Refried beans were never my favorite—until I traveled to San Antonio, Texas.

The refried beans I tasted there were incredible: rich, smoky, and full of flavor, as if crafted with love by a team of caring grandmothers in every restaurant that served them.

And the beans were just a small part of the culinary experience. Every meal I enjoyed in the Alamo City showcased its status as one of the finest food destinations in the U.S., backed by significant international recognition.

Renowned Dining

San Antonio is one of only two U.S. cities designated as a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, alongside Tucson, Arizona.

The City of San Antonio describes gastronomy as a way to honor our local food traditions and culture, as well as how we share and adapt these traditions with new influences.

With deep Mexican, Spanish, and German roots, San Antonio’s culinary landscape is a vibrant collage reflecting the various cultures and communities that have settled in the city.

This blend of heritage and innovation has attracted the attention of Michelin, which selected San Antonio, along with four other cities, for the inaugural Michelin Guide Texas, set to release on November 11. The other featured cities are Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston.

Local Tastes

The first dish I savored in San Antonio set a high standard for the rest of my trip: breakfast tacos from Eddie’s Taco House, a family-owned spot adorned with colorful murals, dedicated to offering “quality food and great service always at a reasonable price,” as per their website.

These tacos were unlike any I had tried before for several reasons. First, the variety was astounding, from traditional beans and rice to crispy chicharrónes and scrambled eggs to carne guisada, a tender beef stew also available at my hotel buffet at Hotel Gibbs. Second, the flour tortillas were delightfully thick and soft. I soon learned that homemade quality is a commonality in San Antonio. Thirdly, these tacos were enormous, truly reflecting the saying that “everything is bigger in Texas.” I couldn’t finish mine. Lastly, the prices were incredibly affordable, ranging from $1.69 to $5.99 each.

During my three-day visit, I indulged in a wide variety of foods, from traditional Texas barbecue at Pinkerton’s to contemporary Mexican dishes at Rosario’s. I tried every type of concha roll at La Panaderia and understood why Rita’s on the River is a must-visit for newcomers, with a menu that will resonate with anyone familiar with Mexican dining.

One spot I repeatedly visited was the Historic Pearl. Previously a brewery over a hundred years old, this mixed-use space now features the upscale Hotel Emma, an assortment of shops, diverse restaurants including a food hall, Bakery Lorraine, and one of the top ten farmers markets in America, recognized by YSL News 10Best Readers’ Choice awards. It also houses the Culinary Institute of America Texas.

A Culinary Hub

The Culinary Institute of America’s managing director and alum April Goess shared with YSL News that San Antonio was chosen as the institution’s third U.S. campus due to its vibrant cultural heritage and culinary diversity, particularly its strong Latin American influences.

Since its inception in 2008, this esteemed culinary school has enhanced the city’s culinary acclaim and contributed significantly to San Antonio earning the title of a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Goess emphasized that this recognition goes beyond just food preparation.

“This title highlights San Antonio’s dedication to sustainability and inclusivity in the culinary world,” she explained. “The city champions sustainable food practices, assists local farmers, and encourages community engagement through numerous food-related events and initiatives.”

According to Goess, the CIA’s Texas campus hosts various culinary events annually, including the popular Paella Challenge featuring CIA graduates and local chef Johnny Hernandez.

“Many CIA graduates choose to remain in San Antonio, sharing their expertise and creativity with local restaurants and food enterprises, thereby enhancing the city’s culinary scene,” she added.

Several alumni have launched eateries at different price levels in the Pearl district, including Chef Steve McHugh’s Cured, who has been a six-time James Beard Award finalist. Chef Nicola Blaque runs Freight Fried Chicken at the Pearl and The Jerk Shack elsewhere in the city. Chef Susan Rigg produces award-winning cheeses under River Whey Creamery, available at several Pearl restaurants and for sale at Pullman Market and during the Pearl’s Winter Holiday Night Markets. Additionally, Hernandez operates La Gloria at the Pearl and a number of other establishments throughout the area. The CIA also features a student-operated restaurant, Savor, and a bakery cafe at the Pearl.

How can I spend 3 days in San Antonio?

San Antonio offers plenty of activities beyond dining.

For free entertainment, visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Walk, explore all four missions in the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and join in seasonal festivities such as Fiesta.

The San Antonio CityPASS allows tourists to visit several of the city’s key attractions, including the Alamo exhibit, Witte Museum, San Antonio Zoo, and the Tower of the Americas, all for one inclusive price.

Families with children might enjoy the nearly 100-year-old Kiddie Park, featuring small, pay-as-you-go rides, the expansive Hemisfair playground, engaging art experiences at Hopscotch, and the first ultra-accessible theme park in the world, Morgan’s Wonderland.

During my three-day stay in the city, I indulged in all these attractions, but I found the food particularly enjoyable.