Best restaurants in Galveston from an Islander in 2022

I’ve lived on Galveston Island for 15 years and have eaten at probably every restaurant on the island at least once. I don’t like to cook! So, here are my favorite restaurants in Galveston. These are the ones that my family and I go back to over and over, because of the taste, price, atmosphere, and service. Enjoy!

ASIAN

Yamato Japanese Restaurant

Yamato serves Sushi and Japanese Hibachi and is better than (or at least as good as) Bennihana’s, Shogun, and every hibachi restaurant I’ve been to including in cities like LA, Houston, and Miami.

Everything at Yamato is 5-star, but our favorite is the ginger dressing. It’s a family recipe (ask the owner Lisa for it and she’ll say NO with a lovely smile on her face). It’s thick, creamy, and bursting with flavor. We usually order steak and shrimp, which is about $29 per person, but plan to average $40-$50 each with extras, and tip. They are not stingy on quantity and you’ll leave stuffed or with leftovers. Save room for the plantains! And call ahead, you’ll need a reservation on busy nights. Menus. Google Maps.

ITALIAN

Marios on Seawall has a spectacular view of the gulf, an outdoor dining area with an Italian flavor, and an oceanfront seawall vibe. The food is spectacular. They serve a full lunch buffet on weekdays, champagne brunch on Sundays, and a regular menu with all of their family recipes.

There are many extravagant, beautiful (and delicious) entrees to choose from. I almost always order the same (simple) dishes—toasted ravioli, then spaghetti and meatballs with a great dinner salad. They also have awesome pizzas (carry-out available), and very scrumptious desserts, including gelatos with big chunks of yummy extras like lemon and chocolate. Prices are about $25+ per person for dinner and around $20 for the lunch buffet.
Dinner Menu. Google Maps.

Mexican

Las Patrones

This is homemade authentic Mexican food. Las Patrones is a hidden gem in a low-key location on the backside of Galveston Island that serves amazingly delicious food at reasonable prices. Super friendly staff and very fast service. Everything is always fresh and fabulous. The guacamole appetizer and the chimichanga entrée (extra crispy) is my favorite, but the crispy beef tacos and the chicken quesadilla are also awesome. Large portions, large drinks, chips and salsa refills. Around $12-$15 a plate. Menu. Google Maps.

Original Mexican

Set-back on the East end of the island, this is less touristy than Salsa’s or Tortuga (both on the Seawall), but the service is fast and the food is consistently great.
Menu. Google Maps.

AMERICAN and VARIETY

Miller’s Landing

Best chicken-fried steak, no debate. My google review pic of this meal has over 10,000 views. lol. It tasted as good as my picture looks.

Great gumbo also (authentic, like my cajun mom’s recipe), and a really good breakfast menu. They close at 8 and have long lines in the busy seasons, but it’s totally worth waiting for. Beautiful ocean view on the seawall also.
Menu. Google Maps.

Seahorse Grill

This tiny off-the-path grill is set-back in a small shopping center on the west end of Galveston. I literally eat here at least twice a week because of the cauliflower-crust pizza. They also have burgers, tacos, shrimp baskets, etc, and homemade desserts. All tasty and reasonably priced around $12-$15 for an entree. The owner and the staff are super friendly.
Menu. Google Maps.

Hubcap

Burgers, burgers, burgers…and fries. One of the best in town and in a fun location on the strand. I only wish they had onion rings, but their fries are the bomb.
Menu. Google Maps.

Gypsy Joint

They are crushing it in their new location. Hippy-vibe inside with gourmet creations (some really weird like pbj) and lots of regular-guy burgers as well, but all are huge and tasty. I love their onion rings and you have to get the fried brussel sprouts. A little pricey for burgers, probably $20+ per person with a long wait on weekend nights. Worth it.
Menu. Google Maps.

Sunflower Bakery and Cafe

This is one of my son’s favorites. He likes the salmon and eggs breakfast and the giant homemade cinnamon rolls. I like the berry-covered Belgian waffles or for lunch the tuna salad sandwich and crispy fries. it’s a little pricey at about $25 per person for breakfast, but with over 3600 4.5-star reviews I guess no one minds. Menu. Google Maps.

Queen’s BBQ

Hidden off Seawall around 33rd, you will find sweet potato casserole as good as your moms. The BBQ of course is awesome, but for something different try the Turkey Cliffhanger —an extraordinarily delish sandwich. No waitresses, order at the counter. Very reasonable prices and fast service. Google Maps.

BREAKFAST

Bronco Burrito

Welcome back Bronco! After about a year of absence because of a fire, the most popular breakfast burrito in Galveston is back. They redesigned the interior to an open and fresh look and the great staff and amazing breakfast burritos rock, as always. They have early hours so don’t sleep in if you want Bronco! About $10.
Google Maps.

GREEK

Yanni’s

A LOT of food and high-quality. The restaurant doesn’t have much ambiance, but what it does have is a great chef, and delicious greek food. I get the chicken schwarma with fries (crispy), and extra tzaziki for around $15.

Galveston restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisine options to choose from. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner spot or a place to take the family, Galveston has something for everyone. Be sure to check out my favorites when you visit Galveston.
Menu. Google Maps.

Miki Hart