Corpus Christi is located on the Gulf Coast and is home to many fresh seafood restaurants. The location in South Texas also means there is great Mexican food to be found. The Top 10 Restaurants in Corpus Christi also include a couple of surprises. Keep reading to find your favorite.
Eirinis Gyros & More
$$ | (361) 334-2150 | WEBSITE
Eirinis Gyros & More serves up traditional gyros on soft pita or a variety of pita sandwiches from chicken to Italian sausage. There’s nowhere else serving a Greekxican, which is chicken and bacon, guac and ranch wrapped in a warm pita. Try a burger or one of their salads.
They don’t need a big menu, but they don’t need one. This tiny diner space fills up at lunch, so get here early.
Yo Philly Cheese Steaks and Subs
$ | (361) 452-8750 | WEBSITE
You’ll think you stepped into Philly when you enter this counter-service restaurant. The décor is 100% Philly and there’s even a Liberty bell you can ring. These cheesesteaks are the real deal, with your choice of provolone, Cheez Whiz, or both.
The Beast is full of meat, peppers, and onions and it takes a beast to finish it in one sitting. Get the dirty fries on the side for an authentic Philly experience.
The Blue Clove Seafood Bar and Grill
$$$ | (361)334-0202 | WEBSITE
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When eating at the Blue Clove Seafood Bar and Grill, you want to start with their seafood gumbo and a sampler platter. They offer a full bar, so take your time and enjoy. They offer everything from fresh oysters on the half shell, when in season, to Cajun snapper, Tortilla Crusted Drum, and Mediterranean Snapper.
They have the largest variety of seafood in town and you can always count on the food to be fresh and full of flavor. No one else is serving up these dishes. Don’t forget dessert. They also offer family-sized meals for takeout.
Ginger Cafe & Grill
$$ | (361) 946-9834 | WEBSITE
Ginger Café & Grill is the best restaurant in Corpus Christi, hands down. Chef Jordan’s attention to detail in the kitchen shows in the fresh spices of lamb steak, the chicken tikka, the lamb and chicken masala.
Start with a generous salad topped with house-made dressing, then try the dolmas. Everything from the hummus to the soups is made fresh in-house.
The Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors will delight everyone at this family-friendly restaurant. Finish your meal with a Pistachio baklava and Turkish coffee. The staff is always friendly and the restaurant is always sparkling clean.
Luciano’s Italian Ristorante
$$$ | (361) 882-3191 | WEBSITE
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Luciano’s is a Corpus Christi tradition, serving up authentic Italian dishes since 1964. The family recipes have been passed down through the generations, and you get to enjoy all the flavors of Italy.
Start with some Antipasti and Insalata or Zuppa. The Veal, Lamb, Pork, and Chicken is paired with pasta. You’ll want to pair your meal with a glass or bottle from their curated wine list. Enjoy a House Special Veal Scallopine or Alfredo dish or opt for one of the many seafood pasta dishes. You can never go wrong with the family favorite lasagna.
B&J’s Pizza – The Original
$$ | (361) 992-6671 | WEBSITE
B&J’s Pizza consistently wins the Best of the Best and there is no doubt, they put out some delicious pizzas. You can make your own or choose from some of their house favorite pizzas.
Add some wings and you’re ready to watch some sports on the TVs. They have a Beer Club, with over 200 beers from around the world at any time, constantly adding new ones and replacing old ones.
Have an appetizer with your beer. This is a great spot for hanging out with friends.
Water Street Oyster Bar
$$$ | (361) 881-9448 | WEBSITE
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Like the name implies, you can get oysters here prepared in a variety of ways. There is also a nice sushi menu, with fresh sashimi and nigiri, along with rolls and poke. Happy Hour is always busy with drink specials and half-price sushi and oysters. The smoked gouda mac & cheese and key lime pie are worth the visit.
This is a great location to take out-of-town guests to show off some of the best seafood Corpus Christi has to offer. The ambience is upscale but everyone is welcome.
Saltwater Grill
$$$ | (361) 993-7258 | WEBSITE
The Saltwater Grill is tucked into a strip mall, but don’t let the location deter you. With fresh ingredients and high-quality seafood, you’ll want to order a little bit of everything. The crab cakes are perfectly made and the soups are full of flavor. Entrees range from seafood to steak, chicken and pasta, so there is something for everyone.
Finish your meal with their Bread Pudding. This is a family-friendly restaurant but also a great first-date restaurant.
Executive Surf Club
$$ | (361) 884-7873 | WEBSITE
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The Executive Surf Club is a little bit of everything: live music venue, sports bar, and great local hot spot restaurant. There is indoor and outdoor seating and people flow throughout the spaces enjoying a drink and visiting with friends.
From burgers to nachos, fish tacos to chicken fried steak, don’t let the laid-back atmosphere fool you: the food is first class. This is a popular spot with the locals and they know it’s worth the wait. Close to the beach, it’s laid back. You can bring your dogs on the back patio if they are leashed.
Yardarm Restaurant
$$$$ | (361) 855-8157 | WEBSITE
The Yardarm Restaurant serves up delicious fresh seafood, from daily specials to the regular menu. Classics like Lobster Thermidor and Shrimp Newberg are served up in this tiny, nautically inspired gem hiding along Ocean Drive.
The intimate setting is perfect for date night. Start with a nice wine and some escargot then share an order of oysters Rockefeller. The Bouillabaisse Seafood Stew is a meal by itself. There’s also Chicken Florentine or a Black Angus Ribeye for non-seafood eaters. You’ll be pleased no matter what you order.
