Romantic Restaurants on South Padre Island

Café on the Beach at The Palms Resort is a premiere waterfront dining destination on South Padre Island, blending modern amenities with the rustic charm of a classic beachside inn.

Recommended For: Romantic dinners, seafood lovers, beachside brunch seekers, and anyone looking for an elegant yet relaxed oceanfront meal.

• Feast on high-quality seafood specialties like cold water lobster tails, snapper Veracruz, blackened mahi mahi, and fried coconut shrimp.
• Enjoy fried seafood baskets, hearty beef and veggie burgers, and a selection of satisfying sandwiches throughout the day.
• Dine al fresco on the covered deck, where you can soak in breathtaking views of the Gulf and the island’s famed dunes.
• Pair your meal with a fine wine selection, elegant coffee drinks, or indulgent after-dinner cocktails for a complete experience.
• Visit this beachside gem for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner and savor the taste of South Padre Island in a truly romantic setting.

Café on the Beach at The Palms Resort, 3616 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Phone: 956-761-2703

F&B SPI is a first-class dining experience on South Padre Island, opened in 2018 by executive chef Walter Greenwood and restaurateur Brandi Hackett.

Recommended For: Foodies, seafood lovers, steak enthusiasts, couples seeking a refined dining experience, and anyone wanting to savor inventive coastal cuisine in a chic setting.

• Delight in fresh Gulf seafood specialties like lobster or braised duck tagliatelle, coastal shrimp boils with Andouille sausage, and whole salt-crusted fish of the day with ginger, citrus, and coconut.
• Indulge in land-based favorites, including Tomahawk veal chops and 45-day dry-aged ribeye steaks accompanied by roasted fennel and maitake mushrooms.
• Experience a lively atmosphere with bar and communal table seating, perfect for social dining or intimate meals.
• Savor a constantly evolving menu crafted around the freshest seasonal ingredients and Gulf Coast inspirations.
• Choose between indoor elegance or outdoor relaxation for your memorable lunch or dinner experience.

F&B SPI, 3109 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Phone: 956-772-8114

South Padre Island Date Ideas:

Gabriella's Italian Grill and Pizzeria has been one of South Texas' most beloved dining destinations since opening in 2003. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating year-round, Gabriella’s serves up authentic Italian cuisine with warm hospitality for lunch and dinner.

Recommended For: Italian food lovers, couples on a romantic night out, families craving pizza and pasta, and anyone seeking classic Italian-American comfort dishes in a lively atmosphere.

• Savor Italian pasta classics like linguine pomodoro, roasted garlic tortellini, and pasta a la Tonno with sun-dried tomatoes and yellowfin tuna.
• Enjoy hearty staples such as chicken piccata, veal saltimbocca, and five-layer lasagna packed with rich flavors.
• Indulge in land and sea specialties like the 10-ounce Angus Bourbon Street steak glazed with sweet bourbon sauce.
• Treat yourself to house-prepared pizza dough and sauces featured on Milano white pies or traditional Roma pizzas topped with smoked gouda and Italian sausage.
• Experience a welcoming atmosphere perfect for sharing plates, laughs, and memorable meals with family or friends.

Gabriella's Italian Grill and Pizzeria, 700 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Phone: 956-761-6111

Liam's Steak House and Oyster Bar has been a beloved South Padre Island favorite since 2003, earning the title of the island's top shrimp spot. Liam’s offers an elegant yet approachable dining experience featuring premium steaks, fresh seafood, and a stylish atmosphere complete with a full-service bar offering fine wines, creative cocktails, and after-dinner drinks.

Recommended For: Steak and seafood lovers, couples seeking a romantic night out, families craving fresh Gulf specialties, and anyone wanting a refined yet welcoming dining spot on the island.

• Relish house specialties like red snapper Rockefeller with spinach, bacon, and three-cheese cream sauce, or orange wine Gulf shrimp with sautéed broccoli.
• Indulge in cedar-plank salmon topped with roasted lemon beurre blanc sauce for a fresh, elegant seafood experience.
• Enjoy hearty fried seafood platters showcasing local fish, oysters, and shrimp, perfect for sharing or savoring solo.
• Savor pasta favorites like blackened shrimp fettuccine alfredo, tuna red pepper pasta, and rosemary lemon-grilled chicken with angel hair.
• Relax in a stylish dining space ideal for a special night out or a memorable meal with friends and family.

Liam's Steak House and Oyster Bar, 202 W Tarpon St, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Phone: 956-772-4700

Sea Ranch Restaurant and Bar has been South Padre Island’s premier dining destination for over 30 years, offering a top-tier family and romantic dining experience. Set beside the bay and marina, the restaurant’s elegant dining room provides unparalleled sunset views, making it the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal with loved ones.

Recommended For: Couples seeking a romantic sunset dinner, families looking for a refined yet welcoming seafood experience, and anyone craving fresh Gulf seafood and expertly grilled meats.

• Feast on wild-caught red snapper, king crab legs, and signature Sea Ranch scallops for a true taste of the sea.
• Savor grill favorites like tenderloin kebabs and chargrilled chicken breasts, expertly prepared and plated.
• Indulge in handmade pasta dishes, including vegetarian-friendly options like grilled veggie pasta marinara.
• Relax with a Sea Ranch Swirl margarita or choose from an extensive selection of fine wines, beers, and liquors at the full-service bar.
• Enjoy breathtaking sunset views over the bay, perfect for elevating any evening out or special celebration.

Sea Ranch Restaurant and Bar, 33330 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Phone: 956-761-1314

The Meatball Cafe is a lively, family-friendly Italian restaurant that’s been delighting South Padre Island since 2015. Founded by married duo John and Rhonda Ferrone, this local gem is known for crafting all its meatballs, pizzas, and sauces fresh in-house daily, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere for both indoor and outdoor dining alongside a full-service bar.

Recommended For: Families with children, couples looking for hearty Italian comfort food, pizza and pasta lovers, and anyone craving scratch-made, homey dishes in a casual setting.

• Enjoy house specialties like veal marsala, chicken piccata, eggplant parmigiana, and Mediterranean Dorado featuring grilled mahi mahi with kalamata olives.
• Savor Venetian Gulf shrimp sautéed in a garlic white wine sauce for a fresh coastal twist.
• Build your own perfect calzone or choose from a tempting selection of pizzas and paninis, all made from scratch.
• Bring the whole family — the dedicated children’s menu makes this a favorite for parents traveling with young ones.
• Relax with a drink at the full-service bar or dine al fresco on the outdoor patio under the island sun.

The Meatball Cafe, 2412 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Phone: 956-299-4605