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. 

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
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. Experience it for yourself, especially from 2-7 p.m. on weekdays during happy hour. Credit: Photo via Instagram / cuishe_cocina
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. Credit: Nina Rangel
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. Credit: Photo via Instagram / shiro_riverwalk
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, whether it’s for brunch or late at night. The food and drink are definitely the main draws, but the ambiance sure isn’t anything to shake a stick at. Credit: Photo via Instagram / deadlywritr
The Magpie 1602 E. Houston St. #106, (210) 389-1584, magpie.us Boasting a brand-spanking new interior look, The Magpie’s cozy dining room is just one reason it’s great for date night. Chef-owner Jungsuk “Sue” Kim’s delicious Korean-influenced plates are just one more selling point. Credit: Photo via Instagram / magpiesanantonio
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. Credit: Jessica Attie
Cured 306 Pearl Pkwy #101, (210) 314-3929, curedatpearl.com Charcuterie boards are incredibly flavorful, but they’re just part of Cured’s appeal. Just as enticing are the rustic-chic vibes of the space, which pair nicely with the New American fare and craft cocktails on the menu. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Cured
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. Credit: Photo by Marty Morris via Instagram / pharmtable
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. Credit: Photo via Instagram / mingsthing
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. Credit: Brandon Rodriguez
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
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: Photo via Instagram / mixtlicloud
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 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 post. Credit: Photo via Instagram / brasseriemonchouchou
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. On a date night, however, you’ll also want to give BQD a shot simply because of the quirky, moodily-lit ambiance. Credit: Photo via Instagram / al.fonzo_tx
Allora 403 Pearl Parkway, (210) 979-9950, allorapearl.com If handmade pasta, excellent wine and elegant ambiance create your ideal date night scenario, look no further than newcomer Allora. With a menu inspired by the Italian Amalfi coast, this spot blends romance with food that’ll make you say, “Ottimo!” Credit: Allysse Shank-Rivas
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 take a date. Credit: Michael Karlis
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. Credit: Photo via Instagram / rebellesanantonio
Bliss 926 S. Presa St., (210) 225-2547, foodisbliss.com Located in Southtown, Bliss serves up contemporary American cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. Credit: Photo by Bryan Rindfuss via Instagram / bliss_texas
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. Credit: Photo via Instagram / battalionsa

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Your San Antonio dining bucket list for the rest of 2023