Creative City of Gastronomy

San Antonio's culinary heritage may have roots in European and Mexican traditions of generations ago, but today's culinary scene has taken on a life of its own.

San Antonio: A UNESCO-Designated Creative City of Gastronomy (2019) by Kevin GeilVisit San Antonio

The Culinary Capital of Texas

San Antonio is home to all flavors. Each year, talented chefs graduate from The Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio and find that the Alamo City is where they want to grow and establish their culinary careers. 

San Antonio: A UNESCO-Designated Creative City of Gastronomy (2019)Visit San Antonio

A Creative Confluence of Flavors

San Antonio may be the world’s largest kitchen. Today, we blend our cultural heritage with new, homegrown talent for a food and drink scene bursting with originality, and bold flavors.

San Antonio: A UNESCO-Designated Creative City of Gastronomy (2019)Visit San Antonio

A Creative City of Gastronomy

Heritage meets culinary innovation. In 2017, San Antonio was designated a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, and became one of only two cities to hold this designation in the entire country. This cemented the city’s status as an international culinary destination.

San Antonio: A UNESCO-Designated Creative City of Gastronomy (2019)Visit San Antonio

Tex-Mex and So Much More

When you think of San Antonio food - you probably think of pan dulce, amazing tacos, and frozen margaritas - and don't get us wrong, we do that too and we do it well, but the explosion of the city's culinary scene has given way to amazing new concepts. 

Best Quality Daughter (2021) by Ben YantoVisit San Antonio

Room for Everyone at the Table

San Antonio is home to chefs from all levels of expertise, all cuisine types and all walks of life. We are proud of our innovators - the chefs who saw an opportunity to try something new, who took chances on their dreams, and who changed the culinary scene of San Antonio. 

Allora (2022) by Allysse Shank-Rivas, Eat It Up MarketingVisit San Antonio

Colliding Culinary Genres

With a heritage as diverse as San Antonio's, it's no surprise to see dishes that fuse culinary genres. Find Italian restaurants with a seafood spin, enjoy European locations that put add a Texas flair to their offerings, the combinations have no limit in San Antonio.

Chef Johnny Hernandez Restaurants (2022) by Chef Johnny HernandezVisit San Antonio

From Tex-Mex to Tex-Next

San Antonio has always had a tight grip on the Tex-Mex game, but we're not done yet. From the city’s unique blend of cultures sprout dishes that are rich in tradition and brimming with innovation.

San Antonio: A UNESCO-Designated Creative City of Gastronomy (2019)Visit San Antonio

Let's Celebrate Food

2022 marks an inaugural event for the city: the Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival. This is the first-ever statewide culinary festival to partner with the iconic James Beard Foundation. This festival with a purpose raises funds for up-and-coming culinary talent.

Real Flavors. True Corazón. (2022) by Visit San AntonioVisit San Antonio

Real Flavors. True Corazón.

San Antonio is the city of authenticity. Where real flavors and true corazón meet. Discover our original and authentic restaurants and see why UNESCO has designated us as a Creative City of Gastronomy. 

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Explore more

Interested in Food?

Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly

You are all set!

Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites