20 Absolute Best Seafood Restaurants In Houston

Houston isn't just known for its savory BBQ and brisket breakfast tacos; it has quite the reputation for its seafood, too. There's nothing like enjoying a delicious plate of your favorite ocean fare, knowing that the ingredients required to put it all together didn't have to travel very far. Because the metropolitan area is only about an hour's drive from the Gulf of Mexico, it doesn't take much for restaurants to source all the ingredients they need for some classic coastal meals.

That said, it's no surprise that you'll find an endless array of seafood establishments within the city limits and as you travel closer to Galveston Island off the coast. But which are home to the true delicious treasures of the sea? Whether you're craving fresh oysters, fried catfish, or flavorful cajun crawfish, here are some of Houston's absolute best seafood restaurants — based on local reviews and our own dining experiences.

Read more: Restaurant Foods That Always Taste Better Than What You Make At Home

Eddie V's Prime Seafood

Eddie V's Prime Seafood is technically a chain establishment with locations across Texas and beyond; however, it's still considered a solid option for a satisfying fine-dining experience. Complete with live music and world-class wine, this is the perfect destination for an intimate dinner of fresh-caught or imported ocean fare. The restaurant received an honorable mention on our list of best steakhouses in Houston; its filet mignon is hard to pass up. So, how does its staple cuisine compare?

Of the prime seafood options available, the Hong Kong-style Chilean sea bass — steamed and served with a light soy broth — is a favorite among visitors. The crab fried rice makes an excellent side dish if you're looking for a delicious addition to your meal. For something more warm and comforting, the lobster bisque is a popular customer order — though opinions on it are pretty divided.

Eugene's Gulf Coast Cuisine

Eugene's Gulf Coast Cuisine is known for its fresh, coastal fare, including red snapper, crab, and seasonal items like crawfish. The restaurant has a variety of daily specials, but locals mostly come here for its regular happy hour offerings. During this window, patrons like to take advantage of the fresh, low-cost, half-shell oysters — which come with cocktail sauce, lemon, and horseradish for dressing.

If you're not a big mollusk fan, the mini crab cakes — made with blue claw crab and served with garlic rémoulade — are a good alternative. We recommend the restaurant's stuffed shrimp or seafood gumbo if you're only stopping by for a quick lunch. Note: Eugene's is one of the more upscale dining options on our list, and as such, enforces a strict business-casual dress code.

Vida Mariscos

Something that you'll notice with restaurants in Houston is that many offer a fusion of flavors across different cuisines. Vida Mariscos is one such example of executing this well, serving various authentic Mexican seafood dishes. If you're dining here as a pair, we recommend ordering the Parrillada Deliciosa, a loaded dish for two that's complete with seasoned beef and chicken fajitas, grilled octopus and shrimp, and a chicken quesadilla. It comes with tortillas (your choice of flour or corn), Mexican rice, beans, pico de gallo, and guacamole. The meal really offers the best of both worlds, so it's easy to share; even if your guest dislikes seafood, there's something on the platter for them, too.

Before you leave, try a house or flavored margarita. It's a refreshing alcoholic beverage worth enjoying alongside good company, great live music, and a relaxing atmosphere after a long week.

Christie's

Sure, there are plenty of upscale dining establishments you could visit for a decadent plate of ocean fare, but there's something special about getting it homestyle, too, and that's exactly what Christie's prides itself on. The restaurant first made its mark in Galveston in 1917, originally offering fried fish sandwiches, which became a hit. The location eventually moved to Houston in 1934 and has continued to serve the city since, with an expanded menu that now includes more seafood options and steaks.

Besides Christie's original famous fish po-boy, we recommend the fried shrimp, fresh-caught from the Gulf of Mexico, and served with a side of fries and salad. Visitors claim the portions are pretty generous, and the breading isn't too oily, which is something we can't say often for similar dishes.

Truluck's

Truluck's strives to offer only the freshest, highest-quality seafood possible, and this is easily reflected in its menu options — and arguably, the cost of dining here. However, despite the upscale prices, there's something to say about an establishment that sources its own crab and uses local vendors for quality ingredients.

Speaking of which, we suggest ordering the restaurant's signature fresh stone crab claws (pulled from traps within 24 hours before reaching your table!), served chilled, and pre-cracked. Each bite is tender and meaty, with a slight sweetness complemented by the house mustard sauce that comes with it. For an after-lunch or dinner dessert, the world-class carrot cake is incredibly moist; you also have the option to add a drizzle of warm butterscotch and spiced candied pecans to it for extra flavor.

Blue Onyx Bistro

Led by Executive Chef David Chang, owner of another Houston coastal eatery, Red Fish Seafood Grill, Blue Onyx Bistro is another seafood-fusion entry on our list. It combines classic flavors of the ocean with French and Asian cuisine.

