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Seafood spots in the CBD

You want a reliable spot where the seafood is the primary focus of the menu.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
El Taco Rico image 1
El Taco Rico image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican spot inside a gas station offers handmade tortillas and large portions. Friendly staff create a warm vibe with soccer on TV. Seafood shines with shrimp tacos and flavorful fish tacos, making it a top choice for fresh, tasty eats.

Shrimp tacos stand out as especially delicious and well-seasoned, often considered among the best. The fish tacos also impress with excellent seasoning and flavor. Other seafood options include shrimp quesadillas that complement the menu.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and flavorful."

"I found the tacos here to be outstanding and very tasty."

"I thought the shrimp tacos were the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

There is parking available at El Taco Rico.

2

The portions are very large for the price.

3

They are open in the morning with chorizo and eggs.

02
Pokeworks image 1
Poke bar

Poke bar in underground tunnels offers a quiet atmosphere with fresh fish and charred shrimp dishes. Quick lines keep lunch fast and enjoyable. Healthy options with fresh vegetables make it a solid choice.

Shrimp dishes come out charred to perfection and the fish stays extremely fresh. Options include fresh vegetables alongside great fish selections.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and amazing."

"This lunch spot has super friendly and efficient staff."

"The seafood here is so fresh, especially the shrimp."

Good to know

1

The line moves quickly even during busy hours.

2

There is plenty of seating nearby in the downtown tunnels.

3

Expect a high volume of customers during lunch hours.

03
Zaranda image 1
Mexican restaurant

Stylish space blends Boho chic vibes with a lively bar, perfect for groups and couples. Fresh seafood shines with Shrimp Crudo and flavorful Pescado Zarandeado. Private event spaces add a touch of luxury Baja feel and accessibility.

Shrimp Crudo offers a fresh, light start. Pescado Zarandeado features grilled branzino torn and spread with aioli and sauces for a flavorful bite. Whole fish dishes deliver a satisfying seafood experience.

People are saying

"The fresh seafood, especially the oysters, was my favorite."

"Carlos's cocktails are like works of art."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is fresh, stunning, and uniquely crafted."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers after work.

2

Valet parking costs $12 and can be paid at your table.

3

Zaranda has two private event spaces available for booking.

04
Treebeards image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Cafeteria-style spot offers seafood gumbo with rich flavors and a solid shrimp etouffee. Southern classics like chicken fried chicken fill the hearty menu. Quiet atmosphere suits downtown workers, with reasonable prices supporting homeless aid.

Seafood gumbo stands out with rich flavors. Shrimp etouffee comes consistently well prepared and appears in the traditional rookie plate alongside red beans and rice.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's fried chicken is juicy and seasoned just right."

"The Rookie plate, half รฉtouffรฉe, is a good choice if you're unsure."

"The seafood here is a good choice if you're unsure what to get."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but expect a busy lunch crowd.

2

Chocolate cake may not always be available; check before ordering.

3

The restaurant offers reasonable prices for generous portion sizes.

05
Zydeco Louisiana Diner image 1
Cajun restaurant

Enjoy authentic Cajun vibe in a cozy, retro 50s diner with lively New Orleans music and antique decor. Seafood lovers will find golden fried shrimp and hearty gumbo at very reasonable prices. The laid-back, friendly atmosphere makes every visit feel like a trip to Louisiana.

Seafood dishes include Shrimp Creole, Mixed Gumbo, and a shrimp platter with butterflied shrimp fried to golden perfection.** Prices stay very reasonable for seafood options.

People are saying

"I found the chicken and sausage gumbo to be just delicious."

"This lunch spot has delicious, comforting Cajun food."

"The fried catfish and shrimp were golden perfection."

Good to know

1

Zydeco Louisiana Diner is only open on weekdays for lunch until 2 PM.

2

They now offer take-out for some dishes in convenient bowl sizes during the evenings.

3

Zydeco offers authentic New Orleans cuisine served cafeteria style.

06
Victory image 1
New American restaurant

New American spot buzzes with loud hip hop and dim lighting for a lively vibe. Seafood shines with Seafood Alfredo and Victory shrimp offering bold, balanced flavors. Upscale booths and hookah make it perfect for late-night fun.

Seafood dishes feature well-seasoned flavors without being too salty. Options like the Seafood Alfredo pasta with shrimp, spinach, and lobster and the Victory shrimp with sweet and spicy taste and sesame seeds stand out for their distinct tastes.

People are saying

"The food here was perfectly cooked and amazing."

"The nightlife here is stunning, with beautiful decor perfect for photos."

"The seafood pasta here is delicious and well-seasoned."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available during the week with great food and cocktails.

2

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all bills, which may not be disclosed upfront.

3

Valet parking is unavailable; alternative parking must be found.

07
Cellar7 image 1
American restaurant

Eclectic mid-century style sets a cozy vibe with bubbly decor and lively atmosphere. Fresh oysters and grilled seafood shine alongside tasty dishes like shrimp carbonara. Well-crafted cocktails at the great bar complete the experience.

Fresh oysters stand out, especially the grilled ones. The menu also features dishes like shrimp carbonara and red fish, alongside sides such as brussel sprouts almondine.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and of excellent quality."

"The maple glazed salmon was cooked to perfection."

"The fresh oysters here are the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with special drink prices.

2

Cellar7 offers a variety of finger foods during happy hour.

3

Parking is free at the nearby 601 Travis St parking garage.

08
China Garden Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Rosewood tables and hand-painted dividers create a 1980s decor with a cozy, family feel. Shrimp dishes like Hunan Shrimp offer a spicy kick, while the full bar and welcoming bartender add to the inviting atmosphere. Large group seating with lazy Susans suits gatherings well.

