If you’re craving fresh seafood on your romantic trip, I think you’ll love what Houston has to offer. You can find everything from casual shrimp shacks to upscale oyster bars. I always get excited about the variety. You can try Gulf Coast classics, Cajun flavors, and even global seafood dishes all in one city. Whether you’re here for a quick bite or a special night out, you’ll find a spot that hits the mark. Since I live near Austin just 2 hours from Houston, I’ve found some amazing places that I think you’ll want to check out.
Best Seafood Restaurants in Houston, Texas:
Elegance with a Kick at Brennan’s of Houston
Walking into Brennan’s felt like stepping into a world where every meal mattered. The white tablecloths, soft jazz drifting through the air, and that warm, Southern welcome all hinted at what was to come. Brennan’s doesn’t rush you—it lets you settle in, breathe, and savor. I remember sitting down and thinking, “This is going to be one of those meals I remember long after I leave.”
What I Loved Most: The turtle soup, rich and deeply savory, finished tableside with a pour of sherry that added the perfect warmth. It was like being wrapped in a velvet robe of flavor.
My highlights? I ordered the Gulf Fish Pontchartrain—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, topped with a buttery crabmeat meunière sauce that practically melted into the plate. Paired with a chilled glass of Sancerre and followed by their Bananas Foster flambéed at the table, it was everything I hoped it would be—and more.
Brennan’s of Houston At a Glance
- Location: Midtown Houston
- Vibe: Upscale, refined, Southern charm
- Highlights: Creole seafood, tableside presentations, courtyard dining
- Best Time to Visit: Dinner for a full experience, or brunch for a festive vibe
- Cost: Upscale; entrées ~$40–60
- Hours: Daily lunch and dinner; weekend brunch
- Address: 3300 Smith Street, Houston, TX
Old-School Flavor at Christie’s Seafood & Steaks
Christie’s felt like stepping back into a Houston tradition—no frills, no flash, just the kind of seafood spot that’s been doing things right for decades. The decor was classic, the staff called regulars by name, and the menu read like a greatest hits album. I remember sliding into the booth and thinking, “This is the kind of place that keeps people coming back for 50 years.”
It was comforting in every way—the portions, the flavors, the quiet confidence that comes from knowing exactly who you are and what you serve.
What I Loved Most: The fried shrimp platter: crisp, golden, and just the right amount of salt. Each bite tasted like Texas summers, family outings, and comfort food done right.
My highlights? I had the grilled red snapper, lightly seasoned and served with a squeeze of lemon, alongside hush puppies and a side of creamy coleslaw. It wasn’t fancy—but it was satisfying in that deep, nostalgic way that only a legacy restaurant can deliver.
Christie’s Seafood & Steaks At a Glance
- Location: Westheimer Road, Houston
- Vibe: Classic, family-friendly, timeless
- Highlights: Fried shrimp, Gulf fish, casual steak options
- Best Time to Visit: Lunch or early dinner for relaxed service
- Cost: Moderate; entrées ~$20–30
- Hours: Open daily for lunch and dinner
- Address: 6029 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX
No-Frills, All Flavor at Connie’s Seafood Market & Restaurant
At Connie’s, the vibe was pure Houston—unpretentious, lively, and bursting with flavor. The restaurant side was buzzing with families, big groups, and the happy clatter of seafood platters hitting tables. The market section was full of fresh fish on ice, people pointing, asking questions, placing orders in rapid Spanish and English. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of spot you don’t find unless someone lets you in on the secret.”
There’s no fancy plating, no curated playlists—just seriously good food, fast service, and a sense that you’ve landed somewhere authentic. And the seafood? Unapologetically bold, spicy, and generous.
What I Loved Most: The fried whole red snapper, served with crispy skin, garlicky house seasoning, and a mountain of rice. It came out hot, perfectly cooked, and begging to be pulled apart and shared.
My highlights? I also tried the shrimp cocktail—tangy, chilled, loaded with avocado and cilantro—and chased it with an icy horchata. The prices were almost as satisfying as the food itself.
