As many San Antonio restaurants are making their mark on the statewide, national and even international stage (hello Michelin!), there are still more gems flying just under the radar in this culinary paradise.
Some of these eateries have been operating for decades, even if they haven’t attracted a lot of fanfare. Nonetheless, these spots garner rave reviews from devoted followings.
Indeed, their lack of recognition only leads their followers to be even more fervent in singing their praises. “It’s a travesty more people don’t know about this spot,” they might tell their friends.
Thanks to the input from our readers and the citizen food critics at the influential Facebook group San Antonio Restaurants, we have compiled a totally new roundup of some of the best restaurants flying under the radar in the Alamo City.
Some of them might not be much to look at on the outside, but that hole-in-the-wall aesthetic only adds to the appeal for the truly adventurous foodie on the hunt for the next hidden gem.
In the face of a potentially impending recession, now is not the time to gatekeep your favorites — that is, if you want them to survive. So, check these spots out, and tell everyone you know.
Credit: Google Maps
Mittman Fine Foods
1125 S Mittman St, (210) 532-3318
Open for breakfast and lunch, Mittman is — let’s be honest — a hole-in-the-wall. But the stereotype rings true that delicious eats await you inside. The mom-and-pop restaurant is loved in the community for its homestyle Mexican cooking — especially fresh-made tortillas.
Maria Bonita
250 Northaven Drive, (210) 332-5504
People rave about the super nachos, fajitas, tacos, margaritas, ceviche and creamy guacamole at this spot.
Eddie’s Taco House
401 W. Cevallos St., (210) 222-2400 and 3755 Thousand Oaks Drive, (210) 490-5500, eddiestacohouses.com.
Edward Caballero opened the original Eddie’s Taco House in 1976, and it’s easy to see why the Tex-Mex favorite is still going strong — and with two locations no less. Service is prompt and friendly, and the lunch, breakfast and dinner specials are filling and affordable. Anyone that wants to experience Eddie’s indulgence should seek out the breakfast chilaquiles with pork chop plate.
Panda Inn
2201 Harry Wurzbach Road, (210) 824-1582
This institution has been operating for over 25 years, serving up noodles, egg rolls and more. You don’t go to Panda Inn for authentic Chinese food. You go for mountains of Americanized Chinese food at an affordable price. So if the most generous portions of delicious mall court Chinese sounds like your thing, don’t let the exterior fool you into thinking it’s closed down. It’s open, and the lo mein is waiting to be inhaled. But be warned — though it doesn’t get a lot of food critics’ attention, it has enough of a cult following that the wait can be long.
Pesto Ristorante
5221 McCullough Ave., (210) 314-1072, pesto-ristorante.com
This Olmos Park gem has a few things going for it. First of all, parking is rarely an issue. Then there’s its famous chicken gorgonzola, sea bass, and filet mignon — among other standard dishes you can expect from a top-notch Italian restaurant.
Casa Pasta
Multiple locations, facebook.com/casapastahelotes.
This Italian eatery has multiple locations, with its original in Helotes. However, the San Antonio one, Casa Pasta #2, is located at 10038 Potranco Road, Suite 101. Try the freshly made calamari.
Pam’s Patio Kitchen
11826 Wurzbach Road, (210) 492-1359, pamspatio.com.
This eclectic cafe’s menu features everything from Thai, Vietnamese, to pizza, sandwiches and even cakes. But somehow, it all works together. Being delicious helps.
Credit: Google Maps
Thai House
4114 Rittiman Road, (210) 657-9126
With its array of affordable takes on Thai classics, it’s easy to see why this popular lunch spot is always busy. Most dishes can be prepared with the protein of your choice or made vegetarian. Take advantage of online ordering and get it delivered if you so choose.
Photo via Instagram / brazabrava
Braza Brava Pizzeria Napoletana
7959 Broadway St. #300, (210) 320-2100, brazabravapizzeria.com
In addition to the pizza (duh), we recommend the cacio e pepe, rib eye, lasagna and anything involving the freshly made mozzarella.
Credit: Screen Shot: Google Street View
Pacific Moon
15140 San Pedro Ave., (210) 402-3411, pacificmoonsa.com
This Asian Fusion eatery will hit the spot whether you’re on the hunt for a filling meal or late night drinks. Flavorful and with a kick of spiciness, Pacific Moon is here for when you’re craving great food — just keep in mind that the kitchen closes at 10 p.m.
