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Biga on the Banks, San Antonio, TX
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Biga on the Banks

$50 and over
Contemporary American

Make a booking

2 people
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
  • 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.
  • 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

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!
    Easter Brunch- $75 Adults, $35 Children photo
  • 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 Reception Ticket photo
  • 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.
    25th Anniversary VIP Table photo

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

NoiseModerate

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
  1. 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?

  2. 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?

  3. 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?

  4. 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?

  5. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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!

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  10. 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.

    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 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
19:00
Booked 32 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Biga on the Banks

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
  • Phone number
  • 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.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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