San Antonio is a city in Texas that boasts a diverse population and a rich cultural heritage. With a mix of Mexican, Texan, and Native American influences, it's no surprise that the city has an abundance of fantastic ethnic restaurants.
From authentic Mexican cuisine to soulful BBQ and everything in between, San Antonio has something to offer every foodie out there.
If you're a fan of spice and flavor, then San Antonio's Mexican restaurants are a must-visit. With a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, you can find everything from street tacos to enchiladas to mole.
But it's not just Mexican food that's worth trying in San Antonio. The city is also home to some of the best Texan BBQ joints around, where you can get your fix of slow-cooked brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and savory sides.
But San Antonio's ethnic food scene goes beyond just Mexican and Texan fare. You can also find fantastic Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, and Middle Eastern restaurants throughout the city.
These places offer unique flavors and dishes that will transport you to another part of the world.
With so many incredible options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've put together a list of the best ethnic restaurants in San Antonio.
Whether you're a local or just passing through, these restaurants are sure to satisfy your cravings for delicious and authentic food. So, let's dig in and explore the culinary delights that San Antonio has to offer.
1. Mina & Dimi's Greek House
Mina & Dimi's Greek House is a mural-filled restaurant that serves classic Greek fare in a festive atmosphere.
The staff is welcoming and friendly, and the food is outstanding. The gyro is a must-try dish, and the Greek salad and fries are also popular choices.
The desserts, especially the baklava cheesecake, are delicious.
The only downside is that the restaurant can get crowded and it's difficult to find a table during peak hours. However, the food and atmosphere are worth the wait.
2. Dallah Mediterranean Cuisine
Dallah Mediterranean Cuisine is a warm and inviting restaurant that serves up delicious Mediterranean fare.
The menu includes Greek, Turkish, and Jordanian dishes such as gyro plates, kebabs, and shawarma. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable.
The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring a great dining experience. The restaurant is clean and well-maintained, making it a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for authentic and tasty Mediterranean cuisine.
3. Pasha Mediterranean Grill
Pasha Mediterranean Grill serves delicious and authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in a casual setting.
The menu features gyros, kebabs, and falafel, along with other traditional dishes. The bread and dipping oil served before the meal are a must-try.
The service is friendly and attentive, and the portions are large and reasonably priced. The restaurant is spacious and well-maintained.
It can get busy during peak hours, but the wait is worth it. Pasha Mediterranean Grill is a great choice for anyone looking to try some flavorful and authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.
4. Himalayan Kitchen
Himalayan Kitchen offers a variety of Indian and Nepalese dishes that are flavorful and well-prepared.
The menu has plenty of vegetarian options and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The restaurant is family-owned and has a welcoming atmosphere.
The honey ginger naan is a must-try and the butter chicken is a fan favorite. The prices are reasonable and the portions are generous.
If you're looking for delicious ethnic food, Himalayan Kitchen is worth a visit.
5. African Village Ethiopian restaurant
African Village Ethiopian restaurant offers classic Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes, including kitfo, tibs, and injera, as well as vegetarian options.
The food is flavorful and comes in generous servings.
The staff is friendly and attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes guests feel at home.
The restaurant's decor is quaint and charming, adding to the overall experience. If you're looking for a new dining experience, African Village Ethiopian restaurant is worth a visit.
6. Thai Dee Restaurant
Thai Dee Restaurant is a hidden gem that serves authentic Thai cuisine. The restaurant may not look like much from the outside, but the food is outstanding.
The menu offers a wide variety of dishes to choose from, including vegetarian options, noodles, soups, and curries.
The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. The service is friendly and attentive, making for an enjoyable dining experience.
Whether you dine in or take out, Thai Dee Restaurant is a must-try for anyone who loves Thai food.
7. Kobams Grill
Kobams Grill is a modest strip-mall storefront that serves traditional African and Caribbean cuisine.
The food is delicious and the portions are generous. The employees are friendly and helpful in explaining the menu.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a comfortable place to sit and relax. Prices are reasonable and the service is phenomenal.
If you're looking for a new and exciting dining experience, Kobams Grill is a must-try.
8. Momma Luv's Soul & Caribbean Food
Momma Luv's Soul & Caribbean Food is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for authentic Caribbean and soul food. The rotating menu ensures that every dish is fresh and delicious, with a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors.
The staff is courteous and friendly, and the chef is always ready to make recommendations to ensure that customers get exactly what they want.
The portions are generous, and the food is cooked to perfection. The catfish, curry chicken, and empanadas are must-try dishes, and the bread pudding is simply incredible.
Momma Luv's is the perfect place for a quick meal or a relaxing dinner, and it's an excellent choice for anyone who wants to support small businesses in the community.
9. Sawasdee Thai Cuisine
Sawasdee Thai Cuisine is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Thai food. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, including vegetarian options, and the portions are generous.
The staff is friendly, attentive, and provides excellent service. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxing, making it a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner.
The prices are reasonable, and the lunch specials are a great value. The restaurant can get busy, so it's best to arrive early, especially for larger groups.
