The Alamo City is home to countless restaurants, bakeries and bars with Instagrammable aesthetics. Still, only a finite number of locally owned eateries become go-to spots for gourmands seeking unique takes on food and drink.
While we inwardly cringe at the use of the word “foodie,” it’s does seem like the appropriate term to use here. Here's our roundup of 20 San Antonio restaurants that are currently hip, happening and sought after in foodie circles.
20 hip foodie restaurants in San Antonio
By San Antonio Current Staff on Thu, Aug 10, 2023 at 1:06 pm
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Courtesy Photo / Tokyo Cowboy
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.
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.
Photo via Instagram / cuishe_cocina
Cuishe Cocina Mexicana
119 Heiman St., (210) 960-8935, cuishemx.com
This San Antonio-born restaurant brings the native flavors of Central Mexico to the heart of downtown for a culinary experience that is second-to-none.
119 Heiman St., (210) 960-8935, cuishemx.com
This San Antonio-born restaurant brings the native flavors of Central Mexico to the heart of downtown for a culinary experience that is second-to-none.
Nina Rangel
Cullum’s Attaboy
111 Kings Ct., cullumsattaboy.com
Brought to San Antonio by the chef behind St. Mary's Strip favorite Cullum’s Attagirl, Attaboy is an elevated brunch spot with a menu featuring everything from brunch burgers to escargot. From morning coffee to brunch cocktails, Attaboy’s menu has diners covered.
111 Kings Ct., cullumsattaboy.com
Brought to San Antonio by the chef behind St. Mary's Strip favorite Cullum’s Attagirl, Attaboy is an elevated brunch spot with a menu featuring everything from brunch burgers to escargot. From morning coffee to brunch cocktails, Attaboy’s menu has diners covered.
Photo via Instagram / shiro_riverwalk
Shiro Japanese Bistro
107 W. Jones Ave., shirossan.com
Shiro specializes in West Coast contemporary Japanese cuisine. The sushi menu features a variety of specialty rolls, including a selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Adventurous diners can also choose from the “I’ll leave it up to you” menu, which includes a variety of nigiri, sashimi and chirashi options curated by the chef.
107 W. Jones Ave., shirossan.com
Shiro specializes in West Coast contemporary Japanese cuisine. The sushi menu features a variety of specialty rolls, including a selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Adventurous diners can also choose from the “I’ll leave it up to you” menu, which includes a variety of nigiri, sashimi and chirashi options curated by the chef.
Photo via Instagram / deadlywritr
Liberty Bar
1111 S. Alamo St., (210) 227-1187, liberty-bar.com
Liberty Bar’s iconic pink exterior paint job may draw diners in, but it’s the eats that keep them coming back. Snag a cozy table for two in one of the eclectically-furnished dining rooms and treat yourself to the signature oven roasted chili relleno.
1111 S. Alamo St., (210) 227-1187, liberty-bar.com
Liberty Bar’s iconic pink exterior paint job may draw diners in, but it’s the eats that keep them coming back. Snag a cozy table for two in one of the eclectically-furnished dining rooms and treat yourself to the signature oven roasted chili relleno.
Photo via Instagram / magpiesanantonio
The Magpie
1602 E. Houston St. #106, (210) 389-1584, magpie.us
The Magpie's chef-owner Jungsuk "Sue" Kim serves up delicious Korean-influenced plates in the restaurant's cozy dining room. The Magpie also offers the monthly Savory Pie Supper Club, where members can pick up a carefully curated selection of pies, seasonal vegetables and desserts to enjoy at home.
1602 E. Houston St. #106, (210) 389-1584, magpie.us
The Magpie's chef-owner Jungsuk "Sue" Kim serves up delicious Korean-influenced plates in the restaurant's cozy dining room. The Magpie also offers the monthly Savory Pie Supper Club, where members can pick up a carefully curated selection of pies, seasonal vegetables and desserts to enjoy at home.
Jessica Attie
Clementine
2195 N.W. 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. With the “Feed Me” option, Chef John Russ and his team will craft a menu that’s as unexpected as it is delicious.
2195 N.W. 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. With the “Feed Me” option, Chef John Russ and his team will craft a menu that’s as unexpected as it is delicious.
Courtesy Photo / Cured
Cured
306 Pearl Parkway, Suite 101, (210) 314-3929, curedatpearl.com
A regarded spot for New American cuisine, Cured specializes in delicious charcuterie boards. You can’t go wrong with whatever you order here, as the menu is created by the esteemed Chef Steve McHugh, so by all means: treat yo’ self.
306 Pearl Parkway, Suite 101, (210) 314-3929, curedatpearl.com
A regarded spot for New American cuisine, Cured specializes in delicious charcuterie boards. You can’t go wrong with whatever you order here, as the menu is created by the esteemed Chef Steve McHugh, so by all means: treat yo’ self.
Photo by Marty Morris via Instagram / pharmtable
Pharm Table
611 S. Presa St.. Suite 106, (210) 802-1860, pharmtable.com
Founded in 2015 by acclaimed chef Elizabeth Johnson, Pharm Table includes plant-forward meals that are locally sourced. Grab a Sweet Potato Waffle for brunch and pair it with a house Chai tea at their space in Southtown.
611 S. Presa St.. Suite 106, (210) 802-1860, pharmtable.com
Founded in 2015 by acclaimed chef Elizabeth Johnson, Pharm Table includes plant-forward meals that are locally sourced. Grab a Sweet Potato Waffle for brunch and pair it with a house Chai tea at their space in Southtown.
Photo via Instagram / mingsthing
Ming’s
914 E. Elmira St. Suite 101, (210) 600-4083, mingsthing.com
Bringing authentic Chinese cuisine to all San Antonians, Ming’s provides delicious comfort food with classic dishes like their ma-la noodles, orange chicken and iconic steam buns, adding to the identity of the city’s diverse palate.
