Galveston's restaurant scene reflects its two main constituencies: tourists working through seafood on the Strand and Seawall, and a local population that has developed genuinely good options over the past two decades. The Strand area has the greatest concentration, though quality varies considerably.
Gaido's on Seawall Boulevard has been serving Gulf seafood since 1911 — redfish, flounder, shrimp, and crab in a no-nonsense room that gets very busy in summer. Rudy and Paco's on 21st Street is one of the better restaurants in the city, with a menu mixing Galveston seafood with Latin American influences. The Mosquito Cafe on 14th Street is a good choice for a less formal meal, with a seasonal menu and reliably good breakfasts. For something quick on the Strand, Mod Coffeehouse does sandwiches and espresso in a good old building. Note that Galveston has a surprisingly strong Mardi Gras tradition — the seafood options around Mardi Gras season are worth timing a visit around.