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Biga on the Banks

$50 and over

Contemporary American

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2 people

16 Mar 2025

11:00 pm

Booked 29 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Romantic
Charming

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.

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

Location
203 S. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone number
(210) 225-0722
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
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.
Payment Options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa

Featured in

Experiences

25th Anniversary Reception Ticket
USD 175.00 per person
Prepaid
22 Apr 2025 only
Like the living bread starter that gives the restaurant its name, Biga on the Banks has risen to become one of San Antonio's most cherished culinary institutions. On Earth Day, April 22, 2025, the iconic landmark restaurant will celebrate its 25th anniversary on the River Walk with an extraordinary culinary event benefiting the next generation of San Antonio's culinary talent. Under the guidance of Chef Bruce Auden, widely regarded as the godfather of San Antonio's dynamic culinary scene, Biga on the Banks has cultivated more than just exceptional cuisine - it has nurtured a legacy of culinary excellence and community partnership that spans a quarter century. The celebration, chaired by longtime supporters Lyn and Pete Selig, will transform the restaurant into a showcase of culinary artistry, featuring eight chef stations helmed by distinguished Biga alumni alongside promising students from St. Philip's College Culinary and Hospitality School. The reception-style event will run from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with plans to expand to the third floor for an evening of desserts and dancing. "Biga's story is one of resilience and community," says Chef Auden, who, along with partners Perny Shea, Pete Selig, and Don Thomas, has steered the restaurant through numerous challenges from 9/11 ot the 2008 recession and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. "When we moved from our original location in Tobin Hill to the River Walk, it was because of an extraordinary coalition of local investors - Team Biga - who believed in our vision for San Antonio's culinary future." Even before they reached the banks of the San Antonio River, the restaurant's name, Biga, was derived from the centuries-old traditional pre-fermented starter used in artisanal bread-making. It reflects its philosophy of patience, cultivation, and tradition. And that approach has fostered remarkable loyalty among staff, many of whom have been with the restaurant for over two decades and are now eligible to participate in a pioneering profit-sharing program. Decades before San Antonio became a UNESCO World Heritage City of Gastronomy, long before the Pearl, Southtown and downtown became culinary destinations, Chef Bruce Auden almost single-handedly elevated the fine dining experience in San Antonio in the 1980s," said longtime journalist and Biga lover Bob Rivard. "Over the years, Bruce trained a whole new generation of talented chefs, who found their first opportunities in the Biga kitchen. More than a few are now household names and in charge of their own successful ventures. The Bruce Auden DNA is found in many of the city's best kitchens today. All proceeds from the anniversary celebration will benefit St. Philip's College Culinary and Hospitality School and the San Antonio Food Bank, reflecting Biga's ongoing commitment to nurturing culinary talent and fighting food insecurity ni the community. The event will feature a commemorative medal for all attendees!
25th Anniversary VIP Table
USD 275.00 per person
Prepaid
22 Apr 2025 only
VIP Tables Available for 4, 6 and 8 people. Be sure to enter one of these numbers in the field above. Like the living bread starter that gives the restaurant its name, Biga on the Banks has risen to become one of San Antonio's most cherished culinary institutions. On Earth Day, April 22, 2025, the iconic landmark restaurant will celebrate its 25th anniversary on the River Walk with an extraordinary culinary event benefiting the next generation of San Antonio's culinary talent. Under the guidance of Chef Bruce Auden, widely regarded as the godfather of San Antonio's dynamic culinary scene, Biga on the Banks has cultivated more than just exceptional cuisine - it has nurtured a legacy of culinary excellence and community partnership that spans a quarter century. The celebration, chaired by longtime supporters Lyn and Pete Selig, will be showcase of culinary artistry, featuring eight chef stations helmed by distinguished Biga alumni with promising students from St. Philip's College Culinary and Hospitality School. The reception-style event will run from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with plans to expand to the third floor for an evening of desserts and dancing. "Biga's story is one of resilience and community," says Chef Auden, who, with partners Perny Shea, Pete Selig, and Don Thomas, has steered the restaurant through numerous challenges from 9/11 ot the 2008 recession and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. "When we moved from our original location in Tobin Hill to the River Walk, it was because of an extraordinary coalition of local investors - Team Biga - who believed in our vision for San Antonio's culinary future." The restaurant's name, Biga, was derived from the centuries-old traditional pre-fermented starter used in artisanal bread-making. It reflects its philosophy of patience, cultivation, and tradition. And that approach has fostered remarkable loyalty among staff, many of whom have been with the restaurant for over two decades. Decades before San Antonio became a UNESCO World Heritage City of Gastronomy, long before the Pearl, Southtown and downtown became culinary destinations, Chef Bruce Auden almost single-handedly elevated the fine dining experience in San Antonio in the 1980s," said longtime journalist and Biga lover Bob Rivard. "Over the years, Bruce trained a whole new generation of talented chefs, who found their first opportunities in the Biga kitchen. More than a few are now household names and in charge of their own successful ventures. The Bruce Auden DNA is found in many of the city's best kitchens today. All proceeds from the celebration will benefit St. Philip's College Culinary & Hospitality School and the San Antonio Food Bank, reflecting Biga's ongoing commitment to nurturing culinary talent and fighting food insecurity the community. Reception tickets will be $175 per person and THOSE WANTING A RESERVED TABLE (limited availability) DURING THE EVENT, $275 per person.
Easter Brunch- $75 Adults, $35 Children
20 Apr 2025 only
Celebrate Easter with us on Sunday, April 20th! Indulge in a fabulous 4-course brunch served from 10:30am to 4pm. Gather your loved ones and enjoy a memorable meal together!

