Best Restaurants in San Antonio
The husband and I love food. Especially food from around the world. We eat pretty much anything and love to try new cuisines. So one of our favorite past times is to find authentic, preferably family-run restaurants in San Antonio that take our taste buds on a journey around the globe. It allows us to satisfy our wanderlust in between trips and lets us discover new things. I love going to these restaurants in San Antonio because I love their vibe and authenticity. So whether you are a local or are planning your San Antonio itinerary, you should add these restaurants to your list.
Honestly, I am not a big fan of chain restaurants and avoid them like the plague. I’d rather support small family-owned restaurants that give me a unique experience. Restaurants in San Antonio that take our taste buds on a trip to far flung places. It allows us to satisfy our wanderlust in between trips and lets us discover new things. I love going to these restaurants in San Antonio because I love their vibe and authenticity.
My Favorite Restaurants in San Antonio:
Moroccan Bites Cuisine
Moroccan Bites was one of the first restaurants we ever went to in San Antonio and they instantly gave us a hearty welcome. It is a family-owned business, the two sisters run the show and their mom (such a wonderful lady) cooks. This is by far my favorite restaurant in San Antonio and whenever we have visitors from out of town, we always take them there and were never disappointed. The food is amazing and so flavorful, the meat so tender and succulent that it falls off the bone. Remember to save some room for dessert, as all their cakes and baklava is homemade as well. And you can take your time and relax. They don’t rush you out the door, so they can fill your table again. You can enjoy your meal, your drinks, your desserts and simply hang out with your friends or family. When you are ready, you can pay up front.
Website: http://www.moroccanbitescuisine.com/
Location: 5714 Evers Rd, San Antonio, TX 78238
What to Eat: Lamb Tagine with Vegetables + Moroccan Mint Tea
Price Range: $$
Nama Ramen
I love Ramen. I even made homemade Tonkotsu Ramen (a 36-hour process), at home once. But if you don’t want to wait that long, I highly recommend Nama Ramen for the best Ramen fix in San Antonio. It is young, it is hip and it is one of my favorite restaurants in San Antonio.
I have to say that I have sampled a lot of Ramen all over the US. And none of them hold up to Nama Ramen. Nama Ramen in San Antonio is where the cool kids go for a late night Ramen run. Be ready for a short wait though as it is a small Ramen shop and very popular. But so worth it. Once you start slurping in those noodles and take a sip of that creamy pork broth, you will know what I mean, I promise!
Website:
Location: 6565 Babcock Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249
What to Eat: Tonkotsu Ramen, but their Chirashi Bowl is sooo pretty!
Price Range: $$
La Frite
La Frite is a fantastic Belgian restaurant in San Antonio that has the best mussels in town. If you like mussels, you have to try this place. They have 7 different broth flavors, from the traditional Marinière (white wine with garlic and thyme – my absolute favorite!) to exotic flavors like Thai or Basque – it just never gets boring. The Moules (mussels) are served just like in Belgium with French Fries and Aioli and my favorite part is dropping my fries in the broth and fishing them out with the spoon. Sooooo good!!!
But this place is not only for seafood lovers. They have great steaks, chicken, and duck on the menu as well. And if you like beer, you will also appreciate this place. Belgium is known as THE Craft Beer Mecca in Europe and La Frite as many delicious Belgian Brews to choose from.
Website: http://www.lafritesa.com/
Location: 728 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205
What to Eat: Moules et frites
Price Range: $$$
Niki’s Tokyo Inn
I love it when I walk into a restaurant in San Antonio, or anywhere, for that matter, and all I see is people from the region of the restaurant. This is how it is at Niki’s Tokyo Inn. It is another family owned restaurant in San Antonio and they are proud of their food (and can be, IMHO it is the best sushi in town!). I have to admit, it looks a little rough from the outside. But you walk in and the majority of customers are Japanese, from students to Managers from the Toyota plant in San Antonio. You can even choose to eat in one of their traditional Japanese rooms, where you’ll have to take your shoes off and sit on the floor. The seafood is fresh and delicious and if you are lucky, you’ll get a treat from their little vegetable garden in the back.
Website: none
Location: 819 W Hildebrand Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212
What to Eat: Their Sashimi platter is amazing, try it!
