Ahead of the 35th annual James Beard Awards this June, the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards revealed the recipients of its 2025 America’s Classics Awards. Among the six recipients of the America’s Classics Awards, is Galveston’s storied Gaido’s restaurant.
According to the press release, the American’s Classics Awards are bestowed upon local restaurants with a timeless appeal that which reflect the region and character of its community through its cuisine.
This year’s awards were given to six restaurants across the United States, including restaurants in Boston, MA, Ketchum, ID, Chicago, IL, Anchorage, AK, New Orleans, LA, and Gaido’s in Galveston, Texas.
Established in 1911, Gaido’s is a Galveston institution operated by fourth-generation owners, husband-and-wife, Nick and Kateryna Gaido. Over a hundred years ago, founder San Giacinto Gaido, an Italian immigrant, first opened the restaurant on the Seawall – according to its website, it opened the first year air-conditioning was invented.
Today, the restaurant is still shucking along. With its iconic fish sign and marquee a fixture on the Seawall, the interior of Gaido’s is adorned with time-capsule-like photos, artifacts, and relics of the restaurant and community of the years.
Gaido’s offers fresh Gulf Coast cuisine. Its menu revolves around the Daily Catch, with the restaurant applying its time-tested seasoning, sauces, and recipes to ensure the fullest flavor. With the Daily Catch, customers can opt for the restaurant’s Specialty Toppings, which including Castilla, Hollandaise, Fritz, and Beurre Blanc.
Gaido’s also features a variety of Farm Raised meat options, pastas (including Crawfish Asiago), and classic seafood dishes. Soups, salads, and starters are also available as is a formidable list of cocktails, including a selection of signature martinis.
Favorites at Gaido’s include its Pecan-Encrusted Mahi Mahi, Signature Oysters, Crab-Stuffed Shrimp, Shrimp Peques, and Crustless Pecan Pie.
Gaido’s is open from 11 am to 9 pm Sunday and Monday, and from 11 am to 10 pm Tuesday through Saturday at 3828 Seawall Blvd.
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