El Burrito Tapatio
3008 West Ave., (210) 320-1985
In addition to a great marg, customers also rave about their carne asada burrito, shrimp perrillada, menudo and other classic Mexican dishes.
Casa Mia
4723 Rigsby Ave., (210) 253-9095
This Eastside Italian eatery has only been open since Spring 2025, but it is already racking up rave reviews for its pizza and pasta dishes, just like nonna used to make.
Taqueria La Milpa
114 Fredericksburg Road, (210)370-3033
Offerings at this Five Points spot are pretty standard taqueria fare, including tostada de aguacate, breakfast tacos, sopes, tortas, mini tacos and chilaquiles.
Credit: Facebook / April’s Chinese
April’s Chinese
2030 S. Alamo St., (210 223-7335
For Chinese classics done right, April’s Chinese is the go-to for many San Antonio foodies. Some of the eatery’s most popular dishes include the cheese rangoon, lemon chicken, lemon pepper steak, Mongolian beef, and more.
Naara Cafe, 9329 Wurzbach Road, (210) 558-9800, naaracafe.com
Photo via Instagram / naaracafe
Naara Cafe
9329 Wurzbach Road, Suite 101, (210) 558-9800, naaracafe.com
Not only have our readers chosen Naara as the best hookah bar, it also has great Middle Eastern food. Menu offerings include kabobs, a gyro pizza and lamb shawarma. Better yet, it’s BYOB.
Oasis Cafe
323 N. Main Ave., (210) 223-7077
This spot is known for its fresh tortillas, so we recommend any dish involving a tortilla, which is almost all of them.
Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Taqueria Atotonilco
3431 W. Commerce St., (210) 227-8090, facebook.com/Taqueria-Atotonilco-155602537818077
Located in Prospect Hill, this taqueria serves up tacos packed with flavor. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast tacos or want some tasty street tacos for lunch, Atotonilco is a no-frills spot for flavorful Mexican fare.
Credit: Facebook / Aguachile
Aguachiles Seafood
2123 Culebra Road, (210) 276-0302
At this seafood spot, customers rave about the caldo de mariscos, red snapper, filete coronado, octopus, ceviche and the eponymous Aguachile Tower.
Credit: Facebook / Antinoz
Antinoz Cafe
5826 Babcock Road, (210) 900-2277
Customers rave about this spot specializing in Italian food with a Mediterranean flare. Try the Italian wedding soup, pesto chicken alfredo and the cannolis.
Credit: Instagram / Camacho’s
Camacho’s Mexican Restaurant
5895 Babcock Road, (210) 362-1059, yelp.com/biz/camachos-mexican-restaurant-san-antonio
For really tasty Tex-Mex, it doesn’t get much better. Guests particularly rave about the enchiladas, carne guisada and fajita plates. Might as well get a margarita while you’re there too.
Credit: Facebook / Dallah Mediterranean Cuisine
Dallah Mediterranean Cuisine
5450 Babcock Road #112, (210) 233-9574
Enjoy a large plate of delicious Mediterranean cuisine while relaxing on their outdoor patio.
Credit: Facebook / Tacopolis
Tacopolis
1604 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 254-9624, instagram.com/tacopolissa
Tacopolis is an up-and-coming spot in the Deco District that was recently featured as one of the best things Express-News food critic Mike Sutter ate that month.
Angelica’s Mexican Restaurant
1326 Goliad Road, (210) 248-9991
This down-home casual spot is always pretty packed — and for good reason. Mexican dishes are as warm and comforting as a soft blanket. These include the fideo loco, enchiladas, soft tacos and more. The spot also has a party room to rent. But you don’t need a quinceañera for a reason to go.
Credit: Facebook / Sylvia’s Tacos To Go
Sylvia’s Tacos To Go
515 West Ave., (210) 824-9130
For those who need their tacos in a hurry, you could do worse that tacos on fresh tortillas at this spot. Try the chicharon taco, breakfast tacos, and the caldo de res.
Credit: Facebook / Ruthies
Ruthie’s Mexican Restaurant
11423 West Avenue, (210) 308-0253
Though it has been sold to new owners, customers can still expect some of the best menudo, fresh flour tortillas, chalupa compuesta, tortilla soup, quesadillas and more, thanks to recipes which have been passed down through generations.