16 Best Restaurants on the San Antonio Riverwalk

With dozens of restaurants on the San Antonio Riverwalk, any visitor will be spoiled for choice. Lucky for you, we’ve sorted through them all and found 16 of the very best.

Mouthwatering dishes, creative cocktails, and picturesque views abound at each of these San Antonio Riverwalk restaurants, yet each brings its own special flair.

This list will give you all the info you need to figure out which destinations deserve a spot on your itinerary, like prices, atmosphere, and star menu items.

16 Best Restaurants on the San Antonio Riverwalk

One of the best things to do in San Antonio? Eat! So bring your appetite (and your camera for the views), and get ready to enjoy the most delicious riverside cuisine San Antonio has to offer.

Acenar

$11-30 | Website | (210) 222-2362

San Antonio is known for bringing together a blend of cultures, and nowhere is this better on display than at Acenar, a restaurant and bar specializing in modern TexMex.

Their whole menu is packed with flavor, but the chalupas and tacos have received particularly glowing reviews (especially the short rib or oyster option for the latter).

Non-meat eaters can also find plenty to love, like vegetarian relleno, enchiladas, and roasted mushrooms and squash served fajita-style.

Then, top it all off with a selection from their list of Latino-inspired cocktails. We hear the coconut margarita is a winner.

Aside from the food, enjoy multiple stories of festive decor, outdoor seating, and stunning views of the Riverwalk below.

Read next: Weekend in San Antonio

Biga on the Banks

$31-60 | Website | (210) 225-0722

There are dozens of more casual dining options among the restaurants on the San Antonio Riverwalk, but Biga on the Banks kicks things up a notch with an elevated atmosphere and adventurous New American cuisine.

The chef-driven menu changes daily, but you’re certainly always in for a treat. Among the past fan favorites are their rack of lamb, quail, and bouillabaisse.

Dining out for a special occasion? You can also opt for Biga’s prix fixe seasonal menu, which includes 3 customizable courses and the option to add wine pairings.

Since this spot draws quite a crowd, it’s recommended that you make a reservation in advance, especially if visiting on a weekend or holiday.

Ocho

$11-30 | Website | (210) 222-2008

Step away from San Antonio and straight into the old-world charm of Havana, Cuba at this super chic restaurant and lounge.

Set inside a glass conservatory, Ocho boasts wall-to-wall views of the Riverwalk, complemented by interiors flush with lavish chandeliers and electric blue furniture pieces.

When it comes to the menu, their salsa platter and plantain cakes + carnitas are big brunch hits, while evening diners rave about the Cuban sandwich. To drink, you can’t go wrong with Ocho’s signature mojito or an ice-cold Sueña Michelada.

They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a killer brunch every Sunday from 10 AM-2 PM.

Ostra

$31-60 | Website | (210) 396-5817

Timeless and romantic, this seafood destination is a go-to for San Antonians seeking exquisite meals and charming views.

Breakfast is a fan favorite, although Ostra also serves lunch and dinner. If you head over early, try the classic American breakfast or add some Spanish flair with the roasted poblano migos.

Eating later in the day? The seafood gumbo, grilled ahi tuna, and roasted gulf redfish have all received glowing reviews. Or sample anything from their award-winning Oyster Bar, which features the freshest clams, crab, ceviche, and more.

And when you go to Ostra, go thirsty. With more than 70 labels available, they boast one of the largest selections of tequilas and Mezcals in downtown San Antonio.

Saltgrass Steakhouse

$11-30 | Website | (210) 222-9092

Although this chain can be found throughout Texas, their San Antonio Riverwalk spot is undoubtedly the most picturesque.

And as can be expected at any Saltgrass Steakhouse, you’ll find hearty, family-style meals, oh-so-Southern decor, and (of course) lots of meat.

Their menu is packed with Southern treats like fried pickles, BBQ pork ribs, and giant surf and turf platters. To top it all off, order one of their house-made drinks like a tropical sangria, frozen margarita, or Tito’s Texas Tea (their take on a Long Island).

