The Best Italian Restaurants In San Antonio Texas

In a city known for its Tex-Mex fare, San Antonio’s Italian food is an underappreciated cuisine well worth exploring. Whether you’re searching for bowls of creamy pasta or craving an authentic crusty pizza, here are the best Italian restaurants you should try in San Antonio.

1. Enjoy lunch outdoors at Il Forno

Pizzeria, Italian

Named among the top 100 pizzas in North America, Il Forno is known for its made-from-scratch, fire-roasted pizzas and savory house-cured meats. Steps away from San Antonio’s Blue Star Arts Complex, Il Forno has a mission to serve only the most thoughtful pizza by using fresh, locally sourced produce, while staying true to Southern Italian food and culture. Don’t miss out on their generous lunch specials, which are best enjoyed al fresco on the shaded outdoor patio.

2. Sip a glass of wine at Luce Ristorante e Enoteca

Restaurant, Italian

Wine plays an important role at Luce Ristorante e Enoteca in Huebner Oaks. Its walls are lined with an array of wine bottles, and its Italian owner strives to create an authentic environment true to his Italian heritage. In addition to its extensive wine list, Luce’s menu offers hearty Italian-American staples as well as regional Italian specialties that you would expect to find in any authentic Italian kitchen.

3. Have dinner with a view at Tre Trattoria

Restaurant, Italian

Right next to the San Antonio Museum of Art, Tre Trattoria features comforting Italian dishes alongside spectacular views of San Antonio’s famous tourist destination, the River Walk. Fresh antipasti, house-made pasta, cast-iron pizzas and the restaurant’s most decadent dessert, the Signature Nutella X3, can all be enjoyed on the breezy outdoor terrace.

5. Stay for drinks at Battalion

Gastropub, Italian

Set in a magnificent historic firehouse in the trendy Southtown District, Battalion serves up exceptional home-made Italian-American favorites, including chicken parmesan, spinach manicotti and meatballs with tomato sauce. With its chic decor and impressive wine list, Battalion is the perfect spot for staying for drinks after indulging in a flavorful meal.

6. Taste a slice of Naples at Dough Pizzeria

Pizzeria, Italian

With two locations in San Antonio and one in Plano, Dough Pizzeria is a Texas favorite for anyone looking for authentic Neapolitan pizza. Dough is one of the few pizzerias certified by the Association of Neapolitan Pizzaioli, and it was even featured on an episode of Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, so rest assured that it’s good. In addition to its heavenly pizzas, Dough’s creamy burratas are a must-try.

7. Share a meal with friends at Barbaro

Gastropub, Italian

Barbaro has something for everyone. This all-in-one bar/restaurant/pizzeria in the Monte Vista area boasts New York-style, Sicilian-style and even gluten-free pizzas, as well as fried calamari and small and large plates for sharing (or not), such as an artisanal charcuterie board. What’s more, Barbaro’s list of specials includes lengthy happy hours, Sunday brunch and weekday late-night eats, making it the ideal place for Italian food at all hours of the day.

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