If you love seafood, there's one Texas restaurant that deserves a top spot on your bucket list. Gaido's Seafood Restaurant in Galveston has been a local institution since 1911, serving up only the very freshest of catches. From jumbo lump crab cakes to Gulf oysters harvested straight from Galveston Bay, this longstanding eatery offers an unforgettable dining experience.

Open since 1911 - the same year air conditioning became mainstream - Gaido's Seafood Restaurant in Galveston is the oldest seafood restaurant on the island.

The iconic eatery serves only the freshest of catches, with most of the menu items coming straight from the Gulf waters that are mere steps away.

The restaurant is situated directly along the seawall, offering the most incredible views while you eat.

Although it is a fine dining establishment, you'll feel nothing but relaxed as you watch the waves crash into the shoreline.

Inside, white tablecloths and fine artwork are juxtaposed against lanterns and wood paneling that have a decidedly nautical feel.

Some high-end restaurants are stuffy and uptight, but Gaido's isn't one of them. Between the friendly service and laid-back (yet still immensely elegant) atmosphere, you may as well be dining in your own kitchen.

Now, onto the most important part: the food.

How about starting off with a couple of their famous jumbo lump crab cakes? Other crowd favorite appetizers include spinach crab dip, calamari, and a shellfish tower with oysters, Gulf shrimp, crab salad and claws, and traditional sauces.

Speaking of oysters, you could easily make a meal out of them alone.

Harvested straight from Galveston Bay, the oysters here are of impeccable quality. From raw on the half shell to charcoal-grilled to fried, there are so many different ways to enjoy them. Can't decide? Get a combination platter and try a little bit of everything!

The main menu changes often depending on what's in season, but it always includes several daily catches with a variety of scrumptious toppings to choose from.

If you don't love seafood, plenty of beef, chicken, and pork entrees are also available, as are salads, soups, and pasta dishes. There's also an extensive drink list with beer, wine, and handcrafted cocktails and martinis!

Address: 3828 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77550.

Hours are 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

Please note that reservations are required to eat at Gaido's. Visit the restaurant's website or Facebook page to learn more.

Have you ever eaten at Gaido's Seafood Restaurant? If so, what did you order and how was it? For more of the best seafood restaurants in Texas, check out our previous article.