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Biga on the Banks

Visa Dining Collection

$50 and over

Contemporary American

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 10, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 20 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 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
Neighborhood
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

Experiences

Easter Brunch- $75 Adults, $35 Children
Apr 20, 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
$175.00 per person
Prepaid
Apr 22, 2025 only
The maximum tickets to be bought at one time is 4. If your group is larger than 4, you will have to purchase tickets in 2 or more transactions. 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. 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 in the community.
25th Anniversary VIP Table
$275.00 per person
Prepaid
Apr 22, 2025 only
VIP Tables Available for 4 people. Be sure to enter 4 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
- each$8.00
Habanero Jerk Scallops (2)$24.00
cheesy Texas grits, pineapple rum chutney
Kyle's Crispy Blue Corn Chicken$14.00
stuffed with chihuahua cheese & peppers, black bean relish, peanut butter poblano mole
Crab & Shrimp Campechana$16.00
tomato clam cocktail with olives, chilis, cilantro & avocado, crispy tortilla chips
Texas Gulf Chicken Fried Oysters (3)$18.00
squid ink linguine, pancetta, Swiss chard, whole grain mustard hollandaise
Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras$30.00
brioche French toast, mango-papaya-grape chutney, duck cider jus
Escargot$15.00
mushrooms, red wine garlic butter
Apple-Smoked Salmon Chalupa (2)$12.00
black bean, avocado, cilantro, lime crème fraiche, pickled veggies
Grilled Wagyu Burger$22.00
brioche bun, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, mayo, pomme frites
Cheese Plate$18.00
The Drunken Goat, Cambozola Black Label, Ewephoria Gouda, Marcona almonds, quince paste, walnut date cake, honeycomb, toasty bread
Bread Service
- Buttermilk Cornbread$6.00
- Pain Au Levain$6.00
- Focaccia$6.00
- Basket with All Three$8.00

Salads | Soup

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

Main Course

Roasted American Red Snapper$45.00
Texas mushroom risotto, zucchini, Medeira marinara
Pan Seared Mahi Mahi$45.00
potato leek rosti, pickled cucumber sultanas, Texas baby carrots, honey dill whipped mascarpone
Baked North Sea Salmon$45.00
Thai red curry rice noodles, carrots, peppers, mushrooms, ginger, scallions, charred pineapple
Smoked Bell and Evans 1/2 Chicken$33.00
mashers, asparagus, chicken jus, black pepper butter
Slow Cooked Angus Beef Denver$39.00
pepper & onion corn pudding, spiced zucchini, red wine jus
Grilled 8oz Beef Tenderloin$59.00
two potato gratin, asparagus, jammy tomato, steak sauce, bearnaise
Mustard Crusted Australian Lamb Rack$55.00
cheesy Texas grits, marinated feta, green beans, mushroom veal reduction
11 Spiced South Texas Antelope and Lockhart Quail$52.00
goat cheese tart, Brussels leaves, cherry raisin chutney, juniper sauce
Crispy Masa Harina Tamale Cakes$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 Pudding$12.00
with English custard
Amaretto Creme Brulee$12.00
red currant thumb print cookie
Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake$12.00
candied hazelnuts, raspberries, praline crème, raspberry whipped cream, chocolate tuile
Zucchini Cake$12.00
vanilla ice cream, Grand Marnier crème Anglaise, citrus salad, citrus tuile
French Toast Banana Bread$12.00
rum caramel, vanilla anglaise, spiced pecans, crème fraiche ice cream, pineapple chip
Dessert Sampler$16.00
warm apple blackberry crumble, sticky toffee pudding, chocolate panna cotta
Vegan Chocolate Mousse$12.00
raspberries, chocolate shavings
Sorbet$6.00
Pina Colada, Mango, Wild Berry
Ice Cream$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 5,840 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
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Antonio
Contemporary American
San Antonio
Good for special occasions
San Antonio
Contemporary American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Biga on the Banks offers an exceptional dining experience with "amazing food," "outstanding service," and an "ever-changing superb menu." Guests rave about the "antelope and quail" dishes, the "creative menu," and the "beautiful ambiance" overlooking the Riverwalk. The restaurant's attentive staff, especially servers like Jose and Chris, receive high praise for enhancing the dining experience.

