Open for more than 100 years, Christie’s is a legendary name in Houston’s seafood scene. The menu is extensive, with everything from oysters thermidor to boiled Gulf shrimp and blackened catch-of-the-day. The oyster stew, a creamy bowl full of tender oysters, is a must on the starters menu.

This chic seafood spot in the Heights serves a wide-ranging menu that includes East Coast oysters, Gulf fish, and Spanish octopus. Start with a selection of crab, crudos, and oysters from the raw bar or salt and pepper lobster, then dig into pan-seared swordfish with black garlic-caviar butter.

One of the city’s finest spots to slurp oysters, State of Grace is a haven for seafood lovers. In addition to the stellar selection of bivalves and starters like blue crab salad, consider hearth-roasted octopus in Thai curry vinaigrette, redfish on the half-shell, or diver scallops served with green gumbo, smoked andouille, and decadent blue crab butter.

Arguably the most iconic establishment in Houston’s thriving Viet-Cajun crawfish scene, the mudbugs are always buttery and spicy at this Bellaire Boulevard seafood spot. The crawfish at this James Beard Award-nominated eatery is stellar, of course, but look deeper on the menu for stunners like tamarind crab, Cajun-style clams, and Vietnamese classics like pho, fried rice, and hotpot.

An ode to the bounty of the Gulf Coast, Goode Company’s seafood dishes span a wide range of culinary influences. From creamy smoked redfish dip to Mexican-style shrimp cocktail, Mesquite-grilled oysters, and catfish po’ boys, there’s something on the menu here that will satisfy any seafood craving.

Whether you’re searching for a budget-friendly lunch or over-the-top splurge, Liberty Kitchen’s seafood dishes won’t disappoint. Stop by during the day for a bowl of oyster stew or the shrimp and crab Louis salad, then make plans to swing by at night for a feast of buttermilk fried lobster bites, caviar served with all the accoutrements, and a solid line-up of Gulf and East Coast oysters.

A seafood splurge if there ever was one, Willie G’s is the place to ball out with an over-the-top feast. Start with Gulf or East Coast oysters, served freshly shucked or grilled with Thai chili and coconut milk (among other options), then feast on hamachi crudo, sushi rolls, and lavish seafood towers piled high with king crab, lobster, oysters, and cocktail shrimp. As far as the entrees are concerned, crawfish etouffee and West African salt prawns served with fried rice are solid options.

Now in its new home, the restaurant formerly known as Danton’s Gulf Coast Seafood is better than ever. Here, Gulf seafood classics like shrimp en brochette, tasso-topped oysters, and redfish stuffed with blue crab make for a mighty fine dinner destination, whatever the occasion. Kick off the evening with oyster shooters, laced with Tabasco and worcestershire sauce or lime and cilantro.

This Houston classic boasts a strong culinary pedigree and deep appreciation for Gulf seafood. The drunken shrimp, or Gulf shrimp served in tequila-lime butter sauce, are a beloved favorite, as are Mama Ninfa’s deep-fried, shrimp-and-cheese stuffed jalapeños.

An offshoot of New Orleans legend Commander’s Palace that’s been open in Houston for more than 40 years, Brennan’s is the definition of a local icon. Try the famed snapping turtle soup, shrimp remoulade, and filé gumbo.

With four locations across the Houston area, Lotus Seafood is always around when a seafood craving strikes. It’s impossible to go wrong with the fried shrimp, oysters, or catfish, and the market-priced snow crab and crawfish are solid. Add a couple sides of Louisiana fried rice for a true Houston experience.

Thanks to top-quality proteins from the Gulf and beyond, ranging from fresh red snapper to uni imported from Hokkaido, Kata Robata reigns as one of the city’s top sushi restaurants. Order pan-seared razor clams served in cognac beurre blanc, lobster and crab ramen, and super-fresh sashimi options like seared bluefin toro and madai garnished with Kaluga caviar.