The Most Romantic Restaurants in San Antonio, Texas: Enjoy a Date Night in the Heart of the City
When people first think of San Antonio, they don’t necessarily first think of the restaurant scene, but as travelingmitch contributor Gary Crallé is here to tell you, to not properly explore this city’s restaurant offerings would be something akin to a travel crime. San Antonio is a UNESCO-designated City of Gastronomy, and the perfect place to go out for a memorable date night with a significant other. Here are some of the most romantic restaurants in San Antonio, Texas!
It would be a mistake to think Texas cuisine as little more than tacos, BBQs and hot sauce. As a community with a heart for the arts and a UNESCO-designated City of Gastronomy, San Antonio disputes this simplistic notion in several ways.
During a recent visit to San Antonio I set out to find a half dozen restaurants in the city core that would qualify as romantic places to dine.
Having been privileged to eat in some 65+ countries, in a range of venues from street stalls to fine dining, I’ve come to appreciate a wide variety of foods. As every cook and chef will tell you, quality ingredients and good prep are key.
I had 3 criteria for my San Antonio quest: restaurants had to be within walking distance of downtown/ Riverwalk accommodations. They had to have a welcoming ambiance (and of course, great food), and finally they had to be locally owned establishments.
The city’s UNESCO title stems from a rich heritage of European and Central American cultures. Gastronomic merit permeates the city through the energy of its chefs.
San Antonio not only embraces everyday foods, but nourishes creativity to further elevate its cuisine. The city, as one chef put it, “is a blend of cultures…something unique.” Little wonder the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) has 1 of its 4 American campuses here.
Four of the 6 establishments in the main list are clustered in the neighbourhood known as Southtown, a pleasant 15 to 20-minute stroll from the river. The remaining 2 eateries are either on or near the beautified San Antonio River pathways winding through the city center, known as Riverwalk.
*Please note that this post contains affiliate links. Simply put, this means that we may receive a small commission for our honest and heartfelt recommendations, at no additional cost to you.
Romantic Restaurants in San Antonio to Have on Your Radar
Maverick Texas Brasserie
“A French restaurant with a New York vibe”
Cuisine: French
Dress code: Casual
Location: Southtown
Meat, done right. Photo Credit: Gary Crallé
The restaurant name stems from Samuel A. Maverick, an early 1800s Texas rancher whose unbranded cattle led to his surname being applied to free-roaming livestock, assumably with an attitude.
Maverick Texas Brasserie is the resulting iteration: a French restaurant with a New York vibe in San Antonio. You’ll recognize the low white building with red roof tiles. Seats outside tell you it can get busy.
The restaurant motto is ‘Make your own rules’ as a play on the name to amplify an à la carte menu,
Food is French and Belgian, wines are French and beers mainly Texan. To keep ‘em comin’ back, a 3-course Plat du Jour changes through the week. Aromas of charbroiled meat and toasted baguettes swirled around me as I made my photos.
For private dining, a bookshelf wine cellar creates a cozy candle and chandelier space while the main dining room is a lively, open area between windows and a long bar.
The specialty cocktail names are predictably inventive, as in “Lose my Rind”, “South of Chávez,” and, of course, “The Maverick.”
La Frite
“A true neighbourhood favourite”
Cuisine: Belgian
Dress code: Casual
Location: Southtown
It was mid evening when I stepped inside. Laughter and lively conversation poured into the street from the 2 small rooms. I had dropped by unannounced, a stranger, but Icy Donnelly welcomed me with an engaging smile while sipping champagne as she bid me to a seat at the bar. Instantly I was in Belgium.
La Frite is more than a restaurant; it’s very much a neighbourhood favourite. Co-owners Icy, and her son Miles, have created a popular oasis in an area that has blossomed into some trendy San Antonio turf.
In Europe, Belgian cuisine stands alongside French for excellence. Bistros traditionally offer quality fare less expensively than fine dining establishments. Family run are the best.
