Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in San Antonio

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in San Antonio? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Study at Dean’s

4.9

4.9 (21)

$31 to $50

Speakeasy

Downtown

About the restaurant

Study the Classics.

Tucked away in a historic courtyard under century-old live oak trees, find The Study at Dean's. This reservation-only, intimate bar is a cocktail aficionado’s haven, ideal for those who appreciate higher touch ingredients, presentation, and ambiance. Linger over high-end cocktails and small bites in a charming atmosphere with raised banquettes, brass details, and original limestone walls - this is the educated choice for a place to connect and unwind.

Top review

Chuck

Dined 1 day ago

So excellent! Stopped with the wife for a pre dinner drink. Low key, great atmosphere. Each cocktail [inspired by literature] was made with such skill and precision. We cannot say enough good things about the bartenders. They were killing it. Please stop for a drink, you will NOT regret it.

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Experience

New Year's Eve, A Lesson in Libations - Evening

Experience

Study The Classics This Thanksgiving

Zanzenberg Tavern

4.9

4.9 (43)

$30 and under

American

Comfort

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

Michelle

Dined 1 day ago

Food was fabulous service was superb and bloody Mary’s were amazing too! Def will be back!! Great place for Sunday brunch!!

La Fonda on Main

4.8

4.8 (5282)

$30 and under

Mexican

North Central

About the restaurant

Located just a few minutes from downtown in architecturally rich Monte Vista neighborhood, La Fonda on Main is the oldest Mexican food restaurant in San Antonio. La Fonda serves both the best of Tex-Mex cuisine as well as authentic dishes of interior Mexico in a fun and casual setting with beautiful patio dining. We're open 7 days a week offering our full menu as well as family meals and catering options on curbside. Happy Hour is Monday-Thursday from 3pm-6pm. We offer a full bar with a wide variety of liquor, beer and wine. Saturday's and Sunday's we serve brunch from 10:00am-3:00pm. Our fabulous margaritas are made with hand-squeezed limes and your choice of a large selection of tequilas and mezcals. Our famous patio is heated from the ground up for chilly nights under the stars and lights in the trees.

Top review

Mattie

Dined 3 days ago

We have loved La Fonda for years and their amazing outdoor patio!

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4.8

4.8 (498)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

North Central

About the restaurant

At Clementine, we’re serving seasonal, innovative eats in a modern & lively atmosphere. Our team, led by John (2023 James Beard nominee for Best Chef: Texas) and Elise Russ, draws inspiration from diverse global flavors. Our ever-evolving menu guarantees fresh and exciting options, while our dishes like the White Mushroom Salad, Ricotta Cavatelli and Clementine Crunch Bar remain cherished favorites.
Our beverage menu is small but mighty, carefully curated to include only the most delicious wines & beers from our absolute favorite producers expertly selected to elevate your dining experience. Want your own bottle? Our corkage fee is $35 per 750ml.
Our Dining Room provides comfortable indoor seating, while the Kitchen Bar boasts an exciting vantage point overlooking our open kitchen, allowing you to witness the creation of each dish. For a change of scenery, our covered patio, is perfect for al fresco dining, complete with heaters and blankets to keep you cozy on those cool nights.

Top review

DennisVIP

Dined 2 days ago

There's a reason this place has been voted the best restaurant in SA. Several reasons, actually. The food is incredible! But so is the service, the ambiance, the overall dining experience that is Clementine. We love this place!

Paladar Fusion Mexico Cuba

4.8

4.8 (27)

$30 and under

Mexican

Alamo Heights

About the restaurant

Discover a unique dining experience that marries the bold and spicy flavors of Mexican cuisine with the soulful and vibrant tastes of Cuba. Located in Alamo Heights, we offer a menu that celebrates this exciting culinary fusion. Our cozy restaurant, adorned with an elegant tropical decor, provides the perfect setting for enjoying our innovative dishes.

Every dish on our menu is a harmonious blend of two rich culinary traditions. We pride ourselves on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to deliver a memorable dining experience that transports your taste buds to a world where Mexico and Cuba come together.

Top review

MarinaVIP

Dined on Dec 18, 2024

The food here is exceptional. Everything is so delicious and fresh.

Southerleigh Haute South

4.6

4.6 (639)

$30 and under

Southern

Northwest

About the restaurant

Southerleigh Haute South is a casual restaurant concept that serves lunch, dinner, brunch, take-out, in San Antonio, Texas. Southerleigh Haute South features a menu based on southern-style food including fried chicken, biscuits, and an oyster bar, paired with local Southerleigh craft beers. The restaurant also offers a full bar.