914 E. Elmira St. Suite 101, (210) 600-4083, mingsthing.com
Bringing authentic Chinese cuisine to all San Antonians, Ming’s provides delicious comfort food with classic dishes like their ma-la noodles, orange chicken and iconic steam buns, adding to the identity of the city’s diverse palate.
Brandon Rodriguez
La Frite Belgian Bistro
728 S. Alamo St., (210) 224-7555, lafritesa.com
La Frite serves its signature Belgian fare in a cozy dining room that oozes comfortable intimacy. Nosh on European dishes and an all-French wine selection at this family-owned Southtown joint.
728 S. Alamo St., (210) 224-7555, lafritesa.com
La Frite serves its signature Belgian fare in a cozy dining room that oozes comfortable intimacy. Nosh on European dishes and an all-French wine selection at this family-owned Southtown joint.
Courtesy Photo / Nick Simonite for Hotel Havana
Ocho at Hotel Havana
1015 Navarro St., (210) 222-2008, https://www.bunkhousehotels.com/hotel-havana
With Pan-Latin fare, mojitos and a chic aesthetic at the forefront, Ocho is a favorite for a reason. The airy spot is a dependable option for brunch, as well as for a romantic dinner.
1015 Navarro St., (210) 222-2008, https://www.bunkhousehotels.com/hotel-havana
With Pan-Latin fare, mojitos and a chic aesthetic at the forefront, Ocho is a favorite for a reason. The airy spot is a dependable option for brunch, as well as for a romantic dinner.
Photo via Instagram / mixtlicloud
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.”
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.”
Photo via Instagram / brasseriemonchouchou
Brasserie Mon Chou Chou
312 Pearl Parkway, (210) 469-3743, brasseriemonchouchou.com
Unlike pricy, upscale French restaurants, Brasserie Mon Chou Chou aims to provide a more casual atmosphere for guests to enjoy an afternoon snack of wine and oysters. Explore classic flavors of French cuisine such as raclette cheese sandwiches and croque monsieurs at the restaurant’s Pearl outpost.
312 Pearl Parkway, (210) 469-3743, brasseriemonchouchou.com
Unlike pricy, upscale French restaurants, Brasserie Mon Chou Chou aims to provide a more casual atmosphere for guests to enjoy an afternoon snack of wine and oysters. Explore classic flavors of French cuisine such as raclette cheese sandwiches and croque monsieurs at the restaurant’s Pearl outpost.
Photo via Instagram / al.fonzo_tx
Best Quality Daughter
602 Avenue A, (210) 819-4236, bestqualitydaughter.com
When it comes to innovative Asian-American eats, Best Quality Daughter has many to choose from. Custom wallpaper features Alamo City landmarks in punchy colors to augment your culinary experience.
602 Avenue A, (210) 819-4236, bestqualitydaughter.com
When it comes to innovative Asian-American eats, Best Quality Daughter has many to choose from. Custom wallpaper features Alamo City landmarks in punchy colors to augment your culinary experience.
Allysse Shank-Rivas
Allora
403 Pearl Parkway, (210) 979-9950, allorapearl.com
If handmade pasta, excellent wine and elegant ambiance create your ideal dining experience, look no further than Allora. With a menu inspired by the Italian Amalfi coast, this spot blends romance with food that’ll make you say, “Ottimo!”
403 Pearl Parkway, (210) 979-9950, allorapearl.com
If handmade pasta, excellent wine and elegant ambiance create your ideal dining experience, look no further than Allora. With a menu inspired by the Italian Amalfi coast, this spot blends romance with food that’ll make you say, “Ottimo!”
Michael Karlis
Toro Kitchen + Bar
Multiple Locations, torokitchenandbar.com
Toro Kitchen + Bar is a local mini-chain with two locations in the Alamo City — one of which is in a prime downtown location off Commerce Street. Serving up Spanish tapas and often featuring live music, it's a great spot to meet up with friends — or take a date.
Multiple Locations, torokitchenandbar.com
Toro Kitchen + Bar is a local mini-chain with two locations in the Alamo City — one of which is in a prime downtown location off Commerce Street. Serving up Spanish tapas and often featuring live music, it's a great spot to meet up with friends — or take a date.
Photo via Instagram / rebellesanantonio
Rebelle
300 E. Travis St., (210) 352-3171, rebellesa.com
Rebelle is found inside the swanky St. Anthony Hotel, just across from Travis Park. It’s a favorite for inventive cocktails and seafood that are as delicious as they are beautiful.
300 E. Travis St., (210) 352-3171, rebellesa.com
Rebelle is found inside the swanky St. Anthony Hotel, just across from Travis Park. It’s a favorite for inventive cocktails and seafood that are as delicious as they are beautiful.
Photo by Bryan Rindfuss via Instagram / bliss_texas
Bliss
926 S. Presa St., (210) 225-2547, foodisbliss.com
Located just blocks away from downtown San Antonio in Southtown, Bliss serves up contemporary American cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.
926 S. Presa St., (210) 225-2547, foodisbliss.com
Located just blocks away from downtown San Antonio in Southtown, Bliss serves up contemporary American cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.
Photo via Instagram / battalionsa
Battalion
604 S. Alamo St., (210) 816-0088, battalionsa.com
This downtown eatery not only offers an eclectic dining space, but also delivers delicious Italian fare and cocktails that go down just right.
604 S. Alamo St., (210) 816-0088, battalionsa.com
This downtown eatery not only offers an eclectic dining space, but also delivers delicious Italian fare and cocktails that go down just right.
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