Shrimp dishes stand out with Hunan Shrimp offering a spicy kick and Shrimp and Lobster Sauce delivering a rich, Cantonese-style flavor. Shrimp dumplings and pork wonton soup also feature as notable seafood options.

People are saying

"I found the egg rolls here to be amazing and fried perfectly."

"This lunch spot's portions are generous and the food is delicious."

"The egg rolls are huge, handmade, and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has its own parking lot, which is convenient for downtown visitors.

2

There is a good amount of street parking available nearby.

3

Sunday brunch is a popular time to visit, offering a unique experience.

09
Tom's Watch Bar image 1
Sports bar

Expansive space with giant TVs delivers top NFL viewing. Loud DJ music and game sounds create a rowdy atmosphere. Seafood shines with lobster/shrimp Mac & Cheese and bold-flavored seafood bags. Large patio and open bar boost the social vibe.

Seafood options include lobster/shrimp Mac & Cheese, fish and chips, and fried shrimp served popcorn style or in generous platters. The seafood bags offer bold flavors alongside classic fried choices.

People are saying

"I thought the food was great."

"The bar staff here makes you feel so taken care of."

"My server recommended the fish and chips, which weren't too heavy."

Good to know

1

They offer a free shuttle to and from Minute Maid Park.

2

Parking is not free and validation is not provided.

3

They charge a 4% 'Just Because We Can' fee on everything ordered.

10
Kulture image 1
Restaurant

Live band with R&B vibe creates a lively yet smooth atmosphere. Enjoy catfish and grits topped with shrimp and crab for rich seafood flavors. Spacious layout with round tables invites easy conversation while savoring exceptional fried chicken and best-ever biscuits.

Catfish and grits come topped with shrimp and crab, adding rich flavors. The Gulf Shrimp and grits and branding fish stand out for taste and presentation.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and soulful, truly finger-lickin' good."

"The Brunch service was attentive, friendly, and professional."

"I'll be craving this delicious seafood for a long time."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for live music events on weekends.

2

Parking is validated in the attached garage for up to two hours.

3

Expect large portion sizes that exceed typical restaurant servings.

11
The Nash image 1
New American restaurant

Space blends scored concrete floors with simple tables for a calm, private dining vibe. Red fish is perfectly seasoned and seafood options like scallops and shrimp appetizers stand out. The interior is gorgeous yet the atmosphere stays pleasant and peaceful.

Red fish comes perfectly seasoned and cooked without dryness. The menu features day boat scallops, shrimp appetizers, and calamari, all well-prepared and popular. Shrimp linguine offers a solid seafood pasta option.

People are saying

"The food during Happy Hour is exceptionally good, like a magazine photo."

"The Texas Style Tater Tots were amazing."

"The calamari here is some of the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with $12 cocktails and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended for private dining for groups of 22-28 people.

3

Valentine's Day features a special set menu with appetizer, entree, and dessert.

12
Paradise HTX image 1

Bar buzzes with energetic DJ music and a lively vibe. Seafood shines with hot fish and grits and fresh shrimp quesadillas. Beautiful decor creates an inviting, safe space despite the small lounge.

Fish and grits arrive hot and fresh, beautifully plated. Shrimp quesadillas and fish dishes stand out for their quality.

People are saying

"The food here was great, I'd definitely come back."

"The DJ was lit and played a nice mix of music."

"The seafood here is hot and fresh, like the fish and grits."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night is every Monday, starting at 10pm.

2

Happy hour runs from 5-8pm with $1 shots and $100 bottles.

3

Taco Tuesday features special drink and food deals.

13
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks image 1

Private booths with quiet privacy create an upscale vibe while a huge shaded patio suits larger groups. Fresh oysters with crispy toppings shine alongside shrimp tacos with unique flavors. Atmosphere shifts from comfortable to loud with blaring music.

Oysters stand out with freshness and crispy toppings that add texture. Shrimp tacos offer a unique flavor edge, and fish eggs help neutralize the sea smell of the oysters.

People are saying

"The seafood here is great, and the servers are genuinely one of the best."

"The Date Spots here have flawless lemon drop martinis and exceptional grilled oysters."

"You have to try the clam chowder, especially poured on the mashed potatoes."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6:30 pm with great drink specials.

2

Taco Tuesday offers excellent deals on tacos during happy hour.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially during busy times.

14
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium image 1

Spacious pub offers a relaxed atmosphere with unique plate decorations and multiple seating areas. Enjoy crispy fish and chips and well-priced fish tacos, with management quick to resolve issues. Games like darts add to the lively vibe for beer lovers.

Fish and chips stand out with crispy batter and fresh fish. Fish tacos offer a good balance of price and quality. Management addresses issues promptly, ensuring satisfaction.

People are saying

"I found a huge beer list with dozens of taps and cans."

"The pub staff here are so friendly and attentive."

"I thought the fish and chips were the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday with a $5 entry fee.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with $5 drafts.

3

Wednesdays feature $10 flights of beer.

15
Toro Toro image 1
Steak house

Open-concept space with stunning city views sets a classy yet chill vibe. Seafood lovers enjoy the Dover Sole and shrimp aguachile with a unique red sauce. Festive decor and live music create an elegant atmosphere complemented by well-crafted cocktails.

Dover Sole stands out for those who love fish. Appetizers include duck confit tacos, shrimp aguachile with poached shrimp and a unique red sauce, and a tuna-topped roll.

People are saying

"The food here is phenomenal, especially the empanadas and desserts."

"The dinner spots here have so much flavor and perfectly cooked meats."

"I loved the shrimp aguachile and other delicious seafood appetizers."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy events like restaurant week.

2

Valet parking is available but can be expensive; check for validation options.

3

An automatic tip is added to the bill, which may lead to double tipping.

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Central Business District, Houston

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