What are the best restaurants in Galveston? We’re here to help you answer that question.
After spending the day swimming and sunning on those beaches, your stomach starts asking ‘where’s the best place to eat in Galveston?’.
Naturally, the island is packed full of restaurants offering up crab and fish laden platters ready for you to dig into! It also has a delicious selection of Southern, TexMex, BBQ, Italian, Greek, and even some vegetarian cuisine that’ll tantalize your tastebuds.
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Best Restaurants in Galveston, Texas
Let’s take a look at some of the best restaurants in Galveston to help you get your grub on! We’re fixin’ to fix you up good!
Best Seafood in Galveston
Does the mere thought of going to the beach make you salivate? Then read on for some excellent restaurants serving Galveston’s finest seafood.
Shrimp ‘n Stuff
Proudly bearing ‘Winner 2019 – Best Seafood Galveston Countywide’, you just know this place is going to be good.
Shrimp ‘n Stuff has been running since ‘76 and serving up some of the finest seafood to its many happy customers. Drop by for their famous fried shrimp, order some hushpuppies on the side, and wash it down with a thirst-quenching bucket of beer.
Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant
Gaido’s is a seafood establishment that’ll head up any list when searching for the best seafood in Galveston.
Pecan crusted mahi mahi, blackened tuna and a deluxe shellfish tower are some of the incredible creations served. Alongside fresh seafood cocktails and a dessert menu to make your mouth water, it’s no wonder that Gaido’s has been running since 1911.
BLVD Seafood
BLVD Seafood is a no frills restaurant dishing up fine food and cooling cocktails. Favorites here include their succulent scallops, crispy crab cakes and a D-LUX Bloody Mary.
Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, it’s a place you can visit whenever hunger strikes. Tip: Happy Hour is 3-7 pm!
Benno’s Cajun Seafood
If you want “poor people’s seafood”, as my brother calls it, check out Benno’s Cajun Seafood.
Benno’s is not fancy, and it’s not pricy, but the fried seafood is top-notch. You’ll walk away with a full belly, and only a slightly less full bank account.
They have fried, boiled, cajun, buttered and stuffed shrimp. Fried and boiled crawfish and oysters, whole or fillet fish, and crawfish etouffee. Yeah, there is a lot to choose from, so if you can’t decide opt for one of their combination dinners.
Best Mexican and Tex-Mex in Galveston
Anywhere worth going in Texas has at least a few amazing Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants to choose from.
Here are our favorites in Galveston.
The Original Mexican Cafe
Friendly staff, awesome atmosphere, and incredible Mexican food. That’s what you’ll find at The Original Mexican Cafe.
Beef tacos, cheese enchiladas, fajitas, queso, tacos, crispy chips, margaritas, and more. Pretty much anything you’re dreaming of is on this big menu. And you can’t go wrong with any of it!
El Nopalito
If you happened to have a few too many beers last night, then a breakfast burrito is probably the only thing that’s gonna get you back on your feet!
El Nopalito is an awesome option. They have all the usuals (eggs, beans, potatoes, cheese, bacon) and if you’re reallyyyy hungover maybe opt for the barbacoa, chicharon, or chorizo breakfast burrito. It will hit the spot.
Plus, they’re wrapped in homemade tortillas. What else could you ask for in life?
Breakfast isn’t the only time to visit El Nopalito though. They have every Texmex dish you might be craving on the lunch and dinner menu, including enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, and burritos. They even have Fideo con Pollo!
Mercadito y Taqueria
If you’re looking for fancy, do not come here. But if you want incredible and authentic homemade Mexican food Mercadito y Taqueria is where it’s at!
Tamales, tacos, carne guisada, chilakiles, and carne asada more are yours for the choosing! We hear the pulled lamb shoulder plate is worth going to this
little Taqueria and grocery store alone.
Best BBQ in Galveston
What else does Texas do real good? Besides seafood, Texmex, and southern food? BBQ, of course!
It’s hard to narrow down all the great BBQ restaurants in Galveston. However, the restaurants below put care and love into the food they make. Trust us, you can taste it on the plate.
