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We’ve got to hand it to Galveston; you may not think Italian when you think Galveston, but no matter where you go in this city, there is always great Italian food around.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic pasta dish or something more specialty like gnocchi or ravioli, we’ve highlighted some of the best restaurants around.
You can’t go wrong with any spot we picked. Everything was fresh and tasty at all of these locations. So if you’re ever craving Italian on the island, be sure to check out any of these places.
Treat yourself and indulge in some deliciously authentic Italian cuisine!.
Mario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant
Location: 628 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550
Mario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant is a classic Italian eatery located on the Seawall Boulevard in Galveston. The restaurant is widely known for its extensive menu with a wide variety of dishes like pasta, meat, and seafood. The decor of the restaurant is a splendid combination of vintage and contemporary. They have an amazing wine list with an unparalleled range of red and white wines that can perfectly complement all dishes. I highly recommend trying their Linguine Mare Chiaro, a spaghetti dish cooked in a savory tomato sauce with shrimp and scallops. Also, their Tiramisu, a classic Italian dessert, is a must-try.
Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar
Location: 2107 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX 77550
While Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar is not a restaurant that is known specifically for its Italian food, it undeniably deserves a mention in this list. Located in the historic downtown district of Galveston, this restaurant serves seafood gumbo, grilled oysters, and other Texas-style dishes; something you don’t want to miss! But surprisingly, their pizza is what made me digress from their usual seafood dishes. Their pizza is made with a homemade pizza dough, hand-tossed with the freshest of ingredients and baked in a wood-fired oven. Their Margherita pizza is a must-try!
Rudy & Paco Restaurant & Bar
Location: 2028 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX 77550
Rudy & Paco’s Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant located in the heart of the historic downtown district of Galveston. The decor of the place is elegant and stylish, and the restaurant’s ambiance is perfect for a romantic dinner. The restaurant is known for its warm hospitality and fantastic service. The food is prepared from the freshest ingredients, and the menu is a perfect blend of seafood and meat dishes. They have an exquisite wine collection that can complement any dish you choose. Don’t miss trying their Osso Bucco, a hearty Italian-style meat dish.
Riondo’s Ristorante
Location: 2328 Strand St, Galveston, TX 77550
Riondo’s Ristorante is a hidden gem located in the historic Strand district, Galveston. The menu offers a range of classic Italian dishes from brick oven pizza to seafood pasta. They also have a selection of imported Italian cheese, salami, and artisan bread, which is perfect for a casual Italian-style lunch. The decor is warm and welcoming and has a bistro-style vibe that compliments the restaurant’s atmosphere.
Trattoria La Vigna
Location: 412 20th St, Galveston, TX 77550
Trattoria La Vigna is a quaint, family-owned restaurant located in Galveston’s historic downtown district. The decor of this restaurant is stylish and elegant, making it perfect for both casual and formal dining. The menu has a range of classic Italian antipasti, pasta, and seafood dishes. Their homemade pastas, made with fresh ingredients and perfectly cooked al dente, are highly recommended.
Maceo Spice & Import Company
Location: 2706 Market St, Galveston, TX 77550
Maceo’s Spice & Import Company is not a restaurant, but it deserves to be mentioned in this list as they specialize in handmade Italian specialties. The store stocks a range of imported Italian meats, cheese, and groceries, along with sandwiches and po’ boys made with their sausage, seafood, and olive salads. Definitely a must-visit for authentic Italian foods and ingredients.
Grotto Ristorante
Location: 5222 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551
Grotto Ristorante is a classic Italian restaurant located on the Galveston seawall, perfect for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant has a contemporary decor that compliments their classic menu. The menu boasts of familiar dishes, like Spaghetti Carbonara, Pan-Seared Scallops, and Lobster Ravioli, but their signature dish, the Veal Osso Bucco, is something you should not miss!
Buon Appetito
After all the research and exploration we’ve done discovering great Italian cuisine in Galveston, we can confidently end on this statement: if you have an appetite for real Italian food, there is certainly no shortage of options. From classic favorites like pizzas topped with crunchy toppings to simple pastas made from scratch, from creamy handmade desserts to cupcakes that seem too good to be true, one thing is for sure – there are plenty of remarkable establishments to check out in the area. Whether you are a local or a tourist visiting for some seaside fun, make sure to check out these fantastic eateries to get your fix of quality Italian fare. Buon appetito, y’all!
