These area eateries serve up fresh oysters in the most delicious ways

Oysters are prized on the upper Texas coast. Whether you like your bivalves raw, broiled or fried, these area eateries have you covered.

Benno’s Cajun Seafood

This casual island seafood haven is where the locals get their fill of oysters either on the half shell, or tucked within the confines of a po’boy sandwich, or served up blackened or grilled — with a Gulf of Mexico view to boot.

1200 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, 409.762.4621

Black Pearl Oyster Bar

This downtown island eatery serves up fresh Galveston Bay oysters in a variety of ways. Black Pearl offers traditional oyster dishes, but try Oysters Diablo, which has a spicy kick to it. There’s also Oysters Rockefeller with spinach cream cheese. And if you want a little more, try the Oysters Haelen topped with crab meat, cheddar cheese and bacon.

327 23rd St., Galveston, 409.762.7299

Cajun Greek

This island mainstay not only has a wide array of traditional seafood dishes, but its oysters are prepared with delectable and savory seasonings — with a Greek twist. Chargrilled, raw or fried, these oyster dishes have a loyal following.

2226 61st St., Galveston, 409.744.7041

Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant

The granddaddy of all seafood restaurants in Galveston has been creating seafood dishes for locals and visitors for more than a 100 years. Diners can choose from raw oysters on the half shell shucked and served with horseradish and cocktail sauce or Oysters Maria, featuring six cornmeal fried oysters on the half shell topped with bacon and creamy horseradish hollandaise, among other varieties.

3828 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, 409.761.5500

Gilhooley’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar

Oyster lovers travel from all around to enjoy the freshest oysters Galveston Bay has to offer at this legendary restaurant with a casual ambience. Fried oysters are a must try, but the oysters on the half shell and delicious oyster platters will have you going back for more.

222 Ninth St., San Leon, 281.339.3813

Katie’s Seafood House

“Fresh caught seafood from our boats to you” isn’t just a slogan here — it’s a way of life. Oysters here are served on the half shell served with cocktail, horseradish, mignonette and chimichurri sauces. There’s also Oyster Katie, a dish with six sweet herb marinated smoked oysters grilled with crab, Alfredo cheese and seasonings. Looking for cozy comfort? Try the oyster stew, served during the winter season.

2000 Wharf Road, Pier 19 at Harborside Drive, Galveston, 409.765.5688

Opus Ocean Grille

Want a side of elegant ambience and pretty views with your oysters? Opus Ocean Grille offers the best of waterfront dining along with such dishes as Fitzpatrick Oysters, fresh-shucked and topped with hot sauce and crumbled crisp bacon. There’s also Bienville Oysters topped with lobster cream sauce and jumbo lump crab meat.

1510 Marina Bay Drive, Building 124, Clear Lake Shores, 281.334.0006

Marais

“Laissez les bons temps rouler” is the sentiment at this Dickinson restaurant that reminds you of the New Orleans’ French Quarter. Try the Oysters Marais with garlic butter, spinach, artichoke, Romano and Parmesan cheeses, or the popular Vieux Carré chargrilled half-shell French Quarter-style oyster dish with garlic butter and Parmesan.

2015 FM 517 E., Dickinson, 281.534.1986

Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood

Gulf oysters with baby spinach, brown butter, black peppercorn crème fraîche and brioche crumb is just one of the ways you can enjoy your oysters at this beautiful island waterfront restaurant. In addition to raw oysters, try the cornmeal-fried oysters with country-fried jalapeños and house chipotle aioli.

7809 Broadway, Galveston, 409.572.2650

Tommy’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar

For serious oyster lovers, this is a must-try. Featuring the popular Shrimp Au Gratin Oysters that are topped with, you guessed it, au gratin cheese sauce, shrimp and jalapeños, Tommy’s is pretty much oyster heaven.

2555 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, 281.480.2221

Tookie’s Seafood

Get ready to eat oysters, sometimes called “Shoysters” with lemon garlic butter and Parmesan cheese with grilled shrimp, or Pelicans with bacon, jalapeño and cheeses. Did we mention Rocky’s, featuring shrimp, spinach and bacon in a creamy cheese sauce?

1106 Bayport Blvd., Seabrook, 281.942.9445

Topwater Grill

Known for its open-flame-grilled oysters and oysters on the half shell, this eatery is popular for grilled garlic oysters, oysters Rockefeller and Oysters Diablo. The water views aren’t shabby, either.

815 Ave. O, San Leon, 281.339.1232