This Castle Hills restaurant by a James Beard nominated chef provides an unexpected fine-dining experience just outside Northwest Loop 410. Owned and run by John and Elise Russ, the restaurant serves New Texan dishes with a Southern touch and remains one of the very few places in town that features game like quail and rabbit. The menu changes seasonally and there is a prix fixe option called Feed Me that is designed to highlight the flavors du jour. Though walk-ins are welcome, reservations for indoor dine-in service can be made online or by phone.

Demo’s Greek Food prepares great Mediterranean dishes from all three of its locations — Castle Hills, on the Strip, and in Stone Oak — in a setting full of beautiful hand-painted murals and Grecian architecture. There are traditional Greek appetizers such as the spanakopita, as well as steaming-hot pita wraps that draw sizable crowds at lunch and dinner. Takeout orders can be place in person or online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

The casual Dellview restaurant offers a speedy diner experience with a streamlined menu. This taco pit stop grew from a taco stand and serves one thing: Jalisco-style street tacos stuffed with a selection of meats including al pastor, brisket, and lengua on corn tortillas. The counter-service indoor dining room is open until midnight every night, and until very early morning on weekends, making it a popular spot for late-night taco cravings.

It’s easy to drive by this unassuming Edison neighborhood sushi spot without thinking twice, but Niki’s has stood the test of time as a San Antonio staple of Japanese fare since 1970. Family-owned and operated for over 50 years, Niki’s menu offers a wide variety of maki, sashimi, and nigiri sushi, along with a range of dishes like crispy pork katsudon and oh-so-slurpable yakisoba noodles. Takeout orders can be placed over the phone or in person; there are indoor dine-in services with standard table or sushi bar seating as well as tatami-style floor seating options.

The casual snack stand in Beacon Hill is one of the best places to go for a frozen chamoy-covered mangonada on a hot day. The lime-green building has a wall menu featuring photos of its many raspa, piccadilly, and mangonada variations. There is also an assortment of fresh fruit cups, Italian ices, and savory bites, like the timeless classic corn in a cup. There are locations on Blanco Road and Thousand Oaks Drive too. All have outdoor dining options.

Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery is almost synonymous with the Pearl, the ever-expanding upscale food and shopping development just north of downtown. Under the direction of chef Jeff Balfour, Southerleigh brings Southern comfort food with a coastal flair by way of Galveston. The marinated, seasoned, and pressure-fried chicken is a constant and the fried snapper throats are a must-try. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

The Asian fusion restaurant began in 2018 as a series of pop-ups to spotlight women Asian American chefs in San Antonio. Since then, owner Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin turned the pop-up into a physical space at Pearl. With items like curry shrimp fried rice, crispy and soft tofu in a vegan mapo sauce, and mochi cheddar hush puppies, the restaurant makes creative, specific dishes. The boozy boba tea is a standout option that fully represents the restaurant’s lighthearted sensibility. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

The pizzeria satisfies a range of cravings, from chewy, crispy pizzas to saucy chicken wings. Since 2018, owner Michael Brown has operated this Eastside gem with a passion for serving high-quality pies. Whether it’s a classic pepperoni pizza or the Maxed Out Meat pie stacked high with toppings, the incredible crust and gooey cheese never disappoint. Regulars of this local favorite keep coming back for the calzones, which are baked to crispy perfection and stuffed full of great ingredients. Takeout orders can be placed online online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

Though many restaurants have come and gone in Southtown, this Mexican restaurant is still going strong after over 30 years in business, though in a new location address. With its colorful lounge aesthetic, the restaurant is a step up from casual dining. It’s a great place to grab frozen margaritas and a plate of nachos to share while catching up with friends and family. The fish tacos and the enchiladas Mexicanas are some of Rosario’s dinner standouts. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

The seafood restaurant has been a mainstay of the Southside since it opened in the 1960s. Rudy’s is known for its ample helpings of fried fish, shrimp, and oysters with tartar sauce, lemon slices, bread, and a giant serving of fries. Pickup orders can be placed over the phone; there are indoor dine-in areas.

Barbecue is the essence of Texas dining, and 2M Smokehouse is the best that San Antonio has to offer on that front in the Lower Southeast Side neighborhood. Whether ordered by itself or in a sandwich, the brisket is a full-on flavor and textural experience that explains why the line is always out the door. Other menu highlights include smoked turkey breast and pulled pork along with sides like chicharoni macaroni and Maria’s beans, which are available by the gallon. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.