18 Best Restaurants in Downtown and the River Walk, San Antonio

One of the best restaurants in the city, the menu at Biga on the Banks is big and eclectic, and the dining atmosphere manages to be both larger than life and romantic. The choices change daily to take advantage of the freshest ingredients available, with dishes ranging from seared red-grouper grits to 11-spiced Axis venison chops. The three-course prix-fixe is perfect for pretheater or presymphony outings. Don't skip out on dessert, which may be the best in town: the sticky toffee pudding is a must. Table 31 is just off the main dining room, a great spot for relaxed entertaining for 5–8 people. Impress your guests with the tasting menus (five or eight courses) and suggestions for wine pairings. This is a prime spot for a leisurely dinner on the River Walk, if you can get a reservation. Let's repeat that: reservations are essential. 

In a city filled with Mexican bakeries, brothers José and David Cáceres kicked the whole pan dulce (pastry) game up a notch with La Panadería. Their love for baking comes from selling their mama Doña Josefina's loaves of fresh-baked bread on the streets of Mexico City, and they've translated that passion into a winning combination of fresh, quality products available for only a limited amount of time each short day. Bestsellers include empanadas, tres leches (three-milk) croissants, and Nutella cruffins (a croissant-muffin hybrid). Brunch items include avocado toast with grilled chicken, ranchero eggs Benedictine, and tequila-butter steak and eggs. They also have salads, tortas, cakes and cookies, and a nice assortment of freshly baked breads. Ordering can be fast and furious at peak times—grab a tray, get in line, pay for your selections, and settle in to a nearby table. To avoid disappointment, check the website to see how many of what you want they have left. Aficionados have been known to drive from location to location in search of their favorites. Their other locations are 8305 Broadway (Alamo Heights) and 17030 Fiesta Texas Drive (La Cantera Heights).

The heart of Market Square boasts one of San Antonio's most venerable culinary landmarks, part of the notable Cortez Family of restaurants. Opened in 1941 as a three-table café for early-rising farmers to get breakfast, Mi Tierra ("my land") is a traditional Mexican restaurant, bakery, and bar that serves its hallmark breakfasts all day; the chilaquiles famosas—eggs scrambled with corn tortilla strips and topped with ranchero (mild tomato-based) sauce and cheese—are alone worth coming back for again and again. Truly memorable nachos, tacos, enchiladas, chalupas, fajitas, and house specialties, all made from fresh ingredients, are served at lunch and dinner. The giant, carved oak bar serves up aged tequilas, authentic margaritas, draught beer, and mixed drinks. The bakery has an enormous selection of pan dulces (Mexican pastries) and excellent coffee. Yes, the Christmas decorations stay up year-round.

This venerable and popular downtown institution has been serving up hearty German soul food for breakfast (served all day), lunch, and dinner since Mama and Papa Schilo established their first location in 1917. The delicatessen moved to its current spot on East Commerce Street in 1942; Schilo's even lays claim to being the oldest operating restaurant in San Antonio and nobody has challenged them for the title. Fuel up with their famous split-pea soup; Reuben, sausage, and deli sandwiches; or weekday lunch specials, such as chicken and dumplings or meat loaf. There are also plenty of German classics like schweineschnitzel (panfried pork loin) or wienerschnitzel (panfried veal). Wash it down with fantastic homemade root beer, and top off your meal with rich, creamy cheesecake or delectable apple strudel. They also offer draft beer and spiked root beer specials. To add to the cool history, the building was originally a bank; the old bank vault is now the restaurant's walk-in cooler. They don't take reservations for groups smaller than 20, so be prepared to wait a bit during peak breakfast and lunch times.

