Galveston is an island city. And like many other island cities, it has a balance that many other cities cannot match. As an island city, Galveston offers a fine balance between great sights and fantastic food. Many of the best places to eat in Galveston offer fresh seafood in the form of the fresh catch of the day. You cannot find a fresher fish than that.
The relaxing views of the city are remarkable as well. Galveston is located just 50 miles away from Houston’s city center. Think of it as a beach oasis within reach of Houston and away from Clutch City culture.
Millions of tourists and travelers come to the island every year. Some of them stick around more to visit attractions like Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn, and the beach. Others go to the cruise ship port. Some even call the island the free state of Galveston.
Now, for the great food. Visit some of the best places to eat in Galveston to try gumbo, chicken sauvignon, Cornish hen, and shrimp and grits. Of course, there are always options for burgers and sandwiches.
And if you happen to be there during Galveston restaurant week, you can enjoy even better prices. There is even happy hour during that period.
What is Galveston known for?
The island city on the Gulf Coast of Texas is known for Moody Gardens. There, giant glass pyramids house sharks, monkeys, and other animals. The city is also home to amusement rides and restaurants, many of which line the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier on the south shore.
Galveston is arguably one of the most charming beach towns in the country, full of historic architecture, sandyshores, and the best restaurants.
The beaches might not be as clean as those on the Gulf coast, but they are worth a visit. It is a prime location for cruise ships that are embarking and docking.
While in Galveston, you can take a Segway tree carvings tour, get some sandcastle lessons, visit the Galveston Naval Museum and Seawolf Park, visit the Historic House, or visit the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum.
And of course, enjoy some great food while exploring the city.
Best Restaurants
Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood
Number 13 has one of the best locations in the city, located on the Pelican Rest Marina. Now, 13 might not be the luckiest number for most people. But this place will change your perception of the number.
Enjoy some well-cooked dishes that will satisfy your taste buds. Add in the amazing view, and it is a great place to visit.
We recommend trying the sautéed Gulf shrimp with minced garlic to start your meal. Then, you can share fresh seafood like oysters, shrimps, lobster tails, king crab, smoked salmon, and more.
Yamato Japanese Restaurant
Yamato has been the go-to place in Galveston for Japanese cuisine since 1988. The place attracts visitors thanks to its menu of fresh sushi. Yamato’s specialty rolls have become famous to the point people come to Galveston just to try them.
Generally speaking, the Galveston restaurant can offer amazing Asian food. We recommend trying a spicy tuna roll with six pieces of sashimi. It is one of the best things you can get for lunch.
And if you want something hot to warm your tummy, try the Yakisoba. It is a stir-fried egg noodle soup. Definitely one of the unique dishes you can try.
La King’s Confectionery
When we talk about the best places to eat in Galveston, we usually talk about places where you can have lunch and dinner. Candy doesn’t exactly count as a meal.
But when you visit La King’s Confectionary, you will change your opinion. The sweet shop has been around for almost 100 years.
They have thick shakes and malts served at the soda fountain and more than 20 different flavors for ice cream and frozen yogurt.
The Strand Historic District
This is not a restaurant, more of a place where you can go to try different foods. The Strand Historic Place in Galveston is definitely one of the best places to dine. There are many options for shopping, drinking, and nightlife.
And the restaurants are top-notch.
Trattoria La Vigna
Galveston might be a city in Texas, but they do have Italian food. Trattoria La Vigna is the best place to try Italian cuisine in Galveston TX.
It is a quiet spot with delectable and world-class dishes. Of course, try the Italian classics like spaghetti and clams or seafood risotto.
Leon’s World Finest Bar-B-Que
Are you a fan of smoked meat? Well, you have found the best place for a barbecue in Galveston TX. Leon’s World Finest Bar-B-Que started welcoming guests in 1986. Ever since they are one of the best restaurants in the city.
The place boasts great flavors and has developed a unique and distinct taste that will make you come back for more.
If you want to eat like locals, try a plate of the cut and prime beef brisket. You will get an idea of what makes this place special.
Now, if you prefer handhelds, try the young and tender spare ribs sandwich. When it is time for dessert, try the bread pudding with rum sauce.
Shrimp N Stuff
Shrimp N Stuff has been around for more than 40 years and offers guests fresh seafood. The dishes are inspired by Southern fare, making the Galveston restaurant a unique place.
Add in the casual vibe, even more, if you sit on the outdoor patio, and you have a charming restaurant.
