Ten Great Places to Dine on the Island

As summer makes its glorious return and visitors head back to our 32 miles of sun-drenched beaches, we thought this would be a good time to talk food!  And though freshly-caught seafood is a resounding favorite on the Island, area menus offer tastes from around the world, ranging from well-known Cajun favorites to Tuscan secret recipes. You’ll find succulent steaks, juicy chicken dishes, and plenty of vegetarian options from which to choose.

Here’s a look at 10 of our favorite places to dine on the Island, in no particular order:

901 Postoffice, 901 Postoffice St, (409) 762-1111.

This addition to Galveston’s food destinations is set in a historic neighborhood, in a beautifully-remodeled cottage. We were met and greeted at the door; felt almost like going to a friend’s house for dinner. Dining areas are small rooms with a few tables in each. Decor is tasteful, lighting low, and background music unobtrusive, allowing for private conversation in a peaceful setting. There is a secluded outdoor patio which will be lovely in cool weather.

Feeling festive, we ordered wine from the admirable selection, and were not rushed to order by our friendly waiter. For an appetizer we decided to go for the Zucchini Corn Cakes, with pulled pork, red cabbage and tomatillo sauce. The tender cakes were piled high with the slightly spicy and sweet mixture of meat and fresh veggie. The subtle flavors made a delightful combination. The large serving–three cakes–could have been a meal in itself. But we didn’t let that stop us!

I ordered the Corn Dusted Red Snapper with sweet potato puree and orange, jicama and radish slaw, served with lightly steamed zucchini strips. The snapper was fresh and delicate and the dusting was complementary. The sweet potato puree was delicate and the slaw was light and delicious. My companion ordered the stuffed pork tenderloin and balsamic reduction, stuffed with apple, jalapeño, and bleu cheese. This was a hearty dish and a creative combination of flavors. Entrées all include a house green salad, attractive combinations of leaf lettuce with apple slices and sweetened pecan pieces in vinaigrette dressing. Servings of everything were quite generous.

We had been encouraged by a friend to have Bananas Foster for dessert. But when our waiter described the white Chocolate Key Lime Fool we could not resist. Warm summer evening, cool dessert! It was thick and creamy–almost minty–and while it was rich it melted in my mouth and disappeared. A perfect closure for our meal.

The presentation of everything was beautiful. The food was creatively prepared and delicious, with unusual flavor combinations. Service was attentive but unobtrusive. 901 is a fine addition to the Galveston restaurant scene, bringing us an alternative to large dining rooms and predictable menu choices.

DiBella’s Italian Restaurant, 1902 31st St, (409) 763-9036.

This is indeed “Where the locals eat.” DiBella’s is a longtime Galveston favorite and we hope that this review will not cause too many visitors to show up and make it too crowded for us!

We arrived on Friday evening with reservations, which is a good idea because you never know when a huge family gathering or other group will take up the entire back room. Coming in to DiBella’s is entering another world, a step back in time to when dinner out was more intimate and less corporate. It’s almost like going to a family dinner, only better. Wonderful atmosphere, subdued lighting, family pictures all over the walls, Dean Martin on the stereo, friendly staff. As always we were given the fresh vegetable antipasto to snack on while we waited for our appetizer. We selected the Crabmeat au Gratin and were very pleased with the result: fresh crabmeat in a creamy cheese sauce, with hot garlic bread. We also ordered a carafe of the house Cabernet which was quite satisfying.

Most entrees come with soup or salad. We had one of each. The house salad is a colorful combination of vegetables and of course we went for the tangy house Italian dressing which matched it perfectly. The Minestrone was hot, full of vegetables and seasoned wih a rich tomato base.

I felt called by the Steak and Pasta, truly a house specialty. The very generous portion of grilled rib eye was cooked exactly to medium rare and had a delicious sauce. I chose my favorite pasta with garlic butter as an accompaniment (even better if you add a bit of the steak sauce to it). I don’t believe there’s a better steak in Galveston. Sinfully delicious.

My companion broke tradition (usually it’s grilled chicken over angel hair pasta with garlic butter sauce) and ordered the Chicken and Sausage Pasta, in a mélange of fresh vegetables, penne pasta, creamy white sauce, and mozzarella cheese. The meats were delicious and the sauce very light, allowing the flavors to come through. This was also a generous portion and we took some home. Overall a thoroughly satisfying dish.

