15 Best Restaurants San Antonio Riverwalk with Stunning Views

The River Walk in San Antonio is filled with tourist traps and a lot of chain restaurants that are expensive and serve pretty average Tex-Mex. But don’t worry, you can still find some great food that actually tastes good. Skip the places with the colorful umbrellas because they’re mostly overpriced. We’re Kelsey and Sara, two local foodies who’ve spent thousands of dollars trying out restaurants in the area. We’ve written travel books and love sharing our favorite spots with our blog readers. Let us show you the best local places to eat on the riverwalk.

Boudro’s Texas Bistro

If you’re on the San Antonio River Walk and want a great meal, check out Boudro’s. They’ve got some of the best food in town, from fresh gulf seafood to juicy steaks and tender pork tenderloin. Their table-side guacamole is a must-try, and if you’re hungry, go for the coconut shrimp or wood-grilled fish fillets. You’ll love their drinks too, especially the prickly pear margaritas. For dessert, the brownie sundae with toffee crunch ice cream is a favorite. Forget the obnoxious chains and boozy-restaurants—Boudro’s is where you want to dine for a nice lunch or dinner by the water.

Esquire Tavern

Esquire Tavern is a cool, laid-back spot on the San Antonio Riverwalk. It’s famous for having the longest wooden bar in Texas. They serve some really good drinks, like the Japanese Old-Fashioned with a hint of yuzu citrus, and a strong one called Stage Dives and Fist Fights that mixes tequila and rum. Their food is solid, with a Southern-style menu featuring BBQ pulled pork and a tasty Wagyu beef burger. The place is kind of dark and feels old-school, with stories of illegal gambling, gun fights, and even ghosts in the basement. It’s been around for nearly 90 years!

Biga On The Banks

Biga On The Banks is a well-known spot on the San Antonio Riverwalk. It’s perfect for a special occasion with its great upscale steaks and tasty dishes. The place is run by Chef Bruce Auden, who’s been up for a James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest. The sweeping views of the river make it even better, and there’s an extensive wine selection for those who enjoy a good drink with their meal.

Ácenar

Ácenar is a Mexican restaurant right on the Riverwalk, with awesome river views. They’ve got all the Tex-Mex favorites, plus some more elevated Mexican dishes like enchiladas y mole and tasty seafood tacos. If you grab a seat on the second story balcony, you can watch all the pedestrians walking by. It might feel a little overpriced to some, but the friendly service, huge menu, and their great margarita selection with premium tequilas make it a spot worth trying at least once.

Iron Cactus

If you’re walking along the Riverwalk in historic San Antonio, you’ve got to check out Iron Cactus. It’s a fantastic spot with a Mexican influence and South Texas cuisine, perfect for outdoor dining on their fun patio. Sip on a balanced margarita from their huge selection of 100 premium tequilas while you enjoy some people-watching. Their food menu has great Mexican dishes like sizzling fajitas and tasty pork tamale pops, plus crab-stuffed jalapeños. You’ll love their classic Mexican beans and rice. Whether you’re grabbing a bite or just hanging out by the Aztec Theater, Iron Cactus is a great choice.

Ocho

Ocho at Hotel Havana is a great place for Pan-Latin food with a mix of authentic Mexican and Central American flavors. The restaurant has a cool glass conservatory with sliding glass walls and a glass ceiling, so you get a nice view of the San Antonio River. You can come for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch. Chef Jesse Kuykendall, known from Chopped on the Food Network, makes amazing dishes like beer-marinated ribeye, chimichurri, Chile Relleno, and Cuban black beans. Don’t forget to try the hibiscus apple churros for dessert—they’re the perfect end to an award-winning meal.

Schilo’s Deli

Schilo’s is the oldest restaurant in San Antonio, around since 1917. It’s a historic deli in downtown near the riverwalk. If you want a quick lunch, they’ve got tasty German-Texan food like schnitzels, burgers, and sandwiches. Their homemade root beer in chilled mugs is really popular. For breakfast, the pioneer biscuits and potato pancakes are a hit. It’s a good spot for a casual lunch, and the air conditioning helps on a hot day.

