Galveston Capital Tourism and Marketing Seafood Restaurants: 10 Best Restaurant Reviews

Certain restaurants are known for their expertise at turning out signature dishes really well. They've pinned down the ingredients, mastered the process, and gained a strong following as a result. Galveston has had much success cultivating great restaurants and creating a substantial market for Seafood. Locals can't get enough of the city's excellent food, and you'll often find them, along with eager tourists, at popular Gaido's Seafood Restaurant or at Clary's, a major player in the field. Make sure you see what all the fuss is about!

Clary's has a lot to live up to as a seafood restaurant in a coastal city, and this restaurant handles the task beautifully. As one of the finest restaurants in Galveston, seafood or otherwise, Clary's treats diners to scenic bay views and an quality selection of dishes, including a mouthwatering lump crab dish in a velvety cheese sauce. Other all-star dishes are fettuccini Alfredo with crabmeat, broiled flounder, and gumbo (crawfish served seasonally).

There are no trappings of pretension at Fisherman's Wharf–just great food at a reasonable price. The fried calamari or red snapper dishes are excellent choices, and a wide selection of pasta, beef, and sandwich plates are also available. An extra perk is the restaurant's location on a restored pier where diners can eat outdoors and watch the shrimp boats return home with the day's catch.

Ever since its opening in 1911, Gaido's has been concerned with freshness and a personal touch. Chefs shuck, peel, and filet by hand, giving each dish the special attention it needs to come out perfect. Garlic snapper, crab cakes, and shrimp bisque are just a few of the succulent menu items diners enjoy. The atmosphere is perfect for a romantic evening or a business dinner.

Landry's has become a seafood staple in Galveston and all along the Gulf Coast. One of the main reasons is the vast seafood menu comprised of dishes like shrimp Creole, herb-crusted red snapper, broiled flounder, gumbo, clam chowder and grilled mahi mahi. There are plenty of other choices as well, including salads, pastas and steak for the landlubber. Casual and family friendly, the restaurant is great for groups.

Rudy & Paco takes traditional seafood staples like flounder and crab and turns them into something special thanks to South American culinary touches. Try crab or shrimp antojitos (appetizers) before moving on to a main dish of seafood, steak, or chicken cooked with Nicaraguan flair. Large and inviting, the restaurant becomes packed on weekends, so make reservations.

In-the-know locals swarm to this hip restaurant to enjoy stylish seafood prepared in an open kitchen. Always concerned with freshness, the chefs serve a variety of seasonal dishes. Notable selections include grilled yellow fin tuna with chili sauce, "Big Daddy's Gumbo," pan-seared red snapper, and herb-crusted halibut. Homemade desserts are an added plus.

Willie G's is an institution in and unto itself and is recognized not only in Galveston but also across the US as a top destination for seafood. Choose spicy blackened snapper for a real treat, or go with an expertly prepared favorite like grilled flounder, gulf shrimp, or a grilled tuna sandwich. Juicy Angus steaks are also available.

Mario's serves classic Italian dishes like spaghetti and lasagna, as well as great seafood entrees teeming with fresh shrimp, snapper, and crab – but the main draw is pizza. The New York-style pies have kept patrons returning again and again, and now Mario's serves wood-burning gourmet pizzas to tempt a new generation. The restaurant's family atmosphere is great for the entire clan.

Diners can choose a number of tastes at Cajun Greek's to satisfy their palates. The horseshoe-shaped counter welcomes guests who want poboys, boiled crawdads, and catfish as equally as those who desire fresh blackened flounder, gyros, and shrimp Mediterranean. A house specialty is Cajun Greek Snapper, but if you're in the mood for something less adventurous, they also serve a variety of burgers and sandwiches.

Crave no further if you want authentic Mexican cuisine or Mexican cuisine with a twist. Diners at Salsas Mexican & Seafood Restaurant can choose a traditional dish like beef fajitas and enchiladas or go "coastal" with a shrimp fajita or fish taco. On the lighter side, the restaurant serves a "Gringo Salad"–that's without the shell–and a just-right shrimp cocktail. After work, the margaritas flow freely and the patio fills with happy hour regulars.