Ryan M.
Yelp
Valeria -- undoubtedly the best restaurant in Boerne -- offers a dining experience that marries Italian-inspired cuisine with a farm-to-table ethos, sourcing many ingredients from its own farm and trusted local partners. Under the guidance of Chef Keith Kuhn, whose international culinary background informs the menu, Valeria delivers a seasonally evolving selection of dishes that emphasize freshness, quality, and flavor. Though the emphasis is on Italian, the menu veers into other cuisines from Europe. From wood-fired pizzas to fresh seafood and house-made desserts, Valeria has earned its reputation as a rare gem in a town bereft of world-class cuisine. Having dined there numerous times, I could write a tome of a review detailing at least a dozen dishes. Alas, Yelp has imposed a draconian 5,000-character limit, so I am forced to limit my review to several standouts.
Valeria's housemade bread selections put other restaurants' bread offerings to shame. The selection varies from visit to visit, but expect a generous portion of organic, warm house-baked breads accompanied by unsalted French butter, a ramekin of sea salt, and a selection of briny olives. True to European tradition, I butter each slice of bread and apply a sprinkling of salt to taste.
The spicy meat lovers pizza is a triumph of bold flavors. Topped with a robust combination of pepperoni, Italian sausage, fresh jalapeños, Calabrian chilis, a mountain of shredded mozzarella, and a zesty San Marzano tomato sauce, this pizza -- my personal favorite on the menu -- balances heat with depth. The crust, crafted from organic flour, achieves the coveted Neapolitan texture: crisp on the outside, airy within. A smear of San Marzano tomato sauce provides a bright, tangy foundation, while the jalapeños and Calabrian chilis deliver a satisfying kick.
The duck confit, easily the best iteration of the dish within 100 miles, exemplifies Valeria's ability to execute rustic European standards with finesse. The Rohan duck leg confit arrives succulent and tender, the meat falling off the bone after hours of slow cooking in its own fat. Paired with duck fat-sautéed potatoes, the dish offers a rich, earthy decadence, complemented by a vibrant red cabbage, beet, and red onion slaw with a dollop of crème fraîche. The interplay of textures -- crisp skin, creamy potatoes, and crunchy slaw -- creates a symphony of contrasts, while the seasoning (a hint of rosemary and thyme) underscores the duck's natural richness. It's a sophisticated yet comforting plate, one that Chef Keith was happy to make for me by special request. Thank you, Chef!
The fish and chips reflect Valeria's global influences and commitment to sustainable seafood. Featuring a flaky, wild-caught fish -- haddock, as I recall -- the filets are encased in a light, golden batter that crisps beautifully without becoming greasy. The fries, house-made and twice-cooked for that perfect desiccated crunch, accompany a house-made dill tartar sauce, adding a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the fish's mild sweetness. Sourced from responsibly caught stocks, per Valeria's standards, it's a refined take on a British classic, proving that even familiar comfort food can shine with premium ingredients and careful preparation.
The linguine pescatore is a seafood lover's dream, brimming with fresh shellfish and a zesty, robust tomato sauce. The clams, mussels, and shrimp are cooked perfectly (never rubbery), while the linguine arrives al dente. It's a vibrant, rustic plate that had me sweating most gloriously. On one visit, the kitchen inexplicably forgot to include the mussels, an oversight Chef Keith remedied by presenting me with a huge complimentary side dish of the aforementioned bivalves. Serendipity-doo-dah!
The warm chocolate sheet cake provides a decadent finale, one that I've savored on many occasions. Served straight from the oven, this cake features a moist, fudgy center with a slightly crisp edge, its deep chocolate flavor derived from high-quality cocoa. Chopped Texas pecans add an extra depth of flavor and texture. It's a comforting yet elegant end to the meal, embodying the restaurant's ethos of quality without pretense, a sweet reminder of why Valeria stands out in Boerne's largely fetid dining landscape.
Don't let its unassuming strip mall veneer fool you; this hidden gem offers an intimate atmosphere, attentive service, and a wine list that pairs beautifully with its fare. For those seeking a memorable meal in Boerne, Valeria is the best option by far.