There are a lot of dishes worth a try here, but a popular option is the baked Hawaiian flounder topped with blue crab meat. It comes with mixed stir-fry vegetables and a white miso champagne sauce. Before the main course, though, we recommend trying any of the restaurant's savory starters, particularly the blue crab fingers. If you want to mix it up, the beef short ribs with a stuffed portobello mushroom and house ravioli are good alternatives.

Caracol

Owned by the 2017 James Beard Foundation Award winner for Best Chef: Southwest, executive chef Hugo Ortega, Caracol prides itself on serving quality ocean fare from the coast of Mexico. Its menu features both fusion dishes and seafood staples patrons know and love.

The restaurant has a delicious brunch buffet on Sundays, and visitors tend to flock to the establishment during this time because of the all-you-can-eat oysters. For the price you pay per person, it's not a bad deal at all. If raw mollusks don't sound too appetizing around midday, plenty of other options are available. For those who dine during the week, the chicharrón de calamar (fried squid) makes a great starter, followed by a serving of ceviche or ostiones asados (wood-roasted Gulf oysters).

The Oceanaire Seafood Room

Located in the Galleria, The Oceanaire Seafood Room provides everything you'd expect from fine dining, from beautiful upscale decor and impeccable service to a large wine selection. Additionally, the restaurant strives to serve only the freshest meals possible: It receives its ocean fare daily.

The Chesapeake Bay-style crab cakes and shrimp and grits are popular picks on the establishment's appetizer list. However, both dishes are pretty filling on their own, so you might not need to order a separate entree. In fact, many patrons tend to prefer the starters and sides like the lobster mac & cheese. If you fall in this category, we recommend checking out The Oceanaire's "Admiral's Hour," which offers a decent selection of big bites at a lower cost.

Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette

Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette has a selection of Gulf Coast and other local specialties offered in a beautifully decorated dining area with a classy yet chic atmosphere. There are two locations, one in River Oaks and the other in Memorial, so after you eat, you can walk off the meal and explore nearby shopping districts, regardless of which one you go to.

As you would expect from the name, this restaurant is known for its fresh, high-quality oysters. The eatery prepares them in multiple ways, so whether you prefer them raw, steamed, or grilled, you'll likely find a version of the delicacy that works for you. If you visit during "royale hour," you can take advantage of low-cost, half-shell or chargrilled mollusks.

Backyard Boil House

A small mom-and-pop in South Houston, Backyard Boil House specializes in Creole cuisine, with food featuring the best of what the Gulf has to offer. If you prefer to dine in a relaxed, down-home environment, this is the place to go. The menu is on the smaller side compared to others on our list, but you can tell that love and care are put into every dish.

A favorite among customers is the "gumbeaux" bowl, filled to the brim with a savory broth and topped with green onions and crab. Of course, you have to try the restaurant's signature combeaux, a seafood boil complete with crab, shrimp, corn, sausage, and potatoes. The dish seems simple at face value, but you'll find that the flavor is out of this world.

Goode Company Seafood

Goode Company Seafood, especially its original Westpark location, has a laid-back setting, evidenced by its diner-like vibes and decor inside of a repurposed railroad car. The establishment offers coastal Cajun dishes ranging from shrimp étouffée to fried oyster po-boys.

While you can't go wrong with most of what the restaurant offers, we highly recommend a bowl of its seafood gumbo, which features your choice of shrimp, crab, or both. The meal comes with two pieces of bread that can be used for dipping into the broth. On a hot Houston day, the mesquite-grilled oysters or Gulf red snapper entree — the latter served with garlic bread, an empanada, and your preferred side — are popular among patrons.

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is one of the larger brands owned by the Pappas family. Although it's easy to assume that a chain restaurant like this couldn't possibly top the charts in menu offerings and quality, this establishment focuses on providing friendly service and delicious meals made from the freshest ingredients — easily rivaling your typical fine dining experience.

We recommend starting your dinner with the cheesy ocean fare "fondeaux," full of rich flavor. Depending on your mood, you can warm up with a savory bowl of gumbo, wake up with a classic plate of shrimp and grits, or try something different with an entree of crispy fried alligator bites. Whatever dish you go with, get a side of Pappadeaux's red beans and rice.

Captain Tom's Seafood & Oyster Bar

If your meal gets served inside a boat-shaped restaurant, the ocean fare has to be good, right? Despite its casual, mom-and-pop feel, Captain Tom's Seafood & Oyster Bar offers delicious staple dishes from the Gulf and inland waters, including oysters, shrimp, catfish, flounder, and frog legs.

Customers say you should order a bowl of seafood gumbo, hands down, with a refreshing michelada to wash it down. On the fried side, we recommend the no-frills catfish with a side of hush puppies. Regardless of which location you go to, keep in mind that Captain Tom's usually gets pretty packed around busy dining periods. However, all the restaurants have late dining hours (closing between 11 p.m. to 12 a.m. on select days), so you can stop by between the rush or for a late-night meal.

