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Biga on the Banks

Name: Biga on the Banks
Address: 203 S. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX, United States, 78205
Telephone: (210) 225-0722
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.8

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 29, 2024

7:00 p.m.

Booked 19 times today

Good for special occasions
Romantic
Great for scenic views

Overlooking the San Antonio River Walk since 2000, Bruce Auden’s Biga on the Banks continues to charm San Antonio foodies and Alamo City visitors with its constantly-changing new American menu featuring the best ingredients South Texas has to offer.

It has been said that Bruce Auden has “put San Antonio on the culinary map” but this Chef is just getting started. The Biga menu features fresh caught fish like Mahi Mahi, True American Red Snapper and Ahi Tuna. Main stays on the menu usually include Hill Country Venison and Bandera Quail, Grilled Australian Rack of Lamb and Roasted Bell & Evans Chicken.

The dining room is modern with a casual-well informed style of service.

The wine list is eclectic and broad with hundreds of labels and the full bar offers craft cocktails.

Biga on the Banks has a versatility about it. If you’re looking for a come-as-you-are impromptu bite, a celebratory dinner with family or a working dinner with business colleagues, Biga fits your needs.

Order delivery or takeout

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Bruce Auden

From the OpenTable editors: When he opened Biga in 1991, London-born chef Bruce Auden kicked off a new era of fine dining in San Antonio, amassing a huge celebrity following (Julia Child, Emeril Lagasse) and racking up several James Beard nominations. In 2000, the restaurant moved to a bigger space with sweeping Riverwalk views, the perfect setting for Auden’s ever-changing global menu with Texas accents—think spiced antelope and quail, habañero jerk scallops, and za’atar roasted cauliflower.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Dining Bar
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:15 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
Phone number
(210) 225-0722
Website
http://www.biga.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Private party facilities
Private rooms feature floor to ceiling windows overlooking the River and access to terraces. Biga crafts exquisite events from canapes and cocktails to full-scale, four-course meals. Whatever your plans may be Biga can accommodate.

Location
203 S. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Neighbourhood
Downtown
Cross Street
Market St.
Parking details
Biga does have a parking option under the One Alamo Center (caddy corner from the International Center). The driveway to the One Alamo Parking Lot is on the Market St. Side of the building.Parking costs $8. Bring your ticket for validation.Go to https://biga.com/riverwalk-restaurants-san-antonio-location/ for further details and a link a map.
Public transit
Biga is located in the center of downtown San Antonio. Though we are walking distance from most downtown hotels, we are also conveniently located for any who wish to use the city's public PARKIKNG INFO: transportation.https://biga.com/parking-directions-to-biga/
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

Bibb Radicchio Game Packet
Asian chili sauces & veggies, cashews
- eachUS$8.00
Habanero Jerk Scallops (2)US$24.00
cheesy Texas grits, pineapple rum chutney
Kyle's Crispy Blue Corn ChickenUS$14.00
stuffed with chihuahua cheese & peppers, black bean relish, peanut butter poblano mole
Crab & Shrimp CampechanaUS$16.00
tomato clam cocktail with olives, chilis, cilantro & avocado, crispy tortilla chips
Texas Gulf Chicken Fried Oysters (3)US$18.00
squid ink linguine, pancetta, Swiss chard, whole grain mustard hollandaise
Seared Hudson Valley Foie GrasUS$30.00
brioche French toast, mango-papaya-grape chutney, duck cider jus
EscargotUS$15.00
mushrooms, red wine garlic butter
Apple-Smoked Salmon Chalupa (2)US$12.00
black bean, avocado, cilantro, lime crème fraiche, pickled veggies
Grilled Wagyu BurgerUS$22.00
brioche bun, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, mayo, pomme frites
Cheese PlateUS$18.00
The Drunken Goat, Cambozola Black Label, Ewephoria Gouda, Marcona almonds, quince paste, walnut date cake, honeycomb, toasty bread
Bread Service
- Buttermilk CornbreadUS$6.00
- Pain Au LevainUS$6.00
- FocacciaUS$6.00
- Basket with All ThreeUS$8.00

