Capparelli's has several locations around San Antonio where you can enjoy the old world tradition of wholesome, rustic Italian cuisine made with fresh ingredients. The Capparelli name is synonymous with the masterful preparation of great Italian food for the better part of a century and spans three generations. At Capparelli's on Main, this expertise is apparent from the moment you walk in to the restaurant. From the warm and inviting fine dining atmosphere to the rich aroma of fresh baked bread and simmering sauces, you'll realize you're about to embark on a fantastic dining experience. Capparelli's on Main has been here for many years and is easily a favorite dining spot for locals. It's a wonderful venue for both large family gatherings or intimate, romantic evenings. They are certainly well known for their pizza, but it's worth giving all of their delightful Italian dishes a try!
Recommended for Italian because: Capparelli's is a great family Italian restaurant, inexpensive and as old-school as it gets in San Antonio.
Kimberly's expert tip: Order the deluxe pizza!
Barbaro isn't just any pizza joint, think of it more as a pizza speakeasy - a neighborhood bar that features craft beer and absolutely fantastic pizza, salads and desserts showcasing the finest ingredients in combinations you wouldn't come up with on your own but make perfect sense once they're on your palette. If pizza had its own Oscar's, Barbaro's would be the Scarlet Johansson of the evening - sexy, sophisticated, clever and unique. We'd like to add cheesy, but you get our meaning. Barbaro's recently moved into the quaint Monte Vista neighborhood next to Lilly's cookies on McCullough and is yet another brilliant culinary creation birthed by the restaurateurs of The Monterey and Hot Joy.
Recommended for Italian because: Although Barbaro strays outside of what is considered traditional Italian pizza, there's no denying they make some of the best pies in town!
Kimberly's expert tip: If you like mushrooms, you will love the Lobster and Oyster Mushrooms Pizza, made with fior de latte, boucheron, porcini oil and chives!
Paesanos has been a San Antonio staple for scrumptious Italian fare for over 50 years now. There are several locations throughout town, including the iconic River Walk location. Old World charm invigorates this San Antonio favorite, to which diners return again and again for sinfully delicious Italian classics. Shrimp Paesano is undoubtedly the most popular choice, made with tender shrimp and pasta in a luscious garlic-lemon sauce that's so yummy you could drink it. Choices abound, ensuring that even the pickiest of eaters is satisfied. Veal is a specialty, but chicken, lamb, and beef also make appearances, as do pizza and a short but pleasing dessert list. The restaurant is always vibrant with activity and spontaneity. It's a great choice for a birthday party or any special event with friends and family.
Recommended for Italian because: Paesanos is one of the older, more popular Italian restaurants in town.
Kimberly's expert tip: We can't say it enough - the Shrimp Paesano is to-die-for!
Piatti's is a favorite Italian restaurant and bar nestled in the shadow of the Quarry's four smokestacks at one of the central shopping centers in San Antonio. Piatti's is the Texas location of this popular California chain, but nothing about it makes you feel like it's not unique. Dependable Italian fare is dished up here, accented by flavorful pesto made daily. Sample either bruschetta or pesto-marinated mesquite pork to see what happens when basil meets parmesan. Other menu items you'll definitely want to sample sweet potato-breaded trout, rotisserie chicken, grilled flat iron steak, and plenty of luscious pastas. Piatti's is the perfect conclusion to a hard day's shopping.
Recommended for Italian because: Piatti is a fine dining Italian restaurant and an easy go-to, no matter where you are in the city.
Kimberly's expert tip: Don't go on a no carb day - just their bread and olive oil is enough to make you lose all willpower.
Despite being a relatively young pizzeria (first opening in November 2007) Dough Pizzeria Napoletana has been featured in nearly a dozen nationally circulated publications including Food Network and Rachel Ray's Magazine. One look at Dough's extensive menu and it's easy to see why so many rave about this meek pizza joint. Not only do they offer some of America's best pizza but they also have several local and domestic wines along with their own home made gellato. and, to top it all off, they grown all of their own herbs in the restaurant's own herb garden which is picked daily.
Recommended for Italian because: Dough is a local's favorite for their unbelievable pizza - the kind you crave in the middle of the night.
