Ranging from the traditional pasta recipes to the finest pizza in town, the Italian food frenzy in San Antonio provides an array of choices that can easily satisfy any cravings. Be it a romantic dinner or a place for family get together; you are guaranteed to find an appropriate environment at one of the many pizza parlours and trattorias found within the urban center.
With their carefully selected and expertly combined base ingredients, mouth-watering toppings and sauces, as well as real Italian preparation methods, it’s like being whisked away to Rome without leaving San Antonio! Without further ado,
Here are our top 15 picks for the best Italian Restaurants in San Antonio.
Sl no. | Italian Restaurants | Reviews |
1. | Dough Pizzeria Napoletana | 4.5 - 1,034 reviews |
2. | The Palm San Antonio | 4.0 - 418 reviews |
3. | Battalion | 4.5 - 287 reviews |
4. | Paesano's Riverwalk | 4.0 - 1527 reviews |
5. | Zocca Cuisine D'italia | 4.5 - 1906 reviews |
6. | Maggiano's Little italy | 4.5 - 429 reviews |
7. | Luciano Express | 4.0 - 669 reviews |
8. | Fiume Pizzeria and Wine Bar | 4.5 - 110 reviews |
9. | Allora | 4.5 - 25 reviews |
10. | Piatti | 4.0 - 141 reviews |
11. | Guillermo's | 4.5 - 259 reviews |
12. | Albi's Vite Italian Kitchen | 4.5 - 13 reviews |
13. | The Palm | 4.5 - 3116 reviews |
14. | Nonna Osteria | 4.5 - 129 reviews |
15. | Aldo's Ristorante Italiano | 4.5 - 175 reviews |
1. Dough Pizzeria Napoletana
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana in San Antonio is the best place to visit if you want a true taste of Naples. Their genuine Neapolitan pizzas are baked in a brick oven at more than 900 degrees, and they are ready within 90 seconds. Every bite taste really good so that it is made from fresh mozzarella produced on daily basis, or other ingredients imported from Italy or grown by local farmers.
Therefore, this restaurant has something for everyone - from dining in to patio enjoyment, or the “Dough To-Go!” service. Furthermore, Dough ships nationally through Gold belly which ensures you can enjoy their award-winning pizza wherever you find yourself. Just minutes away from San Antonio International Airport, Dough has been recognized as one of the best joints by popular TV shows like Diners, Drive-ins & Dives.
Must Try Dishes: Pork love Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Truffle Burrata, Red based pork.
Price Range: $$$
2. The Palm San Antonio
The Palm San Antonio is one of the best steakhouses in the world, with numerous excellent reviews from very satisfied customers. It is located in downtown San Antonio and is a favorite place for romantic dinners, special occasions or even business meals. Many of these evaluations emphasize the constant quality of The Palm’s steak, which is perfectly prepared, as well as its 4-pound lobster.
The restaurant’s flawless service complements the high level of its meals, since the skilled team of staff members available at any moment do not interfere with guests’ privacy at all. An unparalleled steakhouse experience awaits anyone who comes to this restaurant regardless if you are a native or a visitor; indeed, once you come here you would actually want to go back again.
Must Try Dishes: Lobster bisque, Creamed Spinach, Caesar Salad, Crab Cakes.
Price Range: $$$
3. Battalion
Battalion comes highly suggested because of its wonderful Italian food. Situated in downtown San Antonio, Texas, this restaurant is famous for amazing dishes and excellent service. The food has received a lot of accolades from reviewers; one of them offered a review which indicated the place serves the most genuine Italian meals outside Italy. Spinach dumplings, eggplant parmesan and red sauce have always been praised repeatedly.
The atmosphere, staff members’ attitude towards customers as well as cocktails offered are also commended by patrons. Some people say that it can be loud due to several people having fun at the same time but majority agree that it is an enjoyable dining experience. If you love Italian food then you must try Battalion.
Must Try Dishes: Spinach Dumplings, Lamb Chops, Chicken Parm, Grilled Octopus.
Price Range: $$
4. Paesanos RiverWalk
Paesanos - RiverWalk is one of the culinary gems located on the picturesque River Walk known for its genuine Italian cuisine. Over time, it has consistently been receiving overwhelming positive comments regarding its lovely atmosphere, excellent customer service and more significantly great tasting dishes. Customers have called “Shrimp Paesanos” the best they have ever eaten, while “Osso Buco” enchanted many diners.
The fact that the restaurant caters to children and offers high-quality meals at fairly reasonable prices have also been lauded by many customers. Many reviewers believe that this particular establishment remains an outstanding choice when it comes to genuine Italian dish as well as beverages therein. If you are a San Antonio resident or just visiting town, then make sure you try out Paesanos because it actually deserves all praises it has received so far from people who love Italian foods.
