WAVES Approved Island Eats!

Restaurant review by by: Tom Valliere & Charlie Bresenhan - Long an island destination and the site of countless family celebrations and quiet romantic dinners, this Island icon is entering into its 5th decade of providing quality Italian food to generations of Galvestonians and visitors alike.

It all started in 1957 when family patriarch Anthony (Tony) Smecca arrived in the US. Tony was born in 1931 in the town of Gela in Sicily. After serving in the Italian Navy,  the young Smecca moved  to the United States settling in Paterson New Jersey. 

After 16 years in Paterson and having married and started a family, Tony brought his wife Nilde and their two young boys Joey and Johnny to Galveston in 1973.

Joining his brother Giovanni Smecca, who had previously opened Mario’s Flying Pizza with his partner Mario Bonaccorso he assisted them in running the then  existing locations on 21st and 61st streets. Soon an opportunity arose that allowed Tony to own what became today’s restaurant at 628 Seawall Boulevard. And rest as they say is history.

The senior Tony passed away in 2015 shortly after receiving an award as “ family of the year” presented by the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce. One of the many awards and citations he received for countless act of civil service and generosity.

Mario’s Seawall Restaurant continues  today as the flagship of the Galveston Restaurant Group’s family of fine dining establishments. Still owned and operated by Joey and Johnny with their business partner Danny Hart, they continue the tradition of fine food and community service.

Today the restaurant remains a popular destination. Operating out of a grand building on the Seawall they offer gulf view dining both indoors and on their spacious and beautifully decorated patio. Large banquet facilities, a renowned weekday lunch buffet, and legendary weekend brunches compliment their  extensive lunch and dinner menus. An in house pizzeria turns out mouth watering pies with a variety of toppings. A large selection of house made deserts and Italian Gelatos is a fine finish for a great meal. Service is always professional and welcoming and a full bar offers artisan cocktails as well as your favorite beers. An extensive wine list pairs nicely with their old world family recipes.

In the footsteps of their father, the family continues to take their civic responsibilities seriously. The owners have been incredibly supportive of their staff and other workers dislocated by the COVID -19 issue. From preparing and delivering food baskets to serving complete meals to unemployed service workers and first responders, they have been at the forefront. Working with the Galveston Restaurant Association and their suppliers they have made a significant contribution to our community.

A special project for the owners has been their support for the “Turtles About Town” project. This project originated by the Oppe Coastal Studies seeks to raise awareness of the plight of our native Kemp’s Ridley turtles and their Galveston Island nesting sites. As part of this awareness raising, they have installed several decorated replica statues about the city, each painted by a local artist. 

Owner Johnny Smecca’s son Nicholas was part of the project that traveled to Austin to testify before the House of Representatives to make the Kemp’s Ridley Turtle the official Turtle of Texas. Their actions resulted in the passage of HCR 31 into law. Additionally they were recognized by mayor Rosen of Galveston who presented the team with a proclamation declaring May 29th 2013 as the official Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Day in Galveston. Truly a proud day for Johnny and Nicholas.

An official unveiling ceremony for a turtle to be installed at the restaurant  in March was postponed because of COVID-19 but the turtle has now been installed on their patio to be enjoyed by guests. See the full story in the March 2020 edition of Waves Magazine.

Operating at a reduced capacity in accordance with spacing and capacity rules, they are slowly returning to normal. They have brought back a modified lunch buffet now being served by their employees rather than self serve. All employees utilize protective masks and gloves as appropriate. For those uncomfortable dining in, they offer full service on their patio and are continuing their curbside service.

Curbside parking and a large adjacent lot provide plenty of off street parking. Handicapped accessible.

Hours of Operation:  11:AM to 10:PM seven days a week

Mario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria

628 Seawall Boulevard | Galveston, Texas 77559

409-763-1693 | www.mariosseawall.com