Private dining

Popular dishes

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

Salads | Soup

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

Main Course

Roasted American Red SnapperUSD 45.00
Texas mushroom risotto, zucchini, Medeira marinara
Pan Seared Mahi MahiUSD 45.00
potato leek rosti, pickled cucumber sultanas, Texas baby carrots, honey dill whipped mascarpone
Baked North Sea SalmonUSD 45.00
Thai red curry rice noodles, carrots, peppers, mushrooms, ginger, scallions, charred pineapple
Smoked Bell and Evans 1/2 ChickenUSD 33.00
mashers, asparagus, chicken jus, black pepper butter
Slow Cooked Angus Beef DenverUSD 39.00
pepper & onion corn pudding, spiced zucchini, red wine jus
Grilled 8oz Beef TenderloinUSD 59.00
two potato gratin, asparagus, jammy tomato, steak sauce, bearnaise
Mustard Crusted Australian Lamb RackUSD 55.00
cheesy Texas grits, marinated feta, green beans, mushroom veal reduction
11 Spiced South Texas Antelope and Lockhart QuailUSD 52.00
goat cheese tart, Brussels leaves, cherry raisin chutney, juniper sauce
Crispy Masa Harina Tamale CakesUSD 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 PuddingUSD 12.00
with English custard
Amaretto Creme BruleeUSD 12.00
red currant thumb print cookie
Chocolate Hazelnut CheesecakeUSD 12.00
candied hazelnuts, raspberries, praline crème, raspberry whipped cream, chocolate tuile
Zucchini CakeUSD 12.00
vanilla ice cream, Grand Marnier crème Anglaise, citrus salad, citrus tuile
French Toast Banana BreadUSD 12.00
rum caramel, vanilla anglaise, spiced pecans, crème fraiche ice cream, pineapple chip
Dessert SamplerUSD 16.00
warm apple blackberry crumble, sticky toffee pudding, chocolate panna cotta
Vegan Chocolate MousseUSD 12.00
raspberries, chocolate shavings
SorbetUSD 6.00
Pina Colada, Mango, Wild Berry
Ice CreamUSD 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 5,831 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
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Antonio
Great for fine wines
San Antonio
Romantic
San Antonio
Contemporary American
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 offers an unforgettable dining experience with "wonderful ambiance, excellent service," and a "chef inspired menu." Located on the River Walk, this restaurant boasts "delicious food" with standout dishes like the lamb chops and sticky toffee pudding. It's a perfect spot for special occasions or a romantic evening.

