Best restaurants on the Riverwalk

Las Ramblas is a local hot spot and one of the most beautiful places to dine in San Antonio, whether you want to sit inside or on the limestone patio with exceptional views of the River Walk. The talented Executive Chef, Jeff Axline, is at the helm of this upscale restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner. The menus are designed to appeal to a wide audience and feature popular favorites showcasing high-quality ingredients. For brunch, you might enjoy a San Antonio classic of Huevos Rancheros or an Andalusian Breakfast Skillet of spiced potatoes, sweet onion, torn herbs, chorizo and sofrito served with fried eggs and country-style bread. Dinner is an elegant affair. The low lighting, warm colors and sophisticated accents make Las Ramblas an ideal spot for a romantic meal for two or a festive family feast. Dinner favorites include Wild Caught Gulf Grouper with a poblano prawn corn butter, a lovely Roasted Chicken with Spanish olives and smoked almond pesto and (yes!) even a Texas Sirloin, served with a bearnaise sauce and crispy frites! It should also be noted that the staff are always well-trained, friendly and professional.

This recent addition to San Antonio's eateries is just one example of why San Antonio is a supreme vacation destination. The Luxury is Chef Andrew Weissman's (one of San Antonio's finest) newest restaurants. Located across the river from the San Antonio Museum of Art, this funky fun outdoor restaurant has a small but utterly delightful menu and an impressive list of beer and wine. There's no doubt it's all delicious, but you can't go wrong with the pulled-pig sandwich, slathered in grilled onions and red peppers or the crispy fish banh mi sandwich topped with dill, onion, cilantro, mint and, yes, even a sunnyside-up fried egg. Yum! For dessert, dip into the chocolate pudding with salted caramel and Chantilly cream. Are you in heaven yet?

Casa Rio has long been a tradition and a favorite for many families in San Antonio. The restaurant holds the distinction of being the first business to open its doors on the River Walk. This occurred back in 1946 not too long after World War II. Additional history tells us that the restaurant sits on land first granted a title by the King of Spain in 1777. Casa Rio serves delicious Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine but many do not know that the restaurant also provides riverboat dining on the San Antonio River. With a reservation, guests board a river barge during lunch, dinner or cocktail hours and spend about an hour dining as their riverboat captain takes them up and down the San Antonio River. While you munch on scrumptious enchiladas and sip your margarita you enjoy sights and sounds galore. Casa Rio often provides Mariachi singers so your dining experience will be one of the most memorable and musical.

Hotel Emma showcases its culinary prowess in multiple ways, but it's an on-site restaurant, Supper; located along the northern extension of the San Antonio River Walk, that is their best representation of what good food is all about. This farm-to-table restaurant almost dares you to not like veggies. Their menu is largely vegetarian, but each dish is so flavorful you don't miss the meat. Of course, that's not to say they don't also feature some amazing proteins, but they certainly don't rely on them. When they do feature dishes like their Duck Confit, it's balanced with a refreshing herb salad that accentuates the duck but doesn't weigh you down. A meal at Supper is an utter delight, not only because of the food and clear spirits cocktails, but also because of the stellar staff, beautiful views of the river from their outdoor patio, and the simple feeling that you're somewhere special. In truth, you are and all of San Antonio knows it!

Located along the gorgeous north extension of the River Walk at the famous Pearl Brewery, La Gloria has earned a name for itself as a vibrant cantina that serves traditional Mexican street food. Renowned chef, Johnny Hernandez, truly made a name for himself with La Gloria. He's known for his ability to bring the rich, diverse flavors of Mexico to life in America. The extensive menu is full of delights you would normally find among the street vendors, taquerias, and kitchens of interior Mexico. La Gloria also has a lovely outdoor seating area with scenic views of the river. Inexpensive and perfect for large parties and festivities with friends and families, this eatery has become a favorite for locals and visitors alike. The best part is, if you don't get your fill, you can grab a bite to eat at their airport location on your way home!

Biga's is perfect for a theater evening downtown. They offer a three- or four-course selection from their menu at a prix fixe price. The Seasonal Menu is available daily, for orders placed before 6:30 or after 9:30 pm. Chef Bruce Auden's daily menu is just that â€" refreshed daily with the best picks of the season. A sample menu might be something like lobster ravioli on arugula, lobster sauce and fennel or Szechuan pepper cured salmon, orange chili noodles and sweet mustard or Boudin-stuffed quail with pears, blackberry jus, zucchini cake. Chef Auden lets his imagination run wild and keeps locals and travelers alike coming back again and again for his delectable culinary creations.

Founded by a woman entrepreneur who was ahead of her time, Ruth's Chris Steak House is well known for its prime cuts. Ruth Fertel showed spirit and determination in choosing her restaurants. The quality of the restaurant steaks is a clear reflection of her eye for the best. Choose from a wide variety of full-flavored classic steaks, such as a T-Bone or Cowboy Ribeye, for an outstanding example of USDA Prime at its best. The steaks come out sizzling on a plate of butter and herb, and the smell alone will have you salivating. Complement your steak with a lettuce wedge salad or lobster bisque. You can wrap it all up with their customer favorite, Chocolate Sin Cake. Ruth's Chris Steak House may be a chain, but they continue to win points with steak lovers around the country for many delicious reasons.

For fine dining in the heart of La Villita where you'll find an array of cute shops and boutiques, try the Fig Tree. This classy yet quaint little restaurant offers exceptional food, servers dressed in suits, tableside bottle service, a lovely complimentary amuse-bouche before your entree and a patio with a beautiful view of the riverwalk. This European-style restaurant is known for its impeccable food. Some of their amazing dishes include Roasted Texas Hill Country Quail Stuffed with Pate, Black Truffles and Apple Cider Emulsion, Gulf Lump Crab Cake Sauce Dijon and Romaine Chiffonade and Seared Duck Breast, Leg Confit with Glazed Autumn Vegetables, Bigarade Sauce. Oh, my!

Enter this restaurant with high expectations, and leave with those expectations met. A bright, multi-level interior with an inviting patio beckons diners, who are enticed by French-Mediterranean creations like a pecan-crusted rack of lamb, five-spice duck breast, or goat cheese charlotte with fruit compote. Extras like a bread basket with truffles enhance the dining experience. Sunday brunch is acclaimed by locals and tourists alike and includes champagne, made-to-order omelets, salmon, and traditional breakfast favorites. The food at Las Canarias is a celebration of refined American cuisine using local ingredients and culinary craftsmanship. For a truly memorable dining experience, Las Canarias is the place. Signature items include the use of products from local farmers and artisans as well as Lockhart Quail, Veal Tenderloin, and the finest hand-made margaritas on the River Walk.

Located along one of the most tranquil and picturesque sections of the cypress tree-lined River Walk, this elegant restaurant featuring dishes from the Northern region of Italy is a fine dining delight! Zocca's ambiance is both upscale and intimate, offering indoor and outdoor seating with a superb view. Start your meal out right with a thoughtfully-prepared charcuterie board, including housemade wine jellies that will knock your socks off, along with the finest imported meats and cheeses. The array of contemporary dishes are as hearty as they are scrumptious. You can't go wrong with the Pappardelle, served with lump crab, shaved asparagus, parmigiana, lemon and cream or the delicate Baked Cod, accompanied by lemon polenta, cauliflower, asparagus, brown butter-citrus sauce and white anchovy aioli. One of the most enjoyable dining experiences you can find along the riverwalk!