You can choose between shrimp, oysters, crab balls, and tilapia. We recommend trying the shrimp gumbo that will give you an authentic Southern experience.
Leave room for dessert and try the lime pie and cheesecake with cherries.
The Spot
The Spot is an eclectic beachfront dining spot on the Galveston Seawall blvd. This is where you go for the best beachfront dining in the city.
Located on the Galveston Seawall, it offers views of the waters of the Gulf of Mexico right outside the windows.
There is something for every member of the family on the menu. We recommend trying their signature sweet and spicy burger. Another great option is the Ralph burger with bacon and BBQ sauce.
Yes, there are also options for seafood, sandwiches, salads, tacos, and even some milkshakes.
BLVD Seafood
BLVD Seafood serves some of the best fresh-caught Gulf seafood in a modern atmosphere. No matter if you are there for lunch, dinner, or even brunch, there is a great variety of dishes to choose from.
Some of the popular dishes among locals include the tuna poke bowl, Seawall scallops, and chargrilled oysters.
If you want something more common, try some of their salads, or shrimp and grits. If you are not a fan of seafood, there are options like blackberry pork chops and hand-cut steaks.
Mama Teresa’s Flying Pizza
You cannot go to a city in Texas and not try pizza. If you are looking for a cheesy slice of pizza, then this is it. Mama Teresa’s Flying pizza is within walking distance from downtown Galveston and the cruise ships.
Since you are in Texas, you have to try something local-inspired. That would be the Texan snapper Parmigiana or the Cattleman’s Pizza. The latter is with bacon and barbecue sauce.
Black Pear Oyster Bar
You cannot say you have been to a beach city without trying some oysters. Gulf oysters are abundant in Galveston and Black Pearl Oyster Bar is a legendary spot in the city.
You can try fresh and well-shucked bivalves. But we recommend trying oysters Haelen, topped with crab meat and cheese.
Gaido’s Seafood restaurant
Gaido’s Seafood restaurant opened in 1911 and remains one of the longest-running dining establishments in the city. This seafood restaurant has a long history and tradition of service. Throughout the years, they have managed to maintain a high quality of great food. And all of their offerings are nicely plated. Bring your camera and turn on your Instagram vibe.
As for the food, we recommend sticking to classics like premium Gulf shrimp. It can be either blackened, fried, or grilled. If you want meat, we recommend the pesto fettuccine paired with a 16-ounce cowboy ribeye.
Fish Tales
This is another seafood restaurant that offers beachfront dinner. Fish Tales is a family-focused eatery located on the beach along the city’s famous Seawall blvd.
The welcoming environment with nautical details is fun and relaxing. They specialize in seafood, and locals praise the blackened, stuffed catfish. Some other good options include fried shrimp, fresh redfish, and snow crab legs.
If you are into meat, you can also find baby-back ribs and many steaks. The drink menu has some interesting options as well.
Gypsy Joynt
Gypsy Joynt is a family-owned eatery that opened recently. They started in 2016 but quickly rose to one of the best places to eat in Galveston.
The place was named the best restaurant of the year in 2017. Their Bohemian theme, coupled with live events is what makes you come back for more.
When you think of food here, think of American classics. So, pick up an American burger filled with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, house pickles, and more.
If you want a spicy meal, try the sloppy burger with chili and jalapenos.
Pho 20
Do not worry, Galveston has something for every type of eater. If you are after a good bowl of pho, you can find it at Pho 20. Their vegetarian bowl of soup boasts amazing flavors. It contains tofu, veggies, and a thick broth with lots of flavors.
We recommend trying the bun cha, a bowl with vermicelli noodles, grilled pork, carrots, and cucumbers.
For those of you who do not know, pho is a Vietnamese soup dish. This Vietnamese food bowl contains broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat.
The Poop Deck
Let’s finish off the list with a traditional bar with a pirate-like atmosphere. If you are after a relaxed meal in a place offering views of the beach, go to The Poop Deck. Now the name might sound funny, but the place is amazing.
There is an indoor seating option and expansive outdoor patio seating. You will love the jukebox.
As for the food and drink, it is a bar-like menu. Burgers and wings are always an option. You can also try some of the many beer options.
Hi, I’m a clinical psychologist and inclined towards best buying practices for home and kitchen things. Critical towards choosing the best product and honest with my feedback. I’m a seasoned writer having more than 4 years of experience in multiple niches as well.
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