While the most important thing about a restaurant is the food itself, there’s something to be said for a spot with excellent ambiance. Fortunately, San Antonio has plenty of dining destinations that serve up delicious dishes in beautiful surroundings — perfect for a date night, special occasion or any time you want to enjoy a meal with a bit of added panache.

From brunch spots with maximalist decor to restaurant patios with lush scenery, these are the most beautiful places to grab a meal in San Antonio.

Ocho at Hotel Havana 1015 Navarro St, (210) 222-2008, havanasanantonio.com With Pan-Latin fare, mojitos and a chic aesthetic at the forefront, Ocho is a favorite for a reason. Tourists may flock to the beautiful Hotel Havana, but locals will feel more than welcome to enjoy the scenery brought to you by this glass-enclosed riverside spot. With the cocktail menu highlighting San Antonio’s Mexican roots (we’re talking about tequila) and the prevalence of rum in Havana’s culture, guests will be drinking well here. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Nick Simonite for Hotel Havana
Leche de Tigre 318 E. Cevallos St., (210) 265-5933, lechedetigretx.com This new cebicheria serves up Peruvian sashimi plates and cebiche, as well as dishes such as lomo saltado — a Peruvian stir fry with a Chinese influence — and tapas. The restaurant’s interior features tigers roaming across its walls surrounded by lush vegetation. Credit: Sanford Nowlin
6. Carriqui 239 E. Grayson St., (210) 910-5547, carriquitx.com “If you’re looking for the heart of Texas on a plate, Carriqui is where you’ll find it. Nestled in a beautifully restored 1860s home, this South Texas gem effortlessly blends cowboy charm and caballero elegance to deliver an experience that feels like dining at the legendary King Ranch itself. It’s a celebration of Central and South Texas roots, steeped in tradition and brimming with authentic comfort food.” – Cedric D. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Carriqui
Best Quality Daughter
602 Avenue A, (210) 819-4236, bestqualitydaughter.com
When it comes to innovative Asian-American dishes, Best Quality Daughter has plenty to choose from. The spot’s maximalist decor — featuring custom wallpaper in punchy colors and neon signs — provides festive ambiance perfect for a fun date. Credit: Nina Rangel
Liberty Bar 1111 S. Alamo St., (210) 227-1187, liberty-bar.com Housed in a restored convent, Liberty Bar’s bright, window-filled space makes for a naturally gorgeous spot to dine in. The food and drink are definitely the main draws, and the eclectically-furnished dining rooms provide excellent ambiance for a romantic night out. Credit: Sanford Nowlin
Tokyo Cowboy 135 E. Commerce St., (210) 305-7075, tokyocowboytx.com Nestled right across the San Antonio river from the historic Bald Cypress some call “Geronimo,” this chic Japanese street food spot markets itself as a “whisky diner” and features menu items such as Viet-Cajun BBQ prawns and a sukiyaki burger. Come for the trendy eats, stay for the inventive whisky-based cocktails. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Tokyo Cowboy
Mixtli 812 S. Alamo St. #103, (210) 338-0746, restaurantmixtli.com Headed by Diego Galicia and Rico Torres, Mixtli is a hot spot with innovative dishes inspired by regional Mexican fare. Mixtli’s airy, minimalist decor pairs well with its name, which is drawn from the Nahuatl word for “cloud.” Credit: Nina Rangel
Press Coffee 4035 Broadway, (210) 550-4441, instagram.com/presscoffee_sa Press Coffee’s Boardwalk on Broadway location is one of the most unique spots to grab a cup of joe in the Alamo City. Housed in a windowed A-frame reminiscent of a greenhouse, the cozy coffee joint is full of greenery soaking in an abundance of natural light. Nina Rangel Credit: Nina Rangel
Credit: Nina Rangel
Rebelle 300 E. Travis St. Formerly housed inside the St. Anthony Hotel, “modern classic” Rebelle was a favorite for inventive cocktails and seafood that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. In January, the dining destination abruptly closed its doors, shortly after sacking its longtime chef. Credit: Sanford Nowlin