Salads | Soup

Fiesta Chicken & Vegetable SoupUS$12.00
with pico & queso fresco
Grilled Beet SaladUS$13.00
sherry garlic vinaigrette, baby arugula & goat cheese
Romaine HeartsUS$12.00
red pepper Caesar dressing, croutons & parmesan tuile
Local Baby GreensUS$13.00
apples, toasted walnuts, brie, grape tomatoes, shaved red onions, vanilla bean balsamic vinaigrette
Thai Inspired Vegetable SaladUS$11.00
shiitakes and crunchies, sesame ginger dressing
Spinach & FriseeUS$13.00
fiery pecans, aged English cheddar, golden raisins, crumbled bacon, maple Dijon vinaigrette
Little Gem LettuceUS$13.00
Benton's country ham, citrus supremes, radish, avocado, almonds, candied shallot vinaigrette

Main Course

Roasted American Red SnapperUS$45.00
Texas mushroom risotto, zucchini, Medeira marinara
Pan Seared Mahi MahiUS$45.00
potato leek rosti, pickled cucumber sultanas, Texas baby carrots, honey dill whipped mascarpone
Baked North Sea SalmonUS$45.00
Thai red curry rice noodles, carrots, peppers, mushrooms, ginger, scallions, charred pineapple
Smoked Bell and Evans 1/2 ChickenUS$33.00
mashers, asparagus, chicken jus, black pepper butter
Slow Cooked Angus Beef DenverUS$39.00
pepper & onion corn pudding, spiced zucchini, red wine jus
Grilled 8oz Beef TenderloinUS$59.00
two potato gratin, asparagus, jammy tomato, steak sauce, bearnaise
Mustard Crusted Australian Lamb RackUS$55.00
cheesy Texas grits, marinated feta, green beans, mushroom veal reduction
11 Spiced South Texas Antelope and Lockhart QuailUS$52.00
goat cheese tart, Brussels leaves, cherry raisin chutney, juniper sauce
Crispy Masa Harina Tamale CakesUS$22.00
squash carrot & corn calabacita, roast tomato salsa

Sides

Pommes Frites
Mashers
Grilled Asparagus
Corn Pudding
Cheesy Grits
Korean BBQ Cauliflower
Two Potato Gratin

Dessert

Sticky Toffee PuddingUS$12.00
with English custard
Amaretto Creme BruleeUS$12.00
red currant thumb print cookie
Chocolate Hazelnut CheesecakeUS$12.00
candied hazelnuts, raspberries, praline crème, raspberry whipped cream, chocolate tuile
Zucchini CakeUS$12.00
vanilla ice cream, Grand Marnier crème Anglaise, citrus salad, citrus tuile
French Toast Banana BreadUS$12.00
rum caramel, vanilla anglaise, spiced pecans, crème fraiche ice cream, pineapple chip
Dessert SamplerUS$16.00
warm apple blackberry crumble, sticky toffee pudding, chocolate panna cotta
Vegan Chocolate MousseUS$12.00
raspberries, chocolate shavings
SorbetUS$6.00
Pina Colada, Mango, Wild Berry
Ice CreamUS$7.00
Biga Crunch, Guinness Toffee, Brunt Honey Pistachio

3 Course Prix Fixe Menu

$49 Choose one for each course. No substitutions or splits, please. Add wine pairings for $25

1st Course

choice of:

Chicken Tortilla Soup
with pico & queso fresco
Romaine Hearts
red pepper Caesar dressing, croutons & parmesan tuile
Local Baby Greens
apples, toasted walnuts, brie, grape tomatoes, shaved red onions, vanilla bean balsamic vinaigrette
Grilled Beet Salad
sherry garlic vinaigrette, baby arugula & goat cheese

2nd Course

choice of:

Baked North Sea Salmon
Thai red curry rice noodles, carrots, peppers, mushrooms, ginger, scallions, charred pineapple
Slow Cooked Angus Beef Denver
pepper & onion corn pudding, spiced zucchini, red wine jus
Mustard Crusted Australian Lamb Rack
cheesy Texas grits, marinated feta, green beans, mushroom veal reduction; $7 supplement
Crispy Masa Harina Tamale Cakes
squash carrot & corn calabacita, roast tomato salsa - add chicken breast or quail

3rd Course

choice of:

Sticky Toffee Pudding
with English custard
Zucchini Cake
vanilla ice cream, Grand Marnier crème Anglaise, citrus salad, citrus tuile
Vanilla Cheesecake
almond cookie crust, caramel, cherry sauce
Dessert Sampler
warm apple blackberry crumble, sticky toffee pudding, chocolate panna cotta; $4 supplement

What 5,779 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Antonio
Healthy
San Antonio
Great for fine wines
San Antonio
Romantic
San Antonio
Great for scenic views
San Antonio
Contemporary American
San Antonio
Best Service
San Antonio
Healthy
San Antonio
Great for fine wines
San Antonio
Romantic
San Antonio
Great for scenic views
San Antonio
Contemporary American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Biga on the Banks delivers a "wonderful service" and "spectacular food" experience, making it a "must-go" destination in San Antonio. Guests rave about its "delicious" cuisine, including standout dishes like Ossobuco and lamb. The atmosphere is "quietly elegant," perfect for date nights and special occasions.

