The 12 best restaurants in San Antonio to check out right now (2024)

The 12 best restaurants in San Antonio to check out right now (1)

Photograph: Courtesy Mon Chou Chou

Loosen those belts: these are the best restaurants in San Antonio

Written by Anni Irish

Contributors: Matt Charnock & James Wong

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If you're hungry then get ready to eat well in San Antonio. Boasting some of the most diverse foods and cultures in Texas, the Alamo City rarely disappoints especially when it comes to food. While Houston and Dallas definitely have a fantastic food culture, San Antonio brings something different to the table. From reliable neighborhood haunts that are tried and true to new popular bistros and pop-ups, there is a little something here for everyone. A new wave of development over the last few years has meant a revitalization of certain areas of Pearl, which has become a culinary hub, among many others in the city.

Whether you're after authentic Texas barbecue, mouthwatering Tex Mex, Naples-style pizza, juicy Chinese char siu, or elevated Asian fusion, you will find it all at the best restaurants in San Antonio. After you eat your way through different neighborhoods, you'll want to check out all the exciting things to do in San Antonio while also hitting up its vibrant nightlife. Now that your taste buds are watering, here are the best places to eat in San Antonio right now.

Recommended: The best bars in San Antonio

This guide was updated by San Antonio expert Anni Irish.At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

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Best restaurants in San Antonio

1.Il Forno

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No one pizza is created the same, and while Neopotlaian style is the reigning queen in this down, ask any local what their favorite is, and you will get a different answer. But Il Forno tops many lists. From the hand-built brick oven, house-cured meats, and a rotating number of pickled items for their antipasti plates, this place makes a truly great pie. The pizzas are all one size fits all and are 12”, and the menu is diverse, offering a variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Be sure to try the cleverly named "things found underground" with its fontana cheese and preserved lemon, among other unique ingredients, it's a menu standout. And with a great wine list and happy hour, Il Forno’s pizza is hard to beat!

2.Cured

Behind grand illuminated doors of a renovated historical building, Cured serves homemade, sustainable charcuterie, cured meats, and locally sourced produce and seafood from Gulf suppliers. Meats are cured for up to a year and offered with suggested beer, wine or cocktail pairings that enhance the flavors. Multiple James Beard Award finalist chef Steve McHugh’s mains reflect seasonality at its very best. Don't miss the Heritage Hog Poutine with Wisconsin cheddar curds and pickled cauliflower if it's your first time

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3.Mon Chou Chou

The 12 best restaurants in San Antonio to check out right now (5)
The 12 best restaurants in San Antonio to check out right now (6)

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou is a serious straight-of-Paris situation. If it weren’t for the twang and extreme patio heat, you’d forget you were in Texas altogether. First, there’s the very French interiors—mosaic tiled floors, brass lights and petit seating, and then there’s the food. The Escargots, Chariot de Fromages and Demi-Poulet Roti are magnifique (translation: y’all will love the snails, cheese and roast chicken). Save both stomach and camera space for the gorgeous creme brulee and profiterole presentation at the end.

4.Best Quality Daughter

The 12 best restaurants in San Antonio to check out right now (7)
The 12 best restaurants in San Antonio to check out right now (8)

Not even a pandemic could stop this 2020 opening from being a runaway success. The pink bungalow is the town’s talk of Asian-American cuisine. Most of the mains are served family-style, such as the Hakka Stuffed Tofu and the ginormous Char Siu Roast Pork Shoulder that comes with heavenly little baos. Still, you’re welcome to go individually and have your own plate of Miso Ginger Noodles and Impossible Potstickers if you wish. A separate bar with Thai tea cocktails and a decent happy hour is worth coming in early for.

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Located in a restored firehouse (complete with a pole) in the center of Southtown, Battalion brings Italian fine dining to San Antonio. The grilled mackerel and red meat dishes are scrumptious, but the handmade pasta dishes—like fettuccine, lasagna and spaghetti—are the real standouts. House favorites likesavory bucatini ai frutti di mare (with clams and octopus) and classic eggplant parmesan are served in smaller, tapas-style portions, so order two or three to ensure you leave full.

