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a plate of raw oysters on the half shell, on ice. — Pier 6 promises delicious seafood with a view.

16 Standout Seafood Restaurants in Houston

Pier 6, Christie’s Seafood, and Caracol promise some of the best seafood in the Houston area

by Brittany Britto Garley Updated Jul 1, 2022, 12:58pm CDT

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Pier 6 promises delicious seafood with a view.

| Pier 6 Seafood

by Brittany Britto Garley Updated Jul 1, 2022, 12:58pm CDT

Thanks to its proximity to the Gulf Coast and the discerning palates of the diners who inhabit it, Houston is a true seafood destination. In addition to top-quality Gulf Coast classics, like char-grilled oysters and shrimp en brochette, the city’s best seafood restaurants import fresh fish, crab, lobster, and more fruits of the sea from across the globe.

As such, Houston’s best seafood restaurants can satisfy pretty much any craving. The options are vast, which means it’s sometimes good to switch up the go-tos. As a result, this list has been updated, removing Liberty Kitchen, but making way for Truluck’s flagship and James Beard Award-nominated seafood haven, Pier 6.

Whether in search of a laid-back spot for slurping freshly shucked oysters or a luxurious dinner of crab, uni, and lobster, these 16 establishments will definitely fit the bill.

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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Captain Tom's Seafood & Oyster

With three locations in the Houston area, this beloved seafood spot is a favorite among seafood obsessives who want to dig into well-priced and perfectly shucked Gulf oysters, stuffed crab, and deep-fried shrimp. The micheladas, served in massive mugs and made with the beer of your choice, are essential.

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20525 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77450

1751 Sea and Bar

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 in Indonesian sweet soy sauce. Then, dig into the grilled or crispy skin red snapper — both served with a grilled lemon and beurre monte.

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191 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007

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La Fisheria

At this Downtown Houston seafood stalwart, ceviche, pan-seared pompano in butter-lime sauce, and sweet corn tamales with bacon and shrimp await, along with top-notch margaritas and plenty of cold beer.

213 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002

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Willie G's Seafood

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.

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1640 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77027

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Eugene's Gulf Coast Cuisine

With seafood classics like shrimp en brochette, tasso-topped oysters, and redfish stuffed with blue crab, this restaurant formerly known as Danton’s Gulf Coast Seafood is better than ever. Kick off the evening with oyster shooters, laced with Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce or lime and cilantro.

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1985 Welch St, Houston, TX 77019

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Caracol Restaurant

A seafood feast packed with coastal Mexican flavors awaits at chef Hugo Ortega’s seafood-focused restaurant. Start dinner with red snapper ceviche served with pineapple, coconut, and habanero, then dig into heartier offerings like fire-roasted lobster served with beans and rice, and pan-seared scallops, served in a creamy chipotle tomatillo with wild mushrooms and roasted cauliflower.

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2200 Post Oak Blvd #160, Houston, TX 77056

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Brennan's of Houston

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.

3300 Smith St, Houston, TX 77006

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State of Grace

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 the blue crab hushpuppies, consider hearth-roasted octopus in Thai curry vinaigrette, redfish on the half-shell, or diver scallops served with lobster veloute, okra, and eggplant.

3258 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098

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Truluck's

Known for its meaty, pre-cracked crab claws, Truluck’s flagship captures the elegance of seafood. Start with a cold course, like the claws or the shrimp cocktail at its bar with the musings of a live piano performance before moving to the dining area for dishes like the rich, soul-warming lobster bisque or jumbo lump crab cake. You can’t go wrong with entrees like the miso-glazed seabass, served with crab fried rice, or the sesame seared tuna. Be sure to cement the night with a slice of its moist carrot cake.

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5350 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056

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Christie's Seafood & Steaks

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 that was reportedly President George H.W, Bush’s favorite, is a must on the starters menu.

6029 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057

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Kata Robata

Thanks to top-quality proteins ranging from fresh red snapper to uni imported from Hokkaido, Kata Robata reigns as one of the city’s top sushi restaurants. Order the octopus crudo, and super-fresh sashimi options like seared bluefin toro and madai garnished with Kaluga caviar. And if you can’t get enough of shellfish, order the lobster and crab ramen or the comforting miso lobster and crab mac and cheese.

3600 Kirby Dr suite h, Houston, TX 77098

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Goode Company Seafood

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 and red fish beignets 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.

2621 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77098

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Hai Cang Harbor

With a truly extensive menu of Vietnamese-inflected seafood dishes that change with the seasons, Hai Cang is the definition of a seafood destination. Try surf clams in XO sauce, tamarind king lobster, or kung pao squid, and keep an eye out for seasonal favorites like geoduck sashimi and curry-sauced crabs.

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11768 Bellaire Blvd #2452, Houston, TX 77072

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Crawfish & Noodles

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

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11360 Bellaire Blvd #990, Houston, TX 77072

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Lotus Seafood

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 of sides of Louisiana fried rice for a true Houston experience.

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8550 S Braeswood Blvd F, Houston, TX 77071

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Pier 6

Overlooking the Gulf, Pier 6 offers fresh catches with a remarkable view. Guests can munch on lobster rolls or fried oyster tacos at brunch, and enjoy wood-grilled filets, lobster cob salad, gumbo, fried po’ boys, and more for lunch. Dinner offers an even greater selection, with starters like crawfish empanadas, and main courses like chili-marinated shrimp with turmeric rice and crispy red snapper served with etouffee.

