Some of the Lone Star State’s freshest and most flavorful seafood spots are right here in Midland—after all, we’ve been pulling treasures from the Gulf for generations. After devouring endless platters of shrimp, whole snapper, oysters, crab cakes, and nearly everything kissed by lemon and butter, we’re confident in giving you this guide: the 16 best restaurants for seafood in the city.
From blackened redfish at classic coastal joints to innovative ceviche in a repurposed downtown space, we’ve tasted it all.
Tkilaz Mexican Restaurant N Loop
$ | (432) 247-5458 | WEBSITE
Open for years in Midland, this is a reliable Mexican restaurant that’s overwhelmingly welcoming—think colorful murals and warm lighting, woven textiles, family photos, and a spacious dining room that can handle big groups. The N Loop spot uses that experience to serve up satisfying dishes like the chicharrones appetizer, chips and salsa that are freshly made, and entrees that come out piping hot.
And even though the dining room looks nice with decor that gives it a family-friendly vibe, you can eat here without breaking the bank—most of the meals are reasonably priced for the area.
Long John Silver’s
$ | (432) 694-8134 | WEBSITE
Long John Silver’s gets less attention than the fancy, sit-down seafood spots in the area. But we find their food—like crispy fish and chips, golden hushpuppies, and flaky shrimp—is much more reliable. Plus, every day at lunch, the quick-service spot offers a two-piece combo with fries and a drink. It’s $12, card only, and stays consistent—think crunchy batter, tangy tartar sauce, and coleslaw with a nice creamy dressing.
Come for a fast takeout meal or a casual dinner with family in a place surrounded by clean tables and nautical decor from the days of simple seafood joints.
Venezia Restaurant
$$$ | (432) 687-0900 | WEBSITE
Venezia Restaurant is a welcoming Italian eatery in Midland that has a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It’s filled with warm lighting and comfortable seating that makes it a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. The calamari, lasagna, and chicken dishes are all excellent—especially their crispy fried calamari that’s served in generous portions and their flavorful stuffed chicken that’s highlighted as a favorite.
But we’re also big fans of the chicken parmesan if you want something hearty and satisfying for a memorable dinner out.
Tkilaz Mexican Restaurant
$ | (432) 247-5455 | WEBSITE
Tkilaz is where you go in Midland when you want to eat Mexican dishes like Jalisco chicken and steak fajitas, but don’t want to do it in a cramped space where you end up bumping elbows with the next table. There’s a lot of room here, including a charming, spacious dining area with warm lighting, so it’s a perfect spot for a weekend family dinner where you share a plate of amazing fried pickles around the table while sipping on a mangoneada margarita.
Montecito Bar & Grill
$ | (432) 599-1563 | WEBSITE
Montecito Bar & Grill is the ultimate Tex-Mex twofer. The main dining room is perfect for a casual group meal of crispy tacos, fajitas, and barbacoa tacos surrounded by sports on the TVs and lots of seating—it’s near the tracks on the southern edge of downtown, which feels like a hidden gem. But if you’re looking for something truly special, you want a seat during a quiet weekday, a $25, three-course lunch experience tucked inside Montecito.
That’s where every dish shines with homemade tortillas (like the red beef enchiladas that evoke family dinners, and chilaquiles covered in warm queso inspired by your abuela’s weekend breakfasts). Either way, you get the atmosphere, the service, and a delicious Tex-Mex meal.
Wall Street Bar & Grill
$$ | (432) 684-8686 | WEBSITE
When you pull up to Wall Street Bar & Grill, you’ll spot a crowd that looks like the stock exchange at closing time. And it’s no surprise—they’ve perfected the protein holy trinity of steak, seafood, and chicken. The interiors are a blend of classic western wood paneling, rustic leather seating, and vintage lanterns casting a warm glow that always draws in families and groups.
There’s not a disappointing dish on the menu (we tried them all), but if you visit and skip the chicken fried steak, described as the most tender ever, or the grilled salmon topped with that refreshing salsa-like topping, you’ll miss what everyone in that bustling dining room is clearly coming back for.
Clear Springs Restaurant
$ | (432) 522-1188 | WEBSITE
Unlike other seafood spots in Midland, this one serves an impressive meal and a story—the one about the old country feel that inspired that night’s hearty dishes. The extensive, $25-per-person menu features mostly country-style food, but there are always guest stars, too, like the fabulous cheese sticks or the tiny mushrooms. Head to the Midland spot to reignite your love affair with family dining, and leave knowing the secret to the best country-style meals in Texas.
Osaka Japanese Steakhouse
$$$ | (432) 617-7252 | WEBSITE
With its unique boat design, charming bridge, and cascading waterfalls, it’s hard to miss this Midland Japanese steakhouse. But even if you don’t notice the lively groups gathered around hibachi grills as you walk by, the unmistakable aroma of sizzling teppanyaki will draw you in.
From perfectly cooked hibachi with large, hearty portions to fresh, flavorful sushi and ramen so good that you’ll consider thanking the chef, this cozy restaurant should be your go-to for any time you’re craving seafood or Japanese classics. Chef Erick serves up entertaining teppanyaki performances, while attentive staff like Sunshine and Mark ensure your beverages stay full and sauces are always available.
The spicy dishes and delicious broth make every visit satisfying, whether you’re returning or trying it for the first time.
