Galveston Restaurant Week Staycation: The Perfect Foodie Getaway

Galveston Restaurant Week is the perfect excuse to plan a cozy island staycation and enjoy some of the best dining on the coast. Whether you’re coming from Houston for a quick getaway, planning a girls weekend, or simply craving a “pretend tourist” reset, this guide will help you build the ultimate 2–3 day foodie itinerary — with brunch, shopping, beach breaks, and unforgettable dinners.

Want to pair your staycation with downtown exploring too? Check out our guide to Things to Do at Night in Galveston .

Galveston Restaurant Week staycation with downtown dining, beach views, and a cozy weekend itinerary — Galveston Restaurant Week is one of the best times of the year to plan a staycation — enjoy prix-fixe menus, explore the Strand, and savor coastal dining without the peak-season crowds.

What Is Galveston Restaurant Week?

Galveston Restaurant Week is a limited-time event where participating restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus. It’s a fun way to try new restaurants, revisit favorites, and turn a normal weekend into a true staycation experience.

Why travelers love it:

It makes planning easy — pick a brunch spot, lunch spot, and dinner reservation
It’s perfect for couples, families, and girls trips
It’s the ideal “bonus reason” to take a winter getaway to Galveston

Friends enjoying lunch and margaritas at Taquilo's on Postoffice, one of the places to try during Galveston Restaurant Week. — Staycation vibes: lunch + margaritas + friends at Taquilo’s on Postoffice — the perfect way to enjoy Galveston Restaurant Week.

Restaurant Week Gives Back ❤️

One of the best parts of Galveston Restaurant Week is that it supports local causes. Proceeds benefit:

Complete List of Participating Restaurants

Want to browse every Restaurant Week menu option? Use the official Restaurant Week list here: Galveston Restaurant Week – Full Restaurant List. You can also look at where each of these restaurants are located on the island in this map view .

Our Top 10 Restaurant Week Picks (Most Popular Favorites)

These are our favorite “staycation-worthy” restaurants — great for a girls weekend, date night, family meal, or that special “we never do this” dinner that makes a getaway feel unforgettable.

1) Rudy & Paco

Visit Rudy & Paco

Rudy and Paco restaurant in Galveston Texas known for upscale dining — Rudy & Paco is the ultimate staycation splurge — famous for unforgettable service and elevated coastal flavor.

Price Range: $$$$
Attire: Dressy casual / Date night
Food Type: Latin-American + steak & seafood
Distance from White Magnolia: ~5–8 minutes by car
What makes it unique: One of the most iconic Galveston dining experiences
Reservations preferred: Yes (highly recommended)

2) Hearsay on The Strand

Visit Hearsay on The Strand

Hearsay on the Strand in Galveston Texas featuring upscale dining and cocktails in a historic setting — Hearsay is the perfect staycation dinner spot — stylish, downtown, and ideal for a girls night or romantic meal.

Price Range: $$$
Attire: Dressy casual
Food Type: Modern American + cocktails
Distance from White Magnolia: ~5–10 minutes by car
What makes it unique: Beautiful Strand location + upscale vibe
Reservations preferred: Yes (especially weekends)

3) Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant

Visit Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant

Gaidos Seafood Restaurant on Galveston Seawall known for classic Gulf seafood dining — Gaido’s is classic Galveston — fresh Gulf seafood, timeless charm, and a true staycation tradition.

Price Range: $$$
Attire: Casual / Coastal nice
Food Type: Gulf seafood
Distance from White Magnolia: ~10–15 minutes by car
What makes it unique: A historic seafood institution locals and visitors love
Reservations preferred: Yes

4) The Spot

Visit The Spot

The Spot restaurant on the Galveston Seawall with casual dining and beach views — The Spot is an easy staycation win — casual food, beach views, and that classic Seawall vacation vibe.

Price Range: $$
Attire: Casual
Food Type: Burgers + seafood + beach bar vibes
Distance from White Magnolia: ~10–15 minutes by car
What makes it unique: Seawall views + family-friendly atmosphere
Reservations preferred: Optional (walk-ins common)

5) Miller’s Seawall Grill

Visit Miller’s Seawall Grill

Millers Seawall Grill in Galveston Texas serving popular breakfast and lunch near the beach — Miller’s Seawall Grill is a Galveston favorite for a casual staycation meal — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a relaxed lunch near the beach.

Price Range: $$
Attire: Casual
Food Type: American / Breakfast / Brunch
Distance from White Magnolia: ~10–15 minutes by car
What makes it unique: Local favorite with generous portions and classic coastal comfort food
Reservations preferred: Optional (wait times possible on weekends)

6) Riondo’s Ristorante

Visit Riondo’s Ristorante

Riondos Ristorante in Galveston Texas featuring cozy Italian dining and romantic atmosphere — Riondo’s is cozy and romantic — perfect for Restaurant Week dinner with wine, pasta, and candlelit vibes.

