A new joint study by OpenTable and Kayak has named two Alamo City standouts, Signature and The Study at Dean’s, among the Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America. The new rankings prove what San Antonians already know — when it comes to travel, food is not just part of the journey; it is the destination.
According to the study, nearly half of Americans (47 percent) have booked a trip to visit a specific restaurant. Kayak has also seen a 51 percent year-over-year increase in the use of its “restaurant” filter when searching for hotels, a clear sign that travelers are planning their itineraries around what is on the menu, not just what is on the map.
The data also revealed that 45 percent of Americans say they post more about meals than sights while traveling, 73 percent would return to a hotel based on a great on-site dining experience, and 38 percent have booked a hotel stay specifically for its restaurant.
“Travelers are not just asking ‘Where should I go?’ They are asking, ‘What is on the menu when I get there?'” said Kate Williams, chief communications officer at Kayak, in a release. “Great dining experiences are an essential part of today’s travel itineraries, and hotels are rising to the occasion.”
The Study at Dean’s made the list, but sibling restaurant Dean’s Steak & Seafood was left off.Dean’s Steak & Seafood/ Facebook
San Antonio’s culinary standouts
The unranked list combined data from Kayak and OpenTable. Using metrics from June 2024 through May 2025, OpenTable evaluated metrics like overall diner ratings and percentage of five-star reviews. The restaurants that made the cut were then sorted by bookability on Kayak.
While the report left out specifics, the choices offer a peek into what makes San Antonio’s dining scene so memorable. If your dream getaway includes Texas Hill Country views, comfort food with a twist, and a glass of fine Burgundy, Signature at La Cantera Resort and Spa is the perfect match. The menu offers contemporary interpretations of classic European dishes infused with unconventional Texas spirit.
Meanwhile, The Study at Dean’s offers an entirely different experience at the Kimpton Santo Hotel. This intimate, reservation-only bar is tucked away in a historic courtyard shaded by century-old live oaks. The restaurant is known for its high-end drinks, artful presentation, and cozy setting.
Oddly, the bar’s fine dining sibling, Dean’s Steak & Seafood, was left off the list along with a few other notable local hotel restaurants. Hotel Emma’s anchor Supper restaurant did not make the cut, nor did Hotel Havana’s Ocho or Thompson San Antonio’s Landrace. The latter two recently shuttered for renovations. It’s unclear whether they will re-emerge as entirely new concepts.
The rest of Texas
In total, nine Texas hotel restaurants made the OpenTable and Kayak list. The following eateries made the honor roll:
- 97 West Kitchen and Bar at Hotel Drover — Fort Worth
- Dean’s Italian Steakhouse at JW Marriott — Austin
- Fearing’s Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton — Dallas
- La Piscina at Austin Proper — Austin
- Signature at La Cantera Resort and Spa — San Antonio
- Stillwell’s at Hôtel Swexan— Dallas
- The Study at Dean’s at Kimpton Santo Hotel — San Antonio
- The Peacock Mediterranean Grill at Austin Proper — Austin
- Trick Rider at Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa— Frisco