Houston is a seafood haven with a rich tradition, drawing seafood enthusiasts. Its Gulf Coast proximity and diverse culinary scene set it apart.
You can enjoy classics like char-grilled oysters and shrimp en brochette. Also, explore a global array of freshly caught fish, crab, and lobster at top seafood restaurants.
1. Caracol Restaurant
You're in for a treat of coastal Mexican flavors at Chef Hugo Ortega's seafood restaurant in Houston. Begin your feast with red snapper ceviche, a mix of pineapple, coconut, and habanero.
Dive into heartier dishes like fire-roasted lobster with beans and rice, or pan-seared scallops with roasted cauliflower, and a zesty lemon chipotle cream sauce.
Address: 2200 Post Oak Blvd #160
2. La Fisheria
This trendy and spacious downtown eatery is known for its Mexican coastal seafood, upscale dishes, and cocktails. La Fisheria is a great Mexican spot, offering indoor and outdoor dining.
Dive into delicious offerings like ceviche, pan-seared pompano in butter-lime sauce, and sweet corn tamales with bacon and shrimp. Don't miss out on their top-notch margaritas and plenty of cold beer.
Address: 213 Milam St
3. Redfish Seafood Grill
This chef-owned eatery is a go-to for seafood dishes with global flavors, including sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri. Local customers love it for the delicious food and attentive service.
If you're a seafood lover, this restaurant offers a wide variety to try. With two seating areas available, choose the upper level for a more enjoyable dining experience.
Address: 19550 TX-249
4. Brennan's of Houston
Brennan's in Houston has been a local favorite for over 40 years. It's a true icon of the city. Don't miss out on their famous snapping turtle soup, shrimp remoulade, and classic gumbo.
For a hearty meal, try the Gulf Fish Pontchartrain, featuring jumbo lump crab, shrimp, and Louisiana oysters. It comes with Parmesan mushroom rice and Brennan's Creole butter.
Address: 3300 Smith St
5. Little's Oyster Bar
This newest seafood restaurant in Houston offers a delicious menu, including stellar caviar with fluffy fried potato dumplings, a standout grilled octopus, and a raw bar with seafood favorites.
Chicken-fried snapper and Yellow Edge grouper, are cooked and drizzled in a rich brown butter sauce. Fans of Little Pappas Seafood House should try the crab croquettes.
Address: 3001 S Shepherd Dr
6. Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette - Memorial
With two spots in Houston, Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette is your go-to for comforting seafood and shareable plates. You can have oysters, fried buttermilk, lobster bites, and steamed mussels.
Treat yourself to rich lobster bisque and Liberty's unique "slab" iceberg wedge-style salad. Don't forget to ask about the specials of the day.
Address: 963 Bunker Hill Rd
7. Josephine's Gulf Coast Tradition
Embracing Gulf Coast tradition, Josephine's is a seafood restaurant that offers boiled seafood. Their standout sandwiches include the Smashed Boudin Melt on Texas toast.
You can have fully dressed po' boys with your choice of oysters, shrimp, or soft-shell crab. Sides like rice and red beans, gumbo, shrimp and grits, and etouffee cornbread are also on the menu.
Address: 318 Gray St
8. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen offers American and seafood cuisines, with options for vegetarians and gluten-free diets. They are known for always serving delicious and fresh seafood.
Their highlights include plentiful and crunchy fried calamari with artichokes. Their menu also features tempting options like steak and lobster.
Address: 10499 I-10 Katy Freeway
9. Willie G's Seafood
The ultimate seafood splurge, Willie G's, provides an extravagant feast. Begin with fresh Gulf or East Coast oysters shucked or grilled with Thai chili and coconut milk.
Dive into hamachi crudo, sushi rolls, and impressive seafood towers stacked with king crab, lobster, oysters, and cocktail shrimp. For main courses, solid choices include crawfish etouffee and West African salt prawns served with fried rice.
Address: 1640 W Loop S
10. Truluck's
This place is renowned for its sumptuous, pre-cracked crab claws and seafood elegance. First, enjoy cold courses like shrimp cocktails or the famed crab claws.
For main courses, you have options like miso-glazed seabass with crab-fried rice or sesame-seared tuna. Complete your night with a delightful slice of moist carrot cake.
Address: 5350 Westheimer Rd
11. Lotus Seafood
With five locations in Houston, Lotus Seafood is a go-to for satisfying seafood cravings. The newest and largest spot offers an outdoor patio, hookah lounge, and a full bar.
The market-priced snow crab and crawfish are also noteworthy. Don't miss out on the "crack sauce," a buttery, spice-filled dipping sauce perfect for every bite.
Address: 2903 S Main St Ste A, Stafford
12. Eugene's Gulf Coast Cuisine
Formerly known as Danton's Gulf Coast Seafood, this restaurant offers shrimp en brochette, oysters topped with tasso and garlic butter, and redfish stuffed with blue crab.
Start your evening with oyster shooters that feature flavors like Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, lime, and cilantro.
Address: 1985 Welch St
13. Goode Company Seafood
This restaurant's seafood dishes pay homage to the rich offerings of the Gulf Coast. The menu presents a variety that caters to every seafood craving.
The eatery captures the essence of mesquite smoke, spice, and Southern charm in each dish. So enjoy garlic-buttered po-boys, shrimp étouffée, crabmeat fettuccine, and an enticing oyster bar with specialty cocktails.
Address: 2621 Westpark Dr
14. Navy Blue
Chef Aaron Bludorn, with Victoria Pappas Bludorn and Cherif Mbodji, presents a menu that combines New England-style classics with a Texas Gulf Coast twist.
The menu features delights like baked clams casino, flavorful clam chowder, and succulent fish options. So enjoy blackened red snapper, swordfish au poivre, buttery Dover sole, and the standout Wild Mushroom Vol au Vent.
Address: 2445 Times Blvd
15. Crawfish & Noodles
It's one of Houston's most iconic spots in the Viet-Cajun crawfish scene. This James Beard Award-nominated seafood joint on Bellaire Boulevard is renowned for its buttery and spicy mudbugs.
While the crawfish is a standout, you can also enjoy tamarind crab, Cajun-style clams, and salt and pepper shrimp.
Address: 11360 Bellaire Blvd #990
16. Pappas Seafood House
A laid-back spot, Pappas Seafood House has been delighting diners since 1981 with seafood classics. The menu offers a variety, including gumbo, seafood platters, margaritas, and a creamy shrimp dish.
They serve fried and grilled dishes, along with regional favorites like gumbo. Owners Chris and Harris Pappas ensure the freshest seafood for their guests.