Must Try Dishes: Shrimp Paesano, Stuffed shells, Spaghetti, Tiramisu.
Price Range: $$
5. Zocca Cuisine D'italia
Zocca Cuisine d'Italia, nestled within the beautiful RiverWalk in San Antonio, has received countless praises for its exceptional Italian dishes that are out of this world. Regardless of if it’s on a special day or just an ordinary meal, Zocca makes a difference by providing many varieties of traditional and unconventional Italian meals which are "always fascinating and delightful". According to reviews, services provided here are very good while the atmosphere is friendly, hence making it suitable for all types of occasions.
The Parmesan Gnocchi that bursts with flavor comes highly recommended; the tender bone-in short rib is another must try but don’t forget about their unforgettable desserts too. Zocca Cuisine d’Italia can be defined in simple words as an impressive Italian food representation because it has an exemplary wine list along with captivating decor.
Must Try Dishes: Lump Crab Pasta, Crab Cakes, Caesar salad, Scallops.
Price Range: $$
6. Maggiano's Little italy
Maggiano's Little Italy serves as a good place to go to if you want to have great Italian-American food. The restaurant captures the flavor of ages past with significantly large servings, dining for families and an assortment of popular Italian dishes that it offers. Maggiano’s has kept its warmth through thick and thin; be it lasagna or chicken parmesan or the famous tiramisu.
It comes with solace in every bite because these meals are accompanied by elegant touches like rich tasting sauces and perfectly made pastas that will always remind you that it is not usually just food. This means that you can enjoy it alone or share it with your loved one and still feel something like togetherness. Thus, for anyone who is looking for true Italian flavors in an inviting atmosphere, Maggiano's Little Italy would be a perfect option.
Must Try Dishes:
Price Range: $$
7. Luciano Express
When it comes to delectable and quick Italian food, Luciano Express is second to none in San Antonio. Offering many options that cater to various eating habits like being a vegetarian or gluten free as well as serving pizza and other Italian dishes; this restaurant becomes the best choice at all times. It does not matter whether you want breakfast, lunch or dinner or even some sweet bites during late nights at Luciano Express.
This implies that he/she can go for breakfast, lunch or dinner or pop by for something sweet when it’s late at night because it is always there for you. It is a versatile place for any occasion due to features like take out food services curb seating and private dining space too. Furthermore, it has a bar and table service which makes it the perfect place for having a casual meal or enjoying a more relaxed dining experience.
Whether dining alone or with friends, you will be assured of receiving great food and being enveloped in an inviting atmosphere when you eat at Luciano Express.
Must Try Dishes: Margherita Pizza, Penne Arrabbiata, Tiramisu, Fettuccine Alfredo
Price Range: $$
8. Flume Pizzeria and Wine Bar
Fiume Pizza & Wine Bar—regarded as the country’s best Pizzeria—exudes authenticity every time you step into it.
As one regular says, “This new brick oven pizzeria experience rocks the Riverwalk! The Fiume team has served up a slice of Italy right on the banks of the SA River." The diners commented that the pizza was delicious and full of flavor while the pasta was just as mouth-watering.
Comprising great cuisine, attentive staff and an ideal location, it is destined to be everyone’s perfect date venue. Besides being suitable for special occasions, Fiume serves wide range of gluten-free meals encased in a colorful atmosphere.
Must Try Dishes: Brick Oven Margherita, Truffle Mushroom Pizza, Gluten-Free Pasta, House-Made Burrata
Price Range: $$
9. Allora
ALLORA — Pearl Italian Dining that's delicious Comfortable atmosphere filled with familiar faces, a busy kitchen and plentiful portions that would make an Italian grandmother proud — Allora brings Italy’s neighborhood restaurant to San Antonio’s Pearl.
Experience the corner restaurant that seems to be more like a second home than anything else. Here, your friends can already have wine waiting for you. You’ll be amazed at how big their chicken Parmigiana is here! We are raising the temperature on mama’s most treasured dishes!
Must Try Dishes: Chicken Parmigiana, Branzino, Bolognese Pasta, Caprese Salad
Price Range: $$
10. Piatti
Piatti is a popular restaurant in San Antonio that serves some of the most delicious Italian dishes.Taste enthusiasts have made it their go-to for its list of culinary delights which never disappoints. Someone even said “All the pastas were scrumptious with a particular mention to Alfredo” while another stated that “the paradelle was out of this world.” If one desires an extraordinary birthday dinner or just intends to have brunch on Sunday somewhere else, there’s something lovely for him at this eatery.
With its modern trend/vybe, hot and fresh starters accompanied by great main meals then forget those who eat dessert like some are sometimes dark night deserts which they can also love dearly. These compliments such as “Style customers in an Italian way plus remarkable hospitality” or “The Italian food was excellent, as always. I don’t think you will find a better Italian restaurant than this one in San Antonio or even Texas.” from the diners have enhanced this place’s fame.