6.The Jerk Shack

Opened in 2018, The Jerk Shack has risen up the culinary ranks recently, serving up the best Caribbean food in San Antonio and beyond. Nicola Blaque, owner and chef of the restaurant, was nominated for a James Beard award in 2023, and it's easy to see why in the food she is making. With its pretty extensive menu and daily specials, it's sure to please the crowd. Menu items include tacos on Monday with a choice of jerk or chicken or pork, jerk chicken wings with mac and cheese is available Friday through Sunday, and a delectable oxtail you can grab on Fridays through the weekend with sides like cabbage and carrots and rice and peas. Jerk Shack has that if you're after more traditional Caribbean fare, too. From flakey beef patties to complex, well-spiced curries, Jerk Shack has onetasty option after another.

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7.Bohanan's Prime Steaks and Seafood

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For native Texans, having a great streak can be a truly transformative experience. One place that has been serving up amazing cuts of meat for over 20 years is the famed steak house Bohanan's Prime Steaks and Seafood, located in downtown San Antonio. Combining the larger elegance of a steakhouse experience with a twist, Bonhanan’s is a local institution. While this can be a pricey experience, having their juicy filets from a mesquite grill is worth it, or you can split the well-portioned double-center cut pork chop with a date. Don't forget the seafood items here, which include some unique dishes such as a mesquite grilled red snapper that's topped with a decadent cream-based sauce featuring crab meat, scallops, and chanterelle mushrooms.

8.Niki's Tokyo Inn

Opened in 1970, Niki's has become a stalwart when it comes to Japanese food within San Antonio's Edison neighborhood. Family owned and operated for 50 years, Niki's offers a killer sushi menu, such as maki and sashimi, among other popular items. Other dishes like Japanese-style barbecue beef are served with a side of kimchi, or even Agesakana, a perfectly fried whole fish topped with ponzu sauce. The tatami-style floor seatingis a real treat for those who haven't experienced it before.

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9.2M Smokehouse

The 12 best restaurants in San Antonio to check out right now (9)
The 12 best restaurants in San Antonio to check out right now (10)

2M Smokehouse shows up on "best barbecue" lists time and time again, so it's no surprise that the line snakes around the East Side restaurant on the regs. The odd hours don't help; 2M is only open Thursday through Sunday, from 11am to 4pm (or earlier, if they sell out). Pitmaster Esaul Ramos gives a Tex-Mex spin to the more traditional brisket-centered barbecue common in south Texas. Expect dishes like chorizo and jalapeño cornbread in addition to long-standing favorites like baby back ribs, potato salads, and sausage. In a hurry? 2M Smokehouse's turkey sandwiches and tacos are perfect for on-the-go.

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When Vatel Bistro closed its doors in 2017, San Antonio's collective mourning for French food didn't have to last long. Spearheaded by former Vatel Bistro chef Damien Watel, Bistr09 dishes out modern French fare like steak frites and duck confit as well as new creations like elk burgers during the evening as well as a fantastic Sunday brunch that features one of the city's best Eggs Benedict.

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11.Pancake Joe's

This is one of San Antonio’s go-to spots for breakfast and—you guessed it—pancakes. With over 20 different varieties, it can be a little overwhelming, but there’s no way to go wrong. And with short stacks for only $7.99 and a tall for $1 more, it's one of the best deals in town. If pancakes aren't your thing, try something else from the list of greasy-spoon classics—think omelets, sandwiches, and more.

12.Mixtli

The 12 best restaurants in San Antonio to check out right now (11)
The 12 best restaurants in San Antonio to check out right now (12)

There’s no shortage of authentic Mexican restaurants in SA, but Mixtli is a cut above the rest, offering seasonal menu items made with the freshest ingredients.For a special occasion opt for the family-style tasting menu, which takes place at the 12-seat chef's table. The multi-course experience takes you on a culinary tour of Mexico.

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    The 12 best restaurants in San Antonio to check out right now (2024)

    FAQs

    What food is San Antonio best known for? ›

    10 Best Local Dishes from San Antonio
    • Sweet Potato Fries. ...
    • Chilaquiles Verdes. ...
    • Pozole. ...
    • Chicken Fried Steak. Dine on a Southern favorite. ...
    • Pan Dulce. Indulge with a Latin American dessert. ...
    • Esquites. Enjoy Mexican street food. ...
    • Charcuterie Plate. Sample different Texas meats. ...
    • Guacamole Olmeca. Try an authentic Mexican side.

