10 Best Restaurants On The Riverwalk

By Kelsey Kennedy | October 8, 2024

Sad, but true: the restaurants on the San Antonio Riverwalk are mostly tourist traps. Sorry to break it to you! The Riverwalk in San Antonio is the most-visited tourist destination in San Antonio, so it makes sense that it's full of chain restaurants, lackluster Tex-Mex (if you can even call it Tex-Mex), and mediocre service.

If that isn't enough to turn you off, everything's beyond expensive. You pay for the location here, not the food.

So what if you want a really great meal on the Riverwalk? Are you totally doomed? Nope! Because there are actually a few really great options.

See those iconic colorful umbrellas on the Riverwalk in the photo above? Yeah, don't eat there! It's overpriced and super "meh" Tex-Mex cuisine. But keep reading and I can show you where to find food on the Riverwalk that actually tastes good.

10 Best Riverwalk Restaurants (For Food Snobs)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelsey Kennedy is a local Texas author, photographer, blogger, and native Texan who is fully obsessed with all things local San Antonio. She has written on her travel sites for more than 12 million readers across 38 countries who are looking for cool things to do in the hottest cities in Texas.

1. Boudro’s Bistro

We've eaten everywhere, and Boudro’s is the best restaurant on the Riverwalk. Their food is a tribute to South Texas fare with a mix of gulf seafood, steaks, and pork tenderloin, plus amazing cocktails, appetizers, and desserts. It's a great spot for a leisurely lunch date or a fun dinner next to the water.

Start with their famous prickly pear margaritas and that UNBELIEVABLE table-side guacamole (yep, literally made next to your table). I'm not overselling it when I say it is the BEST guacamole in SA, maybe even in the world.

Boudros: The Best Restaurant on the San Antonio Riverwalk

For entrees, the coconut shrimp or the wood-grilled fish fillets are always perfect. And don't leave without trying their double chocolate brownie sundae, with scoops of Azteca and toffee crunch ice cream.

The craziest thing about Boudro's is that it's located in the most touristy stretch of the Riverwalk. For real, it's surrounded by the most obnoxious chains and boozy-restaurants. Yet here it is...one of the best restaurants in the entire city of San Antonio, and you can dine right next to the water!

WEBSITE | Riverwalk Level, 421 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205

2. Shiro Japanese Bistro

Shiro has been called the best restaurant in the city of San Antonio, and (lucky for you) it's on the Riverwalk!

When the craving hits for sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese favorites, and you want to dine on a patio that overlooks the Riverwalk, book a table at Shiro Japanese Bistro.

This is a great spot to go to for an upscale dinner as it is in the river north area which is quiet and peaceful.

BONUS!! Shiro has dedicated parking spots (basically unheard of on the Riverwalk), which means you won't spend a lot of time driving around trying to locate an available garage.

WEBSITE | 107 W Jones Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215

3. Domingo

I know you're probably thinking, but if everything is a tourist trap, where do I eat Tex-Mex on the Riverwalk?! Here's a good option! Try Domingo, a gorgeous Mexican restaurant on the ground floor of the Hilton Canopy Hotel.

It's located on the main downtown loop of the Riverwalk, so you won't have to travel far away from the main tourist portion. But the food is SO good!

tacos at Domingo restaurant on the riverwalk

They offer Mexican cuisine with a Texas flair. When you sit down, start with one of their signature cocktails, like an Oaxaca Colada with Banhez mezcal, coconut cream, and banana liquor, or a passion fruit margarita.

The classic guacamole has a nice kick from the charred serrano chili, and the skillet cornbread with honey butter is a fun Texas twist to mix with a standard Mexican menu. Their tacos are knock-out amazing, served on soft, freshly made corn tortillas.

Domingo is all-around a beautiful spot to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner on the Riverwalk. As per usual with San Antonio restaurants located right on the water, expect Riverwalk prices.

WEBSITE | 123 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78205

4. Supper

Supper is not quite on the main tourist drag, so it's a bit more accurate to call it Riverwalk-ish. It’s a contemporary New American restaurant located inside the historic Hotel Emma.

With elevated takes on southern classics, American favorites, and unique Texas touches, the menu at Supper will surprise and delight you whether you’re dining for breakfast (try the Millionaire's Bacon!), lunch, or dinner.

Supper overlooks the portion of the San Antonio River that runs along the west side of the Pearl Historic District and is one of the best places to eat at the Pearl.

WEBSITE | 136 E Grayson St, San Antonio, TX 78215

5. Ocho

Located at Hotel Havana, Ocho is an absolutely stunning Pan-Latin restaurant that’s situated in a clear glass conservatory overlooking the San Antonio river. And it is GORGEOUS.

The giant glass ceiling, walls, and doors give this Riverwalk restaurant the ultimate indoor/outdoor feel, no matter what time of year you visit. (But here’s a little tip: if you visit on a beautiful day, they might have the sliding glass walls lifted up to expose the fresh air.)

