Romantic restaurants in Galveston blend Gulf Coast charm with timeless Southern grace: Victorian mansions, candlelit verandas, and the scent of salt and jasmine on the breeze. It’s where I hold hands across linen-covered tables, lulled by the hush of waves and warm Southern air.
I’ve got blackened redfish with Creole butter, a glass of chilled rosé, and the sound of distant seagulls—right here in nostalgic, sea-swept Galveston, Texas. Who knew the Gulf could set such a tender stage?
"Gulf breezes, historic charm, and slow-savored moments? This is Galveston’s romantic rhythm—gentle, soulful, and bathed in golden light."
This is Why I Keep Coming Back for More:
Unique Restaurants
1. Gaido's Seafood Restaurant
Established in 1911, Gaido's Seafood Restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and catch-of-the-day fish. Owned by San Giacinto Gaido, the elegant dining destination has a nautical theme with crisply dressed tables and beautiful Gulf views and exudes an intimate and romantic ambiance. The restaurant serves seasonal menus of seafood cooked in various ways, including freshly shucked oysters, blue crab, fresh fish such as red snapper, and blackened yellowfin tuna. Homemade salad dressings, seasonings, sauces, and delicious desserts are made from time-tested family recipes and accompany each dish, and the full-service bar offers a variety of libations from casual wines from around the world, craft and draft beers, and classic cocktails made from top-shelf spirits. Gaido's Seafood Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily.
3828 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, Phone: 409-761-5500
2. Galvez Bar & Grill
Based at the Hotel Galvez & Spa, A Wyndham Grand Hotel, the Galvez Bar & Grill is an elegant seafood restaurant that exudes historic charm. The restaurant boasts a beautiful dining space with soaring ceilings and large windows that flood the interior with natural light, and a full bar that serves a range of libations from casual wines from around the world, craft and draft beers, and classic cocktails made from top-shelf spirits. The casual restaurant serves a seasonal menu of ocean-fresh seafood and fish and Lone Star State specials such as buffalo chicken, gourmet filet mignon sliders with shrimp, award-winning gumbo, and po boys.
2024 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, Phone: 409-515-2145
3. Grotto Ristorante
Based on the luxurious San Luis Resort, Grotto Ristorante is a warm and welcoming eatery with an Old-World charm that takes diners on a culinary journey through the sun-kissed hills of Italy. Inspired by the atmosphere of an Old Country trattoria, the restaurant is light and bright with large windows, walls lined with wine bottles, wooden tables, and colorful chairs. Seasonal menus brim with delicious dishes prepared using locally sourced ingredients and timeless recipes, such as Pappardelle con Verdura, Veal Kickerillo, Neapolitan thin-crust pizzas, Pollo Francese, and Snapper Siciliano. An extensive collection of Italian and domestic wines accompanies the cuisine, along with handcrafted cocktails, and craft beers. Grotto Italian Restaurant is open for dinner only, Wednesday through Monday.
5222 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551, Phone: 409-740-8605
Restaurants For a Date
4. Landry's Seafood House
Located just steps away from the beach on the historic Seawall Boulevard, Landry's Seafood House is a family-friendly chain eatery that serves fresh Gulf Coast seafood and prime steaks in a relaxed setting with panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. The restaurant features contemporary décor, a comfortable outdoor lounge, and a scenic outdoor patio with breathtaking views where guests can enjoy alfresco dining under the stars. The menu features an array of fresh seafood and catch-of-the-day fish, succulent steaks with made-from-scratch sauces, house-made pasta and chicken dishes, fresh salads, and delightful desserts. The full-service bar offers a variety of libations from casual wines from around the world, craft and draft beers, and classic cocktails made from top-shelf spirits, and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, daily.
5310 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551, Phone: 409-744-1010
5. Mario's Seawall Italian Restaurant
Mario's Seawall Italian Restaurant is a spacious Italian eatery that serves authentic Italian fare, homemade gelato, and casual wines in a laid-back atmosphere. Nestled between all the seafood restaurants on Seawall Boulevard, the family-friendly restaurant features beautiful mosaic walls and large windows embracing breathtaking views and serves traditional Italian fare such as wood-fired pizzas, house-made pasta, and from-scratch sauces, fresh seafood, prime steaks, and fresh salads. Signature dishes include Lobster Ravioli, Penne del Sol, Veal Piccata, and Spicy Shrimp Marinara, and the cuisine is accompanied by a variety of libations, including casual wines from around the world, craft and draft beers, and top-shelf spirits. Mario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily.
