There’s hardly a more comforting cuisine than Italian, and when you’re in the mood for red sauce, melty cheese and fresh pasta, only the best Italian restaurants in San Antonio will do. Whether you’re searching for the best pasta or a great Italian sandwich, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. This compilation features the best Italian bistros in San Antonio, all selected by locals who voted in the most recent YourSA readers’ choice contest. Pour a glass of Chianti, hit play on some Pavarotti, and discover your new favorite spot for Italian food in The Alamo City.
Mare E Monte Italian Restaurant
Mare E Monte is a San Antonio Italian restaurant; its name translates to “the sea and the mountain,” which is where it derives its culinary inspiration. Specializing in serving a genuine taste of Italy, you’ll find authentic Italian dishes here like the owner’s favorite calamari all’arrabiata, the pollo e monte — grilled chicken topped with goat cheese and sun-dried cherry tomatoes with lemon butter sauce — and seafood risotto with plenty of seafood additions available. Visit for lunch or dinner Tuesday through Sunday and check out the wine list, thoughtfully curated to complement Mare E Monte’s flavorful Italian dishes.
Get directions (1 location)
Paesanos
Serving its traditional Italian cuisine to San Antonians for nearly 50 years, Paesanos is a staple in San Antonio, with multiple locations and a reputation for having the best Italian food in the city. The menu features its famous giant calamari appetizer and the shrimp Paesano entree. In the true Italian hospitality spirit, Paesanos hosts various special occasions, from breakfast meetings to rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions for up to 100 guests. With over 230 kinds of wine and homemade cappuccino ice cream pie, meals at this Italian restaurant are good to the last drop.
Get directions (3 locations)
MORE nearby with great reviews
Find other highly-rated eateries and local businesses in the San Antonio area fast and easily.
Little Italy Restaurant & Pizzeria
Little Italy Restaurant & Pizzeria, a family-owned establishment in San Antonio, Texas, has served authentic Italian cuisine since 1983. Initially started by the Visocaro family from Palermo, Sicily, they shifted from New York to San Antonio to offer New York-style Italian dishes in a warmer climate. Little Italy has various menu options, including traditional pizzas, pastas and Italian desserts, like cannolis and tiramisu. It also has a deli section for freshly sliced meats and cheeses to take home. For special occasions, the restaurant accommodates private and semi-private dining with a party room for up to 75 guests.
Get directions (1 location)
Capparelli’s on Main
Capparelli’s On Main is a popular Italian restaurant in San Antonio known for its authentic Italian dishes. Owner Gay Capparelli infused family recipes passed down through three generations to create a menu featuring classic Italian fare like eggplant parmigiana, pizzas and tiramisu alongside unique specialties like Grandma Capparelli’s Specialty Lasagna, layered with meatballs, sausage, mushrooms, ricotta and mozzarella. This local Italian bistro offers a cozy atmosphere for both dine-in and takeout customers and caters special events, whether off-site or in one of its private gathering spaces. If you want Italian dishes delivered in San Antonio, you can order online.
Get directions (1 location)
Purple Garlic Italian Café
The Purple Garlic Italian Café is one of the best Italian restaurants in San Antonio, with two locations and more than 30 years of serving traditional, scratch-made Italian recipes. Dishing staple Italian dishes, from calamari fritto to pasta and chicken parmesan, its dining rooms transport diners to Italy; past patrons have said it’s a great option for dates, family nights out or casual get-togethers. Its menu also includes pizza, calzones, stromboli and panini, including a customer-favorite meatball. When searching for Italian food in San Antonio, note that the restaurant offers Happy Hour and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Get directions (2 locations)
Dining and Cooking