Catfish Charlie’s
$$ | (361) 993-0363 | WEBSITE
Catfish Charlie’s has delicious fried catfish and shrimp with generous side dishes. Everyone gets beans and hushpuppies. Start with the gumbo but don’t fill yourself up.
Get a combo platter and try a little bit of everything. There are shrimp, oysters, and catfish to mix up. It’s like Louisiana shared some Cajun cooking secrets with Corpus Christi. There’s also chicken fried steak and red beans and rice with ham. This unassuming little place isn’t fancy, but it doesn’t need to be.
U and I Seafood and Steaks
$$ | (361) 883-3492 | WEBSITE
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U and I Seafood and Steaks offers comfort food alongside a variety of seafood dishes and steaks. The Manhattan Clam Chowder or Southwest Eggrolls are both great starters. The Surf and Turf is a great way to try out their two top sellers. With a variety of entrees, the entire family can find something they like.
Bella Luna Downtown
$$ | (361) 887-4777 | WEBSITE
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This laid back spot downtown features delicious Italian food in a jazz-inspired atmosphere. Start with the Clams Posillipo. Rustic flatbread pizzas come in a variety of toppings. Shrimp & Crab Ravioli is served with a creamy white wine garlic sauce. There is a good variety of traditional and American style Italian.
Niko’s Steakhouse
$$ | (361) 992-2333 | WEBSITE
If you are going to call yourself a steakhouse, you better deliver. Niko’s Steakhouse always delivers the tastiest, most perfectly cooked steaks in town. Start with the Hot Lobster Dip or the Avocado Crab Stack. For your entrée, Niko’s offers The Delmonico, Prime Rib, and every cut of steak you could want.
Add quail or shrimp to your steak and top with one of their special additions. Pair with any of their delicious side dishes, like sweet mashed potatoes. They also have seafood and chicken dishes which are just as delicious. Signature drinks and wine top off the meal.
Chop & Eggs
$$ | (361) 452-2777 | WEBSITE
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Breakfast is the star of the show at one of Corpus Christi’s newest restaurants, Chop & Eggs. The menu is packed with innovative dishes, like the Crab Cakes Benedict and Lamb Bacon.
The homemade biscuits are huge. They serve farm-to-table fare and the portions are large. The meat they use is never frozen, and they source locally grown fruits and vegetables for the freshest seasonal flavors.
They also have a lot of great vegan options, which are often hard to find in this area.
La Costenita Mexican & Seafood Restaurant
$$ | (361) 882-5340 | WEBSITE
La Costenita Mexican and Seafood Restaurant is off the beaten path, but definitely worth the drive. Their homemade salsa is unlike any in South Texas, with the right amount of heat. They serve breakfast and lunch. Alongside traditional Mexican fares like tortas and tacos, you will find delicious shrimp plates and Coctel de Camaron alongside Caldo de Pescado.
Everything is made fresh and you can taste the difference. La Costenita is a favorite among locals, who keep coming back for the food and the friendly service.
Pavani Express
$$ | (361) 929-5775 | WEBSITE
Pavani Express is a small family-run restaurant that serves authentic made to order food from South India. Start off with the best Samosas you’ll ever eat. They come with 2 different sauces. The lamb is cooked perfectly and tender. The garlic naan is covered with fresh garlic. The chicken biryani is seasoned nicely.
Explore the menu and ask questions if you aren’t sure. The prices are just right for the amount of food you get and the quality. Everything is served on paper plates and they do a brisk to-go business.
Kiko’s Mexican Restaurant
$$ | (361) 991-1211 | WEBSITE
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From the moment you walk in the door, Kiko’s Mexican Restaurant surrounds you in the sights and smells of old Mexico. You are greeted at your table with warm chips and house-made salsa.
The chicken dishes may contain bones, they warn, because they make their food fresh in house. This is a family-friendly establishment, with several dishes meant to serve a family of four or six. Tex-Mex favorites include Puffy Tacos, Shrimp Enchiladas, and Chalupas.
Thai Spice
$$ | (361)883-8884 | WEBSITE
Thai Spice in downtown Corpus Christi offers authentic Thai food in a relaxed atmosphere. Order the edamame to start and try the Chicken Sa-Tay with Plum Sauce. There are many vegetarian options on the menu along with several Thai Curry dishes. From Pad Thai to Roasted Duck with Seafood, the flavors come alive in each dish.
Poultry, Beef, Pork, or Seafood, you are guaranteed to have a hard time choosing your entrée. Take some friends and share. Sake is available for warm or chilled.
Pier 99 Restaurant
$$ | (361) 887-0764 | WEBSITE
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North across the Harbor Bridge on North Beach sits Pier 99 Restaurant, right on the water. It’s the perfect spot to relax after enjoying the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium.
The casual menu offers great appetizers to share with one of their specialty drinks. The Po Boys are great for a light lunch or try the Fish Tacos. Caribbean Parrot Fish is perfectly crunchy and the Oscar Halibut is almost decadent.
Summary
As you can see, there are many top restaurants in Corpus Christi. There is more than Mexican and Tex-Mex in this coastal South Texas town. Enjoy local shrimp and seafood, fresh Mediterranean dishes, Thai and Indian restaurants serving up spicy delights. You are sure to find something to please everyone.
Hayden has been a digital director for years. He has five years of experience editing and writing about food, restaurant, and recipe review content. At Birch Restaurant, he’s in charge of scouting, showing up unannounced in different restaurants, and writing a thorough food guide!
