Latin American restaurants thrive in San Antonio, one of only two UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in the U.S. and recognized as the Culinary Capital of Texas.
No matter which part of the city you explore, attractive dining options from across Latin America are always within reach—an unsurprising fact given that San Antonio boasts the highest percentage of Latinos in Texas, accounting for around 64% of its 1,472,909 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
While the city's culinary landscape is undeniably influenced by a diverse array of Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors, it also offers alternatives inspired by the rich cultures spanning from Patagonia to the Caribbean. Here are The Latin Times' Latin American restaurants to consider.
Top 5 Latin American Restaurants in San Antonio, Texas
1. Mexican Food Restaurant: La Fonda On Main
San Antonio's oldest Mexican restaurant, which opened its doors in 1932 and is located in the historic Monte Vista neighborhood, is a must-visit for both tourists and locals seeking to enjoy iconic Tex-Mex dishes and authentic Mexican recipes from various regions of the country.
La Fonda on Main offers a relaxed and casual ambiance, complete with a beautiful patio for dining. Among the menu options are a variety of tacos, nachos, enchiladas, and tamales. A must-try dish is the 'Arranchera Al Guajillo,' featuring oak-grilled prime skirt steak paired with esquite, guacamole, and chicharrón de queso.
- 2415 N. Main Ave, San Antonio, Texas
2. Salvadorian Food Restaurant: Gloria's Cuisine
Founded in April 1986 in Dallas, Gloria and José Fuentes transformed their passion for Salvadorian cuisine into a lifelong career. Over the last 37 years, Gloria's Latin Cuisine, renowned for its fresh ingredients and innovative recipes, has expanded across Texas, providing signature dishes in locations such as Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio.
The menu showcases Salvadoran delights like Pupusas—handmade corn 'tortillas' stuffed with cheese, pork, or a combination—along with Yuca Salvadoreña, featuring fried yuca, garlic butter sauce, and 'curtido,' alongside some Mexican dishes. 'Tamales' are always among the Texan favorites for starters.
- 17623 La Cantera Parkway Suite 103 San Antonio
3. Latin American Food Restaurant: Azuca
Mexican chef Rene Fernandez blends Caribbean, Central, and Latin American cuisines at Azuca, a restaurant whose name pays homage to the Cuban entertainer Celia Cruz. Rather than replicating traditional recipes verbatim, he draws inspiration from them, resulting in a contemporary cuisine infused with a distinctive Latino flair.
"We cook in a Latin style, using ingredients from Latin America that are combined and prepared uniquely. Our plates are vibrant, filled with color and freshness, exuding lots of energy and exoticism," Fernandez explained. His aim is to provide diners with the complete Latino experience, leaving them with a smile—or, as he calls it, the 'wow' effect.
- 709 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205
4. Puerto Rican Food Restaurant: La Marginal
This Latin American restaurant in San Antonio is a casual spot known for Puerto Rican cuisine, particularly the popular 'Mofongo al Pilon.' This dish offers a choice of green plantains, yucca, or trifongo, mashed with crispy pork rinds and served with a homemade garlic cream.
La Marginal is named after a hangout spot in the Miramar neighborhood of San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was a gathering place for friends, surrounded by food trucks offering a variety of fried treats, sandwiches, ice cream, and beverages.
- 2447 Nacogdoches Rd., San Antonio, TX
5. Argentinian Food Restaurant: Dorrego's
The stylish restaurant and bar in San Antonio offer an Argentinian-inspired ambiance for diners to enjoy their favorite beverages, small bites, Argentinian wines, a variety of unique cocktails, and scenic views of the River Walk in an intimate and cozy setting.
The menu showcases classic Argentinian dishes, including chorizo, locro, empanadas, and an extensive selection of steaks. Indulge in the 'Panqueques con Dulce de Leche' for dessert – crepes filled with dulce de leche and topped with a dollop of banana mousse.
- 150 East Houston Street, San Antonio, Texas
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