    What is the first restaurant on the San Antonio Riverwalk? ›

    Opened in 1946, Casa Rio is the oldest restaurant on the River Walk and was modeled after the very first true Tex-Mex restaurant in the entire country.

    What is the name of the revolving restaurant in San Antonio? ›

    Enjoy the gorgeous panorama from the Tower's revolving Chart House Restaurant, take in the scenery from the Observation Deck or experience the thrilling 4D Theater Ride.

    What is the most famous thing in San Antonio? ›

    If there's one thing San Antonio is known for, it's the Alamo. Once a Franciscan mission, it was here that 189 Texans fought and lost their lives in 1836 during a 13-day siege by Mexican ruler, President Antonio López de Santa Anna.

    What is the famous walk in San Antonio called? ›

    The San Antonio River Walk, also known as the Paseo del Rio, is a network of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River in downtown San Antonio, Texas. It is a popular tourist destination that draws millions of visitors every year.

    What movie was filmed at the River Walk San Antonio? ›

    The San Antonio Riverwalk was used in The Getaway, when "Doc" McCoy (Steve McQueen) meets Jack Beynon (Ben Johnson) at the Riverwalk for a chat with the corrupt businessman. In Selena, Chris and Selena celebrate their marriage during a romantic walk along popular tourist attraction.

    How much does the San Antonio Riverwalk cost? ›

    View our most frequently asked questions about all things San Antonio River Walk below! How much does a visit to the River Walk cost? The River Walk is a public park and is free to visit.

    What is the oldest tavern on the River Walk? ›

    Oldest Bar OnThe River Walk

    The Esquire Tavern opened in 1933 to celebrate the end of Prohibition and has been a beloved San Antonio watering hole ever since, with a short hiatus from 2006 to 2011. The Esquire is dark, cool, redolent with history, and serves cold, cold beer, swanky cocktails, and excellent food.

    What food was invented in San Antonio? ›

    The Beginning of Tex-Mex in San Antonio

    And with people coming along on the train, the Tex-Mex chili spread across the United States, helping in the popularization of this cooking style.

    What is the oldest restaurant that is still around? ›

    Stiftskeller St. Peter, Salzburg, Austria (803)

    The world's oldest restaurant can still be found housed within its original structure in St. Peter's Abbey in Salzburg.

    What is the oldest place in San Antonio? ›

    The Long Barrack is the oldest building on the Alamo historic site, dating back to 1724 to the site's origins as Mission San Antonio de Valero. Originally constructed as a two story convento, this building served as the quarters and offices of the Spanish missionaries.

    What is Drew Brees restaurant called? ›

    Drew Bree's Co-Owned Restaurant, “Walk-On's” becomes the Official Sports Bistreaux of the 2024 Flag Football World Championships.

    What is the name of the restaurant in sideways? ›

    Sideways features the wines of our area and in particular is actually set in our sister (well, actually brother--Frank Ostini) restaurant, the Hitching Post 2 in Buellton (near Solvang). Look for the Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Wines, and if you look carefully, some of the family members as well.

    What is Andreas Papadakis new restaurant? ›

    '” Opening contemporary sibling Osteria Ilaria next door in 2017 alleviated some of that. Then came Brunswick East pizzeria Figlia in 2022. It's a legacy that could make his cookbook a daunting prospect for the average home cook, but Papadakis has provided recipes for every skill and schedule.

    Is San Antonio known for Mexican food? ›

    Our long history of Mexican culture and influence makes San Antonio an excellent place to find authentic Tex-Mex, Mexican, and Mexican fusion cuisines. Plenty of options are available for you, whether you are looking for classic dishes like tacos or enchiladas or want a modern take on a traditional favorite.

    What is San Antonio also known for? ›

    San Antonio, also known by such titles as the Alamo City, the Mission City, the River City, and Military City, U.S.A. (which the city trademarked in 2017), has a 300-year history that stretches back to Spanish Texas with the establishment of a presidio, town, and five Franciscan missions along the San Antonio River.

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