Let San Antonio's Most Elevated Restaurants Take You Into a Scrumptious Stratosphere! (2024)

Photo courtesy of Kimberly Suta

Biga on the Banks has earned a stellar reputation. Request table 31 when you make a reservation at Biga on the Banks, and you'll end up with the best view in the house. You won't be gazing at the river, but you will have an eye on chef Bruce Auden as he concocts lobster ravioli on arugula and guinea ham in guajillo sauce. Steak lovers will enjoy their Griddled Angus Beef Ribeye or their Grilled Beef Tenderloin, but you cannot go wrong with their Eleven-Spiced Hill Country Venison and Grilled Quail. The tasting menu is highly recommended, but the cuisine is equally as interesting when ordered a la carte. The loft-inspired space is airy and light, but don't worry, you'll have plenty of elbow room when you dig in.

Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Biga on the Banks offers guests an upscale dining experience along the beautiful River Walk.

Kimberly's expert tip: For dessert, splurge and get one of their divine souffles. Baked to perfection!

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Photo courtesy of Mon Chou Chou

Somehow, perhaps by pure magic, Brassiere Mon Chou Chou managed to capture the essence of a Parisian bistro in the heart of South Texas, and it's utterly delightful! This new restaurant succeeds on every level, from the cuisine to the service, environment and vibe. Let's start with the food. You simply can't go wrong. The Raclette cheese sandwich on a crisp baguette with smoked paprika aioli, cornichon and (if you so choose) Bayonne ham has received rave reviews, but when it comes to must-haves, the Lyon-style onion soup with Emmental cheese and Cognac is as close to heaven on earth as one can get. The Lobster Bisque with its puff pastry cap is also impressive. Dishes may come and go, but hopefully the crisp duck confit in a green peppercorn sauce will stand the test of time. Every single bite here titillates the tongue.

Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Mon Chou Chou is undeniably one of the best restaurants in town, featuring French cuisine like nobody else does.

Kimberly's expert tip: They also feature a phenomenal brunch on Sunday, but you'd better make reservations in advance.

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Photo courtesy of Up Scale

The restaurateurs of the hugely popular neighborhood oyster bar, Little Em's Oyster Bar, took it next level with their newest Southtown restaurant, Up Scale. The owners took inspirations from their world travels to curate a divine menu fit for a king and queen. Up Scale promises to bring sexy back to the culinary realm with an eclectic menu that's sure to seduce even the most reluctant diner. The menu is a little bit sushi, a little bit seafood and a little bit steakhouse all rolled into one. Guests can start off with some Akami Tuna and Ora King Nigiri, fun rolls like the Up Scale Roll, made with toro, asparagus, kizami wasabi, yuzu kosho, red onion, cavier and gold flakes. Appetizers range from Cavier Deviled Eggs with white truffle oil to Wagyu Carpaccio with candied pistachios for an umami flavor blast. Entrees range from New Zealand Dover Sole with foie gras buttered farro to 60 Day Dry Aged Tomahawk steak. Keep in mind, the menu aims to be seasonal, so dishes may change. Are you ready to dig in?

Recommended for Best Restaurants because: This swanky and sexy restaurant is a great place to take a date or celebrate something special with friends.

Kimberly's expert tip: Parking can be a challenge in this neighborhood, so make sure to plan ahead and keep an eye out for no parking signs.

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Photo courtesy of Kimberly Suta

For a moment of pure bliss, well, head to Bliss. Owned and operated by one of San Antonio's greatest chefs, Bliss is a delight in every form of the word. A perfect option for a romantic date, friendly gathering or family celebration. Located in Southtown, the ambiance is relaxed yet elegant and the service is some of the best you'll find in town. The seasonal menu consists of contemporary American cuisine, from hearty, perfectly-seasoned dishes such as pork shank to more delicate fare such as seared scallops. Their charcuterie, made with premium meats and artisanal cheeses is a must as a starter, and you can't go wrong with dessert here either. Wine aficionados will appreciate their award-winning wine list.

Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Bliss offers a complete fine dining experience from the first course to the last.

Kimberly's expert tip: Start dinner out right with their beautifully-composed charcuterie board.

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Photo courtesy of Joshua Simmons

Rebelle Restaurant in the newly-renovated St. Anthony Hotel has finally come to fruition and oh what a plump, juicy treat it is. Once, years ago, the restaurant at the St. Anthony was the place to go for dinner... and now it is once again! Executive Chef Stefan Bowers along with restaurateur Andrew Goodman, have already proven their talents at the successful Feast Restaurant in Southtown, San Antonio. With Rebelle, they're now well on their way to earning national attention. With Chef Bowers' gift for blending scintillating flavors and Goodman's aesthetic grace, this duo is a match made in heaven - which is what Rebelle looks like, if heaven is an enchanting, purple-hued dreamscape where the lusty libations and seductive cuisine never end. For Chef Bowers, it's all about the flavor. While the dishes are certainly thoughtfully put together, you quickly lose sight its beauty once you taste it. Chef Bowers calls it "high-risk" cuisine because if even one component of these highly composed dishes is not on point, it throws the entire dish off. The concept is shared plates of elegant, extraordinarily fresh and diverse cuisine. Rebelle is French for rebel and is their acknowledgement of the common use of French techniques used in the dishes, even though the menu is quite global. It's also the perfect description for these two men who are true to their own vision and no one else's. The menu includes the most succulent Char-Grilled Spanish Octopus with braised corona beans and basil pistou; a decadent 32 oz. Cote de Bouef (bone-in Ribeye with tarragon butter); perfectly-cooked Veal Sweetbreads with black trumpets and lobster knuckle butter and Rosemary and Red Pepper Spiced Goat Shank, to name a few. Bon appetit!

Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Rebelle is one of the only dedicated seafood restaurants in town. If you love seafood and a fine dining atmosphere, this is the place!

Kimberly's expert tip: They are known for their fresh oysters.

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Photo courtesy of Kimberly Suta

Not only is this Pan-Latin restaurant and bar located along San Antonio's picturesque Riverwalk, but it has one of the most stunning dining rooms in the country, with a floor-to-ceiling glass wall the opens up when the weather's cool enough to enjoy it. Chef Jesse Kuykendall is at the helm, serving up an array of Latin-inspired dishes that will make your mouth water, from Tacos de Carnitas Confit to Chile Relleno. This savvy chef recently won on an episode of Chopped. Go for breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner. They also offer happy hour, and good eats from their downstairs speakeasy-esque bar and late night options, when most restaurants are closing down. The perfect choice before or after an event at the Tobin, as they're within walking distance.

Recommended for Best Restaurants because: One of the most popular restaurants on the Riverwalk, Ocho lives up to its glorious and historic reputation.

Kimberly's expert tip: Ocho celebrates Happy Hour all day on Thursday. Stop in for a couple of their delicious mojitos!

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Photo courtesy of Kimberly Suta

Cappy's, and Cappy himself, has been a staple of the Alamo Heights district in San Antonio for over three decades. In a word, superb! This upscale American cuisine restaurant is a sure thing if you're looking for a wonderful meal in an elegant atmosphere. They offer some of the freshest seafood, excellent steaks and regional/seasonal options as well. For lunch, you can't go wrong with the Oak-grilled Akaushi Burger, Chicken & Brie Sandwich or the Spiced Ahi Tuna Salad. If you're looking for something a bit more adventurous, try the Pecan-crusted Catfish or the Mussels and Fries. They also offer a great wine list and an outdoor patio where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful San Antonio sunshine!

Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Tried and true, Cappy's is one of the original upscale restaurants in town and can be relied on for an exceptional meal.

Krissy's expert tip: If you can, be sure to make a reservation, as this place fills up fast for lunch or any other time.

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Photo courtesy of Kimberly Suta

Allora, one of the Historic Pearl's newest restaurants, is conveniently situated near the northern reach segment of San Antonio's River Walk. This modern coastal Italian restaurant aims to redefine Italian food in the Alamo City. With talented chef, Robbie Nowlin, at the helm, Allora's highly anticipated opening in the beginning of 2022 was a resounding success. This highly-trained chef's resume includes renowned restaurants such as The French Laundry in California. Chef Nowlin teased his followers for months with intriguing and decadent dishes, as he refined the menu. Once you sample these dishes for yourself you'll see how easily he lured gastronomes to Allora. The star dish is the rich, beautifully-layered Lobster Lasagna, dressed with butter-poached Maine lobster, house-cured guanciale and San Marzano tomatoes, but you simply cannot choose poorly here. With an elegant dining room and superb customer service, Allora is truly exemplary of SA's designation as a "Creative City of Gastronomy!"

Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Allora is the Historic Pearl's newest upscale restaurant to grace its property and well worth the wait.

Kimberly's expert tip: The divine Chicken Liver Mousse with bruschetta, charred rosemary, cherry jam and tarragon is another must-have!

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Photo courtesy of Natalia Sun

DASHI is the newest offering from restauranteur, Kristina Zhao, who has made a name for herself with Sichuan House. Similarly, DASHI will be serving mouth-watering contemporary Sichuanese cuisine, a rare treat in San Antonio, where Tex-Mex typically rules. Not here. This extensive and diverse menu is filled with Sichuan delights as good as if you were dining in the Southwest region of China at this very moment - the area where Sichuan food first originated. Your biggest challenge here is deciding what to eat. The owner herself recommends the succulent Mongolian ribeye, spicy and savory lobster, the popular Burning Man Noodles (made with crispy beef and veggies), the wok-seared chicken, Combo Sizzling Rice, baby bao and the DASHI Spicy Whole Fish, just to name a few. Is your mouth watering yet?

Recommended for Best Restaurants because: DASHI is an upscale Chinese restaurant service both traditional fare and unique offerings in a beautiful dining room.

Kimberly's expert tip: DASHI now serves the highly sought after soup dumplings and does them justice, indeed!

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Photo courtesy of Josh Huskin

James Beard Award finalist, Chef Steve McHugh, has done it again with his newest restaurant, Landrace, located at the stunning downtown hotel, Thompson San Antonio. What has he done? In fact, he has created a "landmark" restaurant worthy of a Michelin star, if only Texas was on the list. Chef McHugh endeavors to honor Texas and its bounty by showcasing foods that can be traced back to the land. His seasonal menu celebrates regional ingredients and heritage growers. The gorgeous dining room and superior service set the tone before you even take a single bite. The restaurant is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The offerings range from seafood, such as wild caught scallops with corn and truffle orzo to favorite Texas meats, such as slow-cooked bison short ribs with raclette grits and dinosaur kale. How about a perfectly-charred Wagyu Filet Mignon with Bramble bordelaise and Hudson Valley foie gras or gulf crab fingers? You got it!

Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Landrace is one of the top fine dining restaurants in San Antonio when it comes to cuisine, service and ambiance.

Kimberly's expert tip: Make sure to leave room for Chef McHugh's signature carrot cake topped with locally-sourced prickly pear icing. Divine!

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