Big and bold contemporary design creates a lively atmosphere for this exciting collaboration by restaurateurs Lisa Wong of Rosario's fame and Pete Selig, known for Biga on the Banks. The nouvelle Tex-Mex spot sits astride a less-traveled section of the River Walk and offers excellent margaritas (many made from exotic ingredients, such as pear cactus), guacamole made table-side, and fresh ceviche. For the main course, move onto fish tacos (grilled or fried) or a host of seasonal fare, all with a fresh, contemporary flair. The outdoor dining area is small, but worth the wait for views of the river. Reservations aren't required, but think about getting them for busy weekends or holiday times. 

At this elegant chef-driven restaurant, executive chef and owner Mark Bohanan dishes up prime-grade center-cut meat with exclusive selections of ultra-marbled, extraordinarily tender Japanese Akaushi beef (that means no growth hormones, ever). They also offer a tempting variety of fresh seafood, including wild Alaskan salmon, fresh Gulf red snapper, and Hawaiian big-eye sashimi tuna. Add a selection of single-malt scotches, handcrafted cocktails, and an expansive wine list, and it's no wonder the place attracts a power crowd. Reservations are recommended.

This River Walk landmark serves a great variety of steaks and seafood. A little bit Gulf Coast, a little bit Mexican, and a whole lotta Texan, their something-for-everybody menu caters to almost every palette exceptionally well. Fresh fish is the star of the menu—much of it caught from the Texas Gulf—with favorites like blackened gulf-fish fillet, coconut shrimp, and blue-crab tostada. Steak lovers have their pick of grilled prime rib, center-cut strip sirloin, black Angus cuts, and Texas filet of sirloin. Table-side guacamole service mixes fresh avocado, roasted tomato, onions, serrano pepper, cilantro, and fresh orange and lime juices. The main dining room is almost cavelike and provides several nooks for conversation and romance, but the patio on the river is where you want to be when the weather's nice. Dinner on a river barge is a special treat. 

This steak house reigns over the San Antonio skyline, perched at the top of the Tower of the Americas and rotating slowly and smoothly. Its predecessor was primarily popular as a destination for drinks, but Chart House serves up some great steaks and seafood to keep you occupied for an entire night out while enjoying one-of-a-kind views of the city. It's a short stroll from the River Walk and other downtown attractions, and then a high-speed elevator ride to the top of The Tower.

In the heart of Market Square, here you can sample Mexican fare or oysters or both while surrounded by Spanish tile and light music. Try the fajitas, enchiladas, or puffy tacos, seated inside or on the patio under colorful umbrellas with a great view of the square. If you want to try a bit of everything, go for the Fiesta San Antonio appetizer plate for yourself or to share with friends over a fantastic array of margaritas—it's what the restaurant is named for, and the moniker is justified. There's plenty of live entertainment, and mariachis will serenade your table upon request (and please do tip).

At this restaurant focused on Texas heritage and place—primarily sourcing its ingredients locally and regionally—renowned chef Steve McHugh creates an evolving menu that, naturally, changes with the seasons. As sleek, comfortable, and contemporary as the Thompson Hotel it's housed in, the restaurant has River Walk access where guests can stroll up directly from the river level without having to go through the hotel. The 200-seat Landrace evokes warm mid-century modern design with its light color palette, soaring ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows.There is outdoor patio dining as well. Entrées include luscious offerings in Wagyu beef, bison, lamb, pork, free-range chicken, and seafood, with fresh salads, fruits, and vegetables. A table-side cart even prepares Old Fashioneds on the spot. When making reservations, ask for seating at the K-Bar for a close-up look at the Grillworks wood-fired grill and a chance to watch the chef at work. 

Located in the thick of things right on the San Antonio River, this upscale national seafood chain is a pleasurable oasis from the area's hustle-and-bustle. A variety of fresh fish prepared in a number of ways include Chilean sea bass and almond-crusted mahimahi; top steak cuts appease those who prefer turf to surf. Or you can have both with Reef & Beef, a lobster tail with rib eye. The atmosphere is classy yet relaxed. There's a large wine list, a capable bar, and a prompt and knowledgeable waitstaff.

