San Antonio’s Pearl area is entering a new era as the next cohort of restaurants slowly take over spaces left vacant by their predecessors. While several of the mainstays, such as Hotel Emma and the Culinary Institute of America, are staying put, empty suites and buildings are already being transformed into Pearl’s next generation of eateries.
From coastal Mexican fare to Japanese hand rolls to Italian steaks, there’s going to be a whole lot of new things to try in the coming months, so we’re gathering what we know about Pearl’s incoming restaurants, starting with a grand opening that’s mere days away.
Service has technically begun at Amar (stylized as (a)mar. by the business) with limited hours as the coastal Mexican restaurant inches closer to its grand opening on Monday, September 28. The Latin eatery, with its mezcal and wine selections, has taken over the former Allora location in the Credit Human building.
Find it: 403 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78215
Santonia Cantina will take over the former Full Goods Diner space, serving Northern Mexican dishes, South Texas flavors and cocktails built around sotol, mezcal and tequila. The couple behind Naco Mexican expects to launch the new restaurant in late November.
Find it: 200 E. Grayson St., San Antonio, TX 78215
Local brunch favorite Box St. All Day is cooking up LoverBoy House Eats, expected to open this fall 2026 season. Not much is known about the new spot, except that it will serve coffee, cocktails and “approachable” food.
Find it: 1118 E Elmira St., Building 2, San Antonio, TX 78212
Houston-based Bludorn Hospitality Group is nearing its Pearl debut, opening a new restaurant in the Liberty Saloon building, Carriqui’s former home. Renovations are projected to wrap by November 30, but an opening date hasn’t been announced yet.
Find it: 239 E. Grayson St., San Antonio, TX 78215
Find it: 306 Pearl Parkway, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78215
Nori Handroll Bar is bringing Japanese cuisine with a Korean twist to Coopers Row at the Pearl. The Dallas-based restaurant aims to open in spring 2027, offering hand rolls, omakase and izakaya-style dishes.
Find it: 1118 E. Elmira St., San Antonio, TX 78212