Connie’s Seafood Market & Restaurant At a Glance
- Location: North Houston (plus several other spots)
- Vibe: Casual, vibrant, community favorite
- Highlights: Whole snapper, ceviche, seafood platters
- Best Time to Visit: Weekends get busy; weekday lunch is perfect
- Cost: Budget-friendly; most plates under $20
- Hours: Open daily for lunch and dinner
- Address: 2525 Airline Drive, Houston, TX
Polished and Decadent at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Eddie V’s felt like a special occasion—even if the occasion was just treating myself. From the moment I stepped in, it had that swanky ease: dim lights, live jazz drifting from the lounge, and staff who made you feel like you belonged. I remember thinking, “Okay, this is the seafood equivalent of a velvet tuxedo.” Everything was elegant but not stuffy—refined flavors, warm service, and just the right touch of drama in every dish.
What I Loved Most: The Chilean sea bass, perfectly caramelized, resting in a shallow pool of soy broth with stir-fried vegetables. Every bite was buttery and delicate, like it knew exactly what it was doing.
My highlights? I started with the yellowtail sashimi, impossibly fresh, and ended with bananas foster butter cake that was flambéed right at the table. Paired with a dirty martini and a seat near the live music, it was indulgence done right.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood At a Glance
- Location: West Ave in River Oaks District
- Vibe: Elegant, upscale, jazz lounge energy
- Highlights: Sea bass, shellfish tower, tableside desserts
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings for music and full ambiance
- Cost: Upscale; entrées ~$40–60
- Hours: Open daily for dinner; happy hour in the lounge
- Address: 2800 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX
Texas Gulf Flavor at Goode Co. Seafood
Goode Co. felt like Texas on a plate. From the retro dining car setting to the smoky scent coming off the grill, everything about it said: this is local, this is fresh, and this is how it’s done here. I remember taking my first bite and thinking, “This is what Gulf Coast cooking tastes like when someone really knows what they’re doing.” It wasn’t fancy—but it was smart, bold, and soulful. Wood-grilled fish, cold beer, spicy sauces, and a rhythm that made the place feel alive, even on a weekday.
What I Loved Most: The mesquite-grilled Texas redfish, buttery and kissed with smoke, served with dirty rice and grilled green beans. It had just enough char to feel fire-cooked without overpowering the flavor of the fish itself.
My highlights? The campechana (like a Gulf-style seafood cocktail) was packed with shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, and just the right tang of lime and heat. I could’ve made a meal out of it alone—and honestly, I probably should have.
Goode Co. Seafood At a Glance
- Location: Two Houston locations—Westpark and I-10
- Vibe: Laid-back, local, retro-Texan
- Highlights: Mesquite-grilled Gulf fish, campechana, house pies
- Best Time to Visit: Dinner or casual Friday lunch
- Cost: Moderate; entrées ~$20–35
- Hours: Daily lunch and dinner
- Address: 2621 Westpark Drive, Houston, TX
Refined and Unexpected at Masraff’s
Masraff’s felt like a secret—sleek and sophisticated, but without the attitude. Everything about it was polished: the service, the pacing, the plate presentation. But it didn’t feel stiff. It felt like someone had taken a deep breath and said, “Let’s make this relaxing.” I remember sitting down and thinking, “This is where food becomes art, without trying too hard.”
What I Loved Most: The seared scallops with lemongrass beurre blanc—sweet, tender, and perfectly browned. They came perched on a small bed of risotto with a citrus note that brought the whole thing to life.
My highlights? I also tried the crab cake appetizer, all meat and no filler, followed by a house-made pistachio gelato that I still think about. Masraff’s made every bite feel like it was meant to be remembered.
Masraff’s At a Glance
- Location: Galleria/Uptown area
- Vibe: Modern, elegant, quietly upscale
- Highlights: Seared scallops, crab cakes, seasonal desserts
- Best Time to Visit: Dinner, especially for a special occasion
- Cost: Upscale; entrées ~$35–55
- Hours: Monday–Saturday, dinner only
- Address: 1753 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX
Conclusion: A City That Serves It Straight from the Heart
What stuck with me most wasn’t just the food (though let’s be honest, it was unforgettable)—it was how each place made me feel. Cozy at Christie’s, elegant at Eddie V’s, adventurous at Connie’s, and completely at home at Goode Co. Houston’s seafood scene reflects the city itself: diverse, proud, and rich with layers you only uncover when you slow down and take a bite.
So whether you’re dressed up for jazz and scallops or elbows-deep in fried shrimp and hot sauce, Houston has a seat—and a plate—waiting for you. Just show up hungry.