Battalion took its time. In an age when we want new restaurants and we want them now, Battalion bucked that trend, and delivered amazing results.
Though its location was first announced in 2015, red tape and legal woes kept Andrew Goodman and chef Stefan Bowers from opening the third eatery from the power duo until early this spring. But those are distant memories now, especially when you bite into one of the house made pastas or drool-worthy sauces. With a team that can execute a vision and leadership that’s been here before (Goodman and Bowers also gave San Antonio Feast and Rebelle), Battalion has impressed all diners.
The space, formerly Firehouse No. 7, was transformed into a sleek bar and restaurant with a gleaming kitchen and upscale dining room. And what’s not to love about Bowers finally executing his dream of opening an Italian restaurant?
Reservations are a must — this is Southtown’s newest hot spot. 604 S. Alamo St., (210) 816-0088, battalionsa.com
Aldino Cucina Italiana The original “kids on the block” at the popular intersection of 1604 and Blanco, this premiere Italian restaurant, offers Tuscan tastes reminiscent of the countryside of northern Italy. Also known for their energetic, professional happy hour crowd and impeccable wine list selection. 1203 N. Loop 1604 W., (210) 340-0000.
Aldo’s Italian Ristorante Serving salads and pasta, complimented by grilled trout, chicken piccata and other classical Italian entrees, Aldo’s offers fine dining and European flair. A lovely atmosphere only enhances the food. A true class act, from start to finish. 8539 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 696-2536.
Capparelli’s on Main Smack dab in the center of Monte Vista, this charming neighborhood nook serves up traditional Italian fare with hearty pizzas and an unbeatable house salad. Try the chicken parmigiana sandwich. 2524 N. Main Ave., (210) 735-5757, capparellisonmain.com.
Fratello’s Deli With two locations (Broadway and Plaza de Armas), Fratello’s is keeping bellies full and happy with fresh red-sauce fare, value-driven sandwiches like the Napoli stuffed with copocolla and ham, and house-made desserts. Multiple locations, fratellosdeli.com.
Il Sogno Osteria Andrew Weissman’s take on casual Italian dining combines sophisticated décor and presentation with hearty dishes. The wild boar with pasta and the oven-roasted chicken with truffled mashed potatoes are but two examples of the treats in store. Don’t skip the antipasti bar, either, and ask for recommendations from the regional wine list. 200 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-3900.
Julian’s Italian Pizzeria Recent visits meant digging into the balanced lasagna, fluffy gnocchi and delicious Caesar salads. An awesome addition to Alamo Heights, this locally owned one-stop-shop for Italian has two locations. Multiple locations, julianspizzeria.com.
Luciano’s From full restaurants at area malls to casual neighborhood pizzerias, Luciano’s scores points for giant pizzas at ridiculously cheap prices. Multiple locations, facebook.com/lucianorestaurantssa.
Luce Ristorante e Enoteca Authentic Italian cuisine and wine is the passion of Neapolitan owner and chef Joe Buonincontri, who brings family recipes and tastes from his travels to Italy back to his wine-centric restaurant. Enoteca means wine library — and fittingly, the walls of Luce are lined with bottles, proffering over 125 choices. 11255 Huebner Road, (210) 561-9700, lucesanantonio.com.
Nosh With cheesy pastas, delicately topped flatbread pizzas, and cheeseboards, Silo’s sister (and adjacent) eatery can hold its own. Don’t forget about the awesome selection of craft beers. 1133 Austin Hwy., (210) 824-8686.
Paesanos Joe Cosniac’s original Lincoln Heights heir serves the signature breaded, garlicky Shrimp Paesano, a meaty eggplant parmigiana, and if the devotees are to be believed, one of the best steaks in town. Multiple locations, paesanos.com.
Piatti Although it’s a chain, Piatti’s gives local ingredients a strong role in its menu. Try the Pollo alla Mattone and the baked Texas goat cheese served with Kalamata olives, a veritable hymn to the humble cabra. Don’t fret, Northwest eaters: A second San Antonio Piatti just opened at Eilan. Multiple locations, piatti.com.
