Looking to eat at all the best restaurants in Galveston? We have you covered with the most delicious restaurants to eat at whether you are looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Galveston is an island city on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The city is a top tourist destination with luxury resorts and top rated restaurants. As well as being home to one of the prettiest beaches in Texas!
Check out The Strand, which is their historic downtown, that is packed with boutiques, antique shops and a variety of restaurants. If you love classic architecture and the charm of an older town, you have to eat a meal here and enjoy the great food and intimate setting!
Pier 21 is in Galveston’s historic harbor, right near The Strand, and offers an assortment of the tastiest restaurants in Galveston restaurants and entertainment options with breathtaking waterfront views. While eating on Pier 21, you may even see a cruise ship come in since it is steps away from the terminal!
Whether you are here for a long relaxing vacation or just making a stop on your epic Texas road trip, we have you covered! We know exactly where to eat in Galveston, we promise you will not leave hungry!
15 Best Restaurants in Galveston You Shouldn’t Miss
Fisherman’s Wharf
If you are looking for the best seafood in Galveston with a beautiful waterfront view, you need to make reservations at Fisherman’s Wharf! This is the perfect place to relax while on vacation and enjoy some of the freshest seafood the area has to offer. You can even see tall ship Elissa in the harbor.
Located near The Strand, Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the best restaurants in Galveston and open for lunch and dinner. They also have amazing happy hour specials, so if you can, aim to get here between 3 and 6 PM.
Try starting your meal with some fresh oysters, lobster bisque or a Galveston favorite, Shrimp Kisses, which are shrimp stuffed with jalapeño cheese, then wrapped in bacon and fried. Talk about a delicious way to start your meal!
For your main course, you can’t pass up a shrimp po-boy, Australian lobster tails or a Gulf Coast favorite, grilled redfish. If seafood isn’t your thing, don’t worry, they have plenty of options just for you! A ribeye steak with baked potato or a smash style burger with melty cheese are sure to please any meat eater.
Hopefully, you save some room for dessert! Make sure to order their signature root beer bread pudding, it can’t be missed! This is a great location for top notch dining in Galveston.
Fish Tales
A casual seaside restaurant with plenty of outdoor seating. Fish Tales is one of the staple restaurants in Galveston. It has a fun atmosphere and serves seafood straight from the Gulf of Mexico!
This is a great place to eat at after a day on the beach since it is located right across from Pleasure Pier. Fish Tales is another one of the best Galveston restaurants that serves up Shrimp Kisses. Do not miss these on your visit!
If you are just looking for a quick and light beach pick me up, try the Seafood Gumbo or Poseidon’s Greek Salad. Maybe you plan on stopping in after running around all day and now you are starved. If so, try one of their featured fresh fish options either blackened, broiled or pan sautéed and topped with decadent sauces or fish tacos drizzled with a chipotle aioli.
Or if seafood isn’t your thing, order Gilligan’s Grilled Chicken cooked in a lemon butter or the Captain’s Choice Top Sirloin! Definitely some of the best food in Galveston.
If you still have room after all that delicious food, they have many different flavors of ice cream to choose from along with other dessert options.
Mosquito Cafe
Make sure to start your day off on the right foot and stop by Mosquito Cafe for breakfast. Voted the best breakfast in Galveston, you have to try it out!
Mosquito Cafe is located in the East End Historical District and has a wonderful eclectic feel. Being a bit tucked away from the typical tourist area, makes this place a real hidden gem in Texas! They are open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday and breakfast on the weekends.
For breakfast they have so many tasty options, but you can’t go wrong with the Nancy Bet-C, which is a toasted croissant filled with peppered bacon, melted Swiss, poached eggs and roasted tomatoes. Or maybe the Mosquito Benedict is more your style, which adds sautéed shrimp, mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts and fresh asparagus to a typical eggs benedict. There is nothing lacking or boring on this menu at one of the most enjoyable restaurants in Galveston!
If you happen to stop by for a mid day snack try the Pecan Crusted Brie or Warm Goat Cheese Medallions. You can’t go wrong with this menu! As they say, “one bite is all it takes!”
Waterman’s Restaurant
Are you looking for dining in Galveston with a laid back vibe? Waterman’s Restaurant is the ideal choice. With lots of outdoor seating and a view overlooking Galveston Bay, this restaurant cannot be missed.
Try to score a reservation in the evening so you can enjoy the sunset from their gorgeous waterfront tables. The view from Waterman’s can’t be beat!
Waterman’s also has the some of the best food in Galveston, including the classic appetizer of shrimp stuffed with jalapeño cheese, wrapped in smoked bacon and lightly fried. They call them Shrimp Beso (kiss in Spanish) and top theirs with pico de Gallo and home made ranch sauce.
Other tasty options include, homemade lobster bisque and any of their specialty fish made “Texas Style,” crusted with pecans and topped with lump crab meat and lemon butter.