La Frite’s nearly all-French wine list pairs with traditional dishes, most prominently mussels (moules) and French fries (frites). But frites are also readily served with other seafood, meats and chicken.
From a daily chalkboard menu, I ordered a pork chop to accompany a glass of Macon white wine. My dish came as a nicely seasoned chop resting on vegetables and thick mushroom gravy. Simple fare, tasty and well prepared.
La Frite accurately describes itself as casual fine dining. All around me tables quickly filled and emptied slowly. Icy and her staff effusively greeted new arrivals between animated non-stop conversations with diners.
The bistro isn’t a quiet place. Its secret charm is the convivial atmosphere. In no small way, Icy contributes a warmth that makes it happen.
And the frites? Golden brown, crisp on the outside, done on the inside, lightly salted. As they should be.
Battalion
“A fire station, reimagined”
Cuisine: Italian
Dress code: Business casual to casual
Location: Southtown (a 15-20 minute walk from the Alamo)
Squat red brick Firehouse #7 sits prominently at the entrance to Southtown on Alamo Street (from downtown) the way it has for almost 100 years — but with a difference. The only 3-alarm fires it puts out now are from diners overindulging in hot sauce.
Following extensive renovations, the building became home to Battalion Restaurant. Large windows and glass-paned fire truck doors remain. So have 3 slide poles in the second story floor for quick access to waiting trucks below. Don’t try that; the poles are there but the holes are now covered with unbreakable glass.
An open kitchen rekindles the frenetic activity that once characterized the place when alarms were sounded.
The abbreviated Italian-themed menu offers a half dozen principal dishes and a selection of vegetable-oriented pastas supported by a lengthy wine list centering on Italian imports. Cocktails are aptly named firehall derivatives such as “Jaws of Life”, “The Arsonist” and “The Tillerman.”
For me, the atmosphere was inside, although I noted an enclosed patio was favoured by patrons who came for drinks.
Modern chandeliers and simple marble tables sit within industrial elements of exposed brick, concrete pillars and open ceilings. Patches of red lighting are a subliminal reminder of the building’s former use.
Insider tip: tables beside the slide poles provide a double vision of what’s happening on 2 levels.
Pharm Table
“To your health!”
Cuisine: International
Dress code: Casual
Location: Southtown (a 15-20 minute walk from the Alamo)
There’s an elegance to Pharm Table that reminded me of a fine Thai restaurant. It makes my list not only due to its cool vibe but also a menu designed for health. What’s better than that?
The patio is appropriately peppered with potted plants while the interior sports a clean, modern look. From pocket money, and a philosophy of helping people and the planet, owner Elizabeth Johnson has become a leading proponent of what is popularly known as “culinary medicine.”
At heart, it’s very simple: you are what you eat. Health and healing stem from that.
The menu is an amalgam of wisdom and flavours from the Americas, Asia and the Middle East. Plant-based ingredients are chosen with an anti-inflammatory diet in mind.
Pursuit of a healthy lifestyle and a better world extends outward through the community as well. The restaurant actively supports local suppliers, artisans and artists while simultaneously reducing its carbon footprint.
But enough about the good vibes. How about the food? An array of ingredients create flavourful surprises in everything from their Peruvian Nikkei Ceviche to Wagyu Beef Short Ribs. This “apothecary kitchen” takes nutrition to a fun-filled gourmet experience.
The beverage menu extends from aperitifs through wines, beer and seltzers to “zero proof teas and coffee.” Who knew food as medicine could be so tasty?
It’s all about a sustainable you, community and planet Earth while enjoying life and living.
Rebelle
“Seafood with a southern nod”
Cuisine: Seafood & more
Dress code: Business casual
Location: Downtown
You will find Rebelle Restaurant discreetly tucked inside the historic St. Anthony Hotel near the Losoya Street entrance. A water fountain repurposed as a 4-pillar centerpiece bar greets patrons entering the main room.
Lighting is low, almost dark in places, accentuated by black and off-white décor in keeping with an extensive renovation to maintain the original interior design.
