The best places to eat in Galveston

Picture this: slurping down oysters while taking in a spectacular sunset over the beach. When you’re in Galveston, that can be your everyday routine. Here are a few of the top spots for delicious food and stunning sea views.

Helmed by longtime culinary expert Chris Lopez, this seafood eatery aims to redefine Galveston’s food scene with coastal classics like fish and chips, shrimp and grits and gulf oysters. You’ll also get a taste of Southern soul culinary delights like peanut butter jalapeno sliders and blackberry pork chops.

Location: 2804 Avenue R 1/2, Galveston, TX, 77550
Phone: (409) 762-2583
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Relax on this restaurant’s balcony overlooking Galveston’s Pleasure Pier and enjoy the famous Shrimp Kisses — bacon-wrapped shrimp stuffed with jalapeno jack cheese. Fish Tales specializes in seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, a sight you can take in while noshing on catsh, coconut shrimp and clam chowder.

Location: 2502 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX 77550
Phone: (409) 762-8545
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Vacation is the perfect time to get dressed up and hit the town. Check out these luxury dining spots that combine elegance with top-rated cuisine. 

The freshest seafood in town. Gaido’s opened in 1911 and prides itself on making its Gulf shrimp and bay oysters the same way the original founder did more than 100 years ago. Over the last century, it’s become a staple for locals and the perfect place for visitors to savor a avorful fresh fish filet.

Location: 3828 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX, 77550
Phone: (409) 761-5500
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The latest venture by restaurateur Paco Vargas and his family, Vargas Cut & Catch is a contemporary steakhouse in the heart of historic Galveston that serves USDA prime steaks and fresh seafood. Don’t wander in with your beach attire, though — to create an elegant atmosphere, the restaurant requires upscale dress, including collared shirts for men.

Location: 2102 Postofce St., Galveston, TX, 77550
Phone: (409) 762-2101
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If you’re looking for steak and seafood with a twist, you’ll love the Central and South American vibes at Rudy & Paco, like the house specialty Gulf shrimp tacos served with pico de gallo and topped with a raspberry chipotle sauce and cotija cheese. Wear your best clothes, because this spot has an upscale dress code — but shorts and ball caps are allowed at the bar and during lunch.

Location: 2028 Postofce St., Galveston, TX, 77550
Phone: (409) 762-3696
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Bite into a buttery croissant or sit out on the patio and munch on a salmon and caper sandwich with these bakery and cafe options in Galveston.

Let’s get spicy! That’s the mantra of this local spice shop dedicated to providing an authentic spice experience that has been a Galveston tradition since 1944. From the moment you step across the threshold, you’ll smell herbs and spices, hear the blender and see photos of the area’s history across all the walls.

Location: 2706 Market St., Galveston, TX, 77550
Phone: (409) 763-3331
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From mouthwatering handmade pastries to delectable Russian pelmeni dumplings, Sunower Bakery & Cafe has it all, serving fresh-baked goods, delectable breakfast sandwiches, sweet and savory crepes and cafe sandwiches all day long.

Location: 512 14th St., Galveston, TX, 77550
Phone: (409) 763-5500
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Grab some breakfast, baked goods or savory lunch from this quaint bakery that uses old family recipes to delight your taste buds with everything from handmade cakes to delicious burgers. This local eatery also donates money and time to charities, like the Alzheimer’s Association, so you can support a good cause and chip in when you visit.

Location: 1528 Avenue L, Galveston, TX, 77550
Phone: (409) 770-0500
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When the sun goes down, the party’s just getting started in Galveston. Check out some of these bars, nightlife and mocktail spots. 

The name of this bar is inspired by taking a moment out of any hectic situation to enjoy a daiquiri shot, which you can try at this downtown spot. Inside, you’ll find classic, island-style cocktails crafted with fresh-squeezed juices and house-made syrups. You can find nonalcoholic options here, as well.

Location: 2701 Market St., Galveston, TX, 77550
Phone: (409) 497-2760
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If you’re looking for a little bit of everything, The Proletariat is a bar, mocktail bar, art gallery, open mic poetry hotspot and board game corner. Sip on a specialty mocktail or a housemade coffee while playing a card game — and grab a slice of pizza when your stomach growls.

Location: 2221 Market St. #100, Galveston, TX, 77550
Phone: (409) 209-2335
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Designed to look like the deck of a ship, The Poop Deck is a place where you can sip a beer or cocktail, enjoy ocean views and take a picture with a life-size replica of the Statue of Liberty! Swivel around in the real ship seats and listen to the regular intervals of live music as you soak in views of the Gulf.

