Get the scoop here about where to eat in Galveston, Texas!
Trying local food and locally-owned restaurants is one of the highlights of traveling – and there are plenty of them all over town. Galveston restaurants cater to locals and tourists alike, so you won’t go hungry in this part of the Gulf Coast! In this article, you’ll find where to eat in Galveston, Texas, and, hopefully, find a favorite or two.
This list comprised several members of Texas Travel Talk when they visited Galveston, plus some of which were extensively researched. Warning – it’s hard to choose!! Many Galveston restaurants listed here are on Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. But great food is everywhere – so don’t overlook the restaurants not on the strand or near the water. The best restaurants anywhere can be off the beaten path.
Where To Eat In Galveston, Texas
From burgers and barbeque to a chilling salmon dinner to fresh Gulf seafood and some of the best Mexican restaurants on the Gulf of Mexico you’ll find here. These are the restaurants in Galveston to put on your radar when visiting the Island. All are great for the whole family.
Did someone say barbecue?
Galveston is known for having some of the best barbeque restaurants in Texas. Keep reading.
Mosquito Cafe
Come as you are to Mosquito Cafe to enjoy traditional homemade dishes and trendy plates with an international flare in its casual diner. Won the 2021 Travelers Choice Award by TripAdvisor.
Grotto
One of the best Italian restaurants on the Island. For Italian dining, a wide variety of wines, and great Gulf views, make a reservation at the Grotto. Ask your server about their wines and wine pairings. If they know their wines, you’ll know your dinner will be good!! The Grotto is located in the San Luis Resort. A few of us have stayed here, and if the restaurant is as nice as their guest’s rooms, you’re in good hands. Happy Hour – Mon – Fri from 4-6:30 pm.
Photo Credit: Visit Galveston
The Sunflower Bakery And Cafe
I do love fresh vegetables and homemade sandwiches. Head here for breakfast, enjoy their new lunch menu, and be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! Find The Sunflower Bakery in Galveston’s East End.
Cafe In The Park In Moody Gardens Hotel
Cafe in the Park is a casual, light, airy restaurant located on the first floor of the Moody Gardens Hotel and is only open to hotel guests. If you stay here, dine here – you’ll love it. If not, the hotel has plenty of other nice casual restaurants open to the public. See below.
The breakfast buffet was arrayed with a vast choice of delectable breakfast options. All regular foods such as eggs, biscuits and gravy, potatoes, cereals, and juices were there. The spread of fresh fruit and fresh pastries first caught my eye. Have you ever seen Kolaches on a breakfast buffet before? Tiny little smoothies and cream-filled crepes with raspberry sauce were also all the rage with kids. This dish ranks very high on the breakfast buffets we have ever had.
If time allows, save an evening for the buffet—it’s equally delicious!
Best BBQ Restaurants In Galveston
According to Texas Monthly, Galveston Island has some of the best barbecue restaurants in the Lone Star State. There are plenty of bbq joints on the Island. Here are some of the best.
- Leon’s World’s Finest BBQ (pictured above) tops the list for the best barbeque joint in Galveston. Located at 55th and Broadway. Call-in orders are welcome.
- Queen’s Bar-B-Que – A family-owned barbeque restaurant in Galveston. Located one block from the Seawall. Closed Sunday.
- Texas Pit Stop – Location location location (6612 Seawall Blvd). They have a drive-thru too.
Moody Gardens Restaurants Open To The Public
Moody Gardens Garden Restaurant is a beautiful place to go the buffet route. The options are fantastic, and the salad bar presentation was equal to that! This restaurant is open to the public, and there are many options for kids, like spaghetti, chicken nuggets, macaroni & cheese, and more kid-friendly selections.
A must-try: Kale with butternut squash.
For other public dining options at the Moody Gardens Hotel, such as Pelican Grille on the golf course and a few others around the hotel, look for the list that says “Moody Gardens Hotel restaurants open to the public.”
Hotel Galvez Bar And Grill
According to Adeina, while she was on a trip to Galveston, she stayed at Hotel Galvez and said their restaurant, Galvez Bar And Grill, has all-you-can-eat shrimp for Sunday Brunch. Dinner is from 5-10 pm, and they also serve lunch. Reservations are best made online through OpenTable. The hotel location is 2024 Seawall Blvd., Galveston.
The Gumbo Diner
Adeina also had time to grab a bite to eat at The Gumbo Diner at 3602 Seawall Blvd. and said it did not disappoint! She went back for another meal. I’d say that’s a worthy “where to eat in Galveston, TX” kind of place to try! Open for all meals.
Fish Tales
Head to Pleasure Pier at 2502 Seawall Blvd. for this one. On good days, ask to sit on the upper deck outside – you’ll get great views of Pleasure Pier. I also read that they serve outstanding margaritas.
A must-try: shrimp en brochette – a bacon-wrapped shrimp stuffed with cream cheese, shredded cheese, and a slice of jalapeno. Some call this Shrimp Kisses.
Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood Grill
One of the first restaurants on the Island and one of the best seafood restaurants in Galveston is Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood Grill, which offers great seafood and yummy fresh bread. And the views are not bad either! Waterfront dining is at its best here. They always use fresh ingredients, and their food is delicious. The food must be good to have been in business all these years.
Fisherman’s Wharf is in the Historic Strand District. Views of the water and the Tall Ship Elissa are gorgeous! And if you’re in Galveston for a cruise, it is close to the Galveston Cruise Terminal.
It’s open every day of the week for lunch and dinner. Prior reservations are not required, but you may want to make reservations online to guarantee a seat.
Try the Greek salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and Greek dressing for a light meal.
A must-try: Gulf Red Snapper served with rice pilaf and fresh vegetables.
Shrimp N Stuff
Its location is 3901 Avenue O. It serves Southern-style fried seafood and gets 4.4 stars.
Yaga’s Cafe
A place that mentions Peace. Love. Soul. on its website is a place I would try! Another friend of mine said the coconut shrimp with a Dirty Monkey (drink) is fantastic! They serve healthy meals too! And afterward, you can go shopping right on the strand. Yaga’s Cafe won the 2021 Travelers’ Choice by TripAdvisor. Live music every weekend from 10 pm to 2 am.
Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar
Check them out in Galveston Arts and Entertainment District for some swamp fried alligator. Happy Hour Mon-Fri from 3-7 pm.
Miller’s Seawall Grill
A friend told me that the crab benedict is a must-try at Miller’s Seawall Grill. It seems like the view on the seawall isn’t bad either! They do not take reservations at this time.
Photo Credit: Visit Galveston
Katie’s Seafood Market
For over 20 years, Katies’ Seafood has provided fresh seafood, and their ratings are high.
Photo Credit: Visit Galveston
More – Where To Eat In Galveston, Texas
Don’t worry – there are plenty of restaurants on the Island, including these well-known names. You won’t go hungry when you eat in Galveston!
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is always fun to visit and the perfect place for kids to have fun.
- Joe’s Crab Shack, which serves some major fine lobster
- Landry’s Seafood Restaurant that’s a high-end restaurant
- Rainforest Cafe is always a treat to dine among the animals.
- Saltgrass Steakhouse
- Tiki Bar 3204 Seawall Blvd.
- You can always go for the all-you-can-eat seafood buffet at Golden Corral on Seawall Boulevard.
Let us know where to eat good crawfish in Galveston, TX! Eating crawfish seems to be a popular meal in the Gulf!
You’re only a hop, skip, and jump from a city with a zoo, an art trail, a pick-your-flowers farm, and a museum of Nolan Ryan. See Fun Things To Do In Alvin, TX.
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