State of play: We've rounded up a couple dishes that keep calling us back.

Madalyn's picks

🍞 Four Brothers Southern Provisions

• This spot on the River Walk inside Omni La Mansión del Rio does Southern comfort food with a fun twist — like its Texas-shaped Bexar cornbread ($14). The fluffy, jalapeño-studded bread arrives with a trio of rich, playful add-ons: whipped butter, honey and pimento cheese.
• It's oddly satisfying to slice into the panhandle or Hill Country, like a tasty little test of your Texas geography.

🍤 Tokyo Cowboy

• Just off the River Walk, this sleek spot is great for a night out or pre-show dinner. My go-to is the Gulf shrimp and vermicelli noodles ($16) — technically shareable, but fully satisfying solo.
• The shrimp are smoky and tender, the noodles light and springy. Crispy garlic, shishito peppers and a sticky-sweet char siu sauce bring heat, crunch and bold flavor.
• It's carb comfort without the post-dinner slump.

Megan's picks

🍣 Shiro Japanese Bistro

• The crispy toro ($26) is the most innovative bite I've had in this city. The fatty tuna is served with karashi aioli, jalapeño, pickled wasabi and ponzu gel on a small bed of extra-crispy rice.

• It's a master lesson in balance among flavors and textures.
• Shiro is on the River Walk near the San Antonio Museum of Art — making it perfect for a post-date dinner.

🐟 Leche de Tigre

• The tataki ($23) is a yellowfin tuna in citrus leche de tigre topped with pickled daikon and carrots, crushed peanuts, sesame oil and scallions.
• It's one of my go-to orders at this lauded Peruvian restaurant, which now holds a Michelin recommendation.