San Antonio is a city that offers a rich blend of culture, history, and cuisine. Whether you are looking for authentic Tex-Mex, mouthwatering barbecue, or exotic flavors from around the world, you will find it in San Antonio. In this article, we will explore the 10 best restaurants in San Antonio, based on ratings, reviews, and popularity on TripAdvisor. We will also provide you with a table format of the menu and price of each restaurant, so you can easily compare and choose the best option for your taste and budget. Let’s get started!
Best Restaurants in San Antonio
1. Bliss
Bliss is a fine-dining restaurant that serves contemporary American cuisine with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients. The restaurant is located in a renovated gas station in the Southtown Arts District and features a cozy and elegant atmosphere, a spacious patio, and an open kitchen. The menu changes frequently, but some of the signature dishes include the oyster sliders, the duck breast with foie gras, and the lamb sirloin with mint chimichurri. Bliss also offers a variety of wines, cocktails, and desserts, such as the chocolate terrine with salted caramel and the lemon tart with blueberry compote. Bliss is a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or to enjoy a romantic night out.
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Oyster Sliders | $16 |
| Duck Breast with Foie Gras | $38 |
| Lamb Sirloin with Mint Chimichurri | $36 |
| Chocolate Terrine with Salted Caramel | $10 |
| Lemon Tart with Blueberry Compote | $10 |
2. La Panaderia
La Panaderia is a bakery and cafe that specializes in artisan breads, pastries, and sandwiches. The owners, David and Jose Caceres, are brothers who learned the art of baking from their mother in Mexico City. They use traditional techniques and natural ingredients to create their delicious and fresh products, such as the croissants, the conchas, and the tequila almond croissants. La Panaderia also serves breakfast and lunch items, such as the torta cubana, the avocado toast, and the chilaquiles. La Panaderia is a great place to grab a quick bite or to relax and enjoy the aroma of freshly baked bread.
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Croissant | $3.25 |
| Concha | $2.75 |
| Tequila Almond Croissant | $4.25 |
| Torta Cubana | $12.95 |
| Avocado Toast | $9.95 |
| Chilaquiles | $10.95 |
3. The Jerk Shack
The Jerk Shack is a casual and colorful restaurant that serves authentic Jamaican cuisine. The owner and chef, Nicola Blaque, is a Jamaican native who moved to San Antonio after serving in the US Army. She brings her passion and expertise to create dishes that are flavorful, spicy, and satisfying, such as the jerk chicken, the curry goat, and the oxtail stew. The Jerk Shack also offers vegetarian and vegan options, such as jerk jackfruit, veggie curry, and coconut rice and peas. The Jerk Shack is a place to experience the culture and taste of Jamaica and to have a fun and lively time.
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Jerk Chicken | $12 |
| Curry Goat | $14 |
| Oxtail Stew | $16 |
| Jerk Jackfruit | $10 |
| Veggie Curry | $10 |
| Coconut Rice and Peas | $4 |
4. Dough Pizzeria Napoletana
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana is a pizzeria that follows the strict standards of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), which is the organization that certifies the authenticity and quality of Neapolitan pizza. The pizzeria uses imported ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, and extra virgin olive oil, as well as local and organic produce, to create their pizzas. The pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven at 900 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a thin and crispy crust, and a soft and chewy center. Some of the popular pizzas include the margherita, the prosciutto e arugula, and the funghi. Dough Pizzeria Napoletana also serves salads, antipasti, and desserts, such as tiramisu and Nutella pizza. Dough Pizzeria Napoletana is a place to enjoy the true taste of Naples and to share a slice of happiness.
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Margherita | $14 |
| Prosciutto e Arugula | $18 |
| Funghi | $17 |
| Tiramisu | $8 |
| Nutella Pizza | $12 |
5. Pollos Asados Los Norteños
Pollos Asados Los Norteños is a family-owned restaurant that serves grilled chicken and Mexican dishes. The restaurant is famous for its pollo asado, which is chicken marinated in a secret sauce and grilled over mesquite wood. The chicken is juicy, tender, and smoky, and comes with sides of tortillas, salsa, rice, beans, and grilled onions. Pollos Asados Los Norteños also serves other dishes, such as the fajitas, the enchiladas, and the quesadillas. Pollos Asados Los Norteños is a place to savor the flavor of grilled chicken and to feel the warmth of family and friends.
