Welcome to Port Aransas, a charming coastal island town near the Texas Hill Country. This adorable island oasis is the perfect place for your next getaway. Whether you’re looking for a memorable family vacation, a romantic weekend escape, or a trip with the girls, our luxury Cozi vacation rentals give you the perfect base for exploring the region.
Port Aransas is well-known as an island respite full of stunning beaches and meandering coastlines. But on this island, it isn’t just about sandy shores and sun-soaked days; it’s also about decadent meals and time spent with friends and family over a “Port A” meal.
The town is bursting with magnificent restaurants, from fresh seafood joints to eclectic local eateries. Whether you’re craving succulent Gulf Coast shrimp or life-changing Italian food Port Aransas has you covered.
Here are some of the best Port Aransas restaurants that will make your stay in this coastal paradise unforgettable.
MacDaddy’s Family Kitchen
- Price Point: $$
- Address: 118 Beach Street, Port Aransas, TX
- Website: macdaddysfamilykitchen.com
- What to order: Fried Fish of the Day or Surf N Turf BBQ Platter
Know what’s smokin’ at MacDaddy’s Family Kitchen? “Damn Good Barbecue,” that’s what! You can smell this place a mile away, and you won’t be sorry you followed the scent right through the front door.
Take your pick of smashing good Texas barbecue platters, with everything from brisket to fried fish and pulled pork on the menu.
Load up on scratch-made sides like the mac and cheese that visitors legitimately rave about or the Southern Brussels sprouts that perfectly complement your meal.
This restaurant is perfect for larger groups, as the seating area is comprised of larger tables with bench seating. No reservations are necessary!
Seafood & Spaghetti Works
- Price Point: $$
- Address: 910 Hwy 361 Port Aransas, TX
- Website: seafoodandspaghettiworks.webs.com
- What to order: “The Works” Seafood Feast
Seafood AND spaghetti, you might ask? Yes. And a bunch of other amazing options too!
Pop into this amazing eatery for a bite of some savory pizza, Italian dishes, and fresh seafood. The open and airy dining room makes for the perfect family-friendly outing, where you can enjoy the bright atmosphere and friendly service before you enjoy another day on our beautiful island.
Try “The Works” seafood feast if you’re looking for a filling meal and can try shrimp, scallops, clams, fettuccini, and more!
The Black Marlin Bar & Grill
- Price Point: $$
- Address: 258 Snapdragon, Port Aransas, TX
- Website: palmillabeach.com
- What to order: Black Marlin’s Signature Tacos (Mahi, Shrimp, or Tuna!)
If you’re on the hunt for one of Port A’s best restaurants, head to Black Marlin Bar & Grill. Their menu is full of mouthwatering entrees like crabcakes, burgers, and delicious seafood dishes like shrimp and grits.
Make reservations for lunch along the coast or a romantic dining experience, but do note that this joint is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Venetian Hot Plate
- Price Point: $$$
- Address: 232 Beach Avenue, Port Aransas, TX
- Website: venetianhotplate.com
- What to order: Lasagna or Linguini Golfo
This gem of a restaurant is the most authentic Italian food you’ll come by in Port Aransas. Started in 1995 by a couple who emigrated from Venice, Italy, Venetian Hot Plate will have you drooling before you even hit the door.
Be wowed by their traditional Italian recipes handed down through the family, and stay for the hand-picked wine list that makes this the perfect place for appetizers and a drink.
Reservations are strongly recommended for this restaurant, as it is smaller inside and extremely popular among locals!
Castaway’s Seafood
- Price Point: $$
- Address: 337 North Alister Street, Port Aransas, Texas
- Website: castawaysporta.com
- What to order: Castaway’s Dinner (Fried Shrimp & Fish)
Head over to this exciting restaurant that blends the feeling of a beach lodge with a deserted island.
Enjoy indoor or outdoor seating, and dig into Castaway’s Seafood offers options galore with menu items like salads, cheeseburgers, and boils. And, although it’s famous for its fried seafood, we love the “You Hook, We Cook” option!
After casting a line out into the Atlantic, bring your catch right into Castaway’s, and they’ll cook it up for you! Talk about a satisfying meal!
Irie’s Island Food
- Price Point: $$
- Address: 200 W Avenue G, Port Aransas, TX
- Website: iriesislandfood.com
- What to order: Curried Coconut Shrimp Taco or Jumbo Po’Boy
Satisfy your island cravings at Irie’s Island Food. With a menu bursting with rice plates, unique taco combinations, po’boys, and other foods that bring a little bit of Asian influence and Hawaii to Texas, there’s something for everyone here.
You’ll be blown away by the breezy outdoor seating deck and island vibes that will chase your cares away.
La Playa Mexican Grille
- Price Point: $$
- Address: 222 Beach Ave, Port Aransas, TX
- Website: laplayamexicangrille.com
- What to order: Avocado Crab Nest and Crabmeat Enchiladas
Located just a stone’s throw from Corpus Christi Bay, La Playa is the Mexican restaurant you didn’t know you needed to try.
With a perfect blend of Tex-Mex, seafood, and Mexican influences, this joint will stun you senseless as you indulge in ceviches, island nachos, and all things enchiladas, fajitas, and tacos.
Of course, you can’t leave without topping your dinner off with one of their perfectly-crafted margaritas. With more than 70 tequila options, they will surely have something that suits your fancy!
La Playa Mexican Grille is open for dinner from Tuesday-Saturday and is a cash-only restaurant.
Virginia’s On the Bay
- Price Point: $$
- Address: 815 Trout St, Port Aransas, TX
- Website: virginiasonthebay.com
- What to order: Crab Cake and Cajun Shrimp Dump
Virginia’s On the Bay is the place to be if you’re looking to dine somewhere with magnificent waterfront views in Port A.
Grab a drink at the outdoor bar and soak in the sunshine in their outdoor seating area as you taste decadent menu items. Word on the street is that the crabcakes here are some of the best you’ll EVER have, but also worth trying is the seafood gumbo and the cajun shrimp dump.
Just picture yourself sipping an island drink out of a pineapple, relaxing on the deck while you enjoy live music, and watching the boats roll in without a care in the world!
Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill
- Price Point: $$
- Address: 429 N Alister St, Port Aransas, TX
- Website: tortugassaltwatergrill.com
- What to order: Port A Benny and a Bloody Mary
Head to Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill for the brunch experience of a lifetime!
Start with a local Bloom City fresh-roasted coffee or a Bloody Mary paired with Tortuga’s amazing classic dishes with unique twists. The Port A Benny’s and French Toast with berry compote are particularly drool-worthy, but, let’s be real… we wouldn’t pass up the biscuits and gravy, either.
This island staple is also open for lunch and dinner, but brunch is highly recommended!
Taking a Bite at Amazing Port Aransas Restaurants
It’s clear that no matter what you’re after, the vibrant flavors of these amazing Port Aransas restaurants are sure to give you an unforgettable taste of island living.
From seafood delights to mouthwatering Tex-Mex and everything in between, Port Aransas is truly a food lover’s paradise, made better only by the cozy vacation rentals you call home during your stay.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our luxury vacation rentals and be a part of your extraordinary Port Aransas adventure.
Featured Image Credit: Andrey Bayda