5,779 Reviews

G
Greg or Angie
VIP
San Antonio
65 reviews
5.0
65 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We have been going to Biga for 11 years and it's almost always a perfect experience. Tonight we enjoyed a leisurely dinner for 2 right next to the windows that overlook the riverwalk. I didn't get our waiter's name but he was an older gentleman who has made a career out of waiting tables in nice restaurants and it shows. He was very hospitable and conversational and gave us great attention without going over the top. Biga is a relaxed experience and I love that it never gets too loud. This evening my wife had the Prix Fixe menu and enjoyed the tortilla soup, Australian rack of lamb and vanilla cookie cheesecake for dessert. I chose the regular menu and started with baby greens salad (apples, cranberries, apple cider vinaigrette, etc.), salmon with couscous, harissa roasted carrots and honey whipped goat cheese (or was it feta?) and microgreens. Everything was perfectly prepared and delicious. We also enjoyed the focaccia bread service with their fantastic whipped butter and sea salt. Very enjoyable evening and great food. Once thing to love about Biga is most main dishes have the option to have a reduced portion at a reduced price. It's perfect for eating a lighter meal in the evening.
Is this helpful?
J
Jef
VIP
New Orleans
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful experience, we would highly recommend! Our server Tucker was the best!
Is this helpful?
R
Ron
San Antonio
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The perfect Christmas dinner location overlooking the decorated boats on the Riverwalk. Excellent food and service.
Is this helpful?
W
William
VIP
San Francisco
104 reviews
5.0
104 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As other visits to BIGA, this was an excellent experience. There were three in our party and we each had a different entree and salad. The fish and chicken dishes were prepared perfectly. The wine list is great and the service was friendly and efficient. This continues to be our favorite fine dining restaurant.
Is this helpful?
C
Craig
VIP
San Antonio
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 21, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Enjoyed our visit to BIGA. Food was very good and service was good.
Is this helpful?
S
Suzanne
Montreal
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 20, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Heard many good things. Lived up to reputation and expectations. Staff’s knowledge help narrow down our selections. Ordered plates outside my norm. One of the best dining experiences in years. Every bite was exceptional.
Is this helpful?
M
Mark
VIP
San Antonio
137 reviews
5.0
137 reviews
Dined on December 20, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We have always enjoyed our times at Bigga on the Banks, but this time it was a really nice, relaxing and enjoyable experience, Chris our server was VERY good. Good conversation and extremely knowledgeable about the restaurant. I believe he said he had worked there for 28 years. The meals were amazing, we stared with the escargot, very unique and delicious presentation, then shared the beet salad. My wife had the leg of lamb which she thoroughly loved, and I had the antelope and quail dinner, amazing! Chris ensured we had enough time between servings to enjoy our time. As I sad, a really great experience and looking forward to the next time...
Is this helpful?
M
Mitch
VIP
San Antonio
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on December 20, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As always a very fine dining experience. Highly recommended.
Is this helpful?
C
Carolee
VIP
Austin
46 reviews
5.0
46 reviews
Dined on December 19, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I so love the menu choices at Bigas, especially how you can choose the smaller portion entrees which still have all the goodie sides and sauces. It's hard for me to pass up the lamb chops they are so good. This time the veal?/wine reduction sauce (my favorite part) kinda got all soaked up by the grits which were surprisingly a bit dry. I could drink that sauce! Of course we got the wild game packets for appetizer (always) and so good, fresh perfect leaves of radicchio and Bibb lettuce wrapped around delightfully seasoned ground game meat. And of course the bread basket a must, the 3 breads all are great, hard to pick a fav. My partner had the Prix fixe menu which unfortunately for him had subbed out his choice of beef tips with short rib roast which was not trimmed to his liking (fatty surround). The romaine Caesar salad choice was ok, the cheesecake desert so good (oh that caramel sauce!!!) and his wine pairings were also very good, especially the sauterne dessert wine that we had to go out and buy a bottle after! You cannot get better service anywhere than Bigas, and the corner two top table by the window with river view at Christmas, we just can't go anywhere else!
Is this helpful?
M
Michael
San Antonio
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We dined at Biga for my wifes birthday! The location was great and with a view of the riverwalk! Our Server was great and informative with the menu. Food was amazing! Drink menu had plenty of options. Would definately recommend Biga for any occasion.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Biga on the Banks offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (210) 225-0722.

