Candy doesn’t exactly count as a meal, but don’t be surprised to end up eating your weight in La King’s saltwater taffy or pecan logs. This sweet shop has been around for nearly 100 years, and there’s plenty of old-fashioned tradition still in play. Thick shakes and malts are served at the 1920s soda fountain, along with more than 20 options for ice cream and frozen yogurt made in-house.

One of the best things about Galveston is its quality Italian food. Trattoria la Vigna stands above as a quaint and quiet spot with delectable, world-class options like spaghetti and clams or seafood risotto.

Looking for a cheesy slice of pizza that’s walking distance to Downtown’s dive bars or the cruise ships? Here’s your stop. Try the uniquely Texan snapper parmigiana, or the Cattleman’s Pizza, topped with chicken, bacon, and barbecue sauce.

Not exactly a restaurant, O’Malley’s is a bar with a secret weapon: sandwiches. Aficionados will revel in the Reuben, which is packed with hot corned beef piled high on dark rye, and topped with mild sauerkraut, Swiss, and Russian dressing. Be sure to hit up happy hour for a few drinks and conversation at one of the island’s classic dives.

An island paragon, this upscale Galveston steakhouse features grilled meats and seafood with plenty of South and Central American influence. Ceviche, plantain-crusted Gulf snapper, and a selection of steaks offer a swanky dinner option that is also totally delicious. Pro tip: If you’re headed to Rudy & Paco for dinner, wear pants — shorts are only allowed during lunch and at the bar.

This hippie haven is less likely to be packed with tourists during the summer, making it a total hidden gem. Sandwiches, salads, wild pizza concoctions, and other standard American fare is on offer, all excellently made. Highlights include the cadre of big burgers topped with things like sweetened pecans and pear vinaigrette, and the Sleazy Mac and Cheese, made with crawfish, bacon, asparagus, topped with avocado. Don’t sleep on those cakes, cookies, and pastries, either.

This A+ dive features the best mushroom Swiss burger, and a French dip sandwich and patty melt both worth bragging about. Not a burger person? Opt for the robust salads or bar bites like wings and chicken strips.

If you’re chasing a good bowl of pho, Pho 20’s vegetarian bowl of soup is an explosive combination of tofu, veggies, and a thick broth with a depth of flavor. Try the bun cha, which is loaded with vermicelli noodles, grilled pork, and carrots and cucumbers.

A local’s best-kept secret, Bambu serves up some of the best Mexican food on the island, including what could be Galveston’s best “surprise” burritos — a combination of scrambled eggs,  cheese, bacon, refried beans, and potatoes. Their carne asada and barbacoa tortas are also worth the trip.

Around since 1976, Shrimp n’ Stuff’s original location on Avenue O’s charming, blue facade is enough to make you peek inside without even knowing what’s on the menu. Rest assured, though, the crispy catfish po’ boy will absolutely not disappoint.

Swing by this casual, modern restaurant for excellent Gulf seafood that doesn’t require fancy pants. Feast on Gulf red snapper that’s crusted in pecans or blackened, and don’t forget to order a dozen oysters done BLVD style with blackened shrimp, crab, parmesan, and bread crumbs. Choose from the gigantic wine list or the cocktail list, featuring a perfect negroni.

Everywhere on the island, someone is claiming to have the best seafood gumbo. It’s up to you whether or not you believe them, but the Gumbo Diner is the perfect place to kick off that quest.

A perennial Galveston favorite that’s been open since 1911, Gaido’s boasts white-glove service and a view of the sea, with dishes like pecan-crusted Mahi Mahi, crawfish asiago, and a classic cocktail menu that’s perfect for celebrating just about anything.

Offering some of the island’s most inventive, yet classic seafood fare, Cajun Greek is a sleeper hit with items like the creamy “ultimate” salmon mac and cheese or the Crabber’s Choice seafood soup — a spicy Texan take on the classic cioppino.

Located inside of a Valero gas station, this hidden gem offers up Southern-fried favorites like a fried fish platter and fresh hush puppies, along with staples like burgers and gumbo. Dig into the dessert specials, including Mel’s beloved pineapple upside-down cake, if it’s available. The menu changes almost weekly.