Whether you're a fan of Thai food or trying it for the first time, Sawasdee Thai Cuisine is definitely worth a visit.
10. Tandoor Palace Indian Restaurant
Tandoor Palace Indian Restaurant serves up delicious North Indian cuisine in a relaxed setting.
With both buffet and a la carte options, there is something for everyone. The food is fresh and flavorful, with a good selection of vegetarian and meat dishes.
The staff is friendly and attentive, making for a pleasant dining experience.
If you're looking for authentic Indian food in a comfortable atmosphere, Tandoor Palace is worth a visit.
11. The Lion Indian Cuisine
The Lion Indian Cuisine offers excellent food, caring service, and a great variety of dishes. The restaurant is not pretentious and has a decent ambiance.
The meat dishes are cooked to perfection and are well-spiced. The portions are generous, and the staff is friendly and attentive.
The restaurant also has a full bar and is a great place to watch sporting events. The mixed pakora appetizer and the samosas are a must-try.
The Lion Indian Cuisine is a solid choice for anyone looking for authentic Indian food in the area.
12. Jerusalem Grill
Jerusalem Grill is a Middle Eastern restaurant that serves up delicious, authentic cuisine. The portions are generous and the food is prepared quickly and with care.
The menu offers a variety of options, including falafel, gyros, and shawarma. The hummus is a standout dish, and the naan bread is a must-try.
Prices are fair for the quality of food, and the service is excellent. The restaurant is clean and well-maintained, making for a pleasant dining experience.
If you're in the mood for Middle Eastern food, Jerusalem Grill is definitely worth checking out.
13. Demo's Greek Food
Demo's Greek Food is a charming Mediterranean eatery that offers traditional Greek dishes such as souvlaki and pita sandwiches.
The restaurant has a relaxed vibe and a cozy ambiance that makes it ideal for a casual dining experience. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the food is fresh and flavorful.
The menu has a wide variety of dishes to choose from, including vegetarian options. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable.
Demo's Greek Food is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic Greek dining experience.
14. Kahramana Food Truck
Kahramana Food Truck offers delicious Mediterranean/Arab food that is authentic and fresh.
The portions are great and the prices are affordable. The Beef Tikka and Chicken Tikka kebab's are flavorful and cooked to perfection.
The baba ghanoush is a must-try, although the portion size is a bit small for the price. The gyro meat is superb and the rice is to die for.
The burger is one of the best in town. The customer service is great and the vibe is welcoming. It's a go-to place for Mediterranean/Arabic food in San Antonio.
15. House of Nizam
House of Nizam is an excellent Indo-Pak restaurant that offers authentic and flavorful food.
The staff is kind and helpful, and the restaurant is clean and well-maintained. The buffet is a must-try, with a variety of dishes that are well-prepared and delicious.
The menu has options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, and the spice levels range from mild to spicy.
The restaurant is family-run, and the owners take pride in ensuring their customers are treated well and enjoy their meals. If you're in the mood for some delicious Indo-Pak food, House of Nizam is definitely worth a visit.
16. BiryaniExpress San Antonio
BiryaniExpress San Antonio is an impressive Indian restaurant that offers a wide variety of authentic dishes. The food is of great quality and reasonably priced.
The staff is friendly and provides excellent customer service. The restaurant has a small dine-in space, but the food is worth the visit. The chicken tikka and chicken biryani are both flavorful and fresh.
The Gobi Manchurian and Chennai chicken 65 are must-try appetizers. The restaurant also has an extensive vegetarian menu.
The mango lassi is a perfect drink to cool down the spicy dishes. BiryaniExpress San Antonio is a fantastic place to expand your palate and try different Indian dishes.
17. Syrian Kitchen Halal Food
Syrian Kitchen Halal Food is a hidden gem for Mediterranean food lovers. The restaurant offers homemade Syrian cuisine that is sure to impress.
With great service and reasonable prices, it's perfect for lunch or dinner.
The lamb and chicken kebsa entrees are a must-try, as well as the hummus.
The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Don't miss out on this unfussy outpost for Mediterranean fare.
18. Indian Food Stories
Indian Food Stories is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys authentic Indian cuisine. This mobile caterer serves up delicious vegetarian options that are full of flavor and not greasy.
The Mysore Bonda and Punugulu are highly recommended. The restaurant also offers a breakfast and snack bar in town.
Visitors have raved about the quick and friendly service. Even those who are not familiar with the menu have been impressed with the owner's suggestions.
If you're in the mood for some tasty Indian food, Indian Food Stories is the place to go.
19. Mesob Eritrean and Ethiopian Restaurant
Mesob Eritrean and Ethiopian Restaurant is a hidden gem for those who love exotic cuisine.
The restaurant offers a variety of vegan-friendly dishes at an affordable price. The food is delicious, and the service is excellent.
The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and is happy to guide customers in choosing the right dish.
Mesob Eritrean and Ethiopian Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience new flavors and a unique dining experience.
