Delicious dishes, gorgeous atmosphere and impeccable service make each of these sought-after spots difficult to get into on a whim. Sometimes, you need to call days (or more) in advance to ensure you get in — especially for a special occasion.

These 24 restaurants may take some extra effort to patronize, but the extra work is worth it.

Bar Loretta 320 Beauregard St., (210) 757-3607, barloretta.com When the weather is nice, it’s hard to beat an intimate table in Bar Loretta’s garden. Situated in a breezeway between two historic buildings, the small space is just right for a romantic night out. Credit: Photo via Instagram / barloretta
Carriqui 239 E. Grayson St., (210) 910-5547, carriquitx.com Inspired by the bird from which the restaurant takes its name, this new eatery is dedicated to fresh and local cuisine that represents foods from various regions across the Lone Star State. Credit: Photo by jodyhorton via Instagram / carriquitx
Up Scale 1024 S. Alamo St., (210) 396-7755, upscalesouthtown.com Husband-and-wife duo Houston and Emily Carpenter — the minds behind Little Em’s Oyster Bar, Go Fish and Restaurant Claudine — opened Up Scale in the building that once housed brunch and dinner hotspot Feast in Southtown. This concept dishes out courses of beautifully plated seafood, steak and sushi. Credit: Photo via Instagram / upscalesouthtown
Biga on the Banks 203 S. St. Mary’s St., (210) 225-0722, biga.com Biga on the Banks brings diners adventurous New American fare, a solid selection of wines and a rotating menu that offers a wide variety of flavors. This chic River Walk spot is a must-try for the area, especially with its views that overlook the water below. Credit: Photo via Instagram / bigaonthebanks
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
Dashi Sichuan Kitchen & Bar 2895 Thousand Oaks Dr., (210) 562-3343, sichuandashi.com Sichuan House owner Kristina Zhao’s second venture Dashi Sichuan Kitchen has made its mark as a local favorite for wining and dining. The menu features a bevy of spicy Sichuanese dishes, but there’s plenty to enjoy for the spice-averse as well. There’s also a full beer, wine, sake and cocktail program, all to be enjoyed in their elegant dining room or patio. Credit: Photo via Instagram / sichuandashi
Supper 136 E. Grayson St., (210) 448-8351, supperatemma.com Set inside SA’s acclaimed Hotel Emma, this farm-to-table eatery is an obvious choice for upscale vibes and contemporary American plates. When the weather’s nice, reserve a small table on the patio to maximize the romance. Credit: Photo via Instagram / supperatemma
Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood 219 E. Houston St. #275, (210) 472-2600, bohanans.com Regarded as one of the top-rated steakhouses in San Antonio, Bohanan’s gives chic vibes in an old-world setting. Complete with a cocktail lounge, patio and live jazz performances, it’s no surprise that the restaurant is often busy. Credit: Photo via Instagram / bohanans
Little Em’s Oyster Bar 1001 S. Alamo St., (210) 257-0100, littleemsoysterbar.com This bright and airy Southtown joint offers more than seafood, boasting crisp white walls and floors with pops of light pink and periwinkle blue that create a fresh atmosphere. Post up on the patio for oysters, ceviche, lobster rolls and a glass — or bottle — of sparkling wine. Photo via Instagram / littleemsoysterbar Credit: Photo via Instagram / littleemsoysterbar
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
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
Box Street All Day 623 Hemisfair Blvd., Ste. 108, (210) 476-5705, theboxstreetsocial.com This casual, chef-driven concept features an all-day brunch menu, signature cocktails and an espresso bar, and the zero-proof drink menu makes it a great spot to stop for a fancy tipple, no matter the hour. Photo by s.a.foodie, courtesy of Box Street All Day Credit: Photo by s.a.foodie, courtesy of Box Street All Day
Rebelle 300 E. Travis St., (210) 352-3171, rebellesa.com Found inside the St. Anthony Hotel, “modern classic” Rebelle is a favorite for inventive cocktails and seafood that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Credit: Photo via Instagram / rebellesanantonio
Signature Restaurant at La Cantera Resort & Spa 16401 La Cantera Parkway, (210) 247-0176, signaturerestaurant.com Signature’s menu focuses on French and Texas cuisine. Connected to the La Cantera Resort & Spa, the restaurant is already fit for plans for a staycation or special occasion. Credit: Photo via Instagram / signaturesanantonio
La Fonda on Main 2415 N. Main Ave., (210) 733-0621, lafondaonmain.com A classic for Tex-Mex and Mexican fare since 1932, the longstanding La Fonda on Main should be on every couple’s date night bucket list. The shaded patio is the perfect spot to sip margaritas together. Credit: Photo via Instagram / matthewmauldon
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
Restaurant Claudine 517 E. Grayson St., (210) 527-3116, restaurantclaudine.com Serial restaurateurs Emily and Houston Carpenter opened Restaurant Claudine, an ode to Houston’s grandmother, in 2022. It serves up refined Southern fare in an adorably-conceived atmosphere. Credit: Photo via Instagram / restaurantclaudine
Explore some new local restaurants Whether you decide to head downtown and visit a brand-new restaurant or stop somewhere close to home that you have always been meaning to try, San Antonio is a great food city for tried and true cuisines as well as innovative menus. Find inspiration here. Credit: Photo via Instagram / fullgoodsdiner
Mama’s Cafe 2442 Nacogdoches Rd., (210) 826-8303, mamascafesa.com Mama’s Cafe offers classic Southern comfort food in an old-fashioned diner. Stop by for a brunch of biscuits and gravy, or relax over a dinner of their Texas Meat Loaf. It may seem like an unassuming spot at first glance, but the food brings in customers in droves. Credit: Photo via Instagram / mamascafesa
Nonna Osteria Multiple Locations, nonnasa.com Nonna Osteria specializes in wine and rustic Northern Italian cuisine. In addition to its outpost at the Fairmount Hotel, the restaurant opened a second location on the North Side in 2022. Credit: Photo via Instagram / nonnaosteria
Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery 136 E. Grayson St. #120, (210) 455-5701, southerleighatpearl.com Sitting in the heart of the Pearl is Southerleigh, a prime spot for Texas-inspired bites with a focus on the Gulf Coast. The cozy, historic space offers a special ambiance to enjoy comfort food staples with elevated sophistication. Credit: Photo via Instagram / southerleigh_fine_food
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
Toro Kitchen + Bar Multiple Locations, torokitchenandbar.com Toro’s contemporary European fare makes for the perfect date night meal — as long as you don’t mind sharing. Dig into a traditionally-prepared paella for a bit of Spanish flair to your tête-à-tête. Credit: Photo via Instagram / torokitchenandbar