Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Galveston

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Galveston? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Rudy & Paco Restaurant & Bar

5.0

5 (4093)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Galveston

About the restaurant

Paco is the definition of the "All American Dream", awarded the 2019 "Faces of Diversity Award" by the National Restaurant Association. This prestigious award honors those who have achieved success through perservance and determination embodying the American Dream.

Rudy & Paco's offer the freshest seafood and steaks with a Central American flare. Come experience fine dining at its best with Paco and his staff.

We are honored to have the opportunity and privilege to serve you and your family.

~ Paco Vargas and Family

Lunch - Street parking is available, pay at parking meter or by App
Dinner - Street parking is free after 6 pm.

Dress code is strictly enforced for Dinner.
No shorts for men, women (including rompers) and children. Men must have a collared shirt (no t-shirts) and no hats.

Dress code for Lunch is casual with shorts acceptable but no hats.

Top review

Mike

Dined 7 days ago

Great always a good experience with food and service

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4.9

4.9 (1383)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Galveston

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Galveston's historic downtown district, Vargas Cut and Catch is a contemporary Steak House serving USDA Prime Steaks and the Freshest Seafood available.

We look forward to serving you soon!!

Sincerely,
Paco Vargas and family

Street parking is complimentary after 6:00pm

Top review

Susan

Dined 5 days ago

The service was excellent. The food was excellent.

Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood

4.8

4.8 (2513)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Galveston

About the restaurant

Welcome to Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood, where every bite is a masterpiece! The only restaurant in Galveston awarded with the prestigious "Two Glasses" Best Of Award Of Excellence by Wine Spectator Magazine.
Nestled in the heart of the Pelican Rest Marina, our culinary haven, helmed by the talented Chef Diego Rueda, offers a journey of flavors.

Enjoy panoramic water views, creating an unforgettable dining experience where warmth meets sophistication, perfect for sharing moments.

Our commitment to quality resonates in carefully selected ingredients, ensuring each bite is a blend of freshness and flavor. From sizzling steaks to succulent seafood, our menu celebrates culinary expertise. Indulge in our award-winning wines, featuring ultra-rare and premium beef from around the world, fresh local seafood, and savor the most unique bourbon selection.

Number 13, is your lucky number for unparalleled dining.
Join us—where cuisine, views, and warm hospitality converge into magic.

Top review

CarolVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We haven’t been here in a while but, it was excellent! The Alaskan Halibut was phenomenal! My husband had the blackened fish tacos which have never disappointed and they didn’t this time either. Our waiter, Neal, was superb!!!! We have had him in the past and he is the best!!!! Ask for him if u visit this locale. He is on point, super attentive and will not disappoint;-)! So glad we visited Number 13 today❤️

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Popular dish

Thursday Prime Rib Night

Popular dish

32 oz 30-Day Porterhouse

Popular dish

Center Cut Filet Mignon

The Steakhouse at San Luis

4.8

4.8 (800)

$50 and over

American

Galveston

About the restaurant

Treat Dad to a memorable Father's Day this Sunday, June 15, with a legendary dinner at The Steakhouse featuring premier steaks, succulent seafood, and exquisite wines.

The Steakhouse will be open on Sunday, June 15 and closed Monday, June 16.

Indulge in the Island’s finest, award-winning cuisine at The Steakhouse, featuring USDA Midwest grain-fed beef, live Maine lobster, and an award-winning wine list. Recipient of the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award® since 2004 and selected as one of the “Top Ten Texas Steakhouses” by food critic Tom Horan, The Steakhouse is an extraordinary dining experience for any connoisseur. Our high-quality cuisine and impeccable service are complemented by an elegant ambiance featuring hand-crafted mahogany woodwork, leather furnishings, and other luxurious amenities.

Top review

JosephVIP

Dined 2 days ago

As usual an over the top dining experience. F&B director John Paul ALWAYS delivers exceptional service and a creative menu / special items. Everthing is top quality and cooked to perfection

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Shrimp and Crab Cheesecake

Gaido's Seafood Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (9134)

$30 and under

Seafood

Galveston

About the restaurant

The toast of the Texas coast.
How can frozen fish be called fresh? The answer for anyone with snap is simple: it can’t. That’s why Gaido’s is the classic choice for fresh Gulf seafood. Patrons know Gaido’s is real, when others are clearly not. From red snapper and blue crab to white tablecloths crumbed with panache, there’s no denying Gaido’s is one-of-a-kind in a world of imitation. Now, after four generations of filleting, frying, grilling and baking, Gaido’s has grown into the picture perfect place of traditions– birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, reunions. As the largest fresh fish house on the coast, Gaido’s can serve up to 2,500 happy diners a day. Plus, with the Pelican Club, private dining, catering, a new food truck and parking galore…it’s easy to see why Gaido’s -– for over 100 years – is truly the coastal classic.