Tommy's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Getting to Tommy's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar will require you to go a bit outside the Houston city limits toward the coast, but we think the trip is well worth it. Serving the Clear Lake area for over 25 years, the restaurant believes in only offering the highest quality ingredients to customers.

You can really taste it in the food, too: The half-shell grilled oysters, harvested from Galveston Bay, are incredibly meaty and flavorful and popular among diners. According to Tommy's, the secret is in the preparation; the mollusks are cooked with butter, shallots, garlic, and wine and topped with cheese to finish. If you're in the mood for a different entree, try the Drunken Shrimp, which is sauteed with aromatics and finished with a splash of tequila.

La Fishería

Right near the center of downtown, you'll find La Fishería, another fusion restaurant on our list that offers Mexican coastal cuisine. It's family-friendly and filled with bright, colorful decor, providing a relaxed, fun vibe for anyone who dines here.

For adventurous eaters, we recommend ordering the pulpo a la parrilla (grilled octopus), which is incredibly tender, well-seasoned with guajillo and lime, and served with a side of vegetables. Alternatively, go with the crema de langosta al mezcal (creamy lobster and shrimp bisque) for something warm and savory. If you're dining with the kiddos, the establishment has a decent kids' menu, with options ranging from fried shrimp and fish to chicken and rib eye strips and "quesadillitas."

Little's Oyster Bar

Another brand owned by the Pappas family, Little's Oyster Bar was launched to create a decadent, fine dining experience like no other. Unlike Pappadeux's, this restaurant has a rotating seasonal menu with rich delicacies you'll rarely find with the other entries on our list, like caviar. Unsurprisingly, the establishment also has an extensive wine selection and well-balanced cocktails that can pair perfectly with your meal.

Besides its fresh oysters, Little's is known for its grilled octopus, served with marbled potatoes and schug and seasoned with sesame and house-blended pimentón. The lobster and gnocchi, which comes with blistered tomatoes and potato skins, is a slightly lighter entree but offers just as much flavor.

Josephine's Gulf Coast Tradition

Nestled between Midtown and Downtown, Josephine's Gulf Coast Tradition is where you go for a fine dining-like experience but without the frills. The restaurant offers a blend of traditional ocean fare with a southern twist, from catfish nuggets with slaw, spiced honey, and pickles to shrimp and grits.

To start your meal, most customers recommend ordering the smoked redfish dip, which features lemon remoulade and comes with ranch saltines. For the entree, the blue crab rice bowl — dressed with crab fat aioli and scallions — seems to be a hit among diners. Pair your lunch or dinner with one of Josephine's popular cocktails; their names are so creative you might be tempted to order one just to see what surprise concoction you get!

Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House

If a restaurant is right off the water, it has a responsibility to offer some of the freshest ocean fare in town — and Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House does not disappoint. Located at the edge of where Trinity and Galveston Bay meet, this establishment is passionate about serving "tide-to-table" dishes.

The owner, Raz Halili, is also the Vice President of Prestige Oysters, so the eatery has a reliable source of fresh mollusks from the Gulf year-round; perhaps this is why most patrons love to order them! But you can't skip to the main course without trying the seafood fondue appetizer — a creamy, savory blend of shrimp, blue crab, spinach, and cheese served with French bread.

Reel Seafood & Bar

Reel Seafood & Bar is in the Houston Heights across from White Oak Bayou, and while that's not necessarily the ocean, we still credit the restaurant for serving delicious fare that makes you feel like you're dining sea-side. It also has quite an interesting menu; while the meals aren't strictly "fusion," they definitely have Cajun and Asian influences, from the spices used to the dishes offered.

From the selections available, we recommend ordering the crawfish. Our favorite thing about this pick is that, unlike other establishments, you can actually customize the boil according to your preferences; choose from Cajun, garlic butter, lemon pepper, tom yum, or a mix of these seasonings. You can also pick a spice level that you're most comfortable with.

Crawfish & Noodles

Viet-Cajun cuisine has taken the city by storm, resulting in several new eateries specializing in this very thing, like southwest Houston restaurant Crawfish & Noodles. The establishment is owned by James Beard Award finalist Chef Trong Nguyen, one of the Viet-Cajun cuisine's early pioneers and adopters.

The restaurant's menu is simple enough, complete with oysters, shrimp, crawfish, and more. However, of all the options available, we like the twice-seasoned blue crab the most, boiled with corn, potatoes, sausage, butter, and the house secret sauce. (The dish also tastes great with a serving of any of the fried rice options if you're craving a side.) The muc chien gion (fried calamari) is an excellent appetizer to share with friends.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.