When colder winter days hit San Antonio, there’s nothing better than digging into comforting, soul-warming food. From rich stews to stick-to-your-ribs classics, these seven local spots specialize in an international dishes sure to warm you up during chilly weather.

European Dumplings Cafe
Don’t knock borscht until you’ve tried it on a chilly day. At European Dumplings Cafe, the ruby-hued soup becomes a deeply satisfying meal when paired with chicken or lamb dumplings or pillowy piroshki. Add a glass of kompot — a refreshing house-made drink of boiled blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and apples — for a meal that eats like a Ukrainian love letter.

Curry Boys BBQ
Curry Boys BBQ is a uniquely San Antonio innovation, serving hearty bowls of jasmine rice topped with post oak–smoked brisket or pulled pork, all bathed in house-made curries so good they’ve earned James Beard Award recognition. Beloved by locals not just for the food, the restaurant has also built a following for its cheeky online sense of humor and rotating specials that pay tribute to Curry Boys BBQ’s Southeast Asian roots.

Curry Boys' rice bowls are an instant winter warmer.Curry Boys/ Facebook

Yippon Ramen
San Antonio’s ramen scene could warrant a list of its own, but one locally owned spot stands out for consistently excellent bowls and warm hospitality. In a city still mourning the closure of crowd favorite Noodle Tree, Yippon Ramen has emerged as a worthy successor, serving affordable bowls that range from classic tonkotsu and spicy miso to more inventive takes like kimchi beef ramen and tantan ramen made with pork broth and jalapeño.

Tulum Mexican Cuisine
Speaking of broth-forward comfort dishes, Tulum Mexican Cuisine — a recent North Side addition—draws inspiration from multiple regions of Mexico across its expansive menu. The sopa de tortilla is served in the authentic Mexico City style: instead of a thin broth, it features a richer, tomato-forward base poured tableside over chicken, crisp tortilla strips, jalapeños, and classic accoutrements. Stay for a margarita (or two).

Tulum's tortilla soup starts with a thick tomato broth.Tulum Mexican Cuisine/ Facebook

Amen Cafe Eritrean And Ethiopian Restaurant
Amen Cafe took over the shuttered Saucy Birds space on Fredericksburg Road in 2025 and has quickly built a reputation for serving some of the best Ethiopian food in San Antonio. The cafe features a dedicated vegan section with dishes like Ebu Shiro, a rich chickpea stew finished with housemade butter, alongside meat options such as kitfo, freshly minced extra-lean beef seasoned with mitmita, cardamom, and house butter. Even better? Most dishes are $20 and under, making it an approachable spot for both longtime fans and newcomers.

Suko Japanese Cuisine
Another underrated North Side gem, Suko Japanese Cuisine serves a Texas Wagyu yakiniku bowl featuring tender beef chunks, a housemade barbecue sauce, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, shishito peppers, and a perfectly cooked egg — pure satisfaction for any protein craving. Most of the fish used for their dry-aging is shipped straight from the world-famous Toyosu Market in Japan, ensuring exceptional freshness. Beyond the bowls, Suko offers a full menu of signature sushi rolls, ramen, donburi, and a well-stocked bar.

Mare e Monte
Craving authentic Italian with hospitality that makes you feel like you’re dining in owner Prince Blakaj’s own home? Look no further than Mare e Monte. This intimate Medical Center spot specializes in hearty, comforting Italian fare. Think pasta bowls, crispy chicken piccata, ravioli mare e monte with lobster, spicy rigatoni, sole oreganata, and a standout lamb chop, all at surprisingly approachable prices. An extensive wine list offers thoughtful pairings to elevate every dish.