5,831 Reviews

C
Chris VIP
Houston85 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Uhhhmazing as always! Truly a wonderful experience when in SA. Sorry just one pic of the rack of lamb. Loved the pistachio crust. Server was quite nice, professional and eagerly displayed familial hospitality.
Is this helpful?
G
Gary
Houston5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a great 3 course meal with wine pairing. Our server was great and made great recommendations.
Is this helpful?
LF
LarryF
Baton Rouge2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service and quality food selection. 10/10
Is this helpful?
E
Elenita VIP
San Antonio70 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and service. One of the best restaurants in town.
Is this helpful?
T
Tanya
Philadelphia2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Waiter was amazing. He talked about every entree and answered all of our questions. The food was so great!
Is this helpful?
G
Greg or Angie VIP
San Antonio69 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
We enjoy Biga on the Banks a few times a year. We come for the high quality gourmet selection of dining options, the quiet, refined ambiance and excellent service. Our last visit was no exception as we enjoyed a slow-paced Sunday evening meal consisting of bread service, the baby greens and roasted beet salads followed by the Australian rack of lamb and Bell & Evans smokey chicken with vegetables. Our attendant was Rosemary and she did a great job of serving us. Biga is one of San Antonio's gems that consistently delivers a wonderful meal in a great setting.
Is this helpful?
D
DeeOndra
Houston1 review
5.0
Dined on 9 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went here for our 1 year anniversary dinner and I can say we were not disappointed at all. The server was nice and answered all of our questions. Dinner itself was amazing we chose this restaurant because the menu changes every day and it added the spontaneity to the experience. We left very satisfied with the portions and the price was expected for all that we had. 10/10 would love to come back!
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L
Lisa VIP
San Diego23 reviews
5.0
Dined on 9 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic meal ! We had the prix fix meal which was perfect and reasonable cost
Is this helpful?
S
Sandra
Austin1 review
5.0
Dined on 8 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The sticky toffee dessert was absolutely to die for. Service and main courses were also excellent!
Is this helpful?
B
Barry VIP
Kansas City8 reviews
5.0
Dined on 8 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lovely place. Beautiful evening. We ate outside and enjoyed the weather. The boat traffic on the river was distracting but otherwise a great site.
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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 5831 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

16 Mar 2025

11:00 pm

Booked 29 times today

Experiences are available.

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

Additional information

Phone number
(210) 225-0722
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
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.
Payment Options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa

Biga on the Banks

Make a booking

Why they're an Icon

Additional information

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25th Anniversary Reception Ticket

25th Anniversary VIP Table

Easter Brunch- $75 Adults, $35 Children

Alamo Room

San Jose Room

Capistrano

Espada

3rd Floor Riverview Terrace

Custom inquiry

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Roasted American Red Snapper

Grilled 8oz Beef Tenderloin

Starters | Snacks

Bibb Radicchio Game Packet

Habanero Jerk Scallops (2)USD 24.00

Kyle's Crispy Blue Corn ChickenUSD 14.00

Crab & Shrimp CampechanaUSD 16.00

Texas Gulf Chicken Fried Oysters (3)USD 18.00

Seared Hudson Valley Foie GrasUSD 30.00

EscargotUSD 15.00

Apple-Smoked Salmon Chalupa (2)USD 12.00

Grilled Wagyu BurgerUSD 22.00

Cheese PlateUSD 18.00

Bread Service

Salads | Soup

Fiesta Chicken & Vegetable SoupUSD 12.00

Grilled Beet SaladUSD 13.00

Romaine HeartsUSD 12.00

Local Baby GreensUSD 13.00

Thai Inspired Vegetable SaladUSD 11.00

Spinach & FriseeUSD 13.00

Little Gem LettuceUSD 13.00

Main Course

Roasted American Red SnapperUSD 45.00

Pan Seared Mahi MahiUSD 45.00

Baked North Sea SalmonUSD 45.00

Smoked Bell and Evans 1/2 ChickenUSD 33.00

Slow Cooked Angus Beef DenverUSD 39.00

Grilled 8oz Beef TenderloinUSD 59.00

Mustard Crusted Australian Lamb RackUSD 55.00

11 Spiced South Texas Antelope and Lockhart QuailUSD 52.00

Crispy Masa Harina Tamale CakesUSD 22.00

Sides

Pommes Frites

Mashers

Grilled Asparagus

Corn Pudding

Cheesy Grits

Korean BBQ Cauliflower

Two Potato Gratin

Dessert

Sticky Toffee PuddingUSD 12.00

Amaretto Creme BruleeUSD 12.00

Chocolate Hazelnut CheesecakeUSD 12.00

Zucchini CakeUSD 12.00

French Toast Banana BreadUSD 12.00

Dessert SamplerUSD 16.00

Vegan Chocolate MousseUSD 12.00

SorbetUSD 6.00

Ice CreamUSD 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