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as happy hour specials and Sunday brunch. Chef Jesse Kuykendall (winner of “Chopped” on Food Network) features a menu of authentic Mexican dishes with a central American flair; try the beer-marinated ribeye with chimichurri or the Chile Relleno with Cuban black beans.

Oh, and definitely plan on getting some dessert to wrap up your meal - the hibiscus apple churros are legendary. (Churros were one of the chef’s award-winning dishes on her “Chopped” appearance!)

WEBSITE | 1015 Navarro St, San Antonio, TX 78205

6. Ácenar

Ácenar is a contemporary Mexican restaurant with some amazing river views. We all know that really good Tex Mex on the Riverwalk is hard to find (but here are your best options, if you must...). Ácenar is a MUST try if you're craving Mexican food on the Riverwalk.

The menu is packed full of elevated Mexican dishes, and although it’s a little bit overpriced - which is par for the course when you’re considering Riverwalk restaurant - the service is friendly, and the menu is extensive.

Ácenar has a good margarita selection with premium tequilas, a delicious take on enchiladas y mole, and reliable seafood tacos.

The main draw to this place is the view. Ácenar has a balcony overlooking the Riverwalk and arguably some of the best dining views in the city. You get to enjoy the sights from the second story without having pedestrians walking inches from your table.

WEBSITE | 146 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205

7. Tre Trattoria

If you want to escape the noise and the crowds and dine next to a peaceful part of the river, you need to dine at chef Jason Dady’s Tre Trattoria. While it’s not necessarily the very best Italian restaurant in San Antonio (check out the top San Antonio restaurants for that one), Tre offers an unforgettable experience.

Why? It’s located at the San Antonio Museum of Art with a large patio overlooking the San Antonio river. You can enjoy a peaceful (and quiet!) view of the river while you dine on delicious home pasta, cast iron pizza, and other Tuscan-inspired Italian dishes.

The goat cheese pizza is a crowd favorite (the pistachios add such a fun kick!) and the pan-seared gnocchi with gorgonzola crema is a decadent and delicious dish for date night. Pair it with a glass from their Italian wine selection, and if you’re a Nutella fan, be sure to finish off your meal with their famous Nutella X3: a flourless dark chocolate torte with Nutella ganache Nutella mousse.

WEBSITE | 200 W Jones Ave #501, San Antonio, TX 78205

8. Biga On The Banks

If you’re ready to celebrate and splurge, no San Antonio Riverwalk restaurant is more suited for a special occasion than Biga On The Banks. This award-winning restaurant has a reputation for being THE place to go for upscale steaks on the Riverwalk.

Chef/Owner Bruce Auden was nominated for a James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest, and his restaurant continues to draw in diners for its New American cuisine, extensive wine selection, and sweeping views of the Riverwalk.

Biga's menu changes all the time, but there is one stable option that is a MUST on any visit - the Sticky Toffee Pudding dessert. If you are a fan of British sweets, this is the dessert for you. And if you aren't, order it anyway. It will change your mind.

WEBSITE | 203 S St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78205

9. Brenner's On The Riverwalk

I know I've panned all the Riverwalk chains, but there is one that is worth your time - Brenner's On the Riverwalk (plus it barely qualifies as a chain). This classic steakhouse is absolutely phenomenal with great views and food.

Brenner's a 3-story restaurant that offers really great views of the Riverwalk. The trees around the restaurant provide lots of shade and there aren't any pesky birds or ducks on the higher levels.

If you're headed to Brenner's, it's all about the steak so choose your preferred cut and you won't be disappointed.

But I also tried the roasted bacon for my appetizer. It was probably the most indulgent bacon I have ever had. I didn’t know bacon could get even more delicious, but these two slices were super thick, roasted in a BBQ bourbon syrup and chipotle maple glaze, and topped with a blue cheese crema. Insanely delicious!

Top it all off with a cocktail - the Old Fashioned was perfection - and you will have a meal for the books.

If you are one for dinner and a show, Brenner's offers live music every night on the ground floor, but pipes into every floor so you can hear it from the entire restaurant. With lovely music, incredibly high-quality steaks, seafood, and wine, Brenner's is a great place for an anniversary dinner or special date night.

Just be sure to plan ahead. Brenner's has a dress code that isn't overly fancy, but you can't just pop in with your flip-flops or athleisure wear. I recommend you make reservations, dress up, and enjoy a lovely night out.

WEBSITE | 215 Lasoya St., San Antonio, TX 78205

10. Ostra

Ostra is located at the beautiful Mokara Hotel and Spa, across the river from the equally beautiful Omni La Mansión Del Rio Hotel, two of the most breathtaking hotels on the San Antonio Riverwalk. Between the two hotels and the enchanting Riverwalk views, Ostra is a lovely restaurant to take it all in.

Ostra is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with a focus on quality seafood. While the restaurant does have a bit of a "standard hotel-restaurant" vibe, the views and respectable food make it worth your while.

I recommend any entree that highlights the gulf coast redfish or soft-shell crab. Both are mild and flaky, and work well in sandwiches, salads, and tacos, or as stand-alone dishes.

WEBSITE | 212 W. Crockett St., San Antonio, TX 78205