10 Texas Waterfront Restaurants That Prove You Don’t Need An Ocean For Amazing Seafood

Who says you need saltwater waves to enjoy mouthwatering seafood?
Right here in the Lone Star State, we’ve got waterfront dining spots that rival coastal establishments.
I’ve spent years exploring Texas’s hidden culinary gems, and these lakeside and riverside restaurants serve up seafood so fresh you’d swear the Gulf moved inland.
From cedar-planked salmon to perfectly fried catfish, these ten spots prove that distance from the ocean doesn’t determine deliciousness.
1. Gaido’s: Galveston’s Historic Seafood Landmark

Last summer, I stumbled upon this century-old gem while exploring Galveston Island. The moment I walked through those doors, the rich aroma of butter and garlic transported me straight to seafood heaven!
Family-owned since 1911, Gaido’s serves up what might be the best shrimp cocktail I’ve ever tasted – plump Gulf beauties served with their legendary sauce. The panoramic seawall views complement their signature pecan-crusted mahi-mahi perfectly.
Fun fact: Their famous Watkin’s Bisque recipe hasn’t changed in over 70 years! Don’t leave without trying their bread pudding – I still dream about that warm bourbon sauce. With white tablecloths and attentive service, Gaido’s proves that sometimes the classics really are unbeatable.
2. Miller’s Seawall Grill: Sunrise Breakfast With Ocean Views

Breakfast with a side of waves? Count me in! My first visit to Miller’s happened completely by accident when my morning jog along Galveston’s seawall left me famished and drawn in by the heavenly smell of bacon.
Perched right on Seawall Boulevard, this unpretentious spot serves the freshest catch alongside fluffy pancakes and crispy hash browns. Their crab cake benedict changed my understanding of what breakfast could be – jumbo lump crab meat topped with perfectly poached eggs and hollandaise.
The floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Gulf waters so beautifully that even on cloudy days, the view remains spectacular. Miller’s friendly servers know many customers by name, creating that small-town feel that keeps locals and tourists coming back year after year.
3. Fisherman’s Wharf: Where History Meets Fresh Catches

Situated in Galveston’s historic harbor district, this place had me at hello. The massive windows frame the harbor where massive cruise ships dock, creating a dinner show you can’t script!
My server, Billy, insisted I try their famous shrimp kisses – bacon-wrapped shrimp stuffed with jalapeño and cheese. Let me tell you, that man deserves a raise! The restaurant occupies the original location of the island’s fishing fleet headquarters, and old photographs covering the walls tell stories of Galveston’s maritime past.
Their seafood gumbo packs such a flavorful punch that I bought their cookbook just for that recipe. Watch pelicans dive for their dinner right outside while you enjoy yours inside. The combination of harbor views, historic charm, and incredibly fresh seafood makes this spot unforgettable.
4. The Black Pearl Oyster Bar: Hidden Galveston Treasure

“You’ll miss it if you blink,” warned my cousin when directing me to this unassuming spot tucked away from Galveston’s main tourist drag. Boy, was she right about the location – and completely wrong about its memorability!
This intimate hideaway serves oysters so fresh they practically wink at you. The owner, Captain Mike (yes, he’s an actual retired sea captain!), personally selects each day’s catch from local boats. Their blackened redfish topped with crawfish étouffée nearly brought tears to my eyes.
The nautical-themed interior features salvaged ship parts and fishing gear that Captain Mike collected over decades at sea. No reservations, no pretense – just plastic bibs, cold beer, and the kind of seafood that makes you question why you’d ever eat anything else. Worth every minute of the wait that often forms outside.
5. BLVD Seafood: Modern Coastal Cuisine With Gulf Views

Stumbling upon BLVD Seafood during a rainstorm turned out to be the luckiest wrong turn of my Galveston vacation! This sleek, contemporary spot stands in stark contrast to the island’s more traditional seafood joints.
Chef Chris Loftis transforms locally-sourced ingredients into culinary masterpieces that look almost too pretty to eat. Almost. Their tuna poke nachos with wonton chips and wasabi cream had me contemplating ordering seconds before I’d even finished my first serving!
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame spectacular sunset views over the Gulf waters. The craft cocktail menu deserves special mention – their Seawall Sunset (a grapefruit and tequila concoction) perfectly complements the actual sunset you’ll witness. BLVD proves that innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully on the same menu, creating memorable dining experiences that honor Gulf Coast flavors.
6. Opus Ocean Grille: Clear Lake’s Fine Dining Gem

