The Best Restaurants in San Antonio: Where to Eat Now in the Alamo City

By Rebecca Thompson

San Antonio’s food scene is like its River Walk—meandering, diverse, and unapologetically lively. The city may be steeped in Tex-Mex, but its chefs are as likely to reinvent tradition as they are to honor it. What follows is a guide to the best restaurants, each a love letter to this city’s ever-evolving culinary identity.

Restaurant Mixtli

1. Mixtli

Nestled in Olmos Park, Mixtli takes diners on a culinary road trip through Mexico. The brainchild of chefs Rico Torres and Diego Galicia, this James Beard semifinalist offers a seasonal, 10-course tasting menu that reimagines regional Mexican cuisine. The setting is intimate—just 10 seats in a sleek railcar—and the dishes are works of art. Think mole that takes weeks to perfect or a tamal plated like a museum piece. Reservations are essential, and the experience is unforgettable.

2. Best Quality Daughter

In the heart of the Pearl, Best Quality Daughter brings pan-Asian flavors to San Antonio with flair. Created by Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin, this playful yet sophisticated restaurant draws from her Taiwanese-American heritage. Try the chorizo fried rice, a nod to San Antonio’s flavors, or the miso sesame panna cotta for a sweet finish. The vibrant decor—a blend of retro prints and modern art—matches the boldness of the menu. Don’t skip the cocktails; they’re as thoughtfully crafted as the food.

3. Clementine

Located in Castle Hills, Clementine is a family affair by husband-and-wife duo John and Elise Russ. The menu is a love letter to Southern ingredients with a French twist. Order the "Feed Me" option and let the chefs surprise you, but don’t miss the buttermilk fried quail or the dreamy panna cotta. The warm, inviting space feels like a neighborhood secret, albeit one that’s earned a loyal following.

4. Pharm Table

For those who want their food as nourishing as it is delicious, Pharm Table in Southtown delivers. Chef Elizabeth Johnson has made a name for herself by crafting anti-inflammatory dishes without sacrificing flavor. Her turmeric-laced tamales and lavender panna cotta are revelations. The plant-filled dining room exudes calm, making it the perfect spot for a mindful meal. Bonus points: the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients.

5. Landrace

Housed in the Thompson Hotel on the River Walk, Landrace is helmed by chef Steve McHugh, a five-time James Beard finalist. The menu celebrates Texas ingredients, from Gulf oysters to heritage grains. Try the roasted chicken, which is elevated with a rich jus and perfect seasoning. The elegant yet unpretentious space feels like a modern homage to the Lone Star State, making it ideal for a special night out.

6. Bar Loretta

Southtown’s Bar Loretta is equal parts cozy and chic, with a menu that leans into elevated comfort food. Chef Paul Petersen’s roasted bone marrow with seasonal jam is indulgence at its finest, while the duck confit proves his skill with nuance. The vintage-inspired decor and craft cocktails make this a favorite spot for date night or lingering over Sunday brunch.

7. Jardín

At the San Antonio Botanical Garden, Jardín offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a serene setting. Chef Jason Dady’s wood-fired pizzas and shareable plates, like the whipped feta with honey, are simple yet sublime. Pair your meal with a stroll through the gardens for the ultimate day out. It’s a reminder that great food can be both grounding and transportive.

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery San Antonio

8. Southerleigh

Housed in the historic Pearl brewhouse, Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery combines Gulf Coast seafood with Texas-sized ambition. Chef Jeff Balfour’s shrimp boil is legendary, as is the fried snapper throats. With its on-site brewery and industrial-chic vibe, it’s a spot where beer and food enthusiasts unite. Come hungry and leave happy.

9. Rebelle

Located in the historic St. Anthony Hotel, Rebelle is where opulence meets innovation. Chef Stefan Bowers (yes, he’s that prolific) delivers dishes like butter-poached lobster and a miso-marinated black cod that feel indulgent yet thoughtful. The moody, glam interior invites lingering, and the wine list is impeccable.

10. Reese Bros Barbecue

At Reese Bros Barbecue, less is more, but it’s executed perfectly. Located on the city’s East Side, this no-frills eatery serves up smoked meats that melt in your mouth. Brothers Nick and Elliott Reese serve brisket, ribs, and queso fundido sausage links along with homemade flour tortillas and poblano-laced mac 'n cheese. Order by the pound, grab a picnic table, and prepare for a culinary experience that rivals any fine dining establishment in town.

Dashi Sichuan Kitchen and Bar San Antonio

11. Dashi Sichuan Kitchen + Bar

From the team behind the beloved Sichuan House, Dashi Sichuan Kitchen + Bar brings a modern flair to century-old traditions in Sichuanese cuisine. With family-style dishes and a full bar curated by Benjamin Krick of Pastiche and Jet-Setter, Dashi offers a vibrant dining experience. The spicy, numbing flavors are a delight for adventurous palates

12. Bakudan Ramen

San Antonio-based Bakudan Ramen has opened a third location, this one near O. P. Schnabel Park on the city’s northwest side. Ever since its first store opened in 2019, Bakudan has made a name for itself for its ramen as well as Korean bibimbap and cocktails from its full bar.