2M SMOKEHOUSE
Photo courtesy of 2M Smokehouse
A Texas Monthly top 50 barbecue joint and James Beard semi-finalist, the 2M Smokehouse postmaster got his start at La Barbecue in Austin before moving to San Antonio to show off his unique creations like Oaxaca Cheese & Serrano pork sausage or Chicaronne Mac & Cheese. The smoked turkey and red cabbage slaw are two other fan favorites at this spot, that we recommend getting in line for early!
Lower Southeast Side | Directions
BATTALION
Photo courtesy of Battalion
A modern Italian restaurant set in a historic, renovated fire station, Battalion is the go-to for Italian in San Antonio, especially if it's chicken parm you crave. From the pole to the big door windows to the stairs, everything has been really well preserved, and you'll find homages to its predecessor throughout from the flame chandelier to the red lighting. The food seals the deal, the spinach dumplings and octopus are other favorites, and it's all served family style.
Southtown | Directions
BEST QUALITY DAUGHTER
Photo courtesy of Best Quality Daughter
Set in a quaint downtown house, Best Quality Daughter is truly a unique San Antonio spot. The menu features Asian fusion with a twist, start with the bougie egg rolls followed by the dan dan noodles, cashew chicken, and their boozy boba. The all-pink aesthetic makes for the perfect background, from the funky wallpaper to the eclectic bar, in its restored 1900s home location!
Pearl | Directions
BIGA ON THE BANKS
Photo courtesy of Biga
If you want a quintessential Riverwalk restaurant, look no further than Biga on the Banks. It's a locally owned establishment, where chef & owner Bruce Auden has been championing San Antonio fare since his arrival to the city in 1985. Seven James Beard nominations later, and Auden still loves to focus on his Biga restaurant to bring guests an amazing culinary experience, while also training chefs to eventually open their own places - Bliss is one such outcome of Auden's teaching. Get adventurous with dishes like antelope or quail, but then round it out with some sticky toffee pudding!
Riverwalk | Directions
BLISS
Photo courtesy of Bliss
Opened by Mark Bliss, thought of as one of the top Southwestern chefs and people who put San Antonio cuisine on the map, this upscale and contemporary spot in Southtown serves American cuisine with a seasonal menu. Start with a charcuterie board, and then move on to fresh seafood items like sashimi and sea scallops before finishing with short ribs or beef tenderloin. For an extra special dining experience, sit at the Chef's table or out on the patio!
Southtown | Directions
CLEMENTINE
Photo courtesy of Clementine
One of the best places to eat in San Antonio if you're a foodie, Clementine is a neighborhood restaurant focused on globally-inspired recipes and seasonal ingredients. We recommend the "Feed Me" multi-course tasting menu selected by Chef Russ, the food is consistently outstanding and lives up to the hype and plethora of national awards, including a James Beard Best Restaurant nomination.
Castle Hills | Directions
CURED
Photo courtesy of The Pearl
Set in a gorgeous historic building, Cured has a beautiful rustic chic atmosphere with a signature glass-walled charcuterie case to set the tone of what's to come! This James Beard Finalist has perfected hand-crafted cured foods from chicken, beef, and sausage that pair with fish and pasta dishes if you're still hungry! PS don't look past the poutine, it's a low-key favorite!
Pearl | Directions
CURRY BOYS BBQ
Photo courtesy of Curry Boys BBQ
Southeast Asian Curry meets classic Texas BBQ via a rice bowl, whether it's an oak-smoked brisket with green curry or peppery smoked chicken thigh with yellow curry. The cold chili garlic noodles and creamed corn are great sides to add to the meal, and if you love a hotdog, the curry queso is a signature. This fast-casual Tobin Hill spot will not disappoint and you may even spot them on Hulu's BBQuest!
Tobin Hill | Directions
DOMINGO
Photo courtesy of Domingo
Great Southwestern fare and riverwalk views? Sign us up! Domingo is a truly beautiful restaurant, where patio seating is a must, and both brunch or sunset bites are the way to go. If it's brunch you're going for, make sure to try the churro waffles or if it's later in the day, the short rib quesadillas or poblano burger are great! Regardless of the time of day, the passionfruit margarita is a must!
Riverwalk | Directions
DOUGH PIZZERIA
Photo courtesy of Dough Pizzeria
If it's pizza you're craving, Dough Pizzeria is a San Antonio institution, known for its insanely good and authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. Starting with the burrata sampler is a must, the truffle will blow your mind, and the pulled prosciutto and sausage pizza is our rec but you can't go wrong with any of the pizzas. If you love Nutella, finish with the Nutella Torta!
Riverwalk & Castle Hills | Directions
LA FONDA ON MAIN
Photo courtesy of La Fonda on Main
As San Antonio's oldest Mexican restaurant, La Fonda on Main has been serving up some of the best Tex-Mex in town since 1932. You can never go wrong with a plate of their homemade tacos or enchiladas, and paired with a margarita out on the colorful shaded patio, the atmosphere is perfection.
Monte Vista | Directions
MI TIERRA
Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Report
Another historic and storied Mexican restaurant in San Antonio, Mi Tierra has been standing since 1941. It focuses on Tejano cuisine, complete with all the beef, cheese, and seasoning. You can visit for a sit-down meal of a huge plate of Tex-Mex, or you can still go to see the landmark while grabbing a sweet treat at its bakery - the conchas are heavenly. The atmosphere makes this family-owned institution though, with Christmas decor year-round, stunning murals, and mariachi bands walking around entertaining guests.
Historic Market Square | Directions
MIXTLI
Photo courtesy of Mixtli
A progressive and gastronomic restaurant that explores and fuses together ancient and modern Mexican cuisine, Mixtli has been recognized as a James Beard Semifinalist and has landed on the Food & Wine Best New Chef list two years in a row. Its exceptional food also makes it one of the hardest reservations to get, where the singular regionally-inspired tasting menu rotates four times a year and reservations are made by prepaid ticket online in advance only.
Southtown | Directions
MON CHOU CHOU
Photo courtesy of Mon Chou Chou
Another Pearl District gem brings San Antonio an authentic taste of French comfort food. From escargot to the raclette sandwich to boeuf bourguignon, French onion soup, mussels and more classic brasserie favorites, you'll feel like you're dining on the streets of Paris, which was the goal of owners Laurent, Jerome and Philippe, all from France themselves!
Pearl | Directions
SARI-SARI
Photo courtesy of Sari-Sari
A Filipino institution, Sari-Sari was established in 1995 to provide Filipino products to the Filipino community in San Antonio, and from there it grew! It's now a restaurant, market, and bakery, with an offshoot called Sari-Sari Supper Club opened by the owners' children. The lumpia is a must, along with the sisig, lechon kawaii, and pinkabet to name a few more exceptional traditional Filipino dishes to order at Sari-Sari. And then make sure to end with the halo-halo dessert!
Leon Valley | Directions
SOUTHERLEIGH
Located in the historic Pearl brewhouse within the larger Hotel Emma complex, Southerleigh is one part restaurant, and another part brewery. Serving Texas cuisine like their famous Pressure Fried Chicken or cheesy jalapeño grits, plus 15 beers on tap to pair. It's a favorite for tourists and locals alike, and created "for foodies, by foodies."
Pearl | Directions
Photo courtesy of Southerleigh
