Our expert guide to finding the best seafood in The Woodlands
Best Seafood in The Woodlands
Great seafood can be found all over the Gulf Coast. But where do you find in the start of the Piney Woods, an hour from the Gulf? We’ve searched around to find the best seafood restaurants ’round these parts.
In each section, restaurants are listed in alphabetical order; they are not ranked within the section.
Last Updated December 2020 – Originally posted August 2018.
The Best
Amore Seafood
Chef Ron Nicoletta strikes again with another category-defining restaurant along Highway 105. Chef Ron has departed, but the crowd-pleasing seafood lives on. Amore specializes in expertly prepared seafood that ventures beyond the Gulf and brings in great flavors from the East Coast. Seared tuna steak was a highlight; a slab of beautiful sushi-grade tuna delicately seasoned and seared rare. Fried calamari was among the very best we’ve tried; exquisitely tender, and accented with deep fried red and jalapeño peppers. Standards like fried shrimp are outstanding as well; unique Italian breadcrumb crust compliments the large, tasty shrimp. Don’t let the casual, charming setting fool you; this is serious seafood.
(Formerly The Original Tony & Al’s Seafood Shack)
✘ Dine In
✔ Carry Out
✘ Delivery
$$ | Seafood
17099 Walden Road Suite 110 | Montgomery 77315
936-582-1053 |
Map
Chef-prepared seafood in a modern strip-center location
Off The Hook Seafood
Rayford Road isn’t a haven for affordable, upscale food, but Off The Hook Seafood is doing its best to change that. Owner Alex Abdulwahab has created a comfortable, casual setting that delights foodies with seafood that goes far beyond the typical fried baskets… although those are present, and very well executed. Chef Micah Rideout brings his Inner Loop sensibilities to the suburbs, and his food reflects a broad background (Thailand raised, French trained) and a deft touch. From the gigantic Nashville Fried Fish Sandwich to the sublime Fried Calimari, with its light breading and cravable sauce, Chef Micah demonstrates his expertise with the fryer. His other dishes are even more delightful; a light, tangy seafood salad had us craving one more bite, the Tuna Poke po boy was another highlight. An entree of Monkfish and mushrooms shows a gift for complex, layered sauces, at a stunningly affordable price. We were even pleasantly surprised by the chef’s excellent cheeseburger, something we wouldn’t expect from a seafood spot.
Woodlands Area Foodies looking for great seafood need to put Off The Hook Seafood on their short list.
✔ Dine In
✔ Carry Out
✔ Delivery
$$ | Seafood
Catering and Outdoor Dining
2222 Rayford Rd Suite 105 | Spring 77386
Across Rayford from Kroger
346-331-2893 |
Map
Website
| Menu
| Order Online
South African Cuisine in an upscale, modern setting
Peli Peli South African Kitchen – Woodlands
The Woodlands now has its own outpost of this incredibly popular Houston-based restaurant. Bringing the interesting (but not scary) cuisine of South Africa, Executive Chef Ryan Stewart’s team presents an intriguing array of grilled meats, seafood, and other dishes designed to please the jaded palate. Beautiful room is comfortable and inviting, slightly upscale but not stuffy. Owners and staff reflect the diversity of Houston.
✔ Dine In
✔ Carry Out
✔ Delivery
(They deliver)
$$ and $$$ | American, Seafood, and Steaks
Happy Hour, HRW2020, Outdoor Dining, and Private Room
1201 Lake Woodlands Dr., Suite 304 | The Woodlands 77380
On the mall ring road, south side
281-257-9500 |
Map
| Review
Website
| Order Online
The tastes of New Orleans in an upscale, family-run establishment
Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen
Schilleci’s brings Louisiana classics, from seafood gumbo to crawfish étouffée, shrimp creole and red beans & rice to the Woodlands. The family’s goal is to use many New Oreleans staples in the restaurant, including Gambino’s Bread, Blue Plate Mayonnaise, Community Coffee, and Abita Beer. Locals say they’re successful; it’s the closest thing to the French Quarter you’ll find in the Woodlands.