Top review

Sue

Dined 4 days ago

The food was delicious and service was great! It’s a little pricey, though.

The Fancy at Hotel Lucine

4.7

4.7 (158)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Galveston

About the restaurant

An American Fine-ish Dining establishment inspired by local ingredients with a dash of artistic liberty and a lot of personality.

Our menu highlights locally sourced ingredients, celebrating our Galveston roots and coastal ties while supporting the Texas farms and Gulf waters that make it all possible. From the daily catch to fresh, house-made pastas, every dish is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the vibrant community around us. Enjoy our local cuisine with wall-to-wall Gulf views - no dress code required.

The Fancy at Hotel Lucine sits neatly at the intersection of 10th & Seawall Blvd - we're about as close to the water as a hotel can get without high tide lapping at your bedside.

Top review

Kat

Dined on Jun 29, 2025

The food was truly amazing. And, the service was spectacular!

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Experience

Brunch in The Fancy at Hotel Lucine

Experience

Oyster & Martinis

Fisherman's Wharf

4.6

4.6 (1334)

$30 and under

Seafood

Galveston

About the restaurant

Located by the Historic Strand District, the Tall Ship Elissa and Galveston Cruise Terminal, come and enjoy waterfront dining at Fisherman’s Wharf. One of the best seafood restaurants in Galveston, Fisherman’s Wharf is a great place to enjoy a selection of daily fresh fish, signature combination platters, and more in our indoor dining areas or outdoor patio offering a view of the bay.

Top review

DonVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Really like fisherman's warfare. We like to sit outdoors and view the bay. The ship Elisa is there next to the restaurant. Good food and drinks.

Hearsay on The Strand - Galveston

4.6

4.6 (1623)

$30 and under

American

Galveston

About the restaurant

Located on Historic Galveston Island, our On The Strand location offers an evocative ambiance perfect for unforgettable dining experiences, featuring creative American cuisine and handcrafted artisan cocktails. This coastal resort city boasts top attractions and distinctive museums, providing visitors with truly unique experiences.

Top review

Robert

Dined 6 days ago

Wanted to take my daughter to a nice restaurant for her 17th bday and this place didn’t disappoint! We had an amazing time and the food was delicious! We strong recommend this place and we will definitely be back.

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Popular dish

Texas Charcuterie Board

Popular dish

Charcuterie and Crudité

Popular dish

Blackened Salmon

Rainforest Cafe - Galveston

4.4

4.4 (591)

$30 and under

American

Galveston

About the restaurant

You don’t have to travel far to dine in a tropical rainforest, It’s a safari for the senses. Our menu contains an array of delicious items and tropical treats you’re sure to go WILD for. End your journey with the out-of-this-world VOLCANO dessert. Discover the rainforest, complete with cascading waterfalls, tropical rainstorms, trumpeting elephants and entertaining gorillas. It’s not just another meal; it’s an adventure! Don’t forget to take a journey through our Retail Village and float through an EPIC excursion at the Rainforest River Adventure Ride right next door!
CAUTION: Flashing lights and thunder sounds inside restaurant and Rainforest River Adventure Ride. May cause discomfort and/ or seizures for those with photosensitive epilepsy.

Top review

HeatherVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Took the grandkids while visiting us in Galveston. I was very impressed with service and good for a tourist restaurant. Ibrahim was our waiter. He was very attentive and took the kids order first. I would recommend for a family friendly restaurant.

Monarch at Grand Galvez

4.3

4.3 (476)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Galveston

About the restaurant

Monarch, our onsite casual seafood restaurant, serves fresh regional seafood, steaks and Cajun specialties in a gorgeous space with soaring ceilings and oversized windows to soak in all the natural light.

Sunday Brunch
-Adults $89.00
-Kids (6-12) $29.99
-Under 6 Free
(PRICING EXCLUDES HOLIDAYS)

Top review

JeffVIP

Dined on Jun 17, 2025

Delicious food in an elegant but casual environment served by delightful professionals. The perfect place to dine after a day of travel.

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