10 Great Restaurants in Galveston

Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant famously boasts its grand opening in 1911 coincided with the invention of air conditioning. Far from receiving a cool reception, however, Gaido’s welcomes both locals and visitors to its Seawall Boulevard restaurant with true warm Texan hospitality.

With the freshest fish straight out of the nearby Gulf on offer, the “daily catch” includes pecan-encrusted Mahi Mahi, blackened yellowfin tuna, and American cornmeal fried catfish. Traditional sides like jumbo baked potatoes and onion rings sit alongside crab mac and cheese, and truffle fries. This family-friendly spot has a dedicated kids’ menu, gluten-free options, and heart-wise preparations available.

Leo’s Cajun Corner will allow you to smoke your own meat at Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, if you forgot to pack the ham in your hand luggage, you can still sample the Cajun butcher’s specialty meats, all smoked in-house using oak wood and authentic Louisianan recipes.

Located on Broadway Avenue, the main route running through Galveston Island, Leo’s plates of sausage, boudin, riblet, shrimp, oyster, chicken breast, pork chop, or catfish come piled high with bread and a choice of 2 sides. Meats by the pound include sausage, boudin, and jerky. Their not-so-secret “Leo’s Special” sausage is a spicy blend of pork, jalapeño, bell peppers, hot sauce, garlic, and onions. Perhaps leave space in your suitcase to take some home?

Yamato Japanese Restaurant prides itself on converting seafood lovers into sushi lovers. To do this, they source only the highest quality and freshest fish, prepared in an open kitchen by master sushi chefs. Its signature rolls include the “Red Dragon,” a spicy tuna roll, topped with tuna, red dragon sauce, spicy mayo, and tobiko.

If you are still unsure about raw fish, the restaurant also has a separate hibachi dining room where it serves meats or seafood grilled on a high heat in front of the diners. Prices tend to be quite high in this longstanding spot, but it welcomes all, from couples on a romantic date night to bachelorette parties. There is also a dedicated kids’ menu.

Yaga’s Cafe brings the party to island life at its location in Galveston’s historic Strand District. Serving a wide-ranging menu from burgers to pizzas, go for an early brunch, and stay late into the night, Yaga’s party continues with live music until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

We like sitting on the outdoor patio to eat the eclectic “Strawberry cider salad” – mixed greens, grilled Granny Smith apples, fresh strawberries, candied pecans, and bleu cheese with apple cider-brown sugar vinaigrette. Wash it all down with a drink at Tsunami, the handily located tequila bar next door which also hosts Galveston’s only official exhibition of traditional Mardi Gras posters.

The Black Pearl Oyster Bar plucks its fresh oysters straight from the Gulf of Mexico, so the air miles for this local delicacy are low, making them environmentally sustainable as well as delicious. Served on the half shell in 1 dz or ½ dz portions, or you can try them in a po-boy where the oysters come fried, tossed in Cajun sauce, and topped with blue cheese crumbles.

Located on the edge of the historic Strand area, Black Pear Oyster Bar is an unfussy joint, with friendly service and cold beer on tap. If it’s fresh oysters you are in the market for, make sure you try this local gem.

Housed in a beautiful redbrick corner building in Galveston’s historic Strand area, Riondo’s Restaurant takes home cooking seriously. The Executive Chef even goes as far as making their own mozzarella cheese, known on the menu as “Riondo Mozz”, and the ladyfingers for the tiramisu. Elsewhere on the Italian-skewed menu expect appetizers of meatballs, bruschetta, and calamari, and mains of grilled meats, pizza, and house-made pasta.

If alcohol is your thing, then try the creative cocktails. We like the “Italian Margarita,” an old favorite with a Sicilian twist – tequila, amaretto, and blood orange liqueur are shaken with fresh lime, orange, and agave. Gluten-free pasta and pizza dough are available, and the kids are catered for too.

Rudy and Paco Restaurant is right next door to the Grand 1984 Opera House on Postoffice Street, meaning you can handily book at the upscale dining room for a pre-show dinner. This high-end restaurant offers grilled seafood and steak with a Central and South American flavor.

Shrimps straight from the Gulf are served pan-fried as antojitos with lemon butter whilst the house specialty of “filete de Pargo” (Gulf red snapper) comes with a choice of sauces. Prefer the turf to the surf? You can get the beef filet, rib-eye, or tenderloin broiled your way. A perfect place for a special occasion or celebration – make sure you bring your dress clothes as shorts aren’t allowed in the main dining room at dinner.

The outside of the Maceo Spice and Import Company is painted with a bright modern mural, but inside the store has retained a historical charm, with old photos adorning the walls of this family-run emporium come café/deli. You can’t possibly walk past as the smell of spices and herbs will entice you in.

Once inside, at the counter, or in the booths, enjoy the legendary “Muffaletta” a bun packed with ham, salami, provolone cheese, and secret family recipe Maceo olive salad. Also on the menu are deli classics like meatball subs, red beans, and gumbo, and – if you really can’t decide – have a “Great Combo.” Prices are reasonable for the quality of the ingredients, exotic aromas, and historical experience.

Bambú is widely thought of by islanders as serving the best Mexican food in Galveston. Opening at 6am, you could drop in for an early breakfast burrito of scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon, refried beans, and potatoes to mop up the excesses of the night before. At lunch, we like to sample the enchilada plate – beef or chicken fajita with lettuce, tomato, and guacamole.

Just South of Broadway Avenue J, Bambú is a short walk away from the Bryan Museum, which brings the history of Texas and the American West to life through its world-class exhibitions and collections. Tacos with a side of culture – a perfect Galveston afternoon.

Shrimp ‘N Stuff – the clue is in the title. If it’s fresh shrimp you’re craving after taking in Galveston’s sea air, you’re in the right place. Shrimp is the star of the menu here and comes fried, with coconut, boiled, in salad, gumbo, tacos, or po-boys. They don’t neglect the other offerings from the sea here though; catfish or tilapia are also on the menu, alongside the tasty crab balls.

Two visits will be required if you want to sample the shrimp many ways, which is lucky as Shrimp ‘N Stuff is so popular they have opened a second joint in the downtown area. Casual dining for all the family, the original on Avenue O has a tree-covered deck for al fresco eating. Or, if you call and order ahead, you can collect for a picnic on the beach.