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Pollo Asado (Whole Chicken) | $19.99 |
| Fajitas (Beef or Chicken) | $12.99 |
| Enchiladas (Cheese, Chicken, or Beef) | $9.99 |
| Quesadillas (Cheese, Chicken, or Beef) | $8.99 |
6. Boudro’s Texas Bistro
Boudro’s Texas Bistro is a bistro that serves Texas and Southwestern cuisine with a twist. The restaurant is located on the River Walk and offers a scenic and romantic view of the water. The menu features dishes that are made with fresh and local ingredients, such as the blackened prime rib, the mesquite-grilled quail, and the gulf crab cakes. Boudro’s Texas Bistro also offers a signature dish, the guacamole for two, which is prepared tableside with fresh avocados, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. Boudro’s Texas Bistro also has a wine list, a cocktail menu, and a dessert menu, such as the praline bread pudding and the chocolate mousse. Boudro’s Texas Bistro is a place to experience the best of Texas and Southwestern cuisine and to enjoy the charm of the River Walk.
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Blackened Prime Rib | $38 |
| Mesquite Grilled Quail | $28 |
| Gulf Crab Cakes | $32 |
| Guacamole for Two | $16 |
| Praline Bread Pudding | $9 |
| Chocolate Mousse | $9 |
7. The Granary ‘Cue & Brew
The Granary ‘Cue & Brew is a barbecue restaurant and brewery that offers a modern and innovative approach to the classic Texas barbecue. The restaurant is located in a historic building that was once Cooper’s house and features a rustic and cozy decor. The menu consists of two parts: the lunch menu, which offers traditional barbecue items, such as brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, and the dinner menu, which offers creative dishes, such as smoked duck gumbo, coffee-rubbed beef cheek, and the barbecue ramen. The Granary ‘Cue & Brew also brews its beers, such as the rye saison, the smoked porter, and the IPA. The Granary ‘Cue & Brew is a place to discover the new and exciting possibilities of barbecue and to enjoy the craft of brewing.
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Brisket (Lunch) | $10 |
| Pulled Pork (Lunch) | $9 |
| Ribs (Lunch) | $10 |
| Smoked Duck Gumbo (Dinner) | $14 |
| Coffee Rubbed Beef Cheek (Dinner) | $26 |
| Barbecue Ramen (Dinner) | $18 |
| Rye Saison (Beer) | $6 |
| Smoked Porter (Beer) | $6 |
| IPA (Beer) | $6 |
Conclusion
San Antonio is a city that offers a variety of culinary experiences, from traditional Tex-Mex and barbecue to international and contemporary cuisine. The city has a rich and diverse gastronomic heritage, which has earned it a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation and the title of Culinary Capital of Texas. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite, a fine dining experience, or a festive feast, you’ll find it in San Antonio. The city has something for every taste, budget, and occasion. So, the next time you visit San Antonio, don’t miss the chance to explore its amazing restaurants and taste its delicious flavors.
FAQs
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What food is San Antonio famous for?
San Antonio is famous for its Tex-Mex cuisine, which is a fusion of Mexican and American influences. Some of the most popular dishes include chili con carne, enchiladas, tacos, nachos, fajitas, and burritos. San Antonio is also known for its barbecue, which features smoked meats, such as brisket, ribs, sausage, and chicken, served with sauces, sides, and bread. Other foods that San Antonio is famous for are puffy tacos, which are deep-fried tortillas filled with meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomato, and breakfast tacos, which are soft tortillas stuffed with eggs, cheese, bacon, sausage, or potatoes.
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Does San Antonio have good restaurants?
Yes, San Antonio has many good restaurants that cater to different tastes, preferences, and occasions. The city has a vibrant and diverse dining scene, with restaurants that serve cuisines from around the world, such as Italian, French, Asian, Caribbean, and more. The city also has restaurants that offer creative and innovative dishes, using local and organic ingredients, and featuring seasonal and regional specialties. Some of the best restaurants in San Antonio are Bliss, La Panaderia, The Jerk Shack, Dough Pizzeria Napoletana, Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery, Pollos Asados Los Norteños, The Granary ‘Cue and Brew, Cured, Battalion, and Supper American Eatery.
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What is the culinary capital of Texas?
San Antonio is the culinary capital of Texas, as it has a rich and diverse gastronomic heritage, which reflects its history, culture, and identity. The city has a long tradition of food and cooking, dating back to its Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and German roots. The city has also embraced new influences and flavors, from other parts of Texas, the U.S., and the world. The city has a thriving culinary scene, with restaurants, markets, festivals, and events that showcase its gastronomic excellence and diversity. The city has also been recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy, one of only two in the U.S., and the first in Texas.
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What is open on Thanksgiving San Antonio?
Many restaurants in San Antonio are open on Thanksgiving, offering special menus, buffets, and takeout options for the holiday. Some of the restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving are Antlers Lodge at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, Mi Tierra Café y Panadería, Biga on the Banks, Landrace, Bohanan’s Prime Steak and Seafood, Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse, Brasão Brazilian Steakhouse, Texas de Brazil, and The Pearl. However, it is advisable to check the availability, hours, and prices of the restaurants before visiting, as they may vary or change due to the pandemic. It is also recommended to make reservations in advance, as the restaurants may be busy or fully booked on Thanksgiving.
