Turns out, the best seafood in Edinburg isn’t hiding in some coastal fantasy. Exhibit A: a local joint where a fisherman’s secret spice blend—meant to punish a rival’s bland catch—instead created a cult following. That blend now defines South Texas seafood. Forget the Gulf; here’s where landlocked cravings meet ocean-fresh redemption.
Don Marisco
$ | (956) 348-2335 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of seafood spots you might know in Edinburg—but our current favorite comes from a simple place that’s only gotten better with time. Don Marisco doesn’t do fancy plating, but we’ll forgive them, as they’ve perfected the freshness-to-flavor ratio on the fried fish and cold shrimp cocktail, resulting in a nice light crust. Plus, the molcajete deserves its own fan club—this perfectly assembled stone bowl is straight-up brimming with tender octopus, savory broth, and hunks of seafood.
In terms of atmosphere, it’s pretty casual and accessible, thanks to its clean, straightforward decor and the lack of wait you find at other places. Don Marisco also gets big bonus points for being able to bring the whole family, with high chairs available and friendly staff even when busy.
Mariscos Los Dos Carnales
$ | (956) 386-9552 | WEBSITE
There are seafood lovers out there who swear by the fresh catches at Mariscos Los Dos Carnales. For us, it’s been a consistent favorite since discovering this Edinburg gem. They’re still bringing the “flavor” though (sorry), albeit from a cozy spot with warm, inviting atmosphere.
There’s crispy, mouthwatering bliss to be found here, especially in some of its standout creations, like the fish tacos with homemade batter and sauce—an unforgettable flavor combo that you’ll find yourself craving at random times during the day.
Muelle 37
$ | (956) 270-4173 | WEBSITE
Muelle 37 is a seafood spot in Edinburg, TX. What exactly makes Muelle 37 one of the best seafood restaurants in the city though? It could be the high-quality fish fillets and shrimp it uses, or the ridiculously fluffy rice that accompanies every dish. Or, maybe it’s the fact that you can enjoy every individual flavor without feeling like you’re compromising your diet.
(They’ve got options for Keto and calorie restriction, after all.) But truthfully, it’s probably a mix of all of that—and that fact that the waiters like Celia and Miguel are just so damn attentive, and the atmosphere itself is really lively. Case in point: If you show up during a busy time, you’ll still get excellent service from the friendly staff.
Kitchen La Katrina
$ | (956) 533-4375 | WEBSITE
Kitchen La Katrina is perfect when you need a quick seafood fix after a long day (it’s in a cozy strip mall spot), or don’t want to deal with a fancy dining experience (it’s strictly takeout and pickup). The vibe feels like one of those family-owned hole-in-the-wall joints: it’s unpretentious and welcoming, making it a reliable choice when you have a seafood craving. You can find a decent plate here, but know that the portions are generous and filling, not even at their most modest.
The shrimp and fish plate comes with nicely seasoned and battered seafood atop savory fries, and it carries the whole damn menu.
Taco Fish
$ | (956) 620-4874 | WEBSITE
Don’t expect any flashy decor or elaborate plating at Taco Fish—just a few simple tables and a straightforward counter that’s been reliably serving up fresh Mexican seafood for years. This Edinburg spot earned its place among the top seafood restaurants in town, and while it remains a solid favorite, a few uneven notes have kept it from the very peak. The pulpo braseado has been consistently outstanding, though the caldo mixto sometimes arrives needing more depth.
But what this place always nails is the freshness. When they say “flavorful,” they mean it. The ceviche camaron here is the equivalent of top-tier ceviche at other seafood spots (that’s thanks to their focus on quality ingredients over heavy sauces). Oh, and the Baja tacos are still some of the best fish tacos around.
Acapulco Barra Vieja
$ | (956) 386-9414 | WEBSITE
Acapulco Barra Vieja has been holding down the Texas Valley seafood scene for years, and according to some regulars, that’s when the consistency really settled in. The snapper here is generally prepared well with a nice garlicky marinade, but on busy nights, the fish can take on a bit too much oil, making it slightly heavy. If you want to feel the heat, you’re going to have to dive into their variety of salsas—it’ll take going beyond the mild ones to get any kind of kick.
But they earn extra praise for a killer fish soup and botana for four that you can now enjoy comfortably in their welcoming dining area.
La Pesca Seafood Restaurant
$ | (956) 316-3474 | WEBSITE
At La Pesca, the stuffed jalapenos are like little flavor grenades that detonate with each bite. This hidden gem near the residential areas has spice levels that start at friendly and escalate to “valley fire,” but even the milder options pack a serious punch. They don’t hold back on the seasoning, which means that halfway through your appetizer, your taste buds will be dancing for the next half hour. The best part is all the melted cheese and shrimp that oozes out while you’re eating.
If these delicious, gooey morsels, loaded with seafood, could be packaged and sold as snacks, they’d clean up. The shrimp quesadillas follow the same generous philosophy—crispy tortillas giving way to plump shrimp and just enough spice to make you reach for another cold drink. And that fish and shrimp soup? It’s practically a seafood stew with so much fish you’ll wonder how they turn a profit.
In a world of overpriced dining, La Pesca delivers heaping plates without burning a hole in your wallet, all while the staff treats you like family in their spotless, surprisingly quiet dining room.
Makai Poke House
$ | (956) 287-4283 | WEBSITE
Makai Poke House began as a tribute to Hawaiian poke traditions, but it didn’t take long for the bowls here to stand on their own. For years, the team at Makai Poke House has been perfecting their approach, producing dangerously fresh combinations that you can customize in endless ways—from the classic Nini bowl to completely build-your-own creations. But if you’re hellbent on going completely over-the-top, there’s always the option to add hot Cheetos and eel sauce.
While most poke spots keep things simple, this restaurant embraces bold customization, which results in a fantastically vibrant and satisfying final product. The play here: the Nini bowl with extra protein, no exceptions. The fresh fish is the perfect foil to the signature toppings, a mix of textures and flavors that bring a special brand of island freshness to the table.
Palenque Grill Edinburg
$$ | (956) 252-2973 | WEBSITE
Palenque Grill Edinburg has perfected the method of Tex-Mex production, so you’re going to get consistently flavorful dishes just about every single time. Locals love to sip an icy-cold margarita when talking about the spot—it’s easy to feel like this is just fajitas marketed to the masses.
But their Las Garitas de Leon has just the right amount of rich seasoning-to-tender meat ratio, and an almost overwhelming number of different homemade corn tortillas to choose from—the chicken tests even the mightiest tolerance for authenticity. So yes, it’s a popular spot with smooth service during busy nights at every visit (go for the vibrant interior), but you can’t deny good food when you taste it.
Ceviche 76
$ | (956) 348-4322 | WEBSITE
You can usually rely on Ceviche 76 to deliver perfectly seasoned, crisp, and still-fresh ceviche, along with shareable entrees like the tacos de camarón zarandeado doused with a bright, citrusy marinade reminiscent of a coastal breeze. But they landed on this list because of some pricing issues—there’s a chance you’ll find the menu a bit steep for the area.
Still, we recommend it if you’re looking to try all the big seafood players in Edinburg, especially because Ceviche 76 is the reason ceviche exists in such vibrant form here. It’s also a great spot for sampling a few flavors since you can order ceviche by the bowl with different seafood combinations. They have a beautiful, modern interior with beach-like atmosphere, but we like the clean, nicely decorated dining room best.
