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Mexican-inspired sushi restaurant debuts in San Antonio dining news

Santō combines sushi with traditional Mexican flavors.
San Antonio’s restaurant scene continues as a new Mexican-influenced sushi spot quietly prepares to open. Elsewhere, a new cantina is stirring up the River Walk, a beloved food truck is back in action, and Rosca de Reyes is back on Alamo City menus. Read on for more essential San Antonio dining news.
Openings
Santō Essence of Japan is bringing a fusion sushi concept to 10350 Bandera Rd. #310 in early 2026. A rep tells CultureMap that the concept will blend the chef’s experience working in both Mexican restaurants and fine-dining sushi kitchens. He describes the restaurant as offering “Japanese art with a Mexican soul,” incorporating chile-forward elements into dishes such as sushi rolls topped with pico de gallo and a specialty spicy roll finished with sliced jalapeños.
A new restaurant called Sin Yolanda has quietly opened at 411 E. Commerce St. on the River Walk. While details remain limited, social media posts suggest a modern Mexican concept with contemporary design elements and an updated approach to traditional flavors.
Popular food truck Smack's Chicken Shack has reopened following a rebrand under new ownership. Gravves Coffee’s Mauricio Cruz and Daniel Contreras have partnered with founding chef Keenan Hendricks to give the comfort food favorite new life in front of Paper Tiger at 2410 N. St Mary’s St. Smacks is now open Wednesday through Thursday, 2 pm-9 pm; Friday and Saturday, 4 pm-midnight; and Sunday, 2 pm-9 pm.

Other news and notes
Casa Rio, San Antonio’s oldest River Walk restaurant, recently hosted a mural unveiling as part of its 80th anniversary kickoff. Created by local artist Cristina Sosa Noriega, the newly commissioned mural — titled “The Flow of People, The Passage of Time” — honors eight decades of Casa Rio’s role in the city’s culinary and cultural history.
Rosca de Reyes is now available for pre-order at La Panadería. The sweet bread, often eaten on Día de los Reyes (January 6), honors the Magi in the nativity story. Pickup date options are between January 3 and January 6, with a family-sized version costing $29 and a six-pack mini version going for $29. Individual mini versions are available in-store at each La Panaderia location year-round.

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