Leon’s World Finest BBQ
Leon ain’t lying when he’s talking about his BBQ. Tender smoked brisket, rich juicy ribs with bbq beans and coleslaw on the side. This restaurant delivers! Leon even makes his own sausages, which you know is a must in Texas! Come here for succulent, well-seasoned, delicious BBQ, and go home happy (and full).
Number 13
An upscale restaurant and terrace, Number 13 is the place to go if ya’ll are in the mood for something fancy.
The wagyu tartare and the king crab bisque are standouts. Try one of their delectable cocktails, and round out your meal with something from their extensive dessert menu. It’s guaranteed to be a memorable night!
Queen’s Bar-B-Que
Pork by the pound? Chopped beef sandwiches, smoked link on a po’boy bun, baked potatoes. Is your mouth salivating yet? For some good ol’ homestyle BBQ at excellent prices check out Queen’s. They have pretty much everything your little bbq craving heart could possibly desire.
Best Cajun Restaurants in Galveston
Cajun food is full-flavored, exciting, and downright delicious! Check out the below options for some superb Cajun restaurants in Galveston.
Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar
Bright, colorful and comforting – Little Daddy’s provides homey comfort Cajun and American food.
With delights ranging from gumbo and po’boys, to creole empanadas, fried alligator and kettle shrimp. This restaurant serves rich, hearty food 7 days a week.
Cajun Greek Seafood
Cajun Greek Seafood is, well, a fusion of Greek and Cajun cuisines. This restaurant has an enticing menu that’ll be sure to make your mouth water.
Interesting appetizers include vine leaf-wrapped dolmas, seafood platters, and stuffed crabs. They also have authentic gyros on the menu and a range of other enticing items.
Their menu will keep coming back time and time again!
Vegetarian & Vegan Food in Galveston
Vegetarians and vegans in Galveston, have no fear. There are some great options for you here. Many of these listed restaurants have one or two vegetarian choices available, but where to go if you really want to be catered to?
Check out the places below for some excellent veggie food in Galveston.
Mosquito Cafe
Self-proclaimed as friendly and eclectic, Mosquito Cafe is a charming hangout. Bountiful plates of tasty veggie omelets and apple salads are found here. Huevos rancheros, corn cakes with avocado, pesto loaded pastas… the list goes on.
Stuffed with enough fresh ingredients and natural goodness to give you that extra boost to enjoy your day!
The Original Mexican Cafe
Voted the best Mexican food from 2012 -2020, The Original Mexican Cafe in Galveston has some wicked veggie options! Cheesy starters, spinach enchiladas and a tasty array of vegetarian platillos.
The restaurant also caters to kids that’ll be very interested in the Mexican desserts on offer.
Eatcetera
‘Carnivores, Herbivores, Omnivores! We feed all your ores!’ Is the greeting from Eatcetera.
This casual eatery has a menu full of soups, sandwiches, and paninis. There are even a few unusual tasty twists like smoked mozzarella, daikon radish and peanut ponzu. Bonus – several sandwiches and one of the salads can be made vegan! Plus, sometimes they have vegan cake on offer! Yum.
Visit here to take away a hearty bite to enjoy on the beach.
Porch Cafe
For an absolutely delightful vegan breakfast, lunch, or dinner check out Porch Cafe. They have Vegan Breakfast Tostadas, Vegan Cauliflower Alfredo, and Vegan Chorizo Stuffed Poblanos on the menu. YUM!
Top that off with a cozy porch and it’s a win, win!
Best “Can’t Decide What You Want” Restaurant in Galveston
Yaga’s
If you’re craving chili, your partner wants wings, and your kids are hungry for burgers, Yaga’s is the place to go. This peace-filled cafe located on The Strand says they “wrote the book on mo’ bettah food and vibes on Galveston Island”. They even have a lovely outdoor patio for when the heat isn’t sweltering.
The food world is really your oyster here. They have everything, including crawfish risotto croquettes, chicken wings, Greek salad, bacon-wrapped shrimp, mango Cajun salmon, pasta, gumbo, burgers, po’boys, pizza, and soooooo much more! Seriously, just look at this menu.