From the several appealing dessert choices we selected Italian Cream Cake. It was creamy but not heavy, and not too sweet. Despite our protestations that we couldn’t eat another bite, we devoured the whole thing.

DiBella’s did not disappoint us. They never have in the many years they’ve been here. You will not leave here hungry or dissatisfied. This is the place to take your out-of-town friends when you want to show them a true local establishment. Bring a big appetite.

Willie G’s, Pier 21, (409)762-3030.

We chose a weekday night to experience the place, as we understand weekends can get very busy.  There was a sizable crowd but we were seated quickly. We started out with an appetizer of Crab & Spinach Stuffed Shells and an excellent Australian cabernet. The shells were perfectly al dente.  The fresh crab was drenched in béchamel sauce and parmesan, and accompanied by a tangy roasted red pepper sauce.

For entrée my companion selected the Mixed Grill. This brought a generous feast of jumbo lump crab cake, broiled shrimp over risotto, and grilled Mahi Mahi with avocado and salsa. The crab cake was tangy, thick and moist, with a thin crunchy crust. Shrimp and Mahi Mahi were fresh and well prepared.

I chose the Snapper La Griglia. The sautéed snapper was topped with champagne grape sauce, lobster and crabmeat, and served with parmesan risotto and roasted vegetables.  All delicious. We added a side order of creamed spinach; a wonderful comfort food.

For dessert we tried the Crème Brule.  My friend, a self-proclaimed expert in that dish, declared it perfect. I agreed wholeheartedly. It was smooth and creamy and rich with just the right crunchiness in the crust and a bit of coconut flavor. It was attractively presented with a fresh berry topping.

Overall we found this to be an exquisite dining experience. Food was uniformly well-prepared, fresh and delicious. Portions were adequate but not excessive. We did note that no bread was served. My companion also felt that the offer of bottled water was “too 20th Century”, and we opted for water by the glass instead.

In addition to taste, everything from food to decor makes Willis G’s a visual feast.  The food was beautifully prepared and artfully arranged when served. Background music was just enough to be noticeable but not in the way of conversation. The place has a modern urban feel:  ceiling lighting fixtures arranged in mass groupings of art glass pendants; wine storage displays which are visually attractive as well as functional; and slumped art glass plates adorn the wall. The harbor area is visible from almost everywhere.

Willie G’s is definitely a positive note of Galveston restaurants. The food is excellent and we consider it a must-visit.

Mosquito Cafe, 628 14th St, (409)763-1010.

It was a dark and stormy night….actually it was just rainy and cool, and we ventured to Mosquito hungry and ready for dinner. We were pleased to discover live music in the person of Bonnye Karger on piano, and a lively crowd inside. We ordered at the counter and settled down with a bottle of Estancia Cabernet from the ample wine selection. The Pecan Crusted Brie appetizer arrived quickly, attractively accompanied by seasoned toast, grapes and greens. Delicious! We had to stop ourselves from devouring it all so we’d have room for our entrées.

My choice was Senegalese Vegetables. This is a fabulous dish, enough to entice me to vegetarianism! (however, just this time I had it with shrimp added). Every vegetable you can think of–broccoli, water chestnuts, bok choy, snow peas, cauliflower, carrots, onions, and more–delicately crunchy, with light peanut sauce topping, toasted almonds and coconut, served over perfectly prepared brown rice. The shrimp were fresh and grilled to perfection. It was a very generous serving so go with a big appetite (or ask for a take home box).

My dining companion ordered the Tilapia Bernardo, which arrived over linguini in a light Alfredo sauce with imported parmesan, covered with a creamed spinach topping. The Tilapia was very lightly grilled and exquisitely fresh. The flavors of the creamy Alfredo and spinach topping melded beautifully, creating a tantalizing and spicy entrée.

We had to try one of their house-baked desserts, so we opted to share a piece of Triple Dare chocolate cake. This dense and moist cake was so good we devoured it! It was not overly sweet and indeed had extreme chocolate flavor. If you are a chocolate lover you’ve got to try this one.

The menu offers something for everyone, from soups and simple salads, through more complex and pricey dishes. Atmosphere is casual and friendly. They are now open for lunch and dinner, and breakfast on weekends. This is an establshment that locals and visitors will all enjoy.

