Best Restaurants in San Antonio (2025)

San Antonio’s first Michelin-starred restaurant cooks a storytelling tasting menu that travels Mexico’s regions with rigor and heart. Celebrated by the Michelin Guide and repeatedly crowned No. 1 by local critics, it’s the city’s modern benchmark.

Pitmaster Esaul Ramos marries Central Texas technique with San Antonio flavors—brisket, turkey, and chicharrón-topped mac. Recognized by the Michelin Guide and Texas Monthly’s 2025 Top 50, this East Side favorite remains a pilgrimage for smoked meat.

Chef Nicola Blaque’s veteran-owned destination serves vibrant Jamaican plates—jerk chicken, oxtails, and plantains—with warmth and swagger. Named a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide and praised by local media, it’s a true community standard-bearer.

A Southtown stalwart in a refashioned service station, Bliss wins for polished service and seasonal New American plates—think oyster sliders and scallops with grits. Frequently highlighted by San Antonio Express-News, it delivers romance without pretense.

Chef Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin’s playful Asian American cooking—bao, curry noodles, and vibrant veg—anchors a historic Pearl house. The chef’s 2025 James Beard nomination and steady local acclaim confirm its creative pulse and staying power.

A sunny Southtown charmer from a local husband-and-wife team, pairing Gulf and East Coast oysters with bright salads and seafood classics. Noted by the Michelin Guide and regulars alike, it’s where San Antonio leans into sea breeze vibes.

Beloved for unapologetically spicy classics—mapo tofu, cumin lamb, and numbing peppercorn heat—this West Side original sits atop local best-of Chinese lists. Featured by Food Network and praised by the San Antonio Express-News for 2025.

Near the Alamodome, the Reese brothers serve brisket, ribs, and a cult-favorite queso fundido sausage with South Texas flair. Cited by Texas Monthly’s 2025 Top 50 and local critics, it’s a relaxed hangout with serious smoke.

A family-run institution since 1962, famous for brisket tacos and classic Tex-Mex plates. Recommended by the Michelin Guide and applauded by national writers, it’s breakfast-and-lunch-only tradition with deep neighborhood roots.

A lively cebicheria where pisco cocktails meet bright, seafood-forward plates—think scallops in parmesan leche de tigre and Nikkei tuna tostadas. Michelin-recommended and a 2025 James Beard finalist nod for the chef cement its buzz.

From chef Pieter Sypesteyn, this all-day brunch staple now thrives on Broadway with airy beignets, shrimp and grits, and New Orleans spirit. Covered by local press during its 2024 move, it’s again a weekend anchor.

Husband-and-wife team John and Elise Russ deliver a seasonal, globally inspired menu—go for the Feed Me experience and pastry-driven finales. A perennial critic favorite and James Beard-recognized talent, it’s intimate and ingredient-obsessed.

Mesquite-grilled chicken, green salsa, and smoky vibes define this South Side original. Regularly praised by local critics and adored by locals and touring musicians alike, it remains the city’s definitive pollos asados stop.