Authentic Latin Cuisine

Rich with heritage and heart, this list highlights the Latin American flavors that speak to tradition. Pupusas, ceviche, tamales, and slow-cooked wonders—these are the real-deal dishes served with pride. We’ve filtered out the fluff to bring you the gems we’d recommend to our closest friends (and now, to you).

Toro Kitchen & Bar Logo in Downtown San Antonio
Azuca Latin Cuisine Logo in Downtown San Antonio
Luz Roja Fresh Mex Cocina y Cantina Logo in Downtown San Antonio
Nixtamali Logo in Downtown San Antonio
Luna Rosa Logo in Downtown San Antonio
Cuishe Cocina Mexicana Logo in Downtown San Antonio
Toro Kitchen & Bar Logo in Downtown San Antonio
Azuca Latin Cuisine Logo in Downtown San Antonio
Luz Roja Fresh Mex Cocina y Cantina Logo in Downtown San Antonio

Toro Kitchen + Bar - Downtown

Toro Kitchen + Bar

offers a vibrant taste of Spain in the heart of downtown San Antonio. Perfect for travelers seeking authentic tapas, locals craving a modern twist on Spanish cuisine, or conference attendees looking for a memorable dining experience. From

Pulpo a la Gallega

to signature paellas, Toro delivers bold flavors and a lively atmosphere. Whether you’re winding down after a day of meetings or enjoying a night out, Toro’s curated menu and Spanish wines are sure to impress.

Toro's - Hours of Operation

Monday: CLOSED

Tuesday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 11:00pm

Friday: 5:00pm - Midnight

Saturday: 12:00pm - Midnight

Sunday: 12:00pm - 9:00pm

Azuca - Nuevo Latin Cusine

Azuca Nuevo Latino offers a vibrant fusion of Caribbean, Central, and Latin American flavors in downtown San Antonio. Located just a few blocks from the River Walk, this lively spot is perfect for travelers, locals, and conference attendees seeking an authentic dining experience. Under the guidance of Chef Rene Fernandez, Azuca presents dishes like ceviche, ropa vieja, and award-winning paella, all crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy daily happy hour specials from 4–7 PM, featuring $4 cocktails and Latin-inspired small plates. On weekends, the energy continues with live salsa music and dancing until 2 AM.

Azuca - Hours of Operation

Monday - Thursday: 3:30pm - 9:30pm

Friday & Saturday: Restaurant & Salsa Dancing Hours

Restaurant: 3:30 - 10pm

Salsa Dancing & Bar: 10pm - 2am

Luz Roja

Luz Roja brings a bold new energy to San Antonio’s Downtown West, opening in January 2025 in the former Blanco Café space. With a Riverwalk patio, a cozy cantina, and stylish private dining rooms, it’s poised to become a go-to for professionals, locals, and visitors alike.

Rooted in San Antonio’s Mexican culinary heritage and refreshed with modern flair, Luz Roja serves up Fresh Mex—a vibrant take on traditional Tex-Mex that celebrates clean, sustainably sourced proteins and locally inspired ingredients. From handcrafted plates to glowing cocktails, every detail is designed to deliver a dining experience that’s both cultural and contemporary. Whether you're grabbing lunch, planning a celebration, or meeting for drinks by the water, step into the glow—your table’s waiting.

Luz Roja - Hours of Operation

Sunday - Thursday: 11:30am - 8pm

Friday & Saturday: 11:30am - 9pm

Happy Hour:

Monday - Friday: 3pm - 6pm

ALL DAY SUNDAY

Nixtamali Molino & Comedor

Nixtamali Molino + Comedor is one of San Antonio’s most exciting culinary destinations—especially for those seeking a true taste of Mexico’s rich traditions. Just minutes from downtown, this standout spot is led by Chef Arturo Fernández, who brings a deep dedication to heirloom corn and the ancient art of nixtamalization.

Expect house-milled masa, bold regional flavors from Oaxaca to Yucatán, and dishes that feel both timeless and fresh. Whether you're a visiting foodie or a local on the hunt for something special,

City Compass recommends Nixtamali for a genuine, elevated Mexican dining experience you won't forget.

Nixtamli - Hours of Operation

Monday - CLOSED

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 4pm - 10:30pm

Friday & Saturday: 12pm - 11pm

Sunday: 11am - 5pm

Luna Rosa - Puerto Rican Grill Y Tapas

Luna Rosa Puerto Rican Grill y Tapas is a family-owned restaurant in San Antonio, Texas, offering authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. Established in 2015, Luna Rosa gained national recognition in 2018 when featured on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives." The menu showcases traditional Puerto Rican dishes such as mofongo, ropa vieja, arroz con pollo, and jibaritos.

The restaurant's warm atmosphere and flavorful offerings have made it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors seeking a genuine taste of Puerto Rico in San Antonio.

Hours of Operation:

CLOSED MONDAY

Tuesday: 4:00pm - 10:00pm

Wednesday & Thursday: 3:00pm - 10:00pm

Friday & Saturday: 3:00pm - 11:00pm

Sunday: 3:00pm - 10:00pm

Cuishe Concina Mexicana

Luna Rosa Puerto Rican Grill y Tapas is a family-owned restaurant in San Antonio, Texas, offering authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. Established in 2015, Luna Rosa gained national recognition in 2018 when featured on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives." The menu showcases traditional Puerto Rican dishes such as mofongo, ropa vieja, arroz con pollo, and jibaritos.

The restaurant's warm atmosphere and flavorful offerings have made it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors seeking a genuine taste of Puerto Rico in San Antonio.

Hours of Operation:

CLOSED MONDAY

Tuesday: 4:00pm - 10:00pm

Wednesday & Thursday: 3:00pm - 10:00pm

Friday & Saturday: 3:00pm - 11:00pm

Sunday: 3:00pm - 10:00pm

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Curation

We handpick only the best—places we'd recommend to our closest friends.

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Connection

Bringing travelers, locals, and small businesses together through unforgettable experiences.

Excellence

Credibility

Every spot is selected with care—locally loved, experience-driven, and truly worth your time.

(*)Disclaimer:

City Compass is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cvent. We reference the Cvent Top Meeting Destinations list solely as a publicly available resource to help guide our expansion

and better serve conference travelers. All data and rankings belong to Cvent.

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