Rossini Italian Bistro This simple but well-executed Italian cuisine enhances a menu that changes often. Bet on the appetizer salads, lobster ravioli and fish dishes from this Castle Hills staple that only opens for dinner. 2195 NW Military Hwy., (210) 615-7270, rossinibistro.com.
Tre Trattoria Jason Dady’s penultimate outing – rustic, plentiful Italian served parkside on Broadway succeeds with authentic salumi, gnocchi and cast-iron griddled pizzas. 4003 Broadway, (210) 805-0333, tretrattoria.com.
Tribeca Texan ingredients meet Italian favorites in a stellar, yet cursed, location. Owner lifelong restaurateur Jean-Francois Poujol has taken this 5,000 square-foot restaurant with affordable menu items that include a crowd-pleasing house-made Italian sausage pizza, expertly seasoned calamari, Texas-sized entrees and sinful desserts. 4331 McCullough Ave., (210) 320-0698, tribeca212.com.
Pizza
Big Lou’s Pizza You’re not a true San Antonian unless you take seven of your closest friends to Big Lou’s and try to take down their 42-inch pies. Remember to order ahead so your extra-large pie is ready to go. 2048 S. W.W. White Road, (210) 337-0707, biglouspizza-satx.com.
Deco Pizzeria Savory meatballs, wings and weekend lunch (and brunch!) specials expand the options just across the way from the Woodlawn Theater. Dinner and a show? Now you know. 1815 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 732-3326, decopizza.com.
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana Chef Doug Horn’s recently earned a certificate of authenticity from the Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani, so trust that the crisp-crust pies coming out of the wood-burning oven are the real deal. Look for an upcoming opening of Dough 3.0 at Yanaguana Garden. 6989 Blanco Road, (210) 979-6565, doughpizzeria.com.
Florio’s Pizza Italy? Fuhgeddaboudit — this is the real stuff, from New Jersey since 1980. The foldable pizza spread to Helotes this year with a new location off Bandera. 7701 Broadway, (210) 805-8646.
Gallo Pizzeria The West Side joint almost closed its doors in 2016, but has bounced back and is still providing quality pies at affordable prices. 164 Castroville, (210) 264-0077, gallopizzeria.com.
Il Forno Chef Michael Sohocki’s turn at Neapolitan-style pies is a hit with South Flores residents. The shop has a handmade pizza oven, a sprawling garden filled with fresh veggies for the kitchen to use and seasonal specials galore. 122 Nogalitos St., (210) 616-2198, ilfornosa.com.
Pizza Classics With a new location near Trinty U and the Strip, Pizza Classics has retained its late-night audience. The buy-one, get-one carry out deals make PC a value-friendly option. 3440 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 225-3356, pizzaclassics.com.
Ray’s Pizzaria Check the daily lunch and dinner specials at this authentic New York-style pizzeria. Calzones, stromboli and Italian entrees like baked ziti, served with garlic bread, satisfy even the hungriest diner. Indulge in the fried artichokes with a tangy dipping sauce. Multiple locations, rayspizzaria.com.
Rome’s Pizza Founded in 1986, now with several locations, Rome’s cozy atmosphere and gourmet Italian cuisine have satisfied two generations. Our fave: Milennium 3, pizza with with organic basil pesto sauce, mozzarella, rosemary roasted new potatoes, spinach, seasoned chicken and gorgonzola cheese. Multiple locations. romespizza.com.
Sorrento Ristorante e Pizzeria Since 2001, the Ciccone family has prepared tasty pizza, seafood and pasta out of their Alamo Heights Kitchen. They specialize in cuisine from the south of Italy including a time-honored Lasagna Della Casa topped with a house pink sauce. 5146 Broadway, (210) 824-0055, sorrentopizzeria.com.
Stella Public House Farm-to-table pies, a stellar ingredient-driven brunch and a great location at Blue Star make Stella a must for farm fans who crave a hearty pizza. 1414 S. Alamo St., (210) 277-7047, stellapublichouse.com.
Tiu Steppi’s Osteria Loop 1604 has two great options for Italian fare. Locally owned by the family behind Two Step, these Italian outposts deliver great pizzas, pastas and delectable desserts. Multiple locations, tiusteppis.com.
