Locals and regulars were saddened when Dayatra Myers-Hurt closed her taqueria (although you can still eat her food at Hotel Lucine). Shortly afterward, Raz Halili, the owner of Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House—and of the restaurant’s building—bought the Fish Company Taco name and recipes. It reopened in September 2024 with a fresh lick of paint. The corn tortillas are still made in-house, and each of the five tacos on the menu can be ordered with catch of the day picks like Gulf shrimp, or vegetables. Options include a Vietnamese taco with nuoc mam and herbs, and a Baja taco with lime crème fraîche, pickles, and ranchero salsa, plus sides like chile-marinated cucumbers and elote. Wash it all down with a cactus flower, prickly pear, and dragon fruit agua fresca.

A classic right on the Seawall, Gaido’s has been serving the freshest Gulf seafood in Galveston since 1911. Request a table by the windows to enjoy the ocean views, and if it’s your first time in, sit back for a little history lesson from your server. Italian immigrant San Giacinto Gaido founded the restaurant, which is now operated by fourth-generation Nick Gaido and his wife, Kateryna. Gaido’s offers never-frozen seafood like catfish, snapper, and the fish of the day in classic preparations, whether grilled, fried, blackened, you name it. Gulf shrimp is pretty much everywhere on the menu, from the shrimp cocktail to the fan-favorite fried platter, and make sure to take advantage of seasonal offerings like crab of all kinds and scallops.

Located in a strip center along Steward Road, Gypsy Joint is worth a visit for its fun, eclectic environment. The decorations alone are a cluster of wacky items like a dressed-up Santa, dream catchers, and flower wreaths—even the door handle to exit is the wheels of a skateboard. It kind of looks like Mardi Gras threw up in here, which is fitting considering Galveston’s celebration is the third-largest in the country. Gypsy Joynt serves burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and fluffy biscuits that the locals love.

Like at many establishments in town, the burrito comes folded not rolled at Henry’s, but it’s just as delicious. The massive breakfast burrito is served all day and comes with egg, bacon, potato, and cheese. If you’re interested in a plate, the Mexican-Salvadoran spot’s carne guisada, migas, or pupusas are all solid options. If you’re tired from a long day on the beach, you’ll appreciate the restaurant’s drive-through.

If you want to be transported back to when you were a kid in a candy shop, this is the place to be. La King’s on the Strand is a huge draw for anyone with a sweet tooth. Choose from one of its old-fashioned candies, ice cream scoops, coffees, specialty shakes and malts, or sundaes. La King’s has a working 1920s soda fountain, which is still used for many of the shop’s treats. And if you happen to be in Galveston during one of Texas’s brutal summers, it’s a great place to go to cool off.

The Maceo family is famous for its illicit bootlegging past, but the descendants are now better known for...spices. But not just spices: pastas, sauces like tomato gravy, wines, and other specialty foods imported from all over the world. It’s the perfect place to shop for ingredients to make your own meal, but if you’re too lazy to cook, try the shop’s muffuletta, which is regarded by locals as the best outside of New Orleans.

Walking into beloved local spot Mosquito Café is like traveling back in time to an old-timey country restaurant. It serves a breakfast menu all day and lunch starting at 11am. Go for a hearty start to the day with the restaurant’s Plain Ol’ Breakfast, which comes with three extra large eggs any style, whole wheat toast, and a choice of either hickory-smoked peppered bacon or premium link sausage, or roasted potatoes. For lunch, try the shrimp tacos, which are made with mixed greens, chipotle sauce, pico de gallo, and homemade salsa inside a flour tortilla. If you sit outside, ask for a fan to keep the flies off your food.

This Galveston staple serves fresh Gulf seafood, baked goods, sandwiches, coffee, and much more. Dig into the Texas crab cakes and eggs, served with hollandaise sauce, breakfast potatoes, and toast. Or order the oysters benedict with breakfast potatoes. For lunch, try a house specialty like the tortilla-crusted fresh snapper. Before you head out, be sure to stop by the bakery for a cinnamon roll.