People travel to San Antonio not only to see our Alamo but to enjoy our fabulous restaurants and beautiful River Walk. Why don’t we spend more time doing the same?
I’ve lived here most of my adult life and will be the first to admit guilt when it comes to “forgetting” about the gems we have downtown.
For instance, the Fig Tree Restaurant in historic La Villita on the River Walk is one of them. I’m embarrassed to say that living in San Antonio for more than 20 years, I had never been to the Fig Tree Restaurant – until recently.
The Fig Tree was originally a house built in the 1800s. The restaurant has to be one of the most charming, romantic settings in all of San Antonio. The patio is enchanting and offers a beautiful view of the quiet side of the River Walk near the Arneson River Theatre.
The French cuisine is delightful, and the wine list is an award winner. Chef Byron Bergeron’s delectable dishes along with the charming old world atmosphere will fill you with amour. Be sure to explore the wonderful wine list and don’t hesitate to ask for suggestions. The knowledgeable staff will lead you in the right direction.
Don’t just take it from me. The Fig Tree is a recipient of the distinguished DiRona membership, the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and the Triple A Four Diamond award.
That’s only the beginning. Next door to the Fig Tree is the Little Rhein Steakhouse. It too is nestled in a cozy historic building at La Villita with a beautiful patio setting on the River Walk.
Incredible steaks, a delicious house smoked salmon, delicious sides and a wine list that is also regularly honored by the highly respected Wine Spectator magazine. Their seafood appetizer is a fresh assortment of shrimp, oysters and crabmeat – the perfect way to start your meal.
Also, in our own “backyard” is another nationally acclaimed restaurant whose chef is known around the globe is Biga on the Banks. Gourmet Magazine called it one of the top five restaurants in Texas, and Zagat, Fodor’s and others continue to rave about the fabulous fare. It’s easy to see why.
Chef Bruce Auden’s creative culinary prowess never disappoints. The house apple smoked salmon nachos are divine as are his fish entrées (he only offers sustainable fish). And, of course, Biga’s bread all by itself is famous.
The food is not only delicious but also beautiful. Auden treats each plate like a gifted artist treats a canvas.
Head on down the river to Boudro’s, easily one of the most popular downtown restaurants. Prickly Pear margaritas decorate most tabletops here. Boudro’s tableside guacamole is legendary, and though others have tried to duplicate it, Boudro’s yummy version seems to rise above. Plus, there’s just something incredibly special about sitting on our River Walk sipping a margarita.
The food is spectacular – love the blackened prime rib and the crab and shrimp enchiladas. I could add more to this list.
If you like Boudro’s, you’ll love Zinc Bistro and Wine Bar too: Delicious dishes here and an award-winning wine list. Zinc isn’t on the River but is just around the corner from Boudro’s in a cozy 100-year-old building. Love the atmosphere here and the food. The lamb sandwich on pita is savory and wait till you try their truffled parmesan fries.
Zinc is serious about wine. The list is long and full of great finds. Zinc’s cozy courtyard is perfect for sipping.
So head downtown and see how the rest of the world dines when they come to San Antonio. We are incredibly lucky to have this many award-winning restaurants all in one place – our beautiful San Antonio River Walk.