My anniversary dinner at Opus Ocean Grille last year still ranks as one of my all-time favorite meals. Nestled along Clear Lake Shores with twinkling boat lights creating a magical backdrop, this upscale spot strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort.
Chef Robb’s Chilean sea bass with champagne beurre blanc literally melts in your mouth. The attentive staff makes everyone feel like royalty – they even surprised us with complimentary champagne when they overheard us celebrating!
The restaurant’s elegant interior features navy blue accents and subtle nautical touches that avoid crossing into kitschy territory. Their wine list impressed even my sommelier brother-in-law, which is saying something! While definitely a splurge-worthy spot, their happy hour offers amazing deals on appetizers like lobster mac and cheese bites that deliver the Opus experience without the full price tag.
7. Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House: San Leon’s Waterfront Wonder

“You’ve never had oysters until you’ve had Prestige oysters straight from Galveston Bay,” boasted my fisherman friend Tom. Skeptical but curious, I followed his recommendation to Pier 6 in tiny San Leon – and promptly ate my words (after devouring a dozen oysters).
Perched directly over the water on stilts, this stunning restaurant sources seafood from the very waters visible from your table. The Yachty Burger – topped with fried oysters and remoulade – changed my definition of surf and turf forever. Their outdoor deck offers unobstructed bay views where dolphins occasionally make guest appearances!
Owner Raz Halili comes from a family of oyster farmers, explaining the exceptional quality of their bivalves. The restaurant’s design brilliantly incorporates reclaimed wood from boats damaged during Hurricane Harvey. Come at sunset, order the seafood tower, and prepare for Instagram fame – I got more likes on that photo than my wedding pictures!
8. Topwater Grill: San Leon’s Dock-To-Dish Destination

Pulling up to Topwater Grill by boat might be the most Texan way to arrive for dinner! Located where April Fool’s Point meets Galveston Bay, this no-frills spot welcomes fishermen to bring their catch for the kitchen to prepare.
My brother-in-law’s freshly caught redfish became the most delicious blackened masterpiece I’ve ever tasted. The restaurant’s massive deck offers stunning water views where pelicans dive-bomb for dinner while you enjoy yours. Their hush puppies – sweet, crispy cornmeal perfection – have ruined me for all other versions.
Don’t miss their famous Bucket of Mud: a literal metal bucket filled with perfectly seasoned crawfish, potatoes, and corn. The casual atmosphere encourages lingering over cold beers and hot seafood while watching boats come and go from the adjacent marina. A true hidden gem that locals would probably prefer to keep secret!
9. Little’s Oyster House: Houston’s Bayou-Side Surprise

Finding exceptional seafood in downtown Houston might seem counterintuitive, but Little’s Oyster House along Buffalo Bayou proved me gloriously wrong! During a post-theater dinner search, this place caught my eye with its twinkling patio lights reflecting off the water.
Their oyster selection showcases varieties from across the Gulf, each meticulously labeled with origin and tasting notes. The crawfish-stuffed flounder nearly caused me to propose to our chef! Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the bayou’s surprising beauty inside, while the outdoor patio offers front-row seats to Houston’s urban waterway.
The restaurant occupies a beautifully restored historic building that once served as a cotton warehouse. Their cocktail program deserves special praise – the Bayou Breeze (vodka, cucumber, mint) perfectly complements their seafood offerings. Little’s proves that you don’t need ocean views to create a memorable waterfront dining experience.
10. The Oasis On Lake Travis: Sunset Seafood With Texas-Sized Views

“The Sunset Capital of Texas” isn’t just clever marketing – my jaw literally dropped when I experienced my first sunset at The Oasis. Perched 450 feet above Lake Travis near Austin, this multi-level restaurant complex offers possibly the most spectacular dining backdrop in Texas.
While people come for the views, they return for Chef Brent’s seafood creations. His blackened mahi-mahi tacos with mango salsa deliver the perfect sweet-spicy balance. The evening I visited, a sudden rainstorm created a double rainbow over the lake, prompting spontaneous applause from every diner!
Arrive early to secure a prime sunset table – the nightly event even includes a bell ringing ceremony. Their Texas Turtle (a decadent brownie-based dessert) makes the perfect companion for watching the sun sink below the lake’s horizon. Despite being 200 miles from the coast, The Oasis proves that inland Texas can deliver unforgettable seafood experiences.