Must Try Dishes: Fettuccine Alfredo, Paradelle, Bruschetta, Tiramisu
Price Range: $$
11. Guillermo's
Guillermo’s is located downtown, around I 35 and this place is known for offering real Italian food. The reviews indicate that the atmosphere there is lively and has a gorgeous patio with stunning views of the city skyline. A lot of people recognize it as their favorite Italian restaurant; this enables it to constantly impress its customers through well-prepared meals whether salad or pasta or even pizza. "Food has never disappointed me, everything just seems perfect" - one customer said. Another thing they boast about is the quality service provided in this restaurant which comprises of friendly as well as knowledgeable staff members. Kudos to the great food service and the overall eating experience, which is why Guillermo’s attracts so many repeat customers.
Must Try Dishes: Spaghetti Bolognese, Margherita Pizza, Caesar Salad, Garlic Knots
Price Range: $$
12. Albi's Vite Italian Kitchen
If you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine that is authentic, then you should visit Albi’s Vite Italian Kitchen. This restaurant comes highly recommended because it has a magnificent charm which makes it a great place for dining with family members. It offers delicious recipes that leave people feeling special each week day. There are various types of free appetizers available every Tuesday such as Calamari or Fried Ravioli Alla Panna that serve as starters to meals.
Family time is emphasized on Thursdays when they have specials meant for families to enjoy together as one unit. If you want a drink and some of their signature dishes at an amazing price, visit them any week day between 3 pm and 6 pm during happy hour from Tuesday to Friday. Monthly special events at Albi’s Vite always bring something different thus encouraging new tastes and adding diversity to your palate. It occupies 4979 NW Loop 410, making it a top sushi dining destination in San Antonio.
Must Try Dishes: Fried Ravioli Alla Panna, Calamari, Chicken Piccata, Lasagna
Price Range: $$
13. The Palm
The Palm San Antonio is reputed to be among the best steakhouses in the world and has remained with numerous positive reviews from very satisfied customers. It is found or located in downtown San Antonio which makes it a great place for intimate dinners, special occasions and even business meetings.
Many of the reviews highlight the Palm’s consistently cooked to perfection steak and 4-pound lobster as its biggest attractions. In addition, this restaurant also serves excellent service that matches or complements the quality of their meals since their skilled staff are always on standby without being too obtrusive. Local residents or visitors alike enjoy the best that The Palm San Antonio has to offer as far as a steakhouse is concerned which will keep them coming back for more.
Must Try Dishes: 4-Pound Lobster, Prime Ribeye Steak, New York Cheesecake, Shrimp Bruno
Price Range: $$$
14. Nonna Osteria
NONNA OSTERIA is especially loved for its culinary evolution. This place located at the old Fairmont Hotel, launched by SILO Restaurants and headed by Luca Della Casa—famous for being a runner-up in the Food Network Star competition—embodies Northern Italian cuisines' rich traditions. NONNA Ostria brings to life Chef Della Casa’s regional heritage serving artisan dishes inspired by authentic flavors of Italy. Additionally, vegetarian and gluten-free options cater to different dietary needs hence focusing on fresh and quality ingredients.
NONNA Osteria provides a sophisticated yet cozy environment for both lunch break or dinner time. With valet parking service and full bar available, the restaurant is accessible making it easier to have an enjoyable eating experience. Whether it’s a romantic evening out or just grabbing some food, Nonna Osteria is fast becoming everyone’s favorite destination for Italian food moments in San Antonio.
Must Try Dishes: Osso Buco, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Risotto Milanese, Eggplant Parmesan
Price Range: $$$
15. Aldo's Ristorante Italiano
The dining experience at Aldo’s restaurant located in San Antonio is reminiscent of an Italian country home that is warm and inviting. Aldo’s menu boasts of fresh handmade dishes that are vibrant with flavors from Tuscany, making each mouthful an extraordinary journey through your senses. The restaurant achieves perfection in their meals through excellent service as well as an extensive wine list.
Behind its main area of dining lies a cozy lounge where you can enjoy drinks along with tempting appetizers while watching your favorite sports program on TV. If you want privacy as you converse about boardroom terms or celebrate important events, try Aldo’s private rooms.
Must Try Dishes: Filet Mignon, Pappardelle al Tartufo, Lamb Chops, Tiramisu
Price Range: $$$
Those looking for more options can also consider other types of gourmets including vegetarians and people who do not eat gluten among others types ensuring everyone gets something to entertain them during their stay or dinner at Aldo’s. The elegant atmosphere with unmatched service leaves lasting impressions; such is the experience one takes away from visiting this restaurant!