River Walk dining at its most elegant and romantic, this three-level restaurant is known for its sophistication and romance and has one of the most relaxing and beautiful outdoor dining areas on the River Walk, with graceful palm trees and soothing views. The menu is a celebration of refined American cuisine that combines locally sourced ingredients in chef-inspired dishes. Creative, flavorful dishes of note use products from local farmers and artisans, such as Lockhart quail and veal tenderloin. The finest handmade margaritas on the River Walk can be found here. 

Housed in a limestone structure built in 1847, this rustic restaurant was originally the residence and store of German immigrant Otto Bombach, and now it's a spot to enjoy traditional German fare and music in a historic River Walk setting. A highlight is the Bavarian Beer Room, an Opera Haus–style space with live entertainment at selected times. Starters include deviled eggs and Prost fries topped with pork belly, scallions, pickles, and bier cheese. Handhelds (sandwiches) include a classic Reuben, a brat dog, a chicken schnitzel club, and burgers (either beef or veggie), plus sides of sauerkraut and potato salad. The terrace dining reminiscent of a biergarten gives diners scenic views of the San Antonio River. It's a historically protected site that was once a boarding house, a private school, and reportedly a hangout for desperados. 

Near the Alamo, the River Walk, and the Menger Hotel, this branch of the Morton's steakhouse chain is appropriately elegant and contemporary. Fabulous steaks, the selection and size of which are truly impressive, range from double-cut fillets to porterhouse to Cajun rib eye, and are matched with exquisite wines and service. Non-red-meat options include Ōra King salmon and cold-water lobster tail. Signature sides are lobster mac 'n' cheese, smoked gouda and bacon au gratin potatoes, and Maine lobster ravioli. Desserts are equally luscious: New York cheesecake, crème brûlée, and Morton's Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake. Reservations are not required but recommended.

Its name means oyster in Spanish, and you will find them plenty fresh here, chilled on the half shell and served with mignonette or chipotle cocktail sauce. The oyster bar also serves up clams, crabs, shrimp, and ceviche. Other offerings of this premium seafood restaurant are roasted Gulf redfish, mahimahi Veracruz, grilled ahi tuna, and applewood-roasted salmon, along with lobster tail and the fish of the day. The nonseafood menu is limited, so ask the server for suggestions. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a lovely spot on the River Walk, housed in the luxury Mokara Hotel & Spa; it's very popular, so dinner reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. 

This deservedly popular spot at a bend on the River Walk melds fine Italian dining with a Mediterranean approach. The range of foodie-friendly dishes includes the signature shrimp paesano, a delicate and flavorful, lightly breaded and baked concoction accented with lemon, butter, and garlic, available as an appetizer or as an entrée. Other standouts include wood-fired pizzas, baked ziti with Italian sausage, eggplant parmigiana, and lemon pepper salmon. Arrive early to nab a table on the outdoor patio right next to the river. Paesano's has another location at 555 E. Basse Road.

A household name in barbecue with several locations in Texas and one in Albuquerque, the Country Line is famous for its barbecued ribs, smoked brisket, and related fare. The barbecue here is dry-rubbed, with the sauce on the side, and the various combo platters and family-style options let you sample from smoked turkey and sausage, brisket, beef and pork ribs, and more. They even provide recipes for sides on their website. The atmosphere is rustic-casual, so don't be afraid to put your elbows on the table. There is a second location at 4334 Hyatt Place Drive.

The San Antonio location of this classic New York–style steak house maintains the chain's efforts to bring back the supper clubs of decades past. Premium seafood, including jumbo Nova Scotia lobster, and Italian specialties add plenty of diversity to a menu populated by prime aged porterhouses, double-cut New York strip, and veal chops. Distinguished but not stuffy, the first thing you notice is the walls covered with hand-drawn caricatures of local and international celebrities, sports figures, politicians, and others who have dined at the Palm over the years. The dining room is elegant and stately, putting you in the right frame of mind to down some serious turf or surf or both. The dark, quiet bar area is a great place for conversation and cocktails.