Absolute Best Restaurants in Galveston, TX

You’re here, you’re hungry, and you want to make the most of your time and money while on the Island. It’s no secret that there’s an abundance of unique Galveston restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops for you to try.

So, where are the best restaurants in Galveston, Texas?

As island residents, we love exploring all of our local options. From Gulf seafood and hand-crafted ice cream to Italian and Japanese cuisine, our island has the perfect variety of cuisine to tantalize your taste buds. Dine out at one of our local favorites or grab a to-go order and enjoy it in the privacy of your beach house. All Sand `N Sea vacation homes have fully stocked kitchen and dining spaces, making it easy to enjoy a family meal together.

Read on for our recommendations for Galveston restaurants that offer delicious Island dining.


What Food Is Galveston Known For?

Galveston has a variety of great local food but is best known for its fresh seafood and steak, as well as our wide variety of Mexican and Italian restaurants.

Island institutions like Gaido’s Seafood, The Original Mexican Cafe, La Kings Confectionery, and The Star Drug Store have been around for decades, and relatively new restaurants like Vargas Cut & Catch, Fish Company Taco, and Suki Poke by the Sea keep the local food scene fresh and exciting.

No matter what type of food you’re craving, you can find it here on the Island!


Where to Eat in Galveston?

Galveston is commonly broken up into four areas when talked about by locals. Most Galveston restaurants and shops are located along Seawall Boulevard or in The Strand Historic District.

East End residents are only a short distance from both of those districts. While the West End is mostly residential, there are some great options for
vacation rental guests who don’t want to waste valuable beach time by driving into town.

Without further ado, let’s dig into the best Galveston restaurants, divided by area.


Galveston Seawall Restaurants

An abundance of local and chain restaurants can be found along Galveston’s Seawall Blvd. The ones that our staff and longtime vacation guests keep going back to are:

  • The Spot – a beachfront dining establishment that’s part of a five-venue complex. Choose from a selection of unique burgers or the freshest seafood imaginable, grab a cool drink, and enjoy the Gulf view from the deck.

  • BLVD Seafood – a classy restaurant with a great happy hour. Choose fresh seafood or a juicy filet mignon.

  • Nick’s Kitchen & Beach Bar – this lively establishment has found its niche as a laid-back beach bar with great views of the water.

  • Gaido’s Seafood – this family-owned seafood restaurant first opened its doors in 1911 and has been an island institution ever since. The chefs only use fresh seafood and prepare their dishes by hand.

  • Salsa’s Mexican Restaurant – received five-star ratings from Texas Monthly for “Best Margarita.” Don’t miss the well-packed burritos and sizzling fajitas.

  • The Gumbo Diner – this isn’t just a gumbo bar — this cozy diner serves up Southern-style sandwiches, all-day breakfast favorites, and New Orleans-style beignets and po’boys.

  • Queen’s Bar-B-Que – set back a block from the sea wall. Come here for melt-in-the-mouth BBQ ribs, pork, and sausages.


Galveston Restaurants on The Strand



The Strand Historic District in downtown Galveston is a designated National Historic Landmark District comprised of gorgeous Victorian-era buildings that now house a distinctive array of eateries, galleries, and shops.

Our favorite Galveston Strand restaurants around this area include:

  • Yaga’s Cafe – laidback spot, open for lunch and dinner daily and brunch on the weekend. In the mood to dance? Visit until 2am on Friday and Saturday.

  • EATcetera – sandwiches, soup, and salads rule the menu here. Pair your favorite with a large collection of beer and wine.

  • Rudy & Paco’s – steak and seafood with a Central and South American influence. Smart dress is required during dinner service but lunchtime is a more casual affair.

  • Trattoria La Vigna – classic Italian dishes and delicious European wines served in a cozy dining room.

  • Vargas Cut & Catch – a modern steakhouse serving USDA Prime Steaks in an elegant setting. For a special occasion, book a spot at the chef’s table.


West End Restaurants

One of the best parts about staying in a West End  Galveston vacation rental (other than the quick beach access) is having a fully equipped kitchen. But, it’s vacation! When it’s time to really relax there are plenty of local options that make feeding your group easy:


Galveston’s Best Brunch Spots

There’s nothing better than watching the sun rise over the Gulf from the deck, followed by a delicious brunch with friends or family. Local favorites for brunch on Galveston Island are:

  • Mosquito Cafe – breakfast is served until 2 pm. Try the house benedict with shrimp and artichoke hearts for a brunch with a difference.

  • Sunflower Bakery & Cafe – breakfast is served until 3 pm. Choose between classic brunch pastries and sweet treats or innovative savory and seafood plates.

  • Hotel Galvez – an unmatched buffet spread each Sunday from 11 am until 2 pm. Reservations are suggested.


Perfect Places for Your Galveston Date Night

Heading out for a night on the town? Galveston boasts a variety of unique bars and restaurants perfect for spending time with your special someone. Here’s where to eat if you’re looking for a perfect date spot.

Restaurants for a Special Occasion

  • Rudy & Paco – a high-end restaurant with a menu influenced by Central and South American cuisine. Dress code required.

  • Riondo’s Ristorante – a sophisticated fine dining spot with friendly service. Don’t miss the happy hours from Wednesday to Sunday.

  • The Rooftop Bar – the island’s only rooftop bar, features a selection of wine, craft beers, single malt scotch, and signature cocktails.

Options for a Laid-Back Night

  • Taquilo’s Tex-Mex Cantina – a huge menu of Tex-Mex classics including some vegetarian options.

  • Hey Mikey’s Ice Cream – a cute setting for a casual afternoon. Choose from cones or cups or split a shake for an old-school date night.

  • Cajun Greek – a no-frills joint for Cajun crawfish and gyros. Order a seafood platter if you don’t mind getting messy.

  • Shrimp ‘n Stuff – a casual chain with various locations. Split an order of coconut shrimp or fish tacos.


Where to Buy Fresh Seafood to Prepare at Home

If you aren’t interested in fishing but still want to enjoy local Gulf seafood, then head to the markets on Pier 20 and 21. Stop by either of these downtown favorites and pick the perfect catch!

  • Katie’s Seafood House – located at 1902 Wharf Road, near Pier 20. They specialize in Gulf Wild-tagged red snapper, shrimp, yellowfin tuna, crawfish, and more. Order online or subscribe to their “Seafood of the Month” club if your craving can’t wait until your next visit to Galveston Island.

  • Sampson & Son’s Seafood – offers locally-caught fish and shellfish including oysters and crabs, depending on the season. You’ll find them at 20 Pier 21, just down the road from Katie’s Seafood House, near the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum.


Galveston Restaurant Week

While we can’t all agree on the best place for seafood, we are absolutely all on board when it comes to  Galveston Restaurant Week.

This foodie festival runs for about two weeks in January of each year and includes the best Galveston restaurants. Participating restaurants offer special prix fixe menus, often with unique tasting menus designed just for the event.


Galveston is a Foodie’s Paradise

As you can see, foodies are spoiled for choice in our stunning Gulf Coast city. Whether you’re into high-end dining or casual bites, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to satisfy your appetite.

Why not make your time more special and book a vacation rental here in Galveston? Located less than an hour from Houston, our coastal city is easy to reach and there’s plenty to see, do, and eat to tempt visitors to stay a while.