TREASURE HUNT
7 new hidden-gem San Antonio restaurants you might have missed

Order conchas with a side of churros at La Churrería.
It's a good problem to have: Each week, new San Antonio-area restaurants seem to pop up everywhere. From new ventures by top Alamo City chefs to buzzworthy expansions of Michelin-starred chains, there are so many fresh dining options that a few noteworthy eateries inevitably fly under the radar.
Don't worry; we're here to help you catch up. These recently opened San Antonio restaurants may not have drawn much initial fanfare when they opened, but they're already racking up rave reviews online. From a craveable spot offering international cuisine to a stylish brunch haunt, one of these hidden gems may just become your next neighborhood favorite.
Anhelo Bistro
The menu at this stylish 16618 San Pedro Ave bistro has a little wanderlust, traversing the globe for dishes like Caribbean chicken, a Korean chicken burger, Roman-style calamari, and a fancified smashburger topped with brie. Regulars can't get enough of the handmade pasta, especially eggplant and goat cheese ravioli slathered in truffle butter. The biggest surprise, however, is the pricing. Even a 14-ounce sirloin is under $40.
Burritos Frontera
We cheated a bit on the definition of "restaurant" to allow for this new project from chef Jorge Alberto Flores, an alumnus of Carnitas Lonja, Mezquite, and Austin's award-winning Suerte. The pop-up has no permanent address nor schedule, but it does have Juarez-style burritos filled with chacharron verde and pollo en mole. Chipotle could never.
La Churrería
As one might guess from the name, this new coffeeshop at 17700 San Pedro Ave. #108 has a thing for churros. An infographic on the wall defends the treats as a healthier option to usual java pairings like croissants and pastries. We'll take their word — and order any other of its pastries, including pan de muerto, vanilla conchas, and chocolate babkas.
Los Agaves Mexican Grill & Bar
Some say San Antonio has too much Tex-Mex. Perish the thought! This newcomer at 8683 Old Seguin Rd. in Converse is drawing early raves for puffy tacos, gorditas, and succulent carne guisada. The atmosphere is festive if a bit tight. No matter. After a couple of margaritas, the whole place is a pachanga.
Olmos Pluma
Taking over the former home of Olmos Perk, this cozy coffeeshop at 5223 McCullough Ave. is an escape from grab-and-go culture. Chinoiserie-inspired wallpaper sets a charming backdrop for an eclectic interior mixing cushy Art Deco and Louis XVI chairs. In addition to the expected espresso drinks, the spot offers fresh salads and sandwiches. But there are a few surprises, like a velvety flan.
Papa Rami's Pizzeria
On paper, this 5755 Evers Rd spot may seem like any other pizza joint, but the details make the difference. The mozzarella sticks are hand-breaded in panko for extra crunch, the all-meat pizza is topped with fresh basil leaves, and the thick housemade crust may convince a few folks who usually toss the bones. It's also 100 percent halal, a rarity in Alamo City.
Thai Isan House
This New Braunfels restaurant opened in March in a renovated Craftsman bungalow at 596 S Castell Ave. The menu boasts plenty of popular Thai dishes like panang curry, but the real draw is fare from Thailand's northeastern region, dishes that are relatively difficult to find in the San Antonio area. Hits include larb, a vibrant salad made with minced pork and toasted rice powder, and som tum, a spicy green papaya side. The barbecue brisket eggroll is unconventional, but this is Texas, after all.