Cured 306 Pearl Pkwy #101, (210) 314-3929, curedatpearl.com Cured specializes in charcuterie boards but offers plenty more on its innovative menu. Inside the Pearl’s renovated historic building you’ll find yummy craft cocktails and dishes full of regional ingredients and paired organic methods. Credit: Rick Cortez
Biga on the Banks 203 S. St. Mary’s St., (210) 225-0722, biga.com This landmark eatery is known for its take on New American fare. Though the menu is constantly changing, diners can always find inventive dishes, worldly wines and breathtaking River Walk views in Chef Bruce Auden’s downtown outpost. Credit: Sanford Nowlin
The Good Kind Southtown 1127 S. St. Mary’s St., (210) 801-5892, eatgoodkind.com The Good Kind’s picturesque garden is open for all to peruse while the sun beams down. Whether enjoying delicious eats and refreshing cocktails or participating in events like live trivia and yoga classes, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy the restaurant’s scenic outdoor space. Credit: Courtesy Photo / The Good Kind
Clementine 2195 NW Military Highway, (210) 503-5121, clementine-sa.com Over in Castle Hills is a strip mall that hosts Clementine, a charming restaurant concept with stylish decor and a globally-inspired menu. This unassuming eatery’s mission is to make upscale dining approachable, which is perfect for couples wanting a lowkey experience — but a sensational meal — on a special night. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Clementine
Box Street All Day 623 Hemisfair Blvd. Ste. 108, (210) 476-5705, theboxstreetsocial.com This casual, chef-driven concept serves up all types of eats and drinks in a bright and bubbly atmosphere. Featuring photoshoot-worthy graphic wall art in pastel hues, the restaurant is as Instagrammable as it is delicious. Credit: Photo by s.a.foodie via Instagram / theboxstreetsocial
Battalion 604 S. Alamo St., (210) 816-0088, battalionsa.com Housed in a historic fire station, this Southtown eatery not only offers an eclectic dining space, but also delivers delicious Italian fare and cocktails that go down just right. Credit: Sanford Nowlin
2. Ida Claire 7300 Jones Maltsberger Road, (210) 667-2145, ida-claire.com “It’s super-busy for brunch on the weekends, so I do recommend making a reservation. However, if you’re not in a hurry, you can just hang out in their lovely outdoor area, and quench your thirst with one of their tasty libations served from a super-cool airstream outside bar.” – Olga B. Credit: Photo via Instagram / idaclairesa
25. Hanzo This Japanese-inspired restaurant and bar created by San Antonio restaurateur Steve Mahoney — the man behind George’s Keep, Blue Box Bar and the Green Lantern — doesn’t disappoint. Hanzo takes its Japanese theme seriously enough to play old anime shows in the main dining room but earns copious points for backing up the vibes with formidable eats, ranging from bao buns and sticky glazed ribs to a variety of creative sushi rolls. The spot also draws a crowd for its happy hours, which serve up $7 cocktails and sushi rolls from 11 p.m. to close every day or all day on Sundays and Mondays. Don’t miss the lunchtime bento boxes, either. 7701 Broadway, Suite 124, (210) 826-1488, hanzobar.com. Credit: Michael Karlis
The Moon’s Daughters 115 Lexington Ave., (210) 942-6032, themoonsdaughters.com This rooftop bar at the Thompson San Antonio hotel overlooks the city skyline from a 20-story perch. Indulge in its sophisticated cocktails and delectable chef-prepared bites while while appreciating the spectacular views. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk
Brasserie Mon Chou Chou
312 Pearl Parkway, (210) 469-3743, brasseriemonchouchou.com
Unlike pricey, upscale French restaurants, Brasserie Mon Chou Chou aims to provide a more casual atmosphere for guests to enjoy a meal. For couples looking to nosh on French comfort food in a stylish, vintage-inspired atmosphere, this spot is just the ticket. Credit: Photo via Instagram / brasseriemonchouchou
Little Em’s Oyster Bar 1001 S. Alamo St., (210) 257-0100, littleemsoysterbar.com This cute Southtown joint offers more than just seafood — there’s steak tartare and a solid burger to choose from, too. Whatever you order, make sure to get a photo of your date in one of the many Instagrammable spots around the restaurant. Credit: Photo via Instagram / littleemsoysterbar

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The 24 most beautiful restaurants in San Antonio