Romance Takes Delectable Flight at These San Antonio Restaurants

20 Nine's new Chef, Jerry Toomey, came on board in June of 2014 and has, in just months, transformed it into one of the best farm-to-table restaurants in San Antonio. Toomey, a San Antonio native who resided in Seattle for a time, has brought along his sensibilities and passion for fresh, local ingredients and innovative cuisine. Practically everything you get here is made in-house, from the roasted chili oil which perfectly accompanies the Jumbo Scallop and Plantain appetizer to the fresh tomato sauce, hand-pulled mozzarella and dough that make their fantastic pizzas, such as the Pig and Pear. Much of the meat is also locally-procured and is ground in-house to make up delicacies such as 20 Nine's signature "Dork" Burger, which comes with a duck and pork patty, apple fennel jelly and crispy fried duck skin! You can also expect the freshest daily seafood specials, knowledgeable staff and an atmosphere that's elegant yet cozy. The ultimate pleasure!

A graceful, mirrored dining room provides an elegant accompaniment to Bohanan's top-notch steaks and seafood. Noted for serving Akaushi beef, three grades above Prime, and dramatic flaming desserts, the restaurant has a loyal contingent of regulars and attracts new customers nightly. Try a juicy filet from the mesquite grill, or split a massive double center-cut pork chop with someone special. Unusual seafood dishes like fennel pollen-crusted blue fin tuna and Chilean sea bass au gratin provide a welcome change of pace. Make sure to start the evening early with a few cocktails at the bar. This is the kind of restaurant where you want to spend the entire evening.

Cured is one of the newest restaurants to grace the historic Pearl Brewery and it clearly belongs in such fine company. Chef Steve McHugh brings charcuterie, salumi and other hand-made, farm-to-table dishes to the carefully restored Administration building at the Pearl. Their charcuterie options are cured from 60 days to 10 months and are becoming quite popular fare in San Antonio. All of the items, such as the Apple Jalapeno Pork Rillettes, Whipped Pork Butter and Country Style Pork Pate are made in house and proudly displayed in their humidity-controlled locker. The entrees at Cured aren't to be overlooked. Whether you're in the mood for seafood, fowl, beef, pork, goat, lamb or simply vegetarian, there's a little something scrumptious for everyone!

It would be a great pleasure to welcome you to Azuca, the first Nuevo Latino Restaurant in San Antonio. The idea of our Restaurant was inspired by a desire to unite the cuisine, service and atmosphere of the Caribbean, Central and Latin America with all of its glamour and vitality in one place - Azuca. It is our absolute goal to consistently provide our guests with an enjoyable and unique dining experience. We do this by providing exceptional service, a unique Nuevo Latino Cuisine, and a diverse palette of entertainment.

Owner, David Snyder, has combined his love and experience abroad with the genius of Executive Chef, Sean Fletcher, to create fresh authentic Southern European and Mediterranean dishes that are to-die-for! From the paella, with its fragrant flavors and velvety texture, to the (off-menu) Branzino, grilled to perfection with roasted garlic and grilled lemon, the cuisine is off-the-charts delicious. They take advantage of seasonal ingredients by offering dishes like the watermelon and heirloom tomato salad, but you can't go wrong with starters such as the decadent Eggplant Josephine. There isn't one item on this menu you won't savor and remember. What really stands out about Bella's is a true appreciation for quality and simplicity where the ingredients themselves are allowed to shine in a perfectly balanced symphony of flavors.

Hotel Emma showcases its culinary prowess in multiple ways, but it's on-site restaurant, Supper; located along the northern extension of the San Antonio river walk, 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!

Chef Andrew Weissman is the "it" chef in San Antonio and he's got his name written all over Signature - quite literally. Everything about this upscale, thoughtfully-crafted and elegant restaurant screams Weissman. This is not just any old hotel restaurant, this is a place reminiscent of a European countryside Michelin star restaurant, from the drive up to the venue to the excellent cuisine described only as classic contemporary. Signature features of the restaurant include an open kitchen, wood burning fireplace and putting green, where you can sip on a cocktail and play while you wait to be seated. As you can expect, it's an all scratch kitchen, with delicacies on hand such as aged cheeses. Chef Weissman maintains his own bee hives as well as garden. It's only the best for this chef, and of course, all of his guests. The menu is "straightforward and beguiling," featuring first class ingredients, from Atlantic Coast oysters to Pacific Northwest lamb, and without a doubt, Texas Hill Country venison, dove and quail. When it comes to providing an unforgettable experience, you can bet it all on Chef Weissman!

If you're looking for something that looks like your best friend's living room, the warm, cozy atmosphere abounds at this coffeehouse, where you can relax on their expansive patio with friends from work or stake out one of Candlelight's comfy couches. Thanks to a reasonably priced but thorough selection of coffees and a range of tasty desserts (including Italian cream cake), the neighborhood hangout is a stylish choice for after-hours eats. They offer a selection of yummy entrees such as steak, salmon, and Fettuccine Alfredo as well as more simple fare such as salads and sandwiches. They have over 60 different wines, ports, champagne and beer, not to mention their award-winning coffee.

The Cookhouse just opened their doors in early September of 2014 but is already the talk of the town, which comes as no surprise as it's the only restaurant in San Antonio that showcases traditional New Orleans cuisine, the kind you might find at some fine dining establishment in the French Quarter. The roasted Duck and Dumplings made with an exceptional marjoram potato gnocchi and served with tomato confit and a red wine demi-glace is utterly divine. Other favorites include the Tomato Artichoke Canoli, made with house-made pasta, goat cheese, tomato confit, artichoke hearts and marjoram, not to mention the Grilled Trout Amandine with muniere butter, toasted almonds and fresh green beans. If you adore fresh seafood, you can bet The Cookhouse serves up some of the freshest gulf oysters and shrimp from here to the coast. The New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp is served in a pool of savory spicy garlic butter and beer sauce (a secret recipe!) and charred French bread that is ideal for dunking. So addictively delicious, you may find yourself wanting to drink it. It's okay, nobody's looking!

For a moment of pure bliss, well, head to Bliss. Owned and operated by one of San Antonio's greatest chefs, Bliss is a delight in every form of the word. A perfect option for a romantic date, friendly gathering or family celebration. Located in Southtown, the ambiance is relaxed yet elegant and the service is some of the best you'll find in town. The seasonal menu consists of contemporary American cuisine, from hearty, perfectly-seasoned dishes such as pork shank to more delicate fare such as seared scallops. Their charcuterie, made with premium meats and artisanal cheeses is a must as a starter, and you can't go wrong with dessert here either. Wine aficionados will appreciate their award-winning wine list.