Best Restaurants in Corpus Christi (2025)

Downtown’s seafood landmark since 1983, this flagship of Water Street Market shucks Gulf oysters, rolls sushi, and turns out dependable coastal plates in a lively, locals-first setting. Happy-hour sushi and the raw bar keep it buzzy nightly. ([waterstmarketcc.com](https://www.waterstmarketcc.com/oyster-bar-cc/?utm_source=openai), [yelp.com](https://www.yelp.com/biz/water-street-oyster-bar-corpus-christi?utm_source=openai))

Inside the Art Museum of South Texas, Elizabeth’s serves breezy Mediterranean plates—think halloumi, hummus, and seafood—with bay views that make brunch or lunch feel celebratory. Recently highlighted by Southern Living as a quintessential Corpus experience. ([southernliving.com](https://www.southernliving.com/corpus-christi-texas-11701929?utm_source=openai), [tripadvisor.com](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60927-d23930161-Reviews-Elizabeth_s_At_The_Art_Museum-Corpus_Christi_Texas.html?utm_source=openai))

Palermo-born chef Francesco Inguaggiato brings real-deal Sicilian cooking—house pastas, local seafood, smart wines—to a warm neighborhood room. A favorite of travel editors and a supporter of GrowLocal South Texas, it’s the city’s Sicilian standard-bearer. Featured by Southern Living. ([bellinostexas.com](https://www.bellinostexas.com/?utm_source=openai), [visitcorpuschristi.com](https://www.visitcorpuschristi.com/blog/post/farm-to-table-style-restaurants-in-corpus-christi/?utm_source=openai), [southernliving.com](https://www.southernliving.com/corpus-christi-texas-11701929?utm_source=openai))

A Mexico City–inspired kitchen from the team behind BKK, YOLA riffs on al pastor, enmoladas, and seafood with polished cocktails and all-day energy. Noted by the Houston Chronicle in its Corpus dining roundup and open daily with brunch on weekends. ([yolacocinamexicana.com](https://www.yolacocinamexicana.com/visit?utm_source=openai), [chron.com](https://www.chron.com/life/travel/article/corpus-christi-restaurants-17633080.php?utm_source=openai))

A longtime downtown favorite run by siblings Lien and Chef Tony Lam, this refined Vietnamese spot pairs classics and steaks with a strong wine list and private dining upstairs. Celebrated by local news and operating with set lunch and dinner hours. ([vietnam-restaurant.com](https://vietnam-restaurant.com/about/?utm_source=openai), [kristv.com](https://www.kristv.com/open/vietnam-restaurant-has-been-dishing-up-favorites-since-2002?utm_source=openai))

Downtown’s sleek destination for creative sushi, Korean-leaning plates, and crafted cocktails. Lunch-and-dinner service plus easy reservations keep it a go-to before shows and art walks. ([app1.yums.co](https://app1.yums.co/dokyo?utm_source=openai), [opentable.com](https://www.opentable.com/r/dokyo-dauntaun-corpus-christi?utm_source=openai))

Father-and-son chefs Antonio and Tony Posada showcase Gulf seafood with personality—drum in beurre blanc, stuffed shrimp, and from-scratch desserts—plus solid cocktails. A local’s pick that remains actively operating and well reviewed. ([theblueclove.com](https://www.theblueclove.com/?utm_source=openai), [restaurantji.com](https://www.restaurantji.com/tx/corpus-christi/the-blue-clove-/?utm_source=openai))

A downtown weekender with mesquite-smoked brisket, ribs, and Oaxaca hatch sausage, this local pit crew has racked up regional awards and recent press. Doors open Friday–Sunday until sellout—arrive hungry and early. ([fullsendbbqtx.com](https://fullsendbbqtx.com/?utm_source=openai), [lmtonline.com](https://www.lmtonline.com/news/article/texas-foodie-renee-pedraza-spring-2025-20313187.php?utm_source=openai))

A family-owned, over-the-water staple on the Laguna Madre, Snoopy’s serves fried shrimp, blackened fish, and sunset views that feel pure Coastal Bend. Current seasonal hours and reservations info are posted by the restaurant. ([snoopys.cc](https://snoopys.cc/?utm_source=openai))

Since 1948, this family-run drive-in has turned out Dixieburgers, onion rings, tacos, and enchiladas—true Corpus nostalgia with staying power. Texas Highways spotlighted Snapka’s among classic Texas drive-ins still going strong. ([texashighways.com](https://texashighways.com/food-drink/these-3-classic-texas-drive-ins-perfected-curbside-dining-decades-ago/?utm_source=openai), [snapkasdriveinn1.netwaiter.com](https://snapkasdriveinn1.netwaiter.com/?utm_source=openai))

Peruvian flavors meet Gulf fish at this island favorite—bright ceviches, lomo saltado, and pisco-forward cocktails. Recent diner reviews and hours confirm it’s active and thriving, especially for dinner. ([yelp.com](https://www.yelp.com/biz/costa-sur-wok-and-ceviche-bar-corpus-christi-3?utm_source=openai), [tripadvisor.com](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60927-d4228359-Reviews-Costa_Sur_Wok_Ceviche_Bar-Corpus_Christi_Texas.html?utm_source=openai))