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Biga on the Banks

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Make a booking

2 people

27 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 32 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Charming
Romantic

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

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Dining Bar
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 17:00–21:15 Fri, Sat 17:00–21:45
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
Area
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, Takeaway, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

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!
25th Anniversary Reception Ticket
US$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
US$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.

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 5,839 people are saying

Biga on the Banks reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
4.7Ambience
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 a delightful dining experience along the River Walk with "excellent service" and "amazing food." Guests rave about the "creative menu," "superb wild game," and "fantastic wine pairings." The atmosphere is both "friendly" and "intimate," making it perfect for special occasions or a memorable meal. Highly recommended!

5,839 Reviews

C
Chris
Milwaukee11 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great service and excellent food. Highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
R
Roger VIP
Philadelphia19 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Business dinner of 5. Food was excellent. Drinks were the best. Will definitely come here again!
Is this helpful?
RB
RangerBlue
Dallas9 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our server was very attentive and made sure we were taken care of. The food was well prepared and very good. One thing we really like was on many menu items they had half portions. This is really good for us because we usually don’t finish our meals. Normally we take it home but we are in a hotel so extra food would just be wasted.
Is this helpful?
R
Richard
Malta1 review
3.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
When customer ask for asking food dish menu to their liking this place does.not want to change anything
Biga on the BanksResponded 4 days ago
Hello Mr. Richard Saint Sauveur, We are sorry we were not able to accommodate your request. We try very hard to make alterations when guests request them for allergies or flavor dislikes. Your request was to replace the spicy tomato sauce in our campechana with mayonnaise. Because the ingredients for the campechana marinate in the spicy tomato it was not possible to remove the item you wanted to avoid from the dish. We hope you choose to return and if you have a similar alteration you would like to enjoy, let us know when you make your reservation. Usually, 2 days advance notice is enough for us accomplish your request. (Just like when you requested a specific table when you booked, we had it ready for you when you arrived.) Thank you for your comments.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas1 review
5.0
Dined on 19 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
After a travel day that was a comedy of errors… We stumbled onto this place tired and hungry. And my goodness….what a treat! The food was incredible, service was fast, and our server, Jose, was a jewel of a human. 5 stars!
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D
Doug VIP
San Francisco20 reviews
4.0
Dined on 18 March 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Nice place, on the River walk. Solo early dinner, week day, on a business trip. Very welcoming, friendly and attentive waiter. Large choice of cocktails and a diverse wine list at all prices. Creative dishes, I chose the Thai inspired salad which had a nice size and lots of flavors. Then the red snapper, perfectly cooked in a savory and not too creamy peanut sauce, with vegetables and quinoa. One glass of a nice and chilled French Chardonnay, The quality of the place, service and dishes justify the price, quite reasonable considering similar offerings here and there. There were plenty of other appalling options on the menu, I will definitely come back.
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M
Michael VIP
Dallas3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wild game was exceptional. Server was extremely engaging and had a wonderful grasp of the menu and the wine list. We will be back.
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S
Steven VIP
Baltimore77 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great dinner. Service was exceptional. The 3 course dinner was a great value and plenty to choose from. Appetizer, main course and dessert were all excellent. Highly recommended and will return.
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M
Melissa VIP
Pittsburgh13 reviews
5.0
Dined on 17 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful dinner that was made special for my husbands birthday! Amazing service and food!!! Highly recommend!
Is this helpful?
S
Stuart VIP
New York City15 reviews
5.0
Dined on 16 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was excellent - the food, the service, the restaurant. The antelope and quail was superb. Even the bread service was amazing. And our server Christopher M was superb and really made the whole experience first rate. Highly recommended.
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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 5839 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

27 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 32 times today

Experiences are available.

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

Additional information

Cross Street
Market St.
Area
Downtown
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 17:00–21:15 Fri, Sat 17:00–21:45
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, Takeaway, 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 booking

About this restaurant

Why they're an Icon

Additional information

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Easter Brunch- $75 Adults, $35 Children

25th Anniversary Reception Ticket

25th Anniversary VIP Table

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