What it is: This local, family-owned eater—led by chef JohnRuss, a 2023 James Beard finalist, and his wife, pastry chef Elise Russ—infuses global flavors into every dish. Why we love it: This family-owned neighborhood restaurant serves globally inspired flavors in a casual setting. Find ricotta cavatelli dressed in broccoli-top pesto and Sichuan peppercorns; Maine Scallops with whole farro, toasted pecans, fried salami and parmesan broth; and cardamom donuts topped with coffee ice cream.

At a center table in Clementine, a stylish restaurant in the Castle Hills neighborhood of San Antonio, the lights seem to shine—as they often do—on Amber Nixx. A prominent drag performer, pageant winner, and owner of the Miss Gay San Antonio pageant, she picks at a plate of hush puppies with wildflower honey and entertains my questions. “The older queens paved the way for the younger ones, who make a lot more money now.

This cheery, buttoned-up restaurant located in a strip mall in northwestern San Antonio features an open kitchen and an option called “Feed Me” at lunch and dinner, which gives the chef free reign to design a four- or five-course menu just for your table. Choosing this option takes the stress out of deciding from a handful of inventive Southern-influenced and seasonally based courses, like the Flame Tart made with bacon, bechamel, white cheddar, shallots, and shaved truffles, or the Agnolotti del Plin, soft pasta pillows stuffed with ricotta and arugula together with whey-braised lamb. It’s lovely to try dishes that you typically wouldn’t order, and in Chef John Russ’ capable hands, you have nothing to fear.

In the pandemic’s worst days, Clementine in Castle Hills pivoted to takeout with industrial efficiency, lining up brown-bag versions of its sprawling “Feed Me” chef’s menu and stocking cardboard caddies with bottles of wine to-go. With its charmingly spare dining room and patio back at waitlist capacity, Clementine chefs and owners John and Elise Russ are still mining the rich vein of Southern cooking with specialties like bayou-style shrimp and coconut rice, a free-ranging beet salad and hot cardamom doughnuts, along with offering some of the city’s best wine guidance.

Thanks to Castle Hills restaurant Clementine's pandemic pivot, SA diners needn't leave the house to have a superb restaurant experience. Amid the crisis, chefs John and Elise Russ launched weekly "Feed Me" to-go specials that feature an ever-changing five course menu highlighting seasonal ingredients and global flavors. It's a fair guess that readers have appreciated the innovative move — and also Clementine favorites such as its white mushroom salad, house hushpuppies and locally sourced Wagyu strip steak served with frites and a truffle jus.

The water tower across the street from Clementine in Castle Hills is the same color as the cool slate blue that traces through the restaurant’s decor: the chairs, the hanging lamps, the napkins, the coasters, the graphics. It makes Clementine feel like it’s truly part of its neighborhood, even if that neighborhood now includes a James Beard-nominated chef. That chef is John Russ, who co-owns Clementine with his wife and pastry chef, Elise Russ.

With 4.5 stars out of 128 reviews on Yelp, the wine bar, Southern and New American spot has proven to be a local favorite for those looking to indulge. The site can tell you a thing or two more about the signature items at Clementine San Antonio. "Family-owned, neighborhood restaurant serving seasonal eats inspired by global flavors in a casual setting," it writes on Yelp in the section explaining specialties.

Though you would never suspect it were you to just drive by this somewhat unassuming Castle Hills neighborhood eatery. But chefs and owners John and Elise Russ have created something special, aptly earning them a finalist recognition from the James Beard Award Foundation for 2023. And while they ultimately didn’t bring home the trophy, just having this restaurant in San Antonio makes the city a major winner.

It's all about fresh, seasonal ingredients and warm hospitality at this Castle Hills eatery. At the helm is chef and co-owner John Russ, a finalist in this year's James Beard Awards. Born in New Orleans, he arrived in San Antonio in 2012, where he and his wife Elise started to run a series of pop-up dinners that eventually became a bona fide restaurant group.

Chamomile brined spatchcock chicken, white mushroom salad and Japanese eggplant from Clementine – Photo courtesy of Brian Cicioni. This 2022 James Beard semifinalist has a neighborhood feel, despite being located in a strip mall. The husband-and-wife team of John and Elise Russ opened Clementine in 2017 after years of experience in the restaurant industry.

From the pristine service to the impressive courses, this Castle Hills restaurant has cemented its place in the San Antonio culinary canon with its ever-changing seasonal menu. Clementine bills itself as a globally inspired restaurant, but it's clear that chef John Russ and his team are creating something wholly unique. Article continues below this ad

An evening at this Castle Hills standout is something special and experiencing the Feed Me option takes the party to another level. Turn your dining decisions over to chefs and co-owners John and Elise Russ and let them create your own personalized menu. Visit often so they can get to know your preferences and create something even more memorable.

The unique mixing of the Euro-Catholic, German, Indigenous, and Mexican cultures, plus pockets of Spanish and French, over three hundred years has created an incredible recipe,” says the chef John Russ, who owns Clementine restaurant with his wife, Elise. “The ‘Mission City,’” he says, “marinates all of its history into its present self.

As one of the best restaurants in San Antonio, Clementine’s food, service, and patio culminates in an amazing dining experience. Their patio is unassuming and quaint, but their high standard of service and ambience elevates the space to a worthy setting for their food. Their menu changes seasonally, but is always outstanding.

Chef John Russ has figured out how to turn a gourmet meal into a truly fun and memorable dining experience. Lots of places offer great food, but few have such a cool concept as the Feed Me menu you’ll find at Clementine. Our awesome waiter, Edward, refers to the concept as a “controlled surprise”.

Granted, I was already inclined to check out buzzy, Southern-oriented Clementine, and when I read those words on the San Antonio restaurant’s website, I was hooked. These people have their priorities right, I thought, as I clicked on “Make a reservation.” Now, if only I didn’t have to wait a week.

Clementine is a wine bar and eatery that brings its Southern roots to mingle with modern American cuisine. Clementine offers a curated list of wines that they offer to pair with their seasonal dishes throughout the year. Their curations are available in red, white, sparkling, and rosé.

Clementine is a romantic restaurant located in the Castle Hills neighborhood that serves New American cuisine. The restaurant has a chic decor with a patio and a bar. Some dishes to try include the charred octopus, the pork schnitzel, and the chocolate souffle.

2195 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78213Phone: 210-503-5121 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Clementine (@clementine.sanantonio)

While no one cuisine dominated the list, two out of the five restaurants –Clementine and Biga on the Banks – focus on contemporary American dishes.