628 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, Phone: 409-763-1693
6. Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood
Located in the charming Pelican Rest Marina, Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood is a traditional chophouse and seafood specialist that offers a refined dining experience. Boasting sweeping views of Offats Bayou from an outdoor terrace, the restaurant serves seasonal menus of prime USDA steaks, fresh seafood, house-made pasta and sauces, homemade soups and salads, and decadent desserts. Signature dishes include shrimp and grits, stroganoff, beef wellington, and coq au vin, and the full-service bar offers a variety of libations from casual wines from around the world, craft and draft beers, and classic cocktails made from top-shelf spirits. Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood is open for dinner, Tuesday through Sunday, and weekend brunch.
7809 Broadway St, Galveston, TX 77554, Phone: 409-572-2650, See the Map
7. Porch Cafe
Located in Beachtown’s Town Center Building on the Island's East End and just a few steps from East Beach, Porch Cafe is a high-end bistro with charming patio seating that serves New American cuisine and local seafood. The eatery is decorated in light hues and has a wraparound deck, which is ideal for enjoying laid-back Sunday brunches and relaxed summer lunches against a backdrop of spectacular Gulf views. Seasonal menus feature sustainably-caught Gulf Coast seafood, prime Waygu Texas beef steaks, homemade soups and salads and pasta dishes, including shrimp and grits, almond-crusted snapper and scallops, vegetarian frittatas, and chicken sauvignon. The cuisine is accompanied by casual wines from around the world, craft and draft beers, and handcrafted cocktails and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, Friday through Sunday.
1625 E Beach Dr, Galveston, TX 77550, Phone: 409-762-0808
8. Riondo's Ristorante
Located in the heart of historic downtown in Galveston Island, Riondo's Ristorante serves traditional Northern Italian cuisine in a comfy, laid-back atmosphere. Owners Don McClaugherty and Chef Rico Caminos create farm-to-table and sea-to-table menus of innovative fare using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and regional produce from local farmers’ markets. Acclaimed dishes include Bone-in Osso Bucco with Saffron Risotto, House-made Spinach Gnocchi with Prosciutto di Parma, and Wagyu Beef Steak. Artistic artisan bread, house-made pasta and sauces, and decadent desserts are also on the menu, and a variety of libations from casual wines from around the world, craft and draft beers, and classic cocktails made from top-shelf spirits accompany the cuisine. Riondo’s Ristorante is open for lunch and dinner daily.
2328 Strand St, Galveston, TX 77550, Phone: 409-621-9595
9. Rudy & Paco Restaurant & Bar
Rudy & Paco Restaurant & Bar is an award-winning restaurant that serves Central and South American-inspired fare and fine wines in an elegant setting. Located next door to the Grand 1894 Opera House, the restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner with superb cuisine, world-class wines, and gracious hospitality. Seasonal menus focus on fresh grilled meat and seafood with starters of ceviche, pan-fried calamari, and crab cakes, followed by entrées of prime steaks and burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken and pasta dishes, and fish tacos. The full-service bar offers a variety of libations from casual wines from around the world, craft and draft beers, and classic cocktails made from top-shelf spirits. Rudy & Paco Restaurant & Bar is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Friday and dinner only on Saturdays.
2028 Post Office St, Galveston, TX 77550, Phone: 409-762-3696
10. Saltwater Grill
Conveniently located in the heart of bustling downtown Galveston Island, the Saltwater Grill offers a culinary experience like no other. Established over 20 years ago, the restaurant serves contemporary gourmet cuisine in an elegant, yet relaxed atmosphere along with fine wines from around the world, classic cocktails made with top-shelf spirits and craft and draft beers and microbrews. Lunch and dinner menus feature innovative dishes made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and artisanal products with a focus on fresh seafood such as grilled snapper, salmon and sea bass, and shrimp scampi. The Saltwater Grill is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Friday, and dinner only on the weekends.
2017 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX 77553, Phone: 409-762-3474
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- Q: Where is Galveston located?
- A: Galveston is set on the shores of the Gulf Coast of Texas.
- Q: What is Galveston known for?
- A: The city is renowned for its 32-mile stretch of beautiful beaches catering to all crowds.
- Q: What historic attractions can visitors see in Galveston?
- A: Visitors can explore vibrant historic districts with over 400 preserved Victorian Age homes and landmarks like the Elissa tall ship.
- Q: What unique attraction does Moody Gardens offer?
- A: Moody Gardens features giant glass pyramids housing animals and sharks.
- Q: Are there romantic dining options in Galveston?
- A: Yes, the city offers a great selection of restaurants for romantic dining and celebrating love.
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