Kimberly's expert tip: Dough is about 15 minutes from the airport. A great choice if you are in north central San Antonio. It's usually crowded by 7:00 pm so if you want to be seated sooner, arrive between 5:30-6:00pm
There's nothing better than take-out pizza, and no one does it better than Grimaldi's, who serves up authentic New York style thin crust pizza. When it comes to pizza, you can't go wrong with their brick-oven cooked options which are made to order. The ingredients are superbly fresh and piquant. With their homemade mozzarella, sauce, and crust, you be pleasantly satisfied, not overly-stuffed with greasy food. They have some great salad options if you're wanting to avoid carbs, but if you're eating pizza, you might want to consider sharing the salad. The meatball is definitely one of the best around, but you can never go wrong with pepperoni!
Recommended for Italian because: For great Italian-style pizza, a la New York, head to Grimaldi's.
Kimberly's expert tip: Head straight to the bar to pick up your to go order!
Fratello's is part restaurant, part deli, part market and wholly delicious! It's a great place to grab a quick bite to eat that's not only fresh but affordable. Their dishes come from hearty family recipes that inspire memories of sitting around the kitchen table, talking, eating, laughing and loving life. The "American Dream" brought many immigrants to America, including their Italian grandparents, uncles and aunts that settled in San Antonio, Texas. Fratello's offers beloved Italian classics such as Chicken Parmesan, Lasagna, Linguine with meatballs and traditional tomato sauce. Fratello's makes all their breads from scratch. Plus, it's the only place in town you can get a bowl of Bucatini al' Amatriciana! They use premium imported Italian ingredients as well as locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. They also use Volpi, America's Oldest Maker of Dry Cured Italian Meats. You'll find a love for tradition and flavor in every Fratello's bite!
Recommended for Italian because: Fratello's is the kind of place you want to bring your family and friends so they can get a taste of your favorite food.
Kimberly's expert tip: Fratello's easily makes THE best neapolitan-style pizza in town! If you like spicy, try the Salame Piccante. You can even watch your pie being made before it's put into the oven.
What could be better than Italian seafood? Il Sogno, located at the historic Pearl Brewery, is a five-star Italian cafe that offers homemade Italian classics created by the well-known restaurateur, Chef Andrew Weissman. The space is bright and modern, fun yet classy. The menu features Italian fare found in Rome and Florentine trattorias and osterias. For lunch, Il Sogno's offers a fantastic spread of antipasto as well as pizza, salad and other delights. For dinner, your palette can enjoy anything from homemade ravioli to their pan-seared halibut. You'll definitely want to pair your Italian delicacies with one of Il Sogno's fine beers, wines or desserts!
Recommended for Italian because: Il Sogno is a staple at the Pearl for excellent cuisine, whether you like Italian or not.
Kimberly's expert tip: Make sure to give yourself time to walk around the shops at the Pearl Brewery before or after you're meal, which is located along the new extension of the Riverwalk. Makes for a romantic after-dinner stroll!
Driving by, this upscale Italian restaurant may seem unassuming at first, but Edera Osteria Enoteca is superb, from the decor, to the service and especially the cuisine. Edera means ivy in Italian, and while the focus is certainly on seasonal Italian cuisine, they also like to integrate Spanish and Mediterranean influences as well. The interior is gorgeous with warm colors and giant arched windows, tiled floors and contemporary chandeliers. Edera is one of the newer Italian eateries to open up in San Antonio and is run by a passionate restaurateur dedicated to not only serving exceptional food but creating an exceptional experience, whether you're on a special date or having wine and appetizers with friends. They are proud of their global wine offerings, and are happy to recommend the perfect accompaniment to your meal. If you like seafood, Edera's signature dish, the Lubina A La Sal is a must! The whole fish is baked in a salt crust, then de-boned table side and served with a creamy but not too rich lemon butter sauce and seasonal vegetables.
Recommended for Italian because: Edera is the newest Italian restaurant to hit the scene in San Antonio and oh what a debut!
Kimberly's expert tip: Start your meal out with the Formaggio E Salume, a plate of Italian cured meats, artisanal cheeses, poached pear and the most delicious honeycomb!
