Best Restaurants in San Antonio

If you're fond of the Alamo City and in your curiosity have heard about its delicious BBQ, chicken-fried steak, and Mexican cuisine—you’ve heard right. But there's so much more to San Antonio’s food than these edibles. First, the rich and diverse culture of the city has definitely flavored the cuisine, which you'll see in the family-owned taquerias and fancy diners specializing in Tex-Mex cuisine. Second, the city honors the old and the new; there's a place for both the time-honored eateries and the ever-increasing white tablecloth restaurants.

Since the city is bursting at the seams with culinary options, you'll need a guide if you're looking to refuel amidst your trip or just want to sit somewhere nice and enjoy a meal. Well, you're in luck because I'll be providing you with just that and more! Here is a rundown of all things culinary in San Antonio, from fine-dining establishments for dinner to casual eateries for quick lunches. I hope you'll enjoy!

The Best Breakfast Restaurants In San Antonio 

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Trailblazer Café

A good breakfast isn't just about nourishment, it is warm and cozy enough to replenish your spirits so you can jumpstart your day with good vibes. Trailblazer Café offers that kind of experience to not just locals but also the tourists who have come to visit this city. Located at 5010 Trails End, this eatery is bursting with Texan hospitality and delicious local food. Texas-sized French Toast is a must-try that will make you feel at home. Another classic is the Southwest Scramble made with locally sourced, freshly picked produce. 

Colonial Room Restaurant

Inside the famous Menger Hotel at 204 Alamo Plaza lies a classic dining establishment where food is flavored with the rich history of San Antonio. Start your day with local Texan specialties, or if you want to feel more at home, there are lots of American classics to choose from. Soak in the grand ambiance and indulge in Huevos Rancheros, Belgian Waffles, or Seasonal Fruit Platter with cottage cheese. You'll also have à la carte options to choose from, and warm beverages to complete your breakfast!

Tito’s Restaurant Y Cantina

From the moment you step inside Tito’s Restaurant Y Cantina, you'll be greeted by Mexican aromas so rich and authentic that you won't want to leave. Located in the heart of San Antonio, this cantina has everyone’s hearts. A masterstroke in the canvas of Tex-Mex cuisine, Tito’s offers delicious tortillas, sizzling breakfast tacos, authentic chorizo, wholesome migas, and so much more to tantalize your taste buds. Come and elevate your breakfast experience! 

La Boulangerie’s

La Boulangerie’s is renowned for offering an authentic French breakfast experience. Here, the heavenly flavors of Parisian classics blend with the aroma of Southern hospitality to offer a feast for your heart. Savor croissants so delicate that they melt on your tongue. Indulge in brioche so rich that its sweetness lingers throughout your day. From savory crepes to sweet pastries, this Parisian bakery has it all! 

Fun Places For Lunch In San Antonio

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Brasserie Mon Chou Chou

Nestled at 312 Pearl Pkwy, Brasserie Mon Chou Chou embodies the spirit of a vintage-inspired French restaurant. This laid-back establishment has a huge menu—but you can't go wrong ordering anything! Luxuriate in French classics such as steak tartare, Cous-Cous, and duck confit, and choose from a huge selection of wines and desserts to complete your meal! 

Chatman's Chicken

Chatman’s Chicken is a tiny, self-serve counter serving up massiveness in flavor, love, and hospitality. This locals' favorite Eastside gem is nestled at 1747 S WW White Rd. Savor the best lemon pepper fried chicken in town, served with sides just as delicious as the classic fried goodness you came for. Aside from chicken, the pork riblets and cornmeal fried fish are to die for! 

Best Quality Daughter

Best Quality Daughter stands out amongst the Chinese restaurants in San Antonio as a gem specializing in New Asian-American cuisine. Come and enjoy Asian fusion food rooted in Chef Jennifer Dobbertin’s heritage and travels. Treat yourself to the Lunch Specials from the classic Salt-N-Pepper Shrimp, and Cashew Chicken to the delightfully unique Crispy Soft Tofu In Impossible Mapo Sauce, and Orange Chicken-Fried Skirt Steak. Every meal comes with a choice of miso ginger slaw or veggie spring roll.

Carriqui

Carriqui isn't your typical place for casual dining in San Antonio, it pays homage to the South Texas style of cooking with fire. Everything here is flame-kissed by the hand-crafted fire pits or grills using native wood. For starters, there's quesadillas, ceviche, tuna tostadas, classic nachos, guacamole, and more! For the main course, indulge in Texas Brisket Pastrami On Rye, Enchiladas, Blackened Fish Tacos, Carriqui Burger, or Brisket Tacos. Complete your mouth-watering meal with soups, salads, and desserts! 