Boiler House

If you’re looking for a great spot for lunch or dinner, Boiler House at the Pearl Brewery is a solid choice. The place has kept its cool industrial vibe with old boilers in the decor and a nice mix of history and style. It’s got a full bar and a dining area on two levels, plus private rooms for parties and events. The food is filling and creative, like their whiskey bacon caramel corn and Moscato-braised pork shank, blending American dishes with a South Texas twist. The bartenders whip up awesome craft cocktails, like their take on an Old-Fashioned, or go for the Judgment Day with whiskey, amaretto, honey syrup, and a splash of red wine.

Supper American Eatery

At Hotel Emma, Supper mixes that good old Southern hospitality with a cozy, laid-back vibe. Their food is like a warm hug, with dishes like chicken dumpling soup or sautéed gulf shrimp. Breakfast fans will love the schnecken—a sticky bun with pecans and cinnamon—or the scrambled eggs with a tasty roasted poblano cream. Whether you’re there for breakfast or dinner, they’ve got you covered. And if you like drinks, they’ve got a solid drink menu with plenty of wine, beer, and some great craft cocktails to try.

Domingo Restaurante

If you’re on the Riverwalk in San Antonio and craving good Mexican food, check out Domingo Restaurante. They’ve got an awesome menu, and the chefs know what they’re doing with top-notch ingredients. You’ll find tasty things like elote (that’s grilled corn with chile, lime, and mayo) and a really good short rib quesadilla with huitlacoche (a cool corn filling the Aztecs used to eat). Their drink menu is packed too, with drinks like a sweet candied Paloma and their signature margarita. It’s a great spot to experience the flavors of San Antonio.

Little Rhein Prost Haus

Little Rhein Prost Haus is a cozy spot right on the Riverwalk. It’s in this cool, old two-story stone building from the 1800s, built by a German immigrant named Otto Bombach. The place mixes a bit of Texas history with old country vibes, thanks to the German immigrants who made their mark in Bexar County. You can sit in the biergarten and enjoy a cold one, whether it’s a domestic beer or one of their imported beers, all served in classic German beer glasses or steins. The food’s great too—think Bavarian pretzels, kraut balls, and a huge Texas-size plate of nachos. It’s the perfect place to say Prost (cheers) and enjoy the view.

Nonna Osteria

When you eat at Nonna Osteria, it feels like being in your Italian grandma’s kitchen. The vibe is super warm and friendly, like a big family dinner. The head chef, Luca Della Casa, is from Italy and keeps the menu simple, but everything tastes amazing. You’ll find arancini with fontina cheese and chianti butter, plus fresh burrata, roasted veggies, and a drizzle of balsamic. For mains, there’s delicious branzino with clams and broccolini in fennel butter, or you can try the gnocchi with Italian sausage in a creamy saffron sauce. Pair it all with a great Italian wine or some French Champagne for a true taste of la dolce vita.

Tre Trattoria

Looking for a break from the crowds? Tre Trattoria is a peaceful spot by the San Antonio River, next to the San Antonio Museum of Art. It’s run by chef Jason Dady, and it’s got a big patio with a nice view of the water.

They’ve got Italian dishes like fresh home pasta and cast iron pizza. The goat cheese pizza with pistachios is really popular. If you’re in the mood for something rich, try the pan-seared gnocchi with creamy gorgonzola sauce. And for dessert, the Nutella X3 is a must-try—it’s got layers of dark chocolate torte, Nutella ganache, and Nutella mousse. It’s a great spot for a date night!

Shiro Japanese Bistro

If you’re looking for the best restaurant on the San Antonio Riverwalk for sushi and sashimi, Shiro is the spot. It’s calm and away from the busy areas, with a nice patio that overlooks the Riverwalk. They serve all your favorite Japanese dishes, and there’s even dedicated parking so you don’t have to worry about finding a spot. It’s near the northern Museum Reach, which makes it a perfect place for a peaceful meal at a cozy Japanese bistro.

Yard House

If you love beer, Yard House should be your first stop. It’s just a bit north of the Riverwalk, right behind the Alamo. They have the world’s largest selection of craft brews, with options like local brews and big names like Dogfish Head and Lagunitas. You can also try their house beers. While you’re sipping on a cold one, grab some snacks like their bowl of queso loaded with Pepper Jack, cheddar, queso blanco, and roasted peppers. It comes with chips and warm tortillas—a real Texas favorite. Even though Yard House isn’t exactly unique (it’s in lots of places around the U.S.), it’s still worth checking out for the best market offers.