San Antonio: 8 Best Riverwalk Restaurants (2024)

One of the most iconic spots in Texas, the San Antonio Riverwalk sees millions of people per year and spans 15 miles as the nation’s largest urban ecosystem. It binds old downtown charm with the beautiful missions of San Antonio and many of the city’s other attractions. As with any major hotspot, it is plagued with mediocre tourist trap restaurants claiming to be the “best of the city” for one reason or another.  

But there are definitely still gems to be found! And for that reason, we see it as our duty to let you know where to find the best San Antonio Riverwalk restaurants. This guide will ensure you have the best dining experience in one of the most unique places in the country. Happy eating!

See Also: 15 Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots in San Antonio

8. Boudro’s

Kicking off our guide to the best San Antonio Riverwalk restaurants is Boudro’s. Delicious food, great outdoor seating, and a cozy indoor option give Boudro’s a solid standing on our list. Their menu has creative classics and Texan favorites all made at a quality any foodie would enjoy. Blue crab tostadas, tableside guac, and Texas tapas are good starts to this bold Tex-Mex menu. Situated right in the heart of the downtown Riverwalk area, Boudro’s is great for an impromptu lunch, but be sure to make reservations for dinner.

7. Ácenar

The San Antonio Riverwalk is saturated with very underwhelming Mexican and Tex-Mex options, but a go-to spot for Mexican dining worth the hype is Acénar. This multi-level eatery offers innovative dishes and elevated classics in a vibrant setting with a stunning riverside balcony. The alambre mini skewers are a great start to any meal and the short rib tacos are Tex-Mex at its finest—tender, flavorful short rib on a beautiful corn tortilla, topped with a spicy, tangy slaw. Aka perfection. Don’t skip the bread pudding for dessert!

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6. Landrace

Landrace has all the ambiance of an upscale hotel restaurant with a beautiful outdoor patio that overlooks the less crowded section of the Riverwalk. Sit al fresco while lounging on a comfy couch riverside or inside in one of their velvet booths under a chandelier. The menu is Texas-based, creative, and seasonally changing. But the showstopping menu item? Their perfectly cooked steaks. If you’re feeling adventurous, add foie gras, brûléed blue cheese, or fried gulf crab fingers to adorn your well-seared steak. Their choices of accompaniments and sauces will make your steak-loving heart sing. Not feeling beef? Go for their seasonal fish in mole verde or double-cut pork chop in chipotle-lime butter. If lunch is what’s needed, the meatloaf sandwich and steak frites fit the bill perfectly. This curated dining experience and the impeccable ingredients make Landrace one of the best restaurants on the Riverwalk.

5. Domingo

At the corner of Crockett and Saint Mary’s sits one of the newer additions to the San Antonio Riverwalk, Domingo Restaurante. The restaurant is simply stunning. It has the perfect view of the city’s beloved river, and is within earshot of the bells of Saint Mary’s church. If we haven’t made it clear enough, Domingo’s is the coziest place for a meal on the Riverwalk. The menu is simple and features southwest-influenced cuisine, which is beloved by Texans. Thinks enchiladas, burgers, and churros you absolutely cannot skip out on. Their skillet cornbread or wagyu taquitos are a great place to start, followed by either the green chile enchiladas or the grilled adobo chicken tacos. You can’t go wrong here (except for leaving without the freshly made churros).

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4. Fiume

San Antonio is not especially known for its pizza, especially when on the Riverwalk. Fiume, however, is the exception to that rule providing the best Texas-infused Neapolitan pizza. Tucked in the Lavilita bend of the Riverwalk, you will find their large Italian-made pizza oven in full view to all who pass by. Their patio has ample seating with options indoors if you can’t stand the summer (or fall for that matter) heat. Their classic margherita or pepperoni pizza will always do the trick, but if you’re itching to branch out, go with one of the Texas-inspired pies with ingredients like roasted poblano sauce, crema, chorizo, short rib, and hot honey. Not only is Fiume one of the best restaurants on the Riverwalk, but it’s also one of the best spots for pizza in all of San Antonio.

3. Supper

Next up on our guide to the best San Antonio Riverwalk restaurants is Supper. Supper is located on the part of the Riverwalk that sits just a few miles from the city center in the Pearl District. Which means the patio overlooks one of the Riverwalk’s most beautiful sections without the hustle and bustle of downtown noise. When operational, you can even take one of the famous river taxis from downtown, up the river to the Pearl if you’re feeling adventurous. Supper is the restaurant of the renowned Hotel Emma but certainly upholds its own reputation for elevated American cuisine. True to the area, their menu is seasonal, fresh, and local, sourcing as much as possible from neighboring Texas towns. The food is familiar yet innovative and always manages to both comfort and surprise. If you’re looking for a quieter spot with amazing Riverwalk vibes, Supper is the place! Reservations are strongly recommended. 

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2. Ocho

Tucked alongside Hotel Havana’s historic mansion, is Ocho, a Latin-inspired eatery situated in a beautifully designed glass conservatory that overlooks a less crowded section of the San Antonio Riverwalk system. Serving a Sunday brunch, daily lunch, and dinner, drinks, and late-night snacks, Ocho’s culturally curated menu reflects the roots of South Texas, with a strong Latin influence. Their salsa platter or panela a la plancha are starter favorites and we recommend the al pastor pork or chimichurri steak for dinner. When making reservations, ask for a table with a view of the river. Oh, and don’t forget to order the churros!

1. Biga On The Banks

One of the Alamo city’s first downtown fine dining establishments, Biga on the Banks, lies along the Riverwalk on the first floor of the International Center and serves some of San An’s finest New American cuisine. Their menu prep begins each morning for the nightly dinner service and highlights fresh, local ingredients. The menu changes seasonally but always features incredible options that you’re guaranteed to love. With the 11-time James Beard Foundation ‘Best Chef / Southwest’ nominee Bruce Auden leading the kitchen, Biga on the Banks delivers superb service, with an ever-changing menu and a stunning view of the Riverwalk to match. There is no question that this is the best restaurant on the Riverwalk. 

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