San Antonio restaurants that deserve a spot on the Michelin Guide

As foodies across San Antonio wait with bated breath for the release of the first-ever Michelin Guide designations for Texas restaurants, our food team couldn't help but advocate for a few of our favorites.

Though yes, we have a LOT of amazing restaurants scattered across the city, a Michelin star is hard to come by. What restaurants have what it takes to delight, wow and satiate in one fell swoop on a daily basis? Read on for our picks below.

Biga on the Banks

Considered a champion for San Antonio's restaurant scene, chef Bruce Auden was a James Beard Award nominee from 2000 to 2011 for his work with Biga on the Banks. The downtown restaurant has long been dedicated to dining excellence, offering New American cuisine with attentive service, creative dishes and a gorgeous setting. If Michelin inspectors dine anywhere on the River Walk, Biga should be top of mind. — Polly Anna Rocha Find it:

Like Bruce Auden, chef Mark Bliss and his staff have served as culinary stalwarts of the Alamo City. If you want a delectable meal experience paired with great service, you're going to Bliss. From the classic crispy fried oyster sliders to delicate tuna tartare, dishes at Bliss at detailed affairs. Wine fans can spend evenings exploring vino regions across their extensive wine list, and yes, you're going to want to leave room for dessert.

Ever conscious of diner attitudes, Bliss recently unveiled a new $55 weekday tasting menu that lets guests take in Bliss staples without breaking the bank. — Jess Elizarraras

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A trip to Clementine never fails to feel as sweet as the restaurant's namesake. The intimate eatery feels like a private dinner party — with Clementine chef-owners/husband and wife duo John and Elise Russ as hosts.

Having earned James Beard Award nods, Clementine continues to feel positively modern with seasonal, Southern menus. Featuring fresh ingredients that are locally sourced as much as possible, Clementine has a la carte options for guests wishing to customize their experience.

However, we'd recommend the chef-curated Feed Me menu for an optimal Clementine experience. Chefs John and Elise take the reins with the personalized dining experience, featuring appetizers and main entrees cooked to perfection by chef John. A recent standout? The Niman Ranch strip steak — served medium rare with a red wine bordelaise, each bite felt like tasting a piece of heaven on a plate. Utilizing her skills as an expert pastry chef, Elise caps off each Feed Me experience with freshly baked desserts — from her famous Clementine crunch bars with chocolate mousse and clementine sherbet, to pillowy apple tarts among others, Clementine is a place to skip dessert. — Katherine Stinson

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Leche de Tigre

Tucked away in an unassuming house on East Cevallos Street, Leche de Tigre whisks guests away on a Peruvian culinary journey from the moment the restaurant opens its doors.

Although they just opened in 2023, the Southtown gem feels like a natural addition to the neighborhood's eclectic culinary landscape. Helmed by chef Emil Oliva, the cebicheria and pisco bar consistently delivers on freshly made cebiches, and heartier plates like the lomo saltado. Featuring perfectly cooked bites of tenderloin, the meat-focused dish is balanced out by crispy Andean potatoes, tomatoes, scallions, all served on a warm bed of choclo rice.

If you can – grab a seat at the bar for your meal. With a full view of the open-air kitchen and chefs diligently prepping fresh plates, the Leche de Tigre experience truly feels like a slice of Peru right in the heart of Southtown. — Katherine Stinson

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At Mixtli, storytelling is the star of the menu.

With each seasonal coursed dining experience, James Beard Award nominated chefs/Mixtli co-owners Rico Torres and Diego Galicia convey a sophisticated sense of Mexico's rich culinary history. The recent menu, "Tierra Caliente" explored several of the country's southernmost regions — Michoacán and Guerrero. From a perfectly tender brined pork chop bathed just right with a mole sauce and additional marigold and apple accoutrements, to an oyster starter perfectly embellished with charanda and tepache foam, Mixtli proves that not every story requires words. Sometimes, flavor is enough.

Set to celebrate their 11-year anniversary on October 1, this Southtown staple continues to provide a purely authentic Mexican fine dining experience that's consistently superb. — Katherine Stinson

Find it: 812 S. Alamo St., Suite 103, San Antonio, TX 78210

Curry Boys BBQ

There is simply no other spot like Curry Boys BBQ in the state of Texas.

Marrying Southeast Asian curry with oak-smoked prime brisket, among other classic Texas barbecue meats, the pitmasters at Curry Boys BBQ stay humble amid their ever-growing stack of accolades. Their recent expansion into the Stone Oak neighborhood hasn't resulted in a compromise on flavor — the famous brisket smoke show, for example continues to showcase their signature curry on a bed of rice, topped off with a thick slice of brisket — and no, you don't need barbecue sauce.

With a menu of hearty dishes priced under $20, Curry Boys BBQ also provides an exquisite James Beard Award nominated experience — that doesn't break the bank and could easily earn a Bib Gourmand designation . — Katherine Stinson

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Sushi reigns supreme at Shiro, the first San Antonio restaurant helmed by acclaimed chef Grey Hwang (his second, Yozora, opened last winter.) A local leader in authentic Japanese cuisine given his own roots, chef Hwang's specialty rolls speak for themselves.

With a dedication to the spirit of omotanashi (Japanese for hospitality), Shiro stays consistently in touch with the needs of each customer. While sushi may have top billing, the chicken teriyaki meal also serves as a hearty standout dish. — Katherine Stinson