TerraZZita
$$ | (432) 219-4005 | WEBSITE
Midland has a solid lineup of seafood spots, many of which are still going strong today. To get into this welcoming Mexican restaurant in town, you just need an appetite and maybe a friend who’s willing to split a molcajete. But it’s not nearly as pricey or stuffy as the fancy seafood places you’re probably picturing right now. Imagine a cheerful neighborhood spot from the 1990s that stays open until 10pm and serves very good queso dip, crunchy tacos de tripas, and shareable botana terrazita.
You can try calling ahead for a table on weekends (entrees run about $15–$25), though it might be busy. But once you’re seated, you’ll want to bring every visitor here to show off the good food and polite service.
Mariscos El Chaka Seafood & Mexican Grill Restaurant
$$ | (432) 288-4640 | WEBSITE
There’s only one restaurant in Midland serving fantastic, fresh seafood in a tropical-inspired setting while lively music plays, and that’s Mariscos El Chaka Seafood & Mexican Grill. The spot is traditional and clean, to say the least—there’s a vibrant atmosphere when the tunes are on—but they take their mariscos seriously.
The friendly staff checks in often, talking about the levels of spiciness in the red aguachiles, why the shrimp cocktail can be ordered without celery and tomato, and how the margaritas are a highlight. The result is consistently delicious, beautifully presented dishes—like the standout aguachiles—that you won’t find at other seafood spots in town.
The restaurant has perfected a couple of things: wonderful service with a lively vibe, and making the slightly steep prices worth it for a five-star experience that keeps you coming back.
TKILAZ MEXICAN RESTAURANT BAR & GRILL
$ | (432) 247-5455 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of Mexican spots in Midland, but Tkilaz is one of the best. They offer daily specials, which is a huge advantage, and with their clean, welcoming atmosphere, they don’t mind if you bring a group and enough appetite to have a good time. Plus, their menu is full of tasty steak and shrimp dishes that are easily big enough to share. For a little bit of both, get the fish and shrimp combo fajitas.
EL CAPITÁN
$ | (432) 218-6761 | WEBSITE
EL CAPITÁN isn’t just one of the best Mexican restaurants in Midland—it’s one of the best restaurants in the city, period. The welcoming spot is extremely affordable, so it works perfectly for a casual weeknight meal. As soon as you walk in the door, you’ll get a friendly greeting from the hospitable owner, which feels nice until you realize you’re only paying $8.99 for the express lunch.
The food is actually worth more than that money, though, because you’ll eat dishes that include outstanding sour cream chicken enchiladas, refreshing shrimp mango ceviche, and other Mexican favorites like tasty margaritas and tres leches cake. If you have a craving important enough to warrant dropping a few dollars on delicious food, EL CAPITÁN is where you should do it.
El Malecon
$$ | (432) 262-1050 | WEBSITE
El Malecon is where you should spend all night eating seafood until someone tries to kick you out or demand rent. While this Mexican restaurant has outstanding appetizers like the Charales described as tasty little bites, make no mistake: it’s the seafood you’re here for.
If you snag any of the tables in their large seating area, you’ll be surrounded by beach-themed decor and background Mexican music that creates a fun and inviting environment while you enjoy ceviche, seafood fajitas, and their legendary Fiesta shrimp. Bring some out-of-towners here if you want to impress them while simultaneously ruining all other seafood dishes they’ve ever eaten. Unless your guests are from the coast, of course.
Saltgrass Steak House
$$ | (432) 699-0476 | WEBSITE
Most steak houses in Midland feel more like stuffy formal affairs than actual neighborhood spots. Saltgrass Steak House is one of the exceptions. This classic Texas eatery offers a welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy their meals and even bring their dogs on the patio. The friendly staff, including exceptional servers like Mindy and Libby, work hard to ensure a pleasant experience.
The menu has everything you’d expect from a good steakhouse, including perfectly cooked steaks, standout appetizers like the Bacon starter, and a laid-back, kid-friendly environment. It’s Texas comfort dining at its best, and you may be lucky enough to see families relaxing together while enjoying a meal that won’t break the bank.
Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar
$$ | (432) 218-8475 | WEBSITE
This lively, boil-focused spot in Midland feels more like a great backyard crab feast than a restaurant. At its core, Hook & Reel is all about Cajun seafood, and delivers it unlike anywhere else in the city—with generous portions, a dash of just-right heat, and attentive service. It’s a once-in-a-blue-moon kind of meal that you’ll want to have once a month.
You have the option to dine at the bar with the TVs, but the best seats are at the simple wooden tables in the well-suited, nautical-themed dining room (your only other option). That’s where friends become family during a snow crab-, shrimp-, and sweet potato fry-fueled meal.
Reyna’s Mexican Restaurant
$ | (432) 699-2109 | WEBSITE
Reyna’s Mexican Restaurant in Midland, TX offers a truly authentic Mexican culinary experience. It’s been a local favorite for years, and is still outfitted with bright, colorful walls and warm lighting, hand-painted tiles, and family photos spanning generations. The staff has as much personality as the building itself (and most have been around just as long).
The menu ranges from traditional breakfast dishes like pork chops and over medium eggs, but we’re partial to the Mexican house specialties, like the perfect chips and salsa (and if you’re in town for any meal, you would be, too).