New restaurants are always popping up in San Antonio, and it can be difficult to find the best ones. Twice a year, we put together a list that cuts through the fluff to help you discover the cream of the culinary scene. We look at food first, but also consider things like service, decor, and the overall ambiance. These restaurants have all been open for about six months to a year and are already making an impact on the San Antonio dining scene.
Taco Capital
Right in the heart of San Antonio, near the Riverwalk, Taco Capital has become one of the hidden food spots locals love. Perfect for a San Antonio weekend getaway, this place serves a variety of dishes from burgers to chicken and waffles, and even Asian-inspired plates. If you’re planning a casual date night, the solid whiskey selection and cozy vibes make it a go-to choice.
Blü Prime Steakhouse
Blü Prime Steakhouse is where the ambiance stands out. This stylish spot is ideal for special occasions like best date night restaurants, birthdays, or anniversaries. Their 44-ounce Tomahawk steak and jumbo prawns are must-try cuisines in San Antonio. Located in Northside, it’s perfect for foodies looking to explore the San Antonio dining scene in style.
Allora
Allora captures the Amalfi Coast vibe right here in the Pearl District. With dishes like grilled octopus and fettuccine di mare diavolo, it’s among the best new restaurants in San Antonio. Chef Robbie Nowlin has created an experience that’s upscale yet welcoming, making it a highlight in any San Antonio foodie guide.
Carriqui
Carriqui blends comfort food with local food gems San Antonio flair. Nestled in a historic building in the Pearl District, it’s a hit for gatherings with friends or family. Their cabrito al pastor is a standout dish, embodying the spirit of San Antonio’s rich food culture.
Nineteen Hyaku
Known for its up-and-coming restaurants in San Antonio vibe, Nineteen Hyaku on Broadway serves up some of the best sushi and wagyu steaks in town. Whether you’re going for the omakase or à la carte, the quality here is unmatched. It’s a trendy spot for those seeking the best of the San Antonio dining scene.
Roca & Martillo
This Tuscan-inspired eatery is a proud addition to San Antonio food spots 2024. Chef Jason Dady combines South Texas flavors with Tuscan cuisine, offering hearty dishes like sweet tea-brined pork tenderloin and house-made pastas. A perfect spot for a special dinner after exploring the trendy places to eat around Spurs Way.
Pullman Market
For foodies who love a mix of grocery shopping and dining, Pullman Market is a hidden food spot. From ceviche to wagyu burgers, it’s a versatile spot in the Pearl District offering both cheap eats San Antonio and high-quality ingredients for cooking at home.
SA Yacht Club
This spot is a mix of quirky, casual dining and local flair. With tacos, Filipino dishes, and coffee shops all around, it’s one of the San Antonio food spots 2024 for a laid-back day. The vibe here makes it a memorable addition to any San Antonio weekend getaway itinerary.
Hook Land & Sea at the Creamery District
Hook Land & Sea shines as one of the trendy places to eat in San Antonio. Close to the Make Ready Market, it offers a great mix of seafood, drinks, and live music. The outdoor patio is perfect for brunch, making it a must-try cuisine in San Antonio.
Leche de Tigre
This Southtown gem specializes in Peruvian flavors. It’s among the local food gems San Antonio for those who love fresh, citrusy dishes like ceviche and Lomo Saltado. Their Pisco Sours and relaxed patio atmosphere make it a perfect casual dining spot.
Idle Beer Hall and Brewery
Idle Beer Hall offers one of the largest spaces for craft beer lovers in San Antonio. This spot is dog-friendly and ideal for group hangouts or happy hours. It’s also a great addition to a San Antonio foodie guide for its unique setup and laid-back vibe.
Tacos Al Carbon Cabron
Known for its charcoal-grilled tacos, this spot has taken the local food scene by storm. Perfect for a cheap eats San Antonio adventure, their vampiritos and carne asada tacos keep foodies coming back.
Go Fish Market
Go Fish Market in the Pearl District combines retail and dining, offering must-try cuisines in San Antonio like fresh seafood dishes and a wide wine selection. Perfect for a relaxed yet high-quality meal.
Mare e Monte
Mare e Monte has been serving up authentic Italian since 1999 and remains a staple in the San Antonio foodie guide. Their lamb chop plate and house-made pastas make it a go-to spot for locals seeking authentic flavors.
Paladar Fusion Mexico Cuba
Paladar blends the best of Mexican and Cuban cuisines, earning its spot among up-and-coming restaurants in San Antonio. From enchiladas to Cuban ceviche, the menu is full of bold, delicious options that reflect the diversity of the San Antonio dining scene.
FAQ
San Antonio’s culinary scene has welcomed some standout new restaurants:
Nineteen Hyaku: A high-end sushi and omakase experience on Broadway with premium dishes like A5 wagyu steak.
Leche de Tigre: A Peruvian cebicheria in Southtown serving fresh ceviche, Lomo Saltado, and Pisco-based cocktails.
Allora: Located in the Pearl District, this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offers standout dishes like grilled octopus and handmade pasta.
Roca & Martillo: A Tuscan-South Texas fusion restaurant featuring marinated steaks and fresh house-made pastas.
Pearl District: A hotspot for trendy dining, with places like Go Fish Market and Allora.
Southtown: Known for its artistic vibe, this area has welcomed unique spots like Leche de Tigre and other up-and-coming restaurants.
Downtown: Restaurants near the Riverwalk, such as Taco Capital, offer diverse cuisines in a central location.
Stone Oak: Growing with new options like Blü Prime Steakhouse, perfect for fine dining lovers.
Yes, several restaurants emphasize fresh, locally sourced ingredients:
Pullman Market: Located in the Pearl District, this grocery-restaurant hybrid offers farm-to-table meals with fresh produce and specialty ingredients.
Carriqui: While known for its Tex-Mex roots, it incorporates locally sourced meats and ingredients into its signature dishes like cabrito al pastor.
Go Fish Market: Offers a seafood-forward menu with high-quality, sustainable options that appeal to farm-to-table enthusiasts.
Hook Land & Sea: Located in the Creamery District, this spot features a bright patio perfect for relaxing with fresh seafood and drinks.
Idle Beer Hall and Brewery: A massive indoor-outdoor space with games, local brews, and comfortable seating.
Leche de Tigre: Southtown’s patio dining provides a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy Peruvian dishes and cocktails.
SA Yacht Club: Offers casual outdoor vibes with a mix of tacos, coffee, and street food in a unique shipping-container setup.