Overall, there’s a feeling of openness, accentuated by a balustrade of iron grillwork along a winding staircase and the second level.
The specialty is seafood, with a nod to southern cooking. Chef Stefan Bowers has basic, classic dishes on the menu, but you can also find shrimp and grits, dirty rice and candied jalapenos.
A red wine list taps Europe, the Americas and Australia. Whites — in my humble opinion, de rigueur for seafood — are mainly French and American. Cocktails have a human vocabulary: “Pride, Lust, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Greed and Gluttony” — all the usual to describe the people you know, naturally.
I photographed Dave as he concocted a Sloth cocktail (Derel light and dark rum, lime juice, orange Curacao, orgeat and pineapple juice)
During my visit, clientele ranged from couples to party and office groups, but were never too noisy. Amid low key lighting, tables are set far enough apart to ensure privacy and a low profile for diners.
Biga on the Banks
“Quality by the river”
Cuisine: Modern/New American
Dress code: Business casual
Location: Riverwalk
Chef/owner Bruce Auden may have more acclamations than there is chinaware in his restaurant. Several James Beard nominations for Best Chef – Southwest, highest Zagat rating, Esquire notice and numerous others form a solid reputation.
A native Londoner with a mellow trace of accented English, Bruce is an adopted devotee of San Antonio where he’s significantly raised the profile of southwestern food.
His restaurant overlooks St. Mary’s Street bridge right on the banks (hence the name) of the city’s much-loved Riverwalk.
Large picture windows illuminate the entire restaurant lengthwise just like the past when it was the public library’s reading room. During dinner, intimate spaces had been tactfully created, including a small bar, providing a river view from each area.
Bruce puts a delicate touch to locally sourced ingredients. I chose the 3-course Prix Fixe Menu, starting with a roasted tomato and poblano soup, slow-cooked Angus beef as the mains, followed by the Biga dessert sampler (why not have it all?). Note the Prix Fixe menu is half portions, but substantial nonetheless.
A California zinfandel paired nicely right through dessert. You know when a meal is done well; mine was flawless. And there you have it, easy as 1-2-3, modern American cuisine deftly done without pretence.
Insider tip: a table for two in a private dining room at the far end of the restaurant can be reserved for special occasions.
What Other Romantic San Antonio Restaurants Should You Consider?
If you didn’t see something that caught your eye from the suggestions above, here are a few more to think about when you’re looking at restaurant options in San Antonio.
Bohanan's Prime Steaks and Seafood: Known for its upscale ambiance, live jazz music, and top-notch steaks, this place offers a classic and elegant setting for a romantic dinner.
Supper (at Hotel Emma): Set in the historic Pearl Brewery, Supper offers a charming atmosphere with a farm-to-table menu, cozy interiors, and a romantic patio area.
Signature (at La Cantera Resort): Offering panoramic views of the Hill Country, this upscale restaurant features innovative cuisine, an extensive wine list, and a sophisticated ambiance.
Fig Tree Restaurant: Nestled in a historic house on the River Walk, Fig Tree offers a romantic patio with views of the San Antonio River, creating a lovely backdrop for a special evening.
Bella On the River: Situated in a cozy historic building along the River Walk, this Mediterranean-style restaurant offers an intimate atmosphere with candlelit tables and delicious cuisine.
The Melting Pot: For a unique dining experience, The Melting Pot offers fondue dining in a cozy and intimate setting, perfect for sharing a romantic meal.
Paesanos Riverwalk: With a stunning riverside location, Paesanos offers Italian cuisine and a romantic atmosphere ideal for a special date night.
That’s all for starters in the realm of romantic restaurants I can suggest for San Antonio, the bulk of them centrally located, meaning they’ll be an easy walk from your place of accommodation.
One parting recommendation - there are two popular downtown breakfast spots that you might want to visit the night after your romantic dinner. La Panadería Bakery and Schilo’s. Arrive by 8:30am, or arrive a little later and expect a bit of a queue!