Luigi’s Ristorante Italiano, 2328 Strand, (409)763-6500.

Located in the heart of Galveston’s Strand district, Luigi’s is a perfect venue for those wishing to combine great dining with a downtown shopping or entertainment experience. We arrived early on a Saturday evening to a busy but not hectic dining room. The atmosphere is lively Italian but not intrusive, lighting just right to be able to read the menu, but low enough to provide privacy. If you’re in the mood for a relaxed/casual but “island dressy” place to have a great meal, Luigi’s is the place to go.

Our enthusiastic waiter was obviously proud of his work in the restaurant, and seemed to have learned a great deal about food preparation as he described the menu to us. Throughout the evening he was perfectly attentive, friendly, and respectful of our needs.

The in-house-baked bread and herb-infused olive oil were tasty and tempting, but we did not let them divert us from our mission of experiencing the menu to our best ability. We shared an appetizer of “Portobello funghi e pomodoro”, grilled Portobello with tomatoes in white wine lemon butter sauce. It was served slightly warm, lemon-tangy with a sauce that did not overpower the subtle mushroom flavor. For salad I had the “Insalata Gorgonzola,” a mixture of spicy greens with Walnut Gorgonzola dressing–delicious! My companion had “Pomodoro Caprese,” of tomato with fresh mozzarella and basil, which benefited from olive oil and vinegar offered.

My friend’s entree of “Pesci del Giorno” was Red Drum grilled and topped with lemon butter white wine sauce, served with herbed grilled potatoes. The light sauce complemented the fish nicely without overwhelming its mild flavor. I felt obligated to try a pasta dish in an Italian restaurant, so I went for the “Tortellini Sugo Rosso,” stuffed with chicken, pork and ricotta cheese, and covered with tomato cream sauce. Wow! The tortellini had perfect texture, and the sauce couldn’t be beat. It had a deliciously dusky and robust character. We accompanied all this with a very reasonably priced Italian Chardonnay, which made a perfect complement.

For a finale we shared “Bavarese all Luigi”, a custard cream served with a scoop of Luigi’s own chocolate gelato. We found it to be extraordinarily light and not overly sweet. A tangy slice of fresh strawberry provided a pleasantly surprising complement. And the homemade gelato had satisfying texture and tasty chunks of chocolate. Even a non-dessert lover would be tempted by this creation.

The meal was satisfying and filling, but not at all heavy. We took our time and were never rushed. Of course Luigi came out to speak with us, to be certain everything was to our liking. Overall we enjoyed great food and a superb dining experience, one with which we could find no fault. Our only regret is that we could not sample every item on the menu! Luigi’s definitely lives up to its Zagat rating.

The Spot, 32nd & Seawall, (409) 621-5237.

What would the Seawall be without The Spot? We went there with friends recently when we wanted a casual and moderately-priced dinner. It was a hot day so we sat inside by the windows and the beautiful view of the Gulf. Self-service concept has you order at the counter. Lines were short so we ordered quickly, went next door for our happy hour Shiner Bock, and came back and settled in for a short wait while our food was prepared. We didn’t have to wait long before we were buzzed to collect our goodies.

My companion had his favorite, the Gobbler Sandwich with a side of onion rings to keep it from being too healthy. The burgers at the Spot come with the best grilled buns and freshest trimmings (from a self-serve bar where you can get everything from pickles to jalapenos). With these additions, the sandwiches and burgers become so large that it’s hard to get your teeth around them. This Gobbler was as good as he’d expected. Onion rings were once again the best, with plenty to share. You’ve got to try the onion rings! I don’t even like onion rings but I love these.

I broke out of routine and ordered something different, the Caribbean Salad, with added grilled chicken. I loved it! Try imagining a mixture of lettuce, spinach, and spring mix tossed with spicy grilled chicken, fresh mango and strawberries, blue cheese, and walnuts, all drizzled with a slightly-sweet fig vinaigrette. This may become my new favorite, replacing the grilled chicken burger which is oh-so-healthy.

The Spot is a rarity, an establishment which consistently has good food even through changes of ownership. Go by car, by foot, by bike, skateboard, etc., but be sure to have a bite at The Spot.

Original Mexican Cafe, 1401 Market St., (409)762-6001.