Location: 2928 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX, 77550
Phone: (409) 497-2392
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Galveston is an island, surrounded by the Gulf Coast on all sides, so it’s nearly required to try the local specialty: seafood. These are some of the best seafood places where you can enjoy a fresh catch.

Since 1976, this local seafood joint has been dubbed the “place locals eat” in Galveston. You can find fried seafood alongside some Southern classics, like gumbo and fish po-boy sandwiches. You’ll eat your food with custom tableware made in Mexico.

Location: 3901 Avenue O, Galveston, TX, 77550
Phone: (409) 263-4339
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“From our boats to your plate” perfectly describes what you can find here — fresh oysters, Texas Gulf shrimp, American red snapper and more. For the last 20 years, this spot named after founder Katie Guindon has become a local favorite — but don’t come dressed for the beach, because swimsuits aren’t allowed inside.

Location: 1902 Wharf Rd., Galveston, TX, 77550
Phone: (409) 763-8160
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Try the famous Gulf shrimp with Andouille sausage and pepper jack grits in a red Creole sauce, or enjoy some honey ricotta French toast. Sugar & Rye is a popular seafood dinner joint and a beloved brunch spot — grab some in the morning before boarding your Princess cruise.

Location: 2401 Church St., Galveston, TX, 77550
Phone: (409) 539-5318
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Prep for your Mexico adventure with Princess Cruises by trying one of these local spots in Galveston.

“Chilango” is a Spanish slang term for a longtime resident of Mexico City. And that's where the founders of this new Galveston joint — Isaias Herrera and his wife, Adriana Rojas — hail from. The couple has brought traditional Mexican recipes from their parents and ancestors to this island, and you won’t find anywhere with more truly Mexican food than this taco shop.

Location: 708 Holiday Dr., Galveston, TX, 77550
Phone: (409) 497-4426
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Combine Texas flavor with Mexican dishes, and you get this colorful Tex-Mex restaurant, home to some of the best fajitas and margaritas around. From ceviche and street tacos to homestyle enchiladas, you’ll find all your favorite dishes here.

Location: 2101 Postofce St., Galveston, TX, 77550
Phone: (409) 497-4279
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Cajun food is a delicious combination of West African, French and Spanish cuisines created in Louisiana and popular throughout the South. Try some of these classic Cajun dishes while in Galveston.

Cajun breakfast, anyone? The Gumbo Diner serves New Orleans classics like shrimp gumbo and mouth watering po-boys, as well as buttermilk wafes and beignets. Stop in before you board your cruise and start your day off with a little spice.

Location: 3602 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX, 77550
Phone: (409) 762-3232
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This Galveston gem isn’t just a Cajun restaurant: It also has its own built in smokehouse for slow cooking Leo’s specialty meats with oak wood — the establishment will even smoke Thanksgiving turkeys for locals. Buy meat by the pound or sit down for a Cajun lunch, including the house specialty catsh.

Location: 3201 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX, 77550
Phone: (409) 765-5151
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Cater to your sweet tooth with these dessert spots.

Step into the 1920s at this candy shop, where you can watch fresh saltwater taffy being pulled right before your eyes — if you’re not too distracted by the endlessly colorful candy counter. Enjoy an old-fashioned soda fountain drink or a cone made with Purity ice cream, the first ice cream manufacturer in Texas.

Location: 2323 The Strand, Galveston, TX, 77550
Phone: (409) 762-6100
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Start your morning out right with a fresh donut from this local spot that’s so good it usually runs out by late morning! If donuts aren’t your favorite, try the coffee or breakfast sandwiches.

Location: 6807 Stewart Rd., Galveston, TX, 77551
Phone: (409) 744-8887
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On a hot day, nothing tastes better than The Ultimate Naughty Nacho from Hey Mikey’s Ice Cream — a delicious concoction of four different scoops of ice cream, wafe chips, whipped cream and four toppings of your choice. Or try the panini-pressed donut stuffed with your favorite ice cream flavor!

Location: 2120 Postofce St., Galveston, TX, 77550
Phone: (208) 602-3286
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Now that you know about the best spots to eat on this Texas island, check out shore excursions from Galveston, like a visit to the legendary Space Center or a tour of the Strand in Houston to work up an appetite for all the local eats.

The amazing array of food in Galveston is only the beginning of your vacation with Princess. Sink your toes into the warm sands of the Bahamas or zipline through a jungle in Belize, all while enjoying the luxuries of Princess when you sail on a cruise out of Galveston. Book your Princess Cruises® getaway today