Best San Antonio Riverwalk Restaurants – No Tourist Traps! (2024)

Tell anyone that you need some things to San Antonio, and they’ll say, “oh, of course, you have to check out the Riverwalk!” Along with the Alamo, the Riverwalk is the biggest tourist destination in San Antonio. However, despite the millions of people who visit each year and the dozens of restaurants that line the banks of the water, there are remarkably very few Riverwalk restaurants that aren’t tourist traps. 

Casa Rio Umbrellas

Let’s start with this exception: there are always those days when you actually want the tourist trap. That’s totally fine.

You just want a big and noisy Tex Mex restaurant with a mariachi band, chips & queso, and some tequila. And you truly don’t mind that the pitchers of margs come from a mix and the mediocre beef fajitas are served on store-bought tortillas.

Listen…there’s totally a time and a place. We all need to be a tourist from time to time.

San Antonio Riverwalk

But if you’re looking for restaurants that serve delicious food on the River Walk in San Antonio, rest assured that they do exist!

You can enjoy unique, beautifully-crafted food in gorgeous restaurants that are located right on the water.

Here are the top San Antonio Riverwalk restaurants.

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San Antonio River Walk

Best Riverwalk Restaurants

1. Domingo

Domingo restaurant on the riverwalk
Domingo restaurant on the riverwalk
Domingo restaurant on the riverwalk
Domingo restaurant on the riverwalk

When someone says “River Walk” they’re probably talking about the loop right by the Alamo. (Keep in mind: the River Walk is actually 15 miles long!)

So if you want to find one of the best riverwalk restaurants in the Downtown Reach and watch the river barges go by, Domingo is one of your best bets for delicious Mexican food. 

Domingo is a modern terrace restaurant located steps from the San Antonio River. It's located inside the Canopy Hotel by Hilton, but it doesn't feel corporate at all.

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

2. Boudro’s Bistro

Boudro's Bistro

Boudro’s is one of those iconic San Antonio Riverwalk restaurants that absolutely must be mentioned in this guide to the best places to eat on the riverwalk. It has a cozy interior, perfect for chilly fall and winter days in SA when you want to feel bundled. The outdoor patio is very popular in the spring and summer months.

They serve New American cuisine like blackened gulf fish, beef tenderloin, and salads. Right when you sit down, be sure to order their prickly pear margaritas, quickly followed by their famous tableside guac (yep, it’s literally made for you right by your table, which makes this the absolute freshest guacamole in the city!)

Be sure to save room for dessert; ALL of them are wonderful! The double chocolate brownie with azteca and toffee crunch is a must-try. 

Although it doesn’t have that “fiesta” feel that many people want when they’re researching River Walk restaurants, Boudro’s is a solid choice for a lunch date, especially in the colder months of the year.

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

3. Supper

Supper restaurant

Supper is *hands down* one of the most fantastic and memorable restaurants in San Antonio. 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. 

Keep in mind that it’s located a few miles north of the main tourist section of the River Walk; this contemporary New American overlooks the portion of the San Antonio River that runs along the Pearl historic district.

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

4. Ocho

happy hour at Ocho restaurant
Ocho restaurant
Ocho restaurant margarita

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. What?? Yes! 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

5. Ácenar

happy hour on the san antonio riverwalk
acenar restaurant
Acenar restaurant margarita

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 (honestly, par for the course when you’re considering riverwalk restaurants…) 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, though, is the view. Ácenar has a balcony overlooking the riverwalk. 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

6. Tre Trattoria

Tre Trattoria restaurant

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

7. Biga On The Banks

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.

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

Bonus: Schilo’s Deli

Schilo's Deli
Schilo's Deli
Schilo's Deli
Schilo's Deli

It’s not technically overlooking the San Antonio river, but Schilo’s is the oldest restaurant in San Antonio and is definitely worth mentioning. This historic deli is located in downtown San Antonio in a little shop just above the riverwalk. You can access it easily if you need some air conditioning and a quick lunch by the water.

They’ve been serving German-Texan food since 1917 and are known for their homemade root beer served in chilled mugs. It’s also a fun spot to stop over for a quick breakfast (try the potato pancakes or pioneer biscuits) or a casual lunch of classic sandwiches, burgers, or schnitzels. 

WEBSITE | 424 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205,

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