We’ve enjoyed this venerable Galveston icon for many years, but I usually order the same dish, my favorite chicken fajita salad, served without the taco shell. That’s a great dish for the weight-conscious. However, for reviewing purposes I branched out.

By the way, because it is a Mexican restaurant we had to test the margaritas. I had the “Original”, on the rocks. They make great margaritas and have a fine happy hour Monday through Thursday evenings. Soon appeared the bottomless basket of tortilla chips, with homemade spicy-and-roasty salsa. The accompanying bean dip was new to me; I found it rather bland.

For starters we ordered seafood empanadas, which are fried pastries filled with shrimp, veggies and rice. They came in a generous portion, had a nice medley of flavors and weren’t too spicy for this faint-hearted eater. The accompanying jalapeño pepper sauce provided a kick for those who like something more picante. Although fried they were not greasy.This made a delicious appetizer.

As an entree I selected Tacos al Carbon, house-made tender tortillas filled with chicken and beef fajita meat and grilled onions, with guacamole, Mexican rice and ranchero beans on the side. The meat was a little on the dry side. Rice was flavorful. Guacamole was fresh and well-seasoned. Guacamole is my personal favorite food; I could make a meal of it (and sometimes I do).

My dining companion ordered the Carne Asada, marinated with roasted jalapeños and served with Mexican rice, ranchero beans, pico de gallo and guacamole. The meat was well marinated and tasty but a bit chewy. I think he was jealous of my tacos.

For dessert we chose the flan, which was creamy and rich but a bit firmer than we’re used to.

We had our “usual” waiter, a friendly fellow who seems always to be in a good mood. We had no wait and service was quick. The Original has three dining rooms plus a bar so they can handle small gatherings as well. This is a Galveston tradition so if you haven’t tried it you must. Friendly service, reasonable prices, and some good Tex-Mex. Oh, and great margaritas.

Eat Cetera, 408 25th Street, (409)762-0803.

We arrived at eat cetera late on a murky Saturday afternoon, for an early dinner. We had the place to ourselves for quite awhile. The atmosphere was very peaceful, with simple and spare decor, with pleasing background music from diverse cultures. (They offer a variety of music CDs for sale as well and will play any you request.) The proprietor was our server and was helpful in describing menu choices, which are the same for lunch and dinner. I settled in with a glass of quite good Cabernet from the short but adequate wine list. My friend enjoyed ice tea. They have an interesting selection of beers as well. We were brough a sample of flavorful blue cheese cream spread with crostini. The crostini were tenderly perfect, toasty on the outside and soft inside.

We both started with soup because the day’s selections sounded so delicious. My sweet corn soup with chipotle sauce was creamy and just spicy enough for me, with an intriguing smokiness. It was as good as any I’ve had (and I am a fan of anything with corn). My companion tried the “gypsy” soup, which was a multitude of vegetables and garbanzo beans in a tomato broth, also with a smoky flavor. He reported it to be on the spicy side which was to his liking. Both were delicious and perfect for a cool, wet evening.

For my meal I chose the smoked chicken breast salad, with roasted red pepper, olives, tomato, and thin-thin cucumber slices, on tender greens, with a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette dressing. It was such a beautiful presentation that I hesitated to disarrange it! It was as tasty as it was attractive. Accompaniment was the perfect crostini, this time with a sun-dried tomato spread. Salad was just the right size, not one of those huge concoctions with enough lettuce for a family of four.

My friend ordered a sandwich special, Boursin cheese with grilled zucchini, grape tomatoes, baby spinach and Black Angus roast beef on a toasted Cuban roll. The creamy cheese gave a gentle garlic flavor to the delicious combination of meat and veggies. He proclaimed it to be excellent.

We had to experience dessert, and they just happened to have a special of warm apple tart with organic vanilla ice cream. It was not too sweet (the ice cream provided that!) and had a very tender crust and delicate apple flavor. It went well with the French-press decaf. It is so satisfying to have coffee freshly prepared at the table.

This dinner was a pleasing evening out. The atmosphere was relaxing and friendly and the place is understatedly elegant, though casual. The health-conscious menu items provide a dining alternative for vegetarians as well, as most of the offerings can be served without meat. The proprietor informed us that they are to begin offering pasta dishes in the immediate future. Highly recommended, for lunch or dinner.