Dorrego’s

$11-30 | Website | (210) 230-8454

Tired of TexMex and want to switch things up? As the only Argentinian eatery around, Dorrego’s brings something different to the line-up of restaurants on the San Antonio Riverwalk.

Here, you’ll find cozy and intimate interiors, bold flavors, and a wide array of fabulous Argentine wines, all paired with delicious dishes.

The menu highlights include locro, a “hearty stew of the Argentinian gaucho,” empanadas de carne, and anything that comes with their beloved chimichurri sauce.

After your meal, hop over to the adjacent Naranja Tequila and Mezcal Bar for tapas and craft cocktails. They even feature a live Latin jazz band that performs Thursday-Saturday from 7:30-10:30 PM.

Pinkerton’s Barbecue

$11-30 | Website | (210) 983-0088

You can’t visit Texas without enjoying its iconic barbecue, and Pinkerton’s just happens to dish up some of San Antonio’s best.

With picnic table seating, trays overflowing with perfectly-cooked meat, and an Alamo-inspired sign that declares “Come and eat it,” this charmingly Southern spot is everything you could hope for when you think of a truly Texas meal.

Everything is made daily from scratch, and some of the menu’s hottest items include the rosemary bacon mac & cheese, duck & sausage jambalaya, prime brisket, and bread pudding.

Pinkerton’s certifiably delicious BBQ has garnered all kinds of accolades, like a spot on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints list, the 2019 Memphis in May Beef Grand Champion award, and features on the Travel Channel and Food Network.

Yard House

$11-30 | Website | (210) 354-3844

Sit back, relax, and stay awhile at one of the most laidback restaurants on the San Antonio Riverwalk. Yard House is an elevated sports bar home to a vast New American menu and more draft beers than you could ever hope to sample in one night.

We hear the vampire tacos, with their filling of carnitas, bacon chorizo, and cumin crema are a must-try. (Vampire-style refers to street tacos “wrapped in a grilled, crispy cheese-crusted flour tortilla shell”).

Vegans and vegetarians will also have plenty to drool over, with a whole section of the menu dedicated to dishes that feature Gardein’s chicken-imitation plant protein, including wings, tenders, orange chicken, and more!

Iron Cactus

$11-30 | Website | (210) 224-9835

Its gorgeous outdoor patio, modern TexMex cuisine, and lovingly handcrafted margaritas make Iron Cactus an easy candidate for one of the best places to eat along the San Antonio Riverwalk.

Among their most highly-recommended menu items are a decadent Mexican meatloaf, Southwest paella, and brisket enchiladas. They even have a few vegan and vegetarian options available for non-meat eaters.

For dessert, their signature Mexican doughnuts are a must-try.

But the real stars of the show are their drinks, made from the more than 100 varieties of tequila they have on hand. In fact, Iron Cactus was named one of the top 10 tequila bars in the country!

Casa Rio

$11-30 | Website | (210) 225-6718

If you only have a weekend in San Antonio, Casa Rio definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary! This TexMex restaurant has been around since 1946, dishing up hearty meals, fabulous margaritas, and colorful Riverwalk views for locals and tourists alike.

In fact, it was the city’s very first business to begin operating on the banks of the San Antonio River.

With roving mariachi bands, friendly ducks, and a front-row seat to the boat tours, canoes, and kayaks passing by on the water, the atmosphere has only gotten livelier since.

Pair the sightseeing with Casa Rio’s famous chili con carne (they claim it’s the best in Texas), or fill up on their best-selling Deluxe Dinner plate, which comes with enchiladas, tamales, rice, beans, and more.

Schilo’s

$Under 11 | Website | (210) 223-6692

Schilo’s claim to fame? They’re the oldest restaurant in San Antonio (originally opened in 1917!), which has given them plenty of time to refine their uniquely delicious German-Texan menu.

