San Antonio isn’t just about the Alamo and River Walk—it’s a dream for food lovers, where classic Texas flavors blend with international flair and inventive new twists. Whether you’re craving Tex-Mex tacos, Southern comfort food, Asian fusion, or Italian classics, San Antonio’s neighborhoods have it all, from cozy spots in Castle Hills and Stone Oak to the lively Pearl district.ted poblano cream are a popular choice.
Bliss
Bliss is a chef-owned gem in a repurposed filling station, delivering seasonal, fresh dishes that are as creative as they are comforting. Whether you’re stopping by for a special meal or an intimate dinner, the relaxed atmosphere and rotating menu make each visit unique.
Cured at Pearl
Cured is all about bold, artisan flavors, with cured meats crafted in-house by James Beard finalist Chef Steve McHugh. The charcuterie board alone, with options like 120-day pork belly, is a can’t-miss, and their Pearl location adds to its charm. Sip on craft cocktails that pair perfectly with each dish, all made to celebrate the art of curing.
Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood
Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood on Houston Street near the Majestic Theatre is perfect for a date night. This restaurant is in a historic building with dark wood, crystal, and white tablecloths. Chef Mark Bohanan serves up prime beef like filet and ribeye, making it one of the best steakhouses in San Antonio. The bar downstairs offers classic cocktails like old fashioneds and martinis, making it a great place for a steakhouse meal.
Boudro’s Texas Bistro
Boudro’s Texas Bistro on the Riverwalk serves New American cuisine with a Texas flair. Since 1986, they’ve been known for their limestone walls and cozy vibe, whether you sit inside or on the patio by the river. Chef Danny Ibarra offers blue crab tostadas and Texas filet that highlight South Texas flavors. Their famous guacamole made in a stone bowl and the prickly pear margarita are must-tries.
Maverick Texas Brasserie
Maverick offers French-American cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere. From classic burgers to upscale plates of lamb shank, the menu pairs well with their carefully curated wine list. Whether it’s date night or a casual dinner, Maverick’s cozy space and polished dishes make for a memorable dining experience.
Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery
In the historic Pearl Brewery, Southerleigh offers Southern comfort food with coastal influences. Chef Jeff Balfour brings Texas Hill Country flavors to life with pressure-fried chicken, Galveston-style shrimp boil, and in-house brewed beers, all in a rustic, industrial setting that channels Texas history.
2M Smokehouse
If barbecue is what you’re after, 2M Smokehouse won’t disappoint. Their oak-smoked brisket, tender ribs, and serrano-Oaxaca cheese sausage are local favorites. Each BBQ plate is complete with sides like Maria’s Ranchero-Style Beans, and don’t skip the housemade pickled veggies for a perfect contrast to the smoky flavors.
Tre Trattoria
After visiting the San Antonio Museum of Art, head to Tre Trattoria, the museum’s restaurant by Jason Dady. This Italian spot offers family-style dining with homemade pasta and Cast Iron Pizza. The signature deviled eggs and Nutella torte are must-tries. Museum members enjoy a 10% discount on their meal.
Brasserie Mon Chou Chou
Located in the Pearl, Mon Chou Chou brings French classics to San Antonio. Known for their Raclette, with gooey melted cheese scraped from a half-wheel, this spot also features French dishes like chicken Cordon Bleu. The outdoor dining space makes it an ideal spot for people-watching in one of San Antonio’s liveliest districts.
Allora
Allora, opened in March 2022, offers coastal Italian food in San Antonio. Chef Robbie Nowlin creates dishes like Grilled Octopus, Tagliatelle alla Bolognese Bianco, and Prosciutto di Parma. Perfect for lunch, brunch, or dinner, with prices for panini between $15-17.
Esquire Tavern
With Texas’s longest wooden bar, Esquire Tavern is a classic San Antonio stop. Known for craft cocktails like the Japanese Old-Fashioned, this spot also has a Southern-inspired food menu with pulled pork and Wagyu burgers. The dim, vintage ambiance makes it perfect for a casual night out.
Supper American Eatery
Supper American Eatery at Hotel Emma in San Antonio offers a cozy setting with Southern hospitality and dishes that bring together different flavors. The homey decor makes it a great spot to relax. Start with their sweet German-style sticky bun, the schnecken, topped with pecans and cinnamon. For a heartier meal, the scrambled eggs with roasted poblano cream are a popular choice.
They serve breakfast all day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you’re there for dinner, try the sautéed gulf shrimp or chicken dumpling soup. Their drink menu, with wine, beer, and craft cocktails, is thoughtfully selected to please any palate.
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana
For Neapolitan-style pizza, Dough is a favorite. Near Hemisfair Park, this spot serves wood-fired pies with a charred edge, authentic mozzarella, and creative toppings that bring Italy straight to Texas. The house-made burrata is a perfect starter, and it’s easy to see why Dough has been featured on Food Network.
NONNA Osteria
NONNA in the Fairmont Hotel offers northern Italian cuisine in a cozy setting. Near Hemisfair Park on the ground floor level, the small, bright restaurant has a simple, welcoming feel with white tabletops and shiny wood floors. Chef Luca Della Casa brings the flavors of a grandmother’s kitchen with handmade pasta and black truffle shavings. The Tartufo prepared in a cheese rind right at your table is something special you shouldn’t miss.
Neighborhood Eateries
San Antonio’s neighborhoods each offer their own culinary highlights. Castle Hills is home to Clementine, where Southern comfort meets neighborhood charm, while Hill Country Village boasts intimate eateries with classic Texas Hill Country vibes. In Hollywood Park and Shavano Park, you’ll find neighborhood sushi spots, Greek food, and more, making it easy to discover something new.
Clementine
Nestled in Castle Hills, Clementine captures the community spirit of San Antonio with its warm, casual setting. Chefs John and Elise Russ craft dishes that feel both inventive and familiar, from appetizers to dessert. The “Feed Me” option offers a chef-curated multi-course experience, perfect for adventurous diners looking to be surprised.
Domingo Restaurante
Set on the Riverwalk, Domingo celebrates Mexican flavors with quality ingredients and inspired twists. Their grilled Mexican street corn (elote) with chile and lime is a must, as is their short rib quesadilla with huitlacoche. Domingo’s cocktails, like the candied Paloma, are an ideal pairing to round out a flavorful meal.
Reese Bros BBQ
A rising star in San Antonio BBQ, Reese Bros has moved from pop-ups to a permanent spot. Their oak-smoked brisket, sausages, and queso fundido make it a top choice for BBQ fans. Try their poblano mac and cheese or okra sides for an added Southern twist.
Pizza & Wings
A great spot for casual dining, Pizza & Wings in Stone Oak serves up crispy pizzas and saucy chicken wings that are crowd-pleasers. Whether you go for a classic pepperoni pizza or try one of their creative topping combinations, this is the perfect neighborhood spot for families and friends.
Sichuan House
Craving something spicy? Sichuan House on Fredericksburg Road serves up authentic Sichuan flavors in a vibrant pink building that’s hard to miss. Their Sichuan dumplings, Dan Dan noodles, and spicy fish soup are packed with the bold flavors Sichuan cuisine is famous for.
El San Taco
El San Taco delivers an impressive variety of tacos, from brisket tacos to Jalisco-style street tacos served on fresh corn tortillas. Late-night taco cravings? Their now-iconic puffy taco and fish tacos are a San Antonio experience you don’t want to miss.
Jerk Shack
Serving up vibrant Caribbean flavors near SeaWorld, the Jerk Shack is a must for those craving jerk chicken, curry shrimp, and sides like caramelized plantains. Owned by Jamaica native Nicola Blaque, the Jerk Shack delivers Caribbean street food-inspired dishes that transport you straight to the islands.
Jalisco-Inspired Restaurants
Craving authentic Mexican flavors? Look out for places like San Taco on Blanco Rd and Garcia’s Mexican Food, where you’ll find Jalisco-style street tacos, cheese tacos, and brisket tacos served on warm corn tortillas. It’s the perfect way to experience Mexican street food without leaving Texas.
Boiler House
Set in the former boiler room of the Pearl Brewery, Boiler House offers South Texas flavors with modern American twists. Try the Moscato-braised pork shank with jalapeño grits, and don’t miss the craft cocktails. With a unique loft and catwalk architecture, it’s a dining experience as special as the flavors.
FAQ
The River Walk, Pearl District, Southtown, and King William Historic District are top neighborhoods for great food, offering a variety of dining experiences from casual eats to fine dining.
San Antonio is famous for its Tex-Mex cuisine, but you’ll also find excellent barbecue, authentic Mexican dishes, and innovative farm-to-table options
Yes, San Antonio has plenty of affordable dining options, including food trucks, local diners, and hidden gems that offer delicious meals without breaking the bank.
Restaurants like Boudro’s, Iron Cactus, and Ocho offer great dining experiences with beautiful views of the River Walk.