Price Range: $$$
Attire: Dressy casual
Food Type: Italian
Distance from White Magnolia: ~5–10 minutes by car
What makes it unique: A longtime Galveston favorite for date-night dining
Reservations preferred: Yes

7) Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar

Visit Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar

Little Daddys Gumbo Bar in downtown Galveston Texas known for Cajun comfort food and gumbo — Little Daddy’s brings bold flavor to your staycation — gumbo, comfort food, and fun downtown energy.

Price Range: $$–$$$
Attire: Casual
Food Type: Cajun / Southern comfort food
Distance from White Magnolia: ~5–8 minutes by car
What makes it unique: Gumbo-focused menu + lively location downtown
Reservations preferred: Recommended (weekends can be busy)

8) Katie’s Seafood House

Visit Katie’s Seafood House

Katies Seafood House in Galveston Texas serving fresh Gulf seafood in a waterfront setting — Katie’s Seafood House is a Galveston must — fresh Gulf seafood, a waterfront setting, and one of the best staycation meals on the island.

Price Range: $$$
Attire: Casual / Coastal nice
Food Type: Seafood / Gulf Coast
Distance from White Magnolia: ~10–15 minutes by car
What makes it unique: Dock-to-table seafood experience with a true Galveston vibe
Reservations preferred: Yes (recommended)

9) BLVD. Seafood

Visit BLVD. Seafood

BLVD Seafood in Galveston Texas featuring modern upscale seafood dining — BLVD. Seafood is elevated but island-relaxed — perfect for seafood lovers planning a staycation date-night dinner.

Price Range: $$$
Attire: Dressy casual
Food Type: Seafood
Distance from White Magnolia: ~10–15 minutes by car
What makes it unique: Modern coastal menu with beautiful presentation
Reservations preferred: Yes

10) Yaga’s Café

Visit Yaga’s Café

Yagas Cafe in downtown Galveston Texas featuring casual dining and lively atmosphere — Yaga’s is lively and local — a perfect casual Restaurant Week stop between shopping, exploring, and beach time.

Price Range: $$
Attire: Casual
Food Type: American + seafood + comfort food
Distance from White Magnolia: ~5–8 minutes by car
What makes it unique: Downtown energy + local-favorite menu
Reservations preferred: Recommended on weekends

The Perfect Restaurant Week Staycation Itinerary (2–3 Days)

This itinerary is designed to feel like a real vacation — not a rushed checklist. For the best staycation experience, we recommend booking 2 nights.

Day 1: Arrival + Sunset + Dinner

Check in and settle in (unpack, get comfy, switch into vacation mode)
Enjoy a sunset stroll on the Seawall or a downtown walk
Kick off Restaurant Week with your first dinner reservation

Day 2: Brunch + Shopping + Beach Reset + Dinner Round 2

Sleep in and enjoy an unhurried morning
Pick a Restaurant Week brunch or lunch spot
Explore the Strand (boutiques, coffee stops, photos, and local favorites)
Relax at the beach for an hour or two
Finish strong with a second dinner reservation

Day 3: Coffee + One Last Bite + Checkout

Walk to the Galveston Bagel Company and grab a coffee. Take one last slow morning
Optional: one last quick Restaurant Week bite before heading home

Sunset on the Galveston Seawall during a relaxing winter staycation — A staycation is all about slowing down — a sunset walk on the Seawall is the perfect way to reset between brunch plans and dinner reservations.

Where to Stay for the Perfect Restaurant Week Getaway

White Magnolia Galveston (1401 21st Street, Galveston, TX 77550) is a peaceful, centrally located stay near downtown, The Strand, The Bryan Museum, and the Seawall — making it easy to plan multiple meals, explore between reservations, and still enjoy a relaxing stay.

White Magnolia Galveston luxury private staycation home near downtown and the Seawall — White Magnolia is the perfect home base for Restaurant Week — close to downtown dining, shopping, and coastal relaxation.

FAQ: Galveston Restaurant Week Staycation Planning

Should I make reservations during Restaurant Week?
Yes — especially for Friday and Saturday dinner. Reservations are preferred at most popular restaurants.

Is Restaurant Week family-friendly?
Absolutely. Many restaurants offer menu options that work well for families, and casual spots make it easy for kids.

How many restaurants should we plan in one weekend?
For the perfect staycation, aim for 2 dinners + 1 brunch. It keeps the weekend fun without feeling rushed.

Is White Magnolia close to the top restaurants?
Yes — White Magnolia is centrally located near downtown, so many of these favorites are just a short drive away.

More Galveston Trip Inspiration

Planning a full weekend and looking for more ideas? You may also love:

Ready to Plan Your Restaurant Week Staycation?

Book your White Magnolia weekend now and enjoy the perfect mix of food, beach time, and island charm.

Check Availability & Book Now

Photo of Allie Demers, owner of White Magnolia Galveston

About the Author — Allie Demers

Allie is the owner and host of White Magnolia Galveston, a luxury short-term rental on the island’s historic East End. She shares local travel tips, hidden gems, and insider guides to help guests experience Galveston like a local. When she’s not hosting travelers, Allie bakes for White Magnolia Bread Co. and explores new places around the island with her family.