Top review

Denise

Dined 4 days ago

Our experience was great from start to finish. The employees were pleasant, helpful, and courteous. The food was fantastic! We look forward to dining here again.

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Popular dish

SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN SANDWiCH

Popular dish

Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich

Popular dish

Fried Chicken Sandwich

Luce Ristorante E Enoteca

4.5

4.5 (1202)

$30 and under

Italian

Medical Center

About the restaurant

Founded in 2006, Luce is a local favorite featuring many traditional dishes. Flavors which often bring our guests back to their best memories of Italian specialties.

My goal for this restaurant to create a warm environment for all guests that is typical of a true Italian heritage.

Our menu consists of many Buonincontri family recipes and recipes brought back from travel to Italy.

Fresh fish, meats and produce expound throughout Luce's offerings and a focus on the finest ingredients are what make Luce special.

House made Gnocchi, Italian rice balls and homemade Mozzarella are just a few examples our passion for the finest Italian food.The word Enoteca means wine library. The walls of the entire restaurant are covered with wine bottles as you would expect books to cover the walls of a library. Wine is a very important part of an experience at Luce, with over 125 choices from our wine list available to you.

Top review

ElizabethVIP

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Can’t say enough great things about this spot! Party of 10- they seated us immediately, food came fairly quickly even though there were several other large groups besides ours, everyone’s meal tasted delicious, portion size and taste were an incredible value (bonus- HH every day 5-7) plus they allowed separate checks!

La Fogata Alamo Heights

4.4

4.4 (170)

$30 and under

Tex-Mex

Alamo Heights

About the restaurant

La Fogata Cantina is officially open seven days a week and we look forward to serving you for all of your lunch and dinner needs. With indoor and outdoor seating as well as private dining options available we have the perfect place for you. Accepting reservations for parties of 5 or more in the main dining room. Bartop and patio seating done on a first come first served basis. Call us with any questions or to book private events direct with us.

Top review

CareyVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Amazing!! Perfect spot for Christmas Eve Dinner!!!

Dashi Sichuan Kitchen + Bar

4.2

4.2 (75)

$30 and under

Sichuan

Stone Oak

About the restaurant

大师川菜 DASHI Sichuan Kitchen + Bar celebrates the centuries-old traditions of Sichuanese cuisine and culture with modern inspiration in San Antonio, Texas.

The most influential new restaurant in San Antonio, we’re thrilled for you to join our grand master artists - or “da shi” - on an intriguing journey into the iconic flavors, textures, and colors of Sichuan. Welcome to the amazing DASHI.

大师 'Dashi' means grandmaster or grand artist in Chinese. We hope that Dashi will be a delicious spirited gathering place that not only showcases grandmasters from the culinary world but from all the arts. Eat, drink (responsibly), be inspired, create, be happy.

Top review

Darren

Dined 5 days ago

If you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors that excite your palate and transport you straight to the heart of Sichuan or Hunan, this restaurant is a must-visit! The **Kung Pao Chicken** was another highlight. Tender chunks of chicken stir-fried with crispy peanuts, dried chilies, and aromatic vegetables delivered layers of flavor in every bite. The interplay of smoky heat and subtle sweetness was simply unforgettable. For adventurous eaters, the **Spicy Hot Pot** is a must-try. With an array of fresh ingredients, including thinly sliced beef, seafood, and a variety of vegetables, you cook everything in a bubbling, aromatic broth infused with chili oil and spices. The depth of flavor in this dish is unparalleled. The Service** The staff were attentive and knowledgeable, ready to guide you through the spice levels and recommend dishes tailored to your preferences. They were quick to refill water glasses (a necessity with the heat!) and ensured everything was perfect throughout the meal. **The Experience** The balance of authentic flavors, high-quality ingredients, and exceptional service makes this restaurant stand out in a sea of dining options. Whether you're a seasoned spice lover or exploring Chinese cuisine for the first time, this spot guarantees an unforgettable experience. Final Thoughts This restaurant isn't just a meal—it’s amazing and you are privileged to taste these flavors.

Boutique Speakeasy in Taqueria Los Cuates

3.8

3.8 (42)

$31 to $50

Speakeasy

Downtown

About the restaurant

Speakeasy bar with 18 members. Open to the public thru OpenTable only!

Top review

Jamie

Dined on Oct 23, 2024

The concept of a speakeasy restaurant behind a taco restaurant is really neat! The ambiance is really dim and relaxed. The drinks are amazing..very well made. Some of the best tequila drinks I've ever tried. I highly recommend it!

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