Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in San Antonio

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in San Antonio? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Bliss Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (5112)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Bliss is consistently among San Antonio’s best restaurants in terms of quality, service and atmosphere. Bliss is located just blocks away from downtown San Antonio in the burgeoning Southtown area. Our mission is to express excellence in the most inclusive, genuine and hospitable way. Bliss serves contemporary American cuisine. Our menu changes frequently with an emphasis on what is seasonal and creative over what is predictable and familiar. Our goal is to create a relaxed yet elegant dining experience in a genuine and comfortable environment.

Top review

NikkiVIP

Dined 4 days ago

It was a great experience. The food was first class and the hospitality was excellent. The octopus was the best ever. Loved it and will definitely return.

Biga on the Banks

4.9

4.9 (5880)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Overlooking the San Antonio River Walk since 2000, Bruce Auden’s Biga on the Banks continues to charm San Antonio foodies and Alamo City visitors with its constantly-changing new American menu featuring the best ingredients South Texas has to offer.

It has been said that Bruce Auden has “put San Antonio on the culinary map” but this Chef is just getting started. The Biga menu features fresh caught fish like Mahi Mahi, True American Red Snapper and Ahi Tuna. Main stays on the menu usually include Hill Country Venison and Bandera Quail, Grilled Australian Rack of Lamb and Roasted Bell & Evans Chicken.

The dining room is modern with a casual-well informed style of service.

The wine list is eclectic and broad with hundreds of labels and the full bar offers craft cocktails.

Biga on the Banks has a versatility about it. If you’re looking for a come-as-you-are impromptu bite, a celebratory dinner with family or a working dinner with business colleagues, Biga fits your needs.

Top review

Joshua

Dined 4 days ago

Lovely experience. Thank you to the staff who made this dining lovely.

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Popular dish

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Popular dish

Grilled Beet Salad

Experience

Thanksgiving Day At Biga

Clementine

4.8

4.8 (648)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

North Central

About the restaurant

At Clementine, we’re serving seasonal, innovative eats in a modern & lively atmosphere. Our team, led by John (2023 James Beard nominee for Best Chef: Texas) and Elise Russ, draws inspiration from diverse global flavors. Our ever-evolving menu guarantees fresh and exciting options, while our dishes like the White Mushroom Salad, Ricotta Cavatelli and Clementine Crunch Bar remain cherished favorites.
Our beverage menu is small but mighty, carefully curated to include only the most delicious wines & beers from our absolute favorite producers expertly selected to elevate your dining experience. Want your own bottle? Our corkage fee is $35 per 750ml.
Our Dining Room provides comfortable indoor seating, while the Kitchen Bar boasts an exciting vantage point overlooking our open kitchen, allowing you to witness the creation of each dish. For a change of scenery, our covered patio, is perfect for al fresco dining, complete with heaters and blankets to keep you cozy on those cool nights.

Top review

allyson

Dined 7 days ago

Wonderful ambiance and the food was delicious. Will be back to try the "feed me" menu!

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Experience

Clay & Cuisine: 3-Course Feast & Handcrafted Bowl

Savor The Culinary Institute of America

4.9

4.9 (1470)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Located on the campus of The Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio, and nestled in the Pearl, Savor highlights the talents of our CIA students under the supervision of the college’s world class faculty. Experience a meal inspired by ingredients and techniques from around the world. Our dining room and patio are open and reservations are strongly encouraged. Curbside takeout is also available.

All guests are required to wear a mask while indoors—regardless of their vaccination status—except when seated in a dining environment. Thank you for helping to keep our CIA campus community safe!

Top review

AmandaVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Great job by all the students! Beautiful presentation and delicious food.

Cappy's Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (5120)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Alamo Heights

About the restaurant

This casual, upscale restaurant offers innovative American cuisine including the freshest seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic and Pacific, great steaks from Allen Brothers in Chicago, and regional and seasonal specialties. Daily lunch and dinner specials feature local ingredients whenever possible. The Heights burger can be paired with hand cut French fries, crispy thin onion rings, homemade lemon-pepper potato chips or German potato salad. There is an outdoor patio under a canopy of oak trees that's shady and extremely popular with locals and visitors to San Antonio. The brunch offered on Saturdays and Sundays features a menu of classic egg dishes, Texas pot roast, jumbo lump crab cake, seasonal "out of the blue" seafood entrees, entree salads, and Mustang chicken. Cappy's has an ever-changing, dynamic and well-priced wine list, with great choices by the glass or bottle. Full bar.

Top review

BruceVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Cappys delivers once again...amazing burger and relaxing atmosphere...perfect lunch spot!

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Popular dish

Sticky Toffee Pudding

4.7

4.7 (715)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Immerse yourself in the art of fine dining at Stout's Signature. Located in the heart of San Antonio, our restaurant combines upscale plates and handcrafted cocktails for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere near the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Our diverse menu features dishes made with the finest ingredients, from succulent steaks and fresh seafood to delicious pizzas and innovative pasta. Indulge in signature items like the grilled Tomahawk pork chop or Rockefeller Oysters, and pair your meal with expertly mixed cocktails or selections from our extensive wine list. Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a night out, Stout's Signature offers an elegant ambiance, attentive service, and exceptional cuisine. Join us and discover a culinary experience that captivates your senses and creates lasting memories.

Top review

Cindy

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

Our server (Brook) and bartender were very friendly and attentive. We really enjoyed them. My guests enjoyed their food and drinks. I loved the espresso martinis. My only feedback as a person who has eaten at several high-end restaurants is the side of shrimp was not as tasty and felt 'soft'. For the cost, I would have expected a more elevated dish. The appetizers of truffle fries could not have been smaller, and the bread plate was nothing but okay. Did not appear to be the same as it was at my last visit so a little disappointing. My guest had the lamb chops and the snapper. Both said were delicious. My main was the Chilean seas bass. although delicious the size of the dish was very small for $65. Expensive dinner for 3 plus tip I would have expected some of the food to be much better. This was a Tuesday night and the place was empty, as it was on a Saturday night the last visit.

Mariposa at Neiman Marcus - San Antonio

4.6

4.6 (460)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

La Cantera

About the restaurant

Laid-back luxe. Experience delightful dishes in a casual, contemporary atmosphere at THE MARIPOSA® SAN ANTONIO. Muted lighting and understated, modern decor create the perfect environment for a midday retreat. Whether dining with a group or simply ordering upscale take-out, expect delectable food and exceptional service that is synonymous with Neiman Marcus.

Let THE MARIPOSA® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.

Top review

LauraVIP

Dined on Jun 8, 2025

Food was excellent, as always. The tuna tartare with the fried crips is my favorite.

Supper

4.7

4.7 (3269)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Being welcomed for a good meal is a true hallmark of genial South Texas hospitality. Matched with Hotel Emma’s distinctive historical ambiance and modern allure, Supper offers the promise of American cookery and graceful service at any time of day.

Top review

LoriVIP

Dined on Jun 23, 2025

Beautiful experience at Supper! We stay at the Hotel Emma when we visit San Antonio! Love it!

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Ambler - Texas Kitchen + Cocktails

4.5

4.5 (613)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Inspired by Texas’ deep-rooted history of cattle ranches, Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails serves as a culinary tribute to its beloved Lone Star State.

Ambler, true to its character, is as bold in flavor as it is in design. The restaurant’s subtle masculine-yet-approachable interiors gives way to the bright and cheerful ambiance of San Antonio’s iconic Riverwalk. Offering vibrant flavors and jaw-dropping views 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Ambler is located on the lobby river-level of Hotel Contessa, a 265 all-suite destination property situated on the banks of the San Antonio River at 306 West Market Street. For more information or to make reservations, please visit Ambler online at amblersanantonio.com or call (210) 298-8040.

Top review

Jimmy

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

Great service friendly staff all around the food was great great views

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Popular dish

Cast Iron Goat Cheese Brulée

Popular dish

Fried Green Tomatoes

Popular dish

Ambler Signature Fried Green Tomatoes

Sweetfire Kitchen - La Cantera Resort and Spa

4.0

4 (717)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

La Cantera

About the restaurant

Sweet Fire Kitchen, located on the lobby level of the La Cantera Resort & Spa, features an open-air exhibition style kitchen with a wood fired pizza oven. Guests will enjoy a twist on regional, home-style cuisine along with signature dishes from our fire-roasted oven. The casual dining venue offers indoor seating with spectacular views of the Texas Hill Country and al fresco dining overlooking Plaza San Saba. Whether you're craving an unexpected take on deviled eggs or a classic wood-fired pizza, SweetFire Kitchen guests can have it all. The restaurant also offers a full-service bar with unique craft cocktails, an extensive wine list and draught beers.
SFK is happy to announce our place as a 2024 Open Table Diner's Choice Award Winner.

Top review

Patrick

Dined on Jun 4, 2025

The food was very delicious. We had the blackened redfish with the braised short-ribs the first night. The two shrimp on top of the redfish were very large and the braised short ribs were very tender. The second night we had the shrimp and grits and the double grilled pork chops. Again the food was very delicious. The seating was in the bar area and was rather noisy but we still enjoyed a great dinner.

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