Price Range: $$
Sichuan Cuisine
UPDATE: Currently closed! Do you like spicy food? No, I mean really spicy food? If your answer is yes, you have to check out Sichuan Cuisine and order Hot Pot. Sichuan Province is known for its spicy and flavorful food. And one of the signature dishes is called Hot Pot, which is similar to a fondue. They will bring a small propane burner to the table, and a huge pot of boiling broth, as well as a bunch of raw food (it comes as a set that includes beef, lamb, cabbage and 2 types of noodles, but you can order more, if you like. I recommend the fish, potstickers, and mushrooms). If you are not a fan of spicy food or have a mixed party, you can get the Ying Yang pot, which is half spicy and half mild broth.
You cook your own food at the table and it is so much fun to spend an evening with friends or family as you drop in the food, talk, relax, fish out your food and enjoy. Definitely not recommend this if you are in a rush, this is a full evening activity 😉
Website: http://www.sichuancuisinesa.com/
Location: 2347 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78231
What to Eat: Hot Pot (either spicy or Ying/Yang style)
Price Range: $$
Café Bahar
I have to admit that I have not been to Café Bahar for dinner. But I can vouch for their Lunch Buffett – and so can my friends from India. It is simply amazing. Their spread is varied and changes several times a week, so you get a different taste every time. Whether you prefer vegetarian or meat, you will not be dissatisfied, as they offer so many different dishes. They also have free chai and another drink on offer (such as avocado or mango lassi) that you should try. The Idlis are soft and a perfect combo with the Dal and Sambar. The Tandory chicken is juicy and delicious. I’ve gone there with many of my Indian friends and they all said it is best Indian restaurant in San Antonio.
Website: none
Location: 10227 Ironside Dr, San Antonio, TX 78230
What to Eat: Lunch Buffett
Price Range: $
Azro Authentic Afghan Cuisine
When I lived in San Diego, there was an Afghan restaurant within walking distance to my apartment. I always wanted to go and try their food, but before I ever had the chance, I packed up my things and moved to Texas. When I discovered years later, that there was an Afghan restaurant in San Antonio, I had to try it out right away. Afghan cuisine is a mix of Middle Eastern and Persian cuisine. Lamb and chicken, opulent spice mixes and often mixed with a sweet component, this food is simply amazing.
I love the service at Azro Afghan Cuisine. The first time I went, I asked my waiter for recommendations, as I never had Afghan food before. The waiter was very helpful and told me about the history and tradition of the dishes and by recommending the appetizer sampler, I could try a variety of dishes. Perfect!
Website: http://azroafghancuisine.com/
Location: 2211 NW Military Hwy #131, San Antonio, TX 78213
What to Eat: Try the appetizer sampler and one of the lamb shanks as an entree.
Price Range: $$
What are your favorite restaurants in San Antonio?
What are your favorite restaurants in San Antonio? Are they on my list? If not, let me know in the comments, which other restaurants I need to check out!
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MariaAbroad is a Travel Blog to inspire you and show you cool places around the world. I'll share articles about travel, culture, and craft beer. Follow me along, as I adventure through the world, one beer at a time. Cheers!
I’ll definitely have to go out and check out some of these places! Awesome post!
I love that cities are so multicultural with food these days . Makes hard to decide which country to taste lol
Great list! You must try Baan Esaan — a fascinatingly authentic Northeastern Thai restaurant. You will not find your traditional Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Pad See Ew, etc. Rather, you’ll find yourself immersed in what is one of the most genuine and flavorful culinary experiences in San Antonio. Having traveled to this region, everything, from the coconut juice to the sticky rice bamboo containers, is just as it is supposed to be — genuine.
Thanks for the suggestion, Sean. I love Thai food and I am especially intrigued by the cuisine in Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai area). My bucket list item is to do a cooking class there one day 🙂 But in the meantime, I think I will give Baan Esaan a try!
There is a great new restaurant you have to check out called Baan Esaan. They are a Northern Thai restaurant that is VERY different than your typical Thai restaurant. I went there and LOVED it. You must try.
Wow, ok, now I have two recommendations for Baan Esaan. I will HAVE to check it out soon. My mouth is already watering after reading their menu. Can you recommend your favorite dish(es)?
Woohoo you included 2 of my favorite things on here: hot pot and ramen. I was in Austin last weekend and couldn’t believe how awesome Texas was; now I can’t wait to visit San Antonio for the great food and atmosphere.
Let me know when you are in town Hung, I would love to show you around and take you to all the good spots 🙂
I’ve only been to San Antonio a couple times and always stick to Mexican food on the Riverwalk. I’ll need to branch out next time!
I’ve always wondered if there were any good ramen joints in SA! I’ve always wanted to try it. Definitely bookmarking this page to try some of these other restaurants too!
Everything looks delicious! I love trying out local twists on world cuisine!