlene’s Shrimp Shack.
Out west, don’t miss Waterman’s. They have a great selection, great service, and a full-service bar. They also have the same at the marina downstairs where you can enjoy all sorts of live music. On the weekend they feature live bands with the same great food and drinks. Happy Hour offers some great choices too as you enjoy amazing sunsets with your live entertainment.
Galveston seafood restaurants are plentiful, which is only natural considering the fact that Galveston is an island situated on the Gulf of Mexico. Most local restaurants serve up fresh seafood dishes and have their very own specialties. However, you aren’t limited to seafood, the island has plenty to offer with there is an excellent variety of restaurants in Galveston. If you happen to be visiting along the Seawall and enjoying a day at the beach, then check out the restaurants on the Seawall for a quick bit or relaxing dining experience.
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