✔ Dine In
✔ Carry Out
✘ Delivery
$$$ | Cajun/Creole and Seafood
Outdoor Dining
9595 Six Pines Dr #1120 | The Woodlands 77380
In Market Street Center
281-419-4242 |
Map
Website
Raising the bar for dining in the Woodlands
TRIS
Chef-driven restaurants are rare in The Woodlands, but Chef Austin Simmons demonstrates how successful they can be. Formerly known as Hubbell & Hudson Bistro, TRIS features innovative cuisine, and everything from the outstanding burgers to the most elaborate entree shows the kind of attention to detail that is the hallmark of a great restaurant. Chef Austin has the uncanny knack of combining diverse and unique ingredients into dishes that surprise and delight, while maintaining the integrity of the cuisine. Steaks are also a strength; prime, of course, but Akaushi Texas Wagyu and in-house dry aged cuts are offered as well, and Japanese A5 (Miyazaki) is available for the true connoisseur.
TRIS has a bit of a split personality. Upscale and slightly formal at dinner, much more casual at lunch. Happy hour is a great time to sample different dishes (including that incredible burger); the well-priced list of offerings is the perfect way to begin your night out.
Many establishments slip a notch when the name on the door isn’t in the house, but not Tris; Simmons has created a well oiled machine. Chef Cortney Taraboi helms the kitchen in the maestro’s absence, and we can’t detect any difference at all. That is the mark of an outstanding organization.
✔ Dine In
✔ Carry Out
✔ Delivery
(Restaurant delivers)
$$$ and $$$$ | American, Burgers, Seafood, and Steaks
Catering, Happy Hour, HRW2020, Outdoor Dining, and Private Room
24 Waterway Avenue | The Woodlands 77380
281-203-5641 |
Map
| Review
Website
| Menu
| Order Online
Recommended
Babin’s Seafood House
✔ Dine In
✔ Carry Out
✔ Delivery
$$ and $$$ | Seafood
HRW2020
19529 I-45 | Shenandoah 77385
281-296-8829 |
Map
Website
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Louisiana-inspired seafood dishes are the draw at this hugely successful local chain. Big portions and good service are the draw, prices can be eye-opening at times.
✔ Dine In
✔ Carry Out
✘ Delivery
$$$ | Cajun/Creole and Seafood
18165 Interstate 45 S | Conroe 77385
936-321-4200 |
Map
Website
| Menu
| Order Online
Seafood, Crab, and Steaks at Hughes Landing
Truluck’s
The popular seafood and steak chain has landed at Hughes Landing, and locals have already made it a preferred destination. Crabs are front and center, and Truluck’s does them well. Chef Shane Flynn is a master of seafood, and his menu reflects this expertise. Those wanting something less aquatic head for the selection of prime steaks and choice filets. Cocktail Hour at Truluck’s is a scene; the half-priced cocktails and nice selection of seafood appetizers satisfy those looking to see and be seen at the stylish bar.
✔ Dine In
✔ Carry Out
✘ Delivery
$$$$ | Seafood and Steaks
Happy Hour and Private Room
1900 Hughes Landing Blvd, Suite 600 | The Woodlands 77380
281-465-7000 |
Map
Website
Restaurant Listings
Amore Seafood ■
$$ ■
Seafood
■
Outside the Bubble: Hwy 105
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
Babin’s Seafood House ■
$$ and $$$ ■
Seafood
■
I-45 Corridor
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
Ocean Boulevard - closed ■
$$ and $$$ ■
Seafood
■
Outside the Bubble: Hwy 105
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
Off The Hook Seafood ■
$$ ■
Seafood
■
Rayford Road
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
💻 ORDER
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen ■
$$$ ■
Cajun/Creole and Seafood
■
I-45 Corridor
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
💻 ORDER
Peli Peli South African Kitchen – Woodlands ■
$$ and $$$ ■
American, Seafood, and Steaks
■
Woodlands Mall
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
💻 ORDER
Robard’s Steakhouse - closed ■
$$$$ ■
Seafood and Steaks
■
Grogan's Mill
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen ■
$$$ ■
Cajun/Creole and Seafood
■
Market Street
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