Biga on the Banks is rated 4.8 stars by 5779 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 29, 2024

7:00 p.m.

Booked 19 times today

Order delivery or takeout

203 S. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Additional information

Cross Street
Market St.
Neighbourhood
Downtown
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:15 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Dining Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Biga does have a parking option under the One Alamo Center (caddy corner from the International Center). The driveway to the One Alamo Parking Lot is on the Market St. Side of the building.Parking costs $8. Bring your ticket for validation.Go to https://biga.com/riverwalk-restaurants-san-antonio-location/ for further details and a link a map.
Public transit
Biga is located in the center of downtown San Antonio. Though we are walking distance from most downtown hotels, we are also conveniently located for any who wish to use the city's public PARKIKNG INFO: transportation.https://biga.com/parking-directions-to-biga/
Payment Options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.biga.com/
Phone number
(210) 225-0722
Private party facilities
Private rooms feature floor to ceiling windows overlooking the River and access to terraces. Biga crafts exquisite events from canapes and cocktails to full-scale, four-course meals. Whatever your plans may be Biga can accommodate.

Biga on the Banks

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Why they're an Icon

Additional information

23 San Antonio Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

68 San Antonio Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Roasted American Red Snapper

Grilled 8oz Beef Tenderloin

Starters | Snacks

Bibb Radicchio Game Packet

Habanero Jerk Scallops (2)US$24.00

Kyle's Crispy Blue Corn ChickenUS$14.00

Crab & Shrimp CampechanaUS$16.00

Texas Gulf Chicken Fried Oysters (3)US$18.00

Seared Hudson Valley Foie GrasUS$30.00

EscargotUS$15.00

Apple-Smoked Salmon Chalupa (2)US$12.00

Grilled Wagyu BurgerUS$22.00

Cheese PlateUS$18.00

Bread Service

Salads | Soup

Fiesta Chicken & Vegetable SoupUS$12.00

Grilled Beet SaladUS$13.00

Romaine HeartsUS$12.00

Local Baby GreensUS$13.00

Thai Inspired Vegetable SaladUS$11.00

Spinach & FriseeUS$13.00

Little Gem LettuceUS$13.00

Main Course

Roasted American Red SnapperUS$45.00

Pan Seared Mahi MahiUS$45.00

Baked North Sea SalmonUS$45.00

Smoked Bell and Evans 1/2 ChickenUS$33.00

Slow Cooked Angus Beef DenverUS$39.00

Grilled 8oz Beef TenderloinUS$59.00

Mustard Crusted Australian Lamb RackUS$55.00

11 Spiced South Texas Antelope and Lockhart QuailUS$52.00

Crispy Masa Harina Tamale CakesUS$22.00

Sides

Pommes Frites

Mashers

Grilled Asparagus

Corn Pudding

Cheesy Grits

Korean BBQ Cauliflower

Two Potato Gratin

Dessert

Sticky Toffee PuddingUS$12.00

Amaretto Creme BruleeUS$12.00

Chocolate Hazelnut CheesecakeUS$12.00

Zucchini CakeUS$12.00

French Toast Banana BreadUS$12.00

Dessert SamplerUS$16.00

Vegan Chocolate MousseUS$12.00

SorbetUS$6.00

Ice CreamUS$7.00

3 Course Prix Fixe Menu

1st Course

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Romaine Hearts

Local Baby Greens

Grilled Beet Salad

2nd Course

Baked North Sea Salmon

Slow Cooked Angus Beef Denver

Mustard Crusted Australian Lamb Rack

Crispy Masa Harina Tamale Cakes

3rd Course

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Zucchini Cake

Vanilla Cheesecake

Dessert Sampler

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Biga on the Banks offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Biga on the Banks restaurant rated?