Sit back and enjoy your fresh cooked food while taking in a glorious Texas sunset. End your perfect day at one of the top restaurants in Galveston!
Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant
Wondering where to eat in Galveston? Gaido’s has been around since 1911, and is a Galveston tradition. They have feed many locals and tourists alike, even a few celebrities, like Alfred Hitchcock! This is one of the best restaurants in Galveston for celebrating a special occasion, so cheers to your next great meal!
Known for the freshest, hand cooked fish you really can’t go wrong with any of their daily catches. Including their Pecan Crusted Mahi Mahi and American Cornmeal Fried Catfish. They also serve Blue crab harvested in Texas and serve it in a number of classic preparations.
Like all our other stops, they also have something for those family members who are not seafood fans. Chicken, pork chops, filets and a ribeye round out their impressive dinner menu.
Make sure to check out their Signature Cocktails menu, the Peach Tea Martini is a great drink full of Southern charm!
Keep the tradition alive and enjoy a meal at Gaido’s, one of the best Galveston restaurants.
Sunflower Bakery & Cafe
Make sure to stop at Sunflower Bakery & Cafe and enjoy the best lunch in Galveston!
Located in the East End Historical District, you can choose to eat at their cozy cafe or take your food to go and enjoy at your hotel or home. With so many mouth watering options, you are bound to find something for even the pickiest of eaters when dining in Galveston.
Start out with their “Famous” Tomato Basil Soup, it is famous for a reason! Then if you are still hungry, try one of their many sandwiches or salads, there are so many options to choose from. They also have a large gluten free menu, so this is a great restaurant for people with food allergies.
Try to save some room for dessert, both their Grilled Cinnamon Roll and Warm Bread Pudding served a la mode are excellent choices. Your search for where to eat in Galveston is over, run as fast as you can to Sunflower Bakery & Cafe, you won’t be disappointed with this cute beach town stop!
Yamato
Are you a hibachi or sushi fan? If so, we have found the best food in Galveston for you! Yamato serves classic hibachi style dishes along with creative and unique maki rolls.
Yamato has been one of the top restaurants in Galveston for over 30 years. So, you don’t want to miss this family owned restaurant.
You can’t go wrong with one of their hibachi dinner options. All of them are delicious and sure to entertain. If sushi is your entree of choice, you are in for a treat. Their selection has some of the most original and artistic rolls we have ever seen, they are such a treat when dining in Galveston.
They offer the traditional and signature sushi rolls you are likely used to, as well as a changing seasonal menu that adds in different seafoods, fruits, sauces and wraps. With so many pairings to choose from, this is guaranteed to be any sushi lovers dream restaurant.
Don’t forget to end your meal with some fried green tea ice cream or mochi. You have to try out one of the best Galveston restaurants!
Koops BBQ
Texas is famous for their barbecue and once you eat at Koops you will understand why! Koops BBQ offers authentic barbecue in a cozy atmosphere that feels like home. You don’t want to miss Koops when looking at where to eat in Galveston.
They are open Tuesday through Saturday and have a different menu each day, so make sure to look ahead of time, though everyday is sure to have something delicious.
The brisket, is not to be missed and is a crowd favorite! They also offer crispy tacos, loaded tots, pulled pork and melty burgers along with a list of out of this world sides. Try the spicy corn or go classic with coleslaw and potato salad. With so many options to choose from you can’t go wrong with one of the most delicious restaurants in Galveston.
If you are in the mood for the best barbecue in Galveston, look no further, get on over to Koops!
Rudy & Paco Restaurant & Bar
Looking to have a night out at one of the most romantic restaurants in Galveston? Rudy & Pacos is the place to go. They have a Central & South American inspired menu that is sure to delight. Make sure to have a reservation and be dressed in your best since they do not allow shorts during dinner.
Located right next to The Opera House, this is the perfect place to go for a night on the town and dining in Galveston. Start your night off right with one of their many Antojitos (little cravings in Spanish), like Paco’s Signature Lobster Tempura or a traditional shrimp cocktail.
For your main course, they offer a bit of everything from pastas, seafood, chicken and beef. If you favor spicy dishes try the Salmon a la Parrilla, which is grilled salmon with their homemade mango habanero sauce. Maybe spice isn’t your thing, no worries there are still lots of options!
Whatever dishes you choose, Rudy & Pacos is sure to become one of your new favorite restaurants in Galveston!
Tortuga
Tortuga serves up Tex Mex with a twist! They are a local chain that offers fresh, coastal seafood and classic Tex Mex favorites. For quick and fresh dining in Galveston, this is the place
They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can choose whether you want to cool down or watch the waves role in at one of the most tasty restaurants in Galveston. After sitting down at Tortuga you are greeted with their fresh chips and homemade salsa!
