San Antonio Riverwalk: 10 Great Restaurants

The San Antonio Riverwalk is a picturesque waterway nestled in downtown and lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment hotspots. If you're looking for a great dining experience, here's a list of 10 great San Antonio Riverwalk restaurants:

Biga On The Banks: Biga On The Banks has been named one of the top 5 restaurants in Texas by Gourmet magazine and offers unique and delicious fine dining cuisine. Their menu changes daily to accommodate daily specials and seasonal fare, but Biga regularly serves up an eclectic mix of gourmet food from Texas-inspired venison to Maine lobster. Fine dining comes with a high price tag, so go prepared to pay a hefty tab. Biga On The Banks is located at 203 S. St. Mary's Street (Suite #100) and can be contacted at (210) 225-0722.

Casa Rio: This San Antonio legend was the first business to open on the Riverwalk and remains one of the best Mexican restaurants in town. They have served delicious enchiladas, fajitas, tacos and more since 1946 and usually have a great mariachi band performing on weekends. Prices are very reasonable and the atmosphere is relaxed. Casa Rio is located at 430 E. Commerce Street and they can be contacted at (210) 225-6718.

Republic of Texas Restaurant & Nightclub: The Republic of Texas is the place to go if you have a big appetite and are in search of that perfect "Texican-American" cuisine. The Republic serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has a great selection of margaritas and Texas beers and wines. This restaurant doles out hearty portions of fajitas, steaks, "Texican" specialties (think chicken fried steak, enchiladas in meat gravy...), burgers, and sandwiches. The Republic of Texas is a great spot for families and prices are pretty reasonable. They are located at 526 River Walk and can be reached at (210) 226-6256.

Paesanos Riverwalk: Not in the mood for standard Tex-Mex fare? Paesanos offers a unique menu filled with traditional Italian dishes (like oven-baked pizzas, lasagna, and ravioli) and modern Mediterranean specialties (with a strong leaning towards seafood and citrus inspired dishes). Paesanos has an extensive wine list and is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Prices can be a little on the steep side, so keep that in mind when planning your night out. They are located at 111 W. Crockett and can be contacted at (210) 227-2782.

Acenar: For a fresh take on "Texas regional Mexican cuisine" Acenar is a great Riverwalk restaurant with a relaxing dinner environment. The serve traditional Tex-Mex plates and specialities of the house like Bistec Acenar (a chili-rubbed ribeye that is delicious!) and corn serrano Crepas de Pato (duck crepes). Entrees range anywhere from $10 for taco plates up to near $30 for a dish like the Bistec Acenar. The Atomar Bar in Acenar has happy hours on Thursdays from 4pm to 7pm with $2 domestic beers and late night bar specials every Thursday-Saturday. Acenar is located next to the Hotel Valencia at 146 E. Houston St. and can be reached at (210) 222-2362.

Boudro's: Named one of the 50 best restaurants in the U.S. by Esquire magazine, Boudro's offers a distinctive menu of southwestern specialties. They have great seafood, steaks, and house specialties like Blackened Prime Rib and Mesquite Grilled Texas Quail. Entrée prices range in the $20-$30 range and Boudros offers a children's menu with prices around $10. Boudros is located at 421 E. Commerce St. and their phone number is (210) 224-8484.

Las Canarias: Located at the Omni La Mansion del Rio Hotel, Las Canarias serves pricey but delicious French and Mediterranean food in a relaxing, romantic atmosphere. House favorites include the Roasted Rack of Lamb with Organic Potato-Mustard Green Dauphinoise and Texas Blue Crab Stuffed Swordfish Tempura, and Las Canarias is famous for their extensive Sunday brunch. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made at (210) 518-1063. Las Canarias is a fabulous fine dining establishment that has been on the Riverwalk for over 40 years and is still wooing and winning customers with the culinary prowess of its menu.

Zuni Grill: Located at the foot of the historic Hugman Bridge, a very picturesque spot on the Riverwalk, Zuni Grill offers a great menu of American Southwest specialties. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, and some of their best entrees include their Blue Corn Enchiladas and Southwestern Pork Chops in Adobo Sauce. Dinner entrée prices range anywhere from $15-$30 and the atmosphere is casual. Their physical address is 223 Losoya and they can be contacted at (210) 227-0864.

La Margarita Mexican Restaurant & Oyster Bar: La Margarita is not on the Riverwalk, but it is within walking distance in the nearby Market Square area of town...and it's a must when it comes to dining out in San Antonio! They have a mouth-watering menu that includes seafood, fajitas, enchiladas, Mexican plates, and house specialties like their Chile Relleno and Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (fresh gulf shrimp in a creamy garlic butter sauce). They also have a children's menu and excellent margaritas all at reasonable prices. La Margarita is located at 120 Produce Row and their phone number is (210) 227-7140.

Mi Tierra: Also located just off the Riverwalk in Market Square, Mi Tierra is another must see place if you're headed to San Antonio. Mi Tierra is open 24 hours a day and has a festive, bright atmosphere that you'll never forget (think year-round Christmas lights and neon signs). They have been a staple in the Mercado for over 60 years and their menu of Tex-Mex is pretty darn good too! They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offer s huge menu of enchiladas, tacos, Mexican plates, and regional favorites like Menudo and Tamales de Casa (pork tamales topped with a chili meat gravy that are delicious). Prices are reasonable and the margaritas are great. Mi Tierra has a Mexican bakery that you can buy goodies at on your way out. They are located at 218 Produce Row and can be reached at (210) 225-1262.

These are 10 of the best restaurants on and near the San Antonio Riverwalk. While Tex-Mex and southwestern cuisines are predominant in San Antonio, there is something for every palate on the Riverwalk.