Fralo’s

For the best pizza in San Antonio, there are lots of establishments to choose from, such as Dough Pizzeria for authentic Neapolitan-style pies, and Barbaro for thin-crust pies with unique combos of classic toppings. But if you're looking to relish not just the excellent pizzas, but also the communal experience, Fralo’s is your place! Bask in the taste of delectable brick oven pizza with friends while feasting on the gorgeous views of the hill country. 

While you sway to the tunes of live music, enjoy local favorites such as Grant’s Pear 2.0 with caramelized pears, and arugula & prosciutto, and Nutty Chicken with garlic chicken and pine nuts. There's indoor seating as well, but outdoors offer the best experience. 

Krazy Katsu

Krazy Katsu is not just a good place for lunch, it's a sanctuary for Japanese-style fried chicken. Tucked away in The Yard Shopping Center at 5257 McCullough Ave, this eatery serves up the best Asian-inspired chicken sandwich in the city. Indulge in mains as uniquely delicious as their names from the Last Samurai Sandwich and the Return of the Mac to the K-Pop Sandwich and DNA – Do Not Attempt! There's good news for those in the San Antonio northwest side, a second branch of Krazy Katsu opened up in the Medical Center.

The Best Restaurants In San Antonio For Dinner

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Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia

Tucked away in the Historic Market Square at 218 Produce Row, Mi Tierra is one of the best Mexican restaurants in San Antonio serving up authentic Tex-Mex fare. A local staple, this establishment’s ambiance is both relaxed and festive. Some must-try dishes are Bean and Cheese Nachos, Green Chicken Enchiladas, Charbroiled Chicken Breast, and the Deluxe Mexican Dinner with Ribeye Steak Ranchero, Crispy Beef Taco, Spanish Rice and Refried Beans. 

Paesanos

Paesanos is a fine dining jewel situated on the River Walk turning your ordinary evening into a sophisticated affair with Italian cuisine. Relish the house specialties such as Shrimp Paesano, Crab Stuffed Salmon, Frutti di Mare, Snapper Paesano, and more. Best for special occasions like date nights, birthdays, and anniversaries, this restaurant offers the perfect culmination of your day! 

Dorrego’s

For the best Argentinian-inspired food with a view of the river, check out Dorrego’s on the San Antonio Riverwalk. Indulge in the hearty empanadas, the delicious choripán, and some of the best steaks in town! For people on special diets, gluten-free and vegan options are available. Although the food is absolutely delicious, the best thing about this establishment is not the fare, but the quiet intimacy. Here you'll be able to savor the gorgeous riverscape away from the hustle and bustle of crowds.

NONNA Osteria

Although there's an impressive array of Italian restaurants in San Antonio to choose from, Nonna Osteria stands out as a cornerstone of northern Italian cuisine in the city. Situated on the ground floor level of the Fairmont Hotel, Nonna entices tourists and locals alike with its delicious cuisine, classy ambiance, and high-end service. Delight in the hand-crafted Italian pizzas, pastas, antipasti, and more!

Cured

Nestled in the Pearl Brewery is a charcuterie-focused rustic establishment that has captured the heart of every meat-lover in the city. Cured is the ultimate place in San Antonio for a gorgeous, decadent meal. This restaurant is Steve McHugh’s (James Beard Award finalist chef-owner) testament to his love for cured meats and New American cuisine. The menu is a delightful array of classics from the salami and smoked habanero oysters, to pâté and cheese plates. Come and have the best New American family meal! 

FAQs

Is San Antonio a foodie town?

San Antonio is a foodie haven! Picture this: streets lined with taco trucks, the aroma of sizzling fajitas wafting through the air, and colorful markets bursting with fresh ingredients. Serving up mouthwatering Tex-Mex to authentic Mexican flavors, San Antonio stands as a culinary beacon in Texas breathing life into multicultural cuisine. 

What is the oldest known restaurant in San Antonio?

Schilo's, now a century old, holds the title of being the longest-running dining establishment in San Antonio.

What local dishes is San Antonio known for?

San Antonio has a culinary scene as vibrant as its culture! Get ready to dive into some serious flavor adventures. First up, we've got the king of the grill: smoked brisket. Tender, juicy, and oh-so-smoky, it's practically a religion here. And let's not forget the iconic Tex-Mex classics like sizzling fajitas, cheesy enchiladas, and, of course, the mighty breakfast taco. 

Craving something hearty? Sink your teeth into a plate of chili con carne or savory menudo. And for dessert, you can't go wrong with a sweet and creamy slice of tres leches cake. Whether you're a local or just passing through, San Antonio's culinary delights are sure to leave you craving more!