Gaido's Seafood Restaurant
Gaido's
A century-old seafood restaurant on Seawall Boulevard, founded in 1911. It won the 2025 James Beard Foundation America's Classics Award and is famous for red snapper and pecan pie.
Founded in 1911 by Italian immigrant San Giacinto Gaido and now run by fourth-generation owner Nick Gaido, the restaurant is known for the giant blue crab sculpture and fish-shaped sign at its entrance, a landmark on Seawall Boulevard. It received the 2025 James Beard Foundation America's Classics Award, the only Texas restaurant honored that year. The menu changes with the daily catch, and the restaurant emphasizes Gulf seafood that is never frozen, with Creole flavors. Pecan-crusted red snapper, Snapper Michael, seafood bisque, crab cakes and oysters are well regarded. The signature dessert is a nearly pound-sized crustless pecan pie. Walls display old photos and vintage menus, and the windows overlook the Gulf. Prices are on the higher side; to save money, come for lunch or order only the pecan pie.
Opening hours
Daily lunch and dinner; check the website for hours
Nearby sights
- Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
- Moody Mansion
- The Grand 1894 Opera House
- Hotel Galvez
- Ashton Villa
- The Bryan Museum
- Galveston Railroad Museum
- The Strand Historic District