If you follow the San Antonio River Walk past the bustling tourist spots, then turn where the ducks gather near the Museum Reach, you’ll find the city’s Mediterranean gems. San Antonio isn’t known just for Tex-Mex—it has pockets of sun-drenched flavors waiting to be discovered. So whether you’re craving grilled octopus or seeking the perfect falafel, here are the places where you should be eating.
Syrian Kitchen Halal Food
$ | (210) 744-1155 | WEBSITE
For authentic Syrian food that’s a little more relaxed than some of the fancier Mediterranean spots, try Syrian Kitchen Halal Food. It’s just one cozy space with warm lighting, colorful carpets, and comfortable pillows on the elevated floor area, and the friendly staff will probably remember your order after a few visits. The lamb shank is pretty solid, and it’s a great spot for either a casual meal with friends or a family dinner when you want to share something special.
Ali’s Pizzaria
$ | (210) 888-1441 | WEBSITE
It’s 7pm, you’re craving something substantial, and you want a meal that hits the spot. Head to Ali’s Pizzeria. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired spot serving New York style pizza that’s authentically thin-crusted, generously topped, and around $4 per large slice. If you want something heartier, go for a calzone stuffed with cheese and your choice of toppings, or one of their enormous salads big enough to share.
This place is perfect for a family dinner or a solo meal you can enjoy while catching the game – just keep in mind that your order might take a little longer than expected, but it’s absolutely worth the wait.
Ladino
$$$ | (210) 325-6007 | WEBSITE
If you need to have an impressive sit-down dinner in the neighborhood with people who occasionally try to make their own hummus, go to Ladino. It’s a nice-looking Mediterranean restaurant with swanky vibes and little wooden tables, and they serve things like Lamb Belly Ribs, Saffron Chicken, and Seabass wrapped in grape leaves.
They also have your typical Mediterranean plates like the Table of Joy tasting experience and a fully vegan menu, and there’s a bar where you can drink a cocktail while eating any of these things.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill San Antonio, TX
$ | (210) 255-8244 | WEBSITE
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is a casual Mediterranean spot in San Antonio, TX. It has a clean, welcoming space with plenty of tables for families, as well as a friendly atmosphere that works for date nights too. We particularly like the Greek salad with gyro meat and the fact that the pita bread is soft and warm, but there’s a solid menu of steak kabobs, grilled lamb souvlaki, and must-try Baklava Ice Cream as well.
Azro Authentic Afghan Cuisine
$$ | (210) 342-0011 | WEBSITE
Azro Authentic Afghan Cuisine is a cozy, sit-down Afghan restaurant in San Antonio, and the menu features a selection of traditional dishes like kebabs, rice plates, and mantoo dumplings. They also serve combination platters with juicy lamb and chicken kabobs alongside citrus saffron rice, which are the perfect portion when you want something between a light dinner and a full feast.
The space is warm and inviting with nice decorations, but it can be quiet, though the food here works just as well for takeout if you prefer.
Cedar Mediterranean Grill
$ | (210) 558-6200 | WEBSITE
Cedar Mediterranean Grill is a 24-hour spot that feels more like a relaxed neighborhood hangout than a typical restaurant. But it is, in fact, a restaurant, and it serves a variety of delicious dishes like the lamb shank, cheesesteak, and Mediterranean Burger. If you want something a little lighter, get a gyro wrap or baba ghanoush – and there’s also prompt, knowledgeable service in case you want drink recommendations.
Zorbas
$ | (210) 541-9936 | WEBSITE
Sure, knowing the best parks and shopping districts is helpful, but discovering where to get authentic Greek cuisine is truly essential neighborhood knowledge. In San Antonio, Zorbas is the destination. Order the gyro plate with French fries, and if you can, enjoy it in their cozy dining room where the warm atmosphere makes every meal feel special.
John The Greek Restaurant
$ | (210) 403-0565 | WEBSITE
Head to this Greek spot for a quick lunch of gyros and fries, or stay longer for a full meal with salads and baklava. The dining area, which has a cute and fun aesthetic, is a nice place to enjoy a quiet meal, and the overall clean, lovely atmosphere makes it a solid choice for a casual Mediterranean bite (though there are more formal Greek restaurants elsewhere in town for a special occasion dinner).
Shawarma alzaeem food truck
$ | (210) 901-2026 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving Mediterranean food in San Antonio, you should be at Shawarma alzaeem. There are only a few picnic tables in the gas station parking lot, but it’s great for takeout, and if we made a ranking of shawarma plates in the city, their Potranco plate would be near the top. Just be aware that they make everything fresh to order, and it takes around 15 minutes. So call ahead of time, or hang out at one of the clean tables and watch the friendly staff work while you wait.
NY Gyro King
$ | (210) 254-9368 | WEBSITE
The food and people at NY Gyro King make us want to set Google Maps notifications for San Antonio right away. This small Mediterranean spot doesn’t have much on the walls besides a few simple decorations, but the very kind staff and chef Usman will come make small talk if you look bored. The menu ranges from gyro lamb to halal meat dishes, and we particularly like the Gyro Lamb lunch special (which comes with fresh, cooked-to-order meals that are worth the wait).
Keep this place in mind for takeout and delivery, too.