5,840 Reviews

D
David VIP
Miami42 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a high end breath of fresh air ! Great service by Chris Gill, amazing menu ( we had Brussels, Califlower in Korean BBQ sauce, antelope and quail. Great location, ambiance and food. Also the wine by the glass selection was great.
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B
Beth
Raleigh1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Incredible food and service. A wonderful dining experience
Is this helpful?
E
Elizabeth VIP
San Antonio51 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Yer another perfect evening at Biga! Service, food …we’re. Outstanding! Thank you!
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J
Jennifer VIP
Houston28 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food! All of the flavors were so different, but melded and tasted amazing. Jose took terrific care of us. He made great suggestions and explained the food as we went along. We started with the bibb radicchio game packets and the shrimp and grits. The game packets were out of this world! Once again, the flavors! I can't even express properly. They had a rich flavor and were only handed by the sauces they are served with. Jose explained the sauces and suggested how we might like to use them. We also had the jerk shrimp and grits. I don't even like grits and I liked these! We shared the antelope and quail. Again, AMAZING!!! We were not sure the best way to have the antelope prepared, but again, Jose to the rescue! Medium rare, and boy was he on point with that rec. The a telope and the sauce it was in were perfect. The quail had an amazing smoky flavor. It is the best quail I've ever had. It was our anniversary so they put us in a quiet romantic corner with a curtain. At the end of dinner Jose brought us a berry crumble to celebrate. It was perfectly warm and crisp and not overly sweet. Everything was top notch. Can't wait to return.
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T
Todd
Atlanta1 review
5.0
Dined on April 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, Friendly people! We went for our delayed Anniversary.
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P
Petra VIP
Austin18 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always love a visit at Biga. Great list of Mocktails and the Prix Fix menu is unbeatable value for the excellent food.
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C
Chris
Milwaukee11 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 24, 2025
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 on March 23, 2025
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!
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RB
RangerBlue
Dallas9 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 22, 2025
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.
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R
Richard
Malta1 review
3.0
Dined on March 21, 2025
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 on March 23, 2025
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.
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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 5840 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 10, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 20 times today

Experiences are available.

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

Additional information

Cross street
Market St.
Neighborhood
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

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

Grilled 8oz Beef Tenderloin

Spinach & Frisee

Starters | Snacks

Bibb Radicchio Game Packet

Habanero Jerk Scallops (2)$24.00

Kyle's Crispy Blue Corn Chicken$14.00

Crab & Shrimp Campechana$16.00

Texas Gulf Chicken Fried Oysters (3)$18.00

Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras$30.00

Escargot$15.00

Apple-Smoked Salmon Chalupa (2)$12.00

Grilled Wagyu Burger$22.00

Cheese Plate$18.00

Bread Service

Salads | Soup

Fiesta Chicken & Vegetable Soup$12.00

Grilled Beet Salad$13.00

Romaine Hearts$12.00

Local Baby Greens$13.00

Thai Inspired Vegetable Salad$11.00

Spinach & Frisee$13.00

Little Gem Lettuce$13.00

Main Course

Roasted American Red Snapper$45.00

Pan Seared Mahi Mahi$45.00

Baked North Sea Salmon$45.00

Smoked Bell and Evans 1/2 Chicken$33.00

Slow Cooked Angus Beef Denver$39.00

Grilled 8oz Beef Tenderloin$59.00

Mustard Crusted Australian Lamb Rack$55.00

11 Spiced South Texas Antelope and Lockhart Quail$52.00

Crispy Masa Harina Tamale Cakes$22.00

Sides

Pommes Frites

Mashers

Grilled Asparagus

Corn Pudding

Cheesy Grits

Korean BBQ Cauliflower

Two Potato Gratin

Dessert

Sticky Toffee Pudding$12.00

Amaretto Creme Brulee$12.00

Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake$12.00

Zucchini Cake$12.00

French Toast Banana Bread$12.00

Dessert Sampler$16.00

Vegan Chocolate Mousse$12.00

Sorbet$6.00

Ice Cream$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