And things only get better from there. This spot is also one of the most affordable restaurants on the San Antonio Riverwalk, with most of their dishes clocking in at around $10.

Crowd favorites for lunch include the famous split pea soup, Reuben sandwich, and classic meatloaf (their number 1 bestseller).

Meanwhile, breakfast diners will love the fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, potato pancakes, and homestyle chicken and biscuits with sausage cream gravy.

Of course, you can’t leave without trying their legendary homemade Schilo’s Family Root Beer, which also comes in all kinds of spiked varieties for the adults at the table.

Paesanos

$11-30 | Website | (210) 227-2782

When in doubt, fine Italian dining always delivers. And that’s exactly what you’ll find at Paesanos, a San Antonio institution that has been delighting guests for more than 50 years.

Their signature dish is the Shrimp Paesano with lemon butter garlic sauce, but the fettuccine alfredo, stuffed shells, and parmesan-crusted artichoke hearts have also received rave reviews.

If you’re visiting San Antonio for a special occasion or just want to indulge in a particularly memorable night, Paesanos offers dinner cruises, during which you can enjoy all their classic dishes while floating down the river. (Reservations must be made in advance).

Boudro’s on the Riverwalk

$31-60 | Website | (210) 224-8484

Self-described as a “Texas bistro,” Boudro’s on the Riverwalk offers everything you could hope for from a night out in San Antonio–elevated Southern comfort food, a comfy outdoor patio, and an extensive wine list.

Kick off your meal with their famous guacamole and a prickly pear margarita, then move on to decadent entrees of shrimp and grits, prime rib, or gulf crab enchiladas. Of course, there’s no better way to end the evening than with a spot-on Louisiana bread pudding.

In fact, Boudro’s is so delicious that it was the only restaurant on the Riverwalk to earn a spot on our list of the best restaurants in San Antonio, competing against thousands of spots all around the city.

Zocca Cuisine D’Italia

$11-30 | Website | (210) 444-6070

Got a hot date and wondering where to eat on the Riverwalk in San Antonio? Look no further!

Zocca offers not just incredible Italian cuisine, but also a taste of that classic Italian romance with refined yet relaxed interiors plus an extensive menu of pizzas, pastas, and more.

We hear the fettuccine alfredo and salmon fillet are must-order main courses, while their tiramisu is the perfect way to end an evening.

For something to sip alongside your meal, Zocca has a long list of domestic and international wines, as well as draft beers, ciders, and cocktails.

Republic of Texas

$11-30 | Website | (210) 226-6256

If you look for fun as much as you look for flavor, then this raucous Riverwalk eatery (and nightclub!) is for you.

Republic of Texas dishes up both Southern comfort food and mouth-watering TexMex, from classic BBQ options like ribs and brisket sandwiches to Latin-inspired enchiladas verdes and fajitas.

For drinks, indulge in a house margarita or make things a bit more Texan with their “BeerRita,” a traditional marg served with an inverted beer of your choice.

The restaurant hosts live music performances and karaoke nights throughout the week, so check their upcoming events calendar before you go!

Cured

$31-60 | Website | (210) 314-3929

We wrap up our list of the best restaurants on the San Antonio Riverwalk with Cured, a hip New American hotspot located in the historic Pearl Brewery (one of the best breweries in San Antonio).

The building, constructed in 1904, once housed the Pearl’s administration but has since been revamped to bring the original wood floors and exposed brick into a more upscale setting.

Cured’s specialty? As the name suggests, they’re known for hand-crafted cured foods and artisanal cured meats, some of which hang from a glass charcuterie case placed right in the dining room.

But despite the elevated atmosphere, as Cured’s owner, Steve McHugh, says, “We’re just really cooking good, honest food from our farmers.”

Charcuterie boards are the star of the menu here, made up of goodies like chicken liver mousse, lamb and citrus terrine, and apple jalapeño pork rillettes.