Where to eat now
Where to eat in San Antonio right now: 5 unexpected new restaurants to try this December
Between holiday shopping and an unending stream of events, its easy to get your twinkle lights in a knot. This month, we have a trick to bring back glad tidings. When seasonal stress starts to get you down, take an evening to linger over a meal at one of of San Antonio’s best new restaurants.
These five freshmen eateries are making their mark with a diverse array of global dishes, from Japanese small plates to Middle Eastern meza. We’re willing to bet they are already on Santa’s good list.
Babil Cafe
This Middle Eastern restaurant near Medical Center may not be big on ambiance, but diners definitely don’t get short-shifted on taste. The menu if full of Mediterranean staples like falafel, chicken shawarma, and a meza plate, but dig deeper to find fried pickles served with hummus, a succulent lamb shank, and a bright fattoush salad. The all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is a can’t miss bargain at only $10.99.
Kuriya
Yes, this new incarnation of the Ramen Bar at Cherrity Bar has only been open a few days, but we already know it will become one of the city’s hottest spots. The ramen menu, carried over from the previous incarnation, is perfect for the nippy days ahead. And we can’t wait to see chef and owner Ernie Bradley’s takes on dumplings like gyoza, shumai, and mandu. Plus, the cocktails are boozy, balanced, and — most importantly — affordable. Score a Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned during happy hour for only $7.
La Gloria/Burgerteca at the AT&T Center
What’s better than one Johnny Hernandez restaurant? A hybrid concept that rolls two of the acclaimed chef’s most popular eateries into one. Located on the east end of the AT&T Center’s balcony level, these colorful twin kiosks offer greatest hits from both concept’s menus and has a full view of the court. Best of all, guests can sip on an infused margarita while cheering on Los Spurs.
Pokéworks
This New York-based franchise isn’t the first poke joint in San Antonio and almost certainly won’t be the last, but its take on the trendy Hawaiian staple dish but its array of fresh toppings and seafood sets it apart from the rest. And the eight sauces ensure that customers always have something new to try. Go classic with one of two aiolis or experiment with a sweet and spicy blend made from gochujang, a Korean condiment.
SoHill Cafe
Owned by well-known Alamo City chef Jean-Francois Poujol, this cheery cafe brings comfort Italian to Beacon Hill. The pastas, made in-house daily, are uncomplicated with meaty Bolognese covering lasagna rolls and fettuccine dressed in a spicy clam sauce specked with pancetta. As classically European as the menu is, the chef does let a little Texas come out in dishes like a wood-fired pizza topped with mozzarella, bacon, and buttermilk fried chicken.
Domingo features breathtaking River Walk views.
Il Forno brings Italian charm without the cliches.Il Forno/ Facebook