They also have one vegan item on the menu, a quinoa bowl with lots of veg. And a “healthy” menu for those looking to treat their body well.
Plus, their brunch menu has beignets! So yeah, we’re sold.
Best Southern Food in Galveston
This list of best restaurants in Galveston wouldn’t be complete without a stellar Southern cuisine dining option. Luckily, we’ve got just the place for you!
Sunflower Bakery & Cafe
If you’re looking for that, “slap your momma, it’s so good” southern dining experience, check out Sunflower Bakery & Cafe.
Brunch and breakfast are served till 3:00 pm, so there’s no reason to miss out on mile high stacked buttermilk pancakes, crawfish cakes & eggs, and Buttermilk Biscuits With Sausage Gravy! And that’s only a few of the tempting things you will find on the huge menu.
Everything sounds amazing, so you’ll have some trouble choosing. You’ve been warned!
If you’re around for lunch, then the crab cakes, tortilla crusted red snapper, stuffed avocado, or shrimp po’boy might be what you’re looking for. Really though, you can’t go wrong here!
Best Sushi in Galveston
Sushi options are a little limited on the island. However, the one that is absolutely on point, and a must visit, is next on the list.
Yamato Japanese Restaurant
For exquisitely arranged plates of sushi, come to Yamato. The menu features alluringly named dishes such as the Hurricane, 3 Kings and White Dragon.
There is also a selection of vegetarian entrees and sushi, using inventive ingredients such as plum powder, edamame and marinated squash.
This is a place for special occasions and is overall one of the top-rated restaurants on the island.
Italian Restaurants in Galveston
Italian food is a crowd-pleaser. How can it not be? Below are some great choices for classic Italian, including pasta and pizza.
Riondo’s Ristorante
Riondo’s Ristorante is a cozy Northern Italian restaurant in Galveston. The menu consists of family recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Here you feast on bruschetta, ravioli and meatballs. The menu is a carefully considered range, and everything is cooked to perfection.
Tip: vegetarian options feature in every section of the menu.
Kids will have great fun creating their own pizza toppings! The Alfredo sauce and homemade pizza sauce both deserve a special mention.
Grotto Ristorante
Grotto’s is a popular place, and it has several locations around Texas. The menu revolves around fresh salads, pasta, pizza and fish, and they also cater for a gluten-free crowd.
Customers appreciate the clean interior, welcoming staff and consistent quality.
Bistro Style Outdoor Dining in Galveston
Airy, outdoor dining never looked more inviting. Step away from the beach cocktails and smoked BBQ and take a seat at Porch Cafe.
Porch Cafe
Deliciously tempting food in a bistro style cafe. Sound good? Then head to Porch Cafe.
Brunch plates, fancy salads, and carefully designed mains make up this divine menu. Dishes featured include chicken sauvignon and beef bolognese, to blackberry chipotle and fried green tomatoes. They even have a few delicious vegan options on the menu (see above).
Regardless of what you choose, Porch Cafe is a gorgeous spot to enjoy some beautiful food and a drink or two in the breeze.
Best Candy Shop & Ice Cream Parlour in Galveston
We’re totally not one to skip the sweet stuff. Here’s our pick for the best place to get your sugar rush!
This confectionery and ice cream parlor is a throwback to the 1920’s, and it’s great for the whole family.
They even have taffy pulling demonstrations on the weekend during summer. How cool is that?
Last Words on the Best Restaurants in Galveston
So there you have it! A tasty selection of restaurants in Galveston to cater to those feeling a bit peckish for a light bite to the roaringly ravenous needing a greedy meal! Where will you eat?
Have you found a great restaurant in Galveston that we should include in this round up? Leave us a note and let us know!
As always, happy travels everyone. Enjoy your vacation, and we’ll see you guys on the road!
Note: Top Header Image PC: Galveston Convention & Visitors Bureau
Everything You Need to Know to Visit Prague!
Written by Michael Miszczak
Michael has been traveling the world while writing, photographing, and sharing his stories and travel tips since 2010.
He is originally from New York City, and currently lives in Prague.