Start your meal off right with one of their speciality margaritas, maybe Spicy Pineapple flavor? With so many options on their menu, it is impossible to make a bad decision. We recommend one of their enchiladas or the Del Mar Extreme Fajitas, which come with chicken, beef and shrimp. This is some of the best food in Galveston!
Tortuga is the perfect place for the whole family to eat after a day on the pier or at the beach!
Shrimp ‘N Stuff
If fried seafood is what you are looking for then look no further, because there are no better places to eat in Galveston then Shrimp ‘N Stuff! They opened in 1976 and have been dubbed “the place where the locals love to eat.” If that isn’t high praise, we don’t know what is!
Stick with the classic and order their fried shrimp and hushpuppies or the coconut shrimp if you are cravings some tropical flavors. They also offer shrimp gumbo and a wide array of po-boys at one of the original restaurants in Galveston.
If you are still hungry at the end of this delicious meal, try a piece of refreshing, tangy key lime pie.
Find one of the best places to eat in Galveston and try eating like a local at Shrimp ‘N Stuff, we know you won’t regret it!
The Original Mexican Cafe
Wondering where to eat in Galveston if you are craving great Mexican food? We’ve got you covered! Dating back to 1916, The Original Mexican Cafe is one of the longest continuously operating restaurants in Galveston and a true classic.
They pride themselves on using the freshest ingredients possible and preparing everything in house each morning. This is a home cooked meal to enjoy!
They have many options to choose from on their menu including, nachos, tacos, enchiladas and special combo plates. If traditional Mexican food is what you are really craving, try their Menudo, which is a Mexican soup made of beef tripe and hominy in a red chili broth and topped with cilantro, onion, tortilla strips and jalapeño.
Save room for some sweets at the end of your meal. With tres leches, flan and sopapillas on the menu, you really can’t skip dessert at The Original while dining in Galveston!
The Spot
Enjoy eating under the stars with phenomenal Gulf views at The Spot. Not only is The Spot one of the funnest places to eat in Galveston, it also has four different bars attached to it. The Tiki Bar, Squeeze Ritas & Tequilas, RumShack and SideYard are all unique stops to get a drink and celebrate happy hour while dining in Galveston!
No matter what type of vibe you are looking for you are sure to find it in one of the bars located here. You can even make a whole night of it and hope around from place to place!
For those over 21, start your night out with a refreshing Ocean Water, which mixes spiced rum, coconut rum, blue curacao and Sprite. Once you get hungry, take a look at their burger options! They have nine different types, including the Sweet & Spicy Burger that is topped with smoked gouda, fried jalapeños, bacon jam, lettuce and BBQ sauce
They also have beachfront tacos, fresh seafood and salads. End your meal with a hand spun milkshake or malt. Their delicious flavors include, Nutella, Oreo and many others!
Between the five restaurants and bars you are sure to find one of your new favorite restaurants in Galveston!
Shark Shack Beach Bar & Grill
You will know you are at The Shark Shack when you walk up. The outside of the building is painted in a colorful mural of ocean life! This is one of the most colorful restaurants in Galveston.
This is the place to come to if you are looking to have a night on the town with music and drinks. The atmosphere is lively making it one of the most perfect places to eat in Galveston on your beach vacation. Happy hour is from 2 to 6 PM every Tuesday through Thursday.
Try some of their house favorites including Cajun Shrimp Fondue, Shark Bites (cheese stuffed shrimp wrapped in bacon and topped with barbecue sauce) or Texas Red Fish Tacos. They also serve a Whiskey Crab Soup and hushpuppies that are both crowd pleasers!
So, kick up your heels and enjoy all Shark Shack has to offer! Don’t miss one of the best restaurants in Galveston.
Katie’s Seafood House
Katie’s Seafood House is situated right on the water and uses all locally sourced fish that they catch right here in the Gulf! All of their fish is responsibly harvested. You can even request the boat name and captain that caught your fish, now that is fresh seafood in Galveston!
Seafood lovers will be in paradise when looking over the menu. All of the options are so good, it is difficult narrowing down our favorites. You can select one of the catches of the day, cooked your way, whether that is Creole Style, Galveston Bake or Caribbean is up to you.
They also serve fish and crab boils and a number of mouthwatering sandwiches. And if happy hour is your preference, make sure to stop at Katie’s and enjoy the waterfront views while savings on specialty cocktails and tasty bites. One of the best deals when dining in Galveston!
By far, one of the best restaurants in Galveston, be sure to stop by Katie’s Seafood House.
You will not go hungry when eatings at these delicious restaurants in Galveston! Whether you are craving seafood, Tex Mex, hibachi or a world class burger you are covered. No need to wonder where to eat in Galveston, with all these options you may just have to extend your trip a few extra days! And if you are still hungry, continue on south and check out the best restaurants in Corpus Christi!
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I beg to differ on your choices of the 15 best restaurants. There were a few I agree on such a Gaido’s, Katie end The Original Mexican Restaurant but also Salsas, Number 13 and Bubba Gumps.