The Steakhouse at The San Luis Resort, 5222 Seawall Blvd, (409)744-1500.

One of the most pleasurable experiences of  Galveston is going to a familiar restaurant and finding it in good form. When we entered The Steakhouse we found all staff welcoming and agreeable. We were seated quickly on a busy evening. The atmosphere was lively, with golden-oldies background music to make any baby-boomer wistful. The dress code appeared to be quite flexible.

The wine list was so extensive it took us awhile to decide on a Chilean Cabernet. For appetizer we selected their Crab, Avocado and Mango Tower. This medley, rich with lump crabmeat, was fresh and delicious and the mango was spicy and tangy. Along with this we were served a hot loaf of fresh sourdough bread, as good as any San Francisco offering.

Our waiter alerted us to expect large portions. Nevertheless, my companion ordered a bowl of the Lobster Bisque soup du jour, and I requested a salad. The soup was sweet-ish, rich and well flavored with pieces of succulent lobster so large that we almost needed a knife to cut them. My Pear, Stilton and Spiced Walnut salad was fresh and light with blue cheese dressing on the side. I should have heeded the warning; it was definitely enough for two.

Since the establishment is, after all, a steakhouse, we decided on steak. My companion selected the ribeye which arrived prepared exactly as specified. The serving was generous and the steak was butter-tender and as flavorful as he had hoped. To add a seafood note I tried the Duet of Filet Mignon and Crab Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp in lemon beurre blanc. While a smaller serving, the filet was as tender and satisfying as the ribeye. Three very fresh shrimp were a seaside treat piled high with fresh crab in a tangy dressing. We shared a gigantic baked potato which was served with ample toppings on the side. My only wish was that the food had been served a touch warmer.

How could we resist “Chocolate Eruption” for dessert? This tasty concoction was a chocolate sponge cake with a molten dark chocolate center, served with vanilla ice cream. Dieting can come later.

All in all, this was a relaxing and enjoyable dining experience. Food was excellent, atmosphere was lively, and staff were consistently attentive but not intrusive, allowing us to enjoy a leisurely meal. If you are looking for savory steaks in a relaxed, but elegant setting then The Steakhouse is for you. (Please note:  since this review, The Steakhouse has recently launched a new menu.)

Rudy & Paco, 21st & Postoffice, (409)762-3696.

Don’t let the simple exterior mislead you, this home of South/Central American fare is a place not to be missed. Mix the fashionable interior with an adventurous menu and you get a sophisticated dining experience usually reserved for larger cities.

We were there on a busy Friday and wait-staff met us graciously upon entry and attended to our every wish throughout the evening. Notable was their “synchronized serving” which would do Esther Williams proud. We enjoyed our meal at a leisurely pace and felt no need to rush. Lighting was low and the ambient 40’s big band music was a quiet accompaniment. The television over the corner bar was initially a bit distracting but we soon forgot it was there.

The fried plantain appetizers, provided with every meal, were plentiful and accompanied by the slightly sweet “Pico Paco” and chimichurri sauce. But we knew better than to fill up on those. We sampled the empanada appetizer, which came with a selection of shrimp, chicken and beef. The crust was deliciously tender and they were perfectly seasoned with or without the subtle cilantro cream sauce. Only the beef was a bit dry. Salad greens were fresh and crispy. The balsamic vinaigrette was light and tangy and the blue cheese was rich without heaviness. We chose an Argentine Cabernet from an extensive wine list to accompany our meal.

For the main course, I ordered the evening special of pan-seared red snapper with lump crabmeat and my companion selected the NY strip from among the two dozen choices. The snapper was perfectly done and complemented by a lemon butter sauce. The deliciously tender NY strip was grilled to medium-rare perfection. Both entrees were accompanied by the best scalloped potatoes we have enjoyed for some time, and a crisp-tender medley of fresh sautéed vegetables. Of course we had to complete the meal with a serving of classic Tres Leches cake, with texture that held up well to the milky sauce. We topped it all off with a dessert special, the “Paco Freeze”, a creamy cold concoction with walnut liqueur and creme de cacao.

Servings are quite generous so order carefully. Shared dishes add a $4 charge. Be aware that there is a dress code (no shorts, tank tops, or baseball caps) and reservations are strongly recommended.

For a complete guide to Galveston Island cuisine, visit Galveston.com.