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113 6th St, San Leon, TX 77539

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Captain Tom's Seafood & Oyster

20525 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77450

With three locations in the Houston area, this beloved seafood spot is a favorite among seafood obsessives who want to dig into well-priced and perfectly shucked Gulf oysters, stuffed crab, and deep-fried shrimp. The micheladas, served in massive mugs and made with the beer of your choice, are essential.

Open in Google Maps

20525 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77450

1751 Sea and Bar

191 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007

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 in Indonesian sweet soy sauce. Then, dig into the grilled or crispy skin red snapper — both served with a grilled lemon and beurre monte.

Open in Google Maps

191 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007

Visit Website

La Fisheria

213 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002

At this Downtown Houston seafood stalwart, ceviche, pan-seared pompano in butter-lime sauce, and sweet corn tamales with bacon and shrimp await, along with top-notch margaritas and plenty of cold beer.

213 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002

Visit Website

Willie G's Seafood

1640 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77027

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.

Open in Google Maps

1640 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77027

Visit Website

Eugene's Gulf Coast Cuisine

1985 Welch St, Houston, TX 77019

With seafood classics like shrimp en brochette, tasso-topped oysters, and redfish stuffed with blue crab, this restaurant formerly known as Danton’s Gulf Coast Seafood is better than ever. Kick off the evening with oyster shooters, laced with Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce or lime and cilantro.

Open in Google Maps

1985 Welch St, Houston, TX 77019

Visit Website

Caracol Restaurant

2200 Post Oak Blvd #160, Houston, TX 77056

A seafood feast packed with coastal Mexican flavors awaits at chef Hugo Ortega’s seafood-focused restaurant. Start dinner with red snapper ceviche served with pineapple, coconut, and habanero, then dig into heartier offerings like fire-roasted lobster served with beans and rice, and pan-seared scallops, served in a creamy chipotle tomatillo with wild mushrooms and roasted cauliflower.

Open in Google Maps

2200 Post Oak Blvd #160, Houston, TX 77056

Visit Website

Brennan's of Houston

3300 Smith St, Houston, TX 77006

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.

3300 Smith St, Houston, TX 77006

Visit Website

State of Grace

3258 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098

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 the blue crab hushpuppies, consider hearth-roasted octopus in Thai curry vinaigrette, redfish on the half-shell, or diver scallops served with lobster veloute, okra, and eggplant.

3258 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098

Visit Website

Truluck's

5350 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056

Known for its meaty, pre-cracked crab claws, Truluck’s flagship captures the elegance of seafood. Start with a cold course, like the claws or the shrimp cocktail at its bar with the musings of a live piano performance before moving to the dining area for dishes like the rich, soul-warming lobster bisque or jumbo lump crab cake. You can’t go wrong with entrees like the miso-glazed seabass, served with crab fried rice, or the sesame seared tuna. Be sure to cement the night with a slice of its moist carrot cake.

Open in Google Maps

5350 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056

Visit Website

Christie's Seafood & Steaks

6029 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057

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 that was reportedly President George H.W, Bush’s favorite, is a must on the starters menu.

6029 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057

Visit Website

Kata Robata

3600 Kirby Dr suite h, Houston, TX 77098

Thanks to top-quality proteins ranging from fresh red snapper to uni imported from Hokkaido, Kata Robata reigns as one of the city’s top sushi restaurants. Order the octopus crudo, and super-fresh sashimi options like seared bluefin toro and madai garnished with Kaluga caviar. And if you can’t get enough of shellfish, order the lobster and crab ramen or the comforting miso lobster and crab mac and cheese.

3600 Kirby Dr suite h, Houston, TX 77098

Visit Website

Goode Company Seafood

2621 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77098

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 and red fish beignets 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.

2621 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77098

Visit Website

Hai Cang Harbor

11768 Bellaire Blvd #2452, Houston, TX 77072

With a truly extensive menu of Vietnamese-inflected seafood dishes that change with the seasons, Hai Cang is the definition of a seafood destination. Try surf clams in XO sauce, tamarind king lobster, or kung pao squid, and keep an eye out for seasonal favorites like geoduck sashimi and curry-sauced crabs.

Open in Google Maps

11768 Bellaire Blvd #2452, Houston, TX 77072

Visit Website

Crawfish & Noodles

11360 Bellaire Blvd #990, Houston, TX 77072

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

Open in Google Maps

11360 Bellaire Blvd #990, Houston, TX 77072

Visit Website

Lotus Seafood

8550 S Braeswood Blvd F, Houston, TX 77071

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 of sides of Louisiana fried rice for a true Houston experience.

Open in Google Maps

8550 S Braeswood Blvd F, Houston, TX 77071

Visit Website

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Pier 6

113 6th St, San Leon, TX 77539

Overlooking the Gulf, Pier 6 offers fresh catches with a remarkable view. Guests can munch on lobster rolls or fried oyster tacos at brunch, and enjoy wood-grilled filets, lobster cob salad, gumbo, fried po’ boys, and more for lunch. Dinner offers an even greater selection, with starters like crawfish empanadas, and main courses like chili-marinated shrimp with turmeric rice and crispy red snapper served with etouffee.

Open in Google Maps

113 6th St, San Leon, TX 77539

Visit Website

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