Fantastic experience! The food was spectacular and for what you’re getting, pretty reasonable. My ONLY request would have been ever so slightly larger portions, though it’s a balance with a 9 course tasting! Celebrated my birthday, so the 8 of us took up 2/3rds of the restaurant. Next time I’m going to keep it more romantic with just the 2 of us. Would highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Richard Smith
I would like to preface this review with stating that I have never had a tasting menu before, nor have I ever spent more than $80 per person on a meal. Nor have I eaten inside of a rail car, or eaten in a place with so few seats. So this experience was quite a few firsts for me.
I arrived solo on a Saturday evening, with 11 out of 12 seats filled... almost a full house, though every table was occupied. They probably don't get many solo diners, as the seating was arranged for 2 people per table. The ambiance in this small rail car was really warm and intimate. Getting to watch the chefs hard at work in preparing these dishes was quite enjoyable as well. They were very friendly and answered our questions, and were even willing to share details on how the food was prepared.
Each course was beautifully and artistically presented, and all of them had bold and interesting flavors to try. I've included photos with my review, and I will provide a ranking below with the ones that impressed my palate the most. Unfortunately, Google doesn't let me easily caption these photos, so hopefully the names below are descriptive enough to match them with the pictures. Nearly all of them were exceptional and exceeded my expectations.
In order of highest praise to lowest (lowest still being above average in this case): Cowboy Butter Steelhead & Potatoes Napalm Gumbo Deconstructed Snickers Lobster Roll Thanksgiving Dinner Pop Rocks & Dippin' Dots Juneberry Mousse Biscuits & Gravy
The Cowboy Butter was the most impressive for me because it had a strong beefy flavor that lingered, even 10-15 minutes after finishing it and drinking water. If you've ever had really flavorful beef jerky, you know what that feeling is like. That rich beefy umami you can still taste minutes, maybe hours later. This is one of those appetizers like Texas Roadhouse rolls, where you just want more and more because that flavor is just that good.
The Steelhead & Potatoes dish was made by the sous chef and was easily the best seafood dish I've ever eaten. I don't particularly care for seafood or fish because the fishy flavor is often a bit too pungent for my palate, but when it is prepared at this level with such care and balance, I can't ignore it. If someone served this to me in a larger portion with more potatoes and maybe 3 pieces of fish instead of 1, I would call it a Michelin star worthy dish. To be able to turn a food I usually don't like into something I want more of is really a feat that is hard to overcome. This may not impress others as much as it impressed me, but .
The Napalm Gumbo, as they called it, had such a wonderful balance of spicy Cajun flavors that it made the #3 spot. I think the only reason it's not #2 in the list is because I was forced to leave some of the roux on the plate. Maybe in the future there will be some French bread to soak up whatever roux remains, but for now it sits as the third best thing on the menu that night. It is a faithful representation of New Orleans style Cajun cuisine. Adding some red beans might also be a nice touch.
At the end of the night, a couple got engaged and it was all around a touching and wonderful experience. I highly recommend giving this place a try, as they rotate out their menu seasonally. $125 per person might seem steep to most people, but once you get immersed in the flavors and presentation, you'll be more than satisfied with the experience. 5/5 will highly recommend.
But, if you're a big guy like me who hasn't eaten in over 8 hours, you may want to budget for a 10th course at your favorite burger spot, if they are still open.
Vegetarian options: No vegetarian menu (yet) but maybe at some point in the future.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joshua Perez
Came here for my partner’s birthday and was blown away by the creativity, presentation, love, and care put into each dish. I wasn’t able to get a picture of most of the dishes but HAD to capture my favorite dish of the night, the trout wrapped in nori. The chefs take immense pride in their work and it shows in every dish. Just the fact that they take the time to explain every dish and where they drew inspiration from really made every plate come to life. Will definitely be coming in again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Liv Zander
This spot is such a hidden treasure. The atmosphere is low-key and intimate. The quality of the ingredients is top notch. The food is delicious, and the way the chef explains the why's and how's of the dishes is just such an experience. I will come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Luke Newton
This was our first time visiting this place. We had been to mixtli In the same train car years ago. This place gives early years mixtli Vibes but not just because it is in the same location. The beauty of the Latin food that was being represented is that it’s not expensive ingredients. The ingredients of most Mexican, central American, Caribbean dishes are fairly cheap, and then the quality is reflected in the process of cooking and that is what a way to the heart and mixtli (Especially the earlier versions of mixtli ) highlight. All nine dishes were a hit… I won’t review the actual dishes since they will be rotating off next week… But nine for nine is a good ratio (Even our last visit to mixtli was amazing but there were one or two dishes that did not blow us away) While I love the rotating Seasonal menu aspect I hope that they will incorporate their mole In a recurring way. In a city where most of the Mexican food is really good, 99% of the mole Is really bad and this is a very good representation of a delicious Mole.
From a pure pragmatic side, this place is a little over half the price of a dinner for two at Mixtli. Last time we went to mixtli it was almost $600 For the dinner for 2 With the standard wine pairings.. Last night bill for us was about $340 After tip… They don’t have a liquor license so they had three small mixed drinks that were “donated by the chef” and they allow you to bring your own bottle of wine and have appropriate stem wear. So that saves money…the chefs do most of their own serving and bussing with one assistant. And the chefs describe their inspiration and ingredients at each dish is brought out…
Obviously I made lots of comparisons between this place and mixtli bc the Inspiration are obviously similar. At the core, it is taking simple, cheap ingredients and making them complex and sophisticated by how the chefs cook them. Both do it well and I’m happy that San Antonio has two options like it… Honestly, we’ve only been to mixtli a few times Because the price point feels like you need to save up to go there (and it’s totally worth it when you do) But this price point seems a little closer to what you would spend for a good meal at most of the nice Pearl restaurants, At a price that is a splurge, but not quite as shocking:)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
S T
Visited here during restaurant week (you still pay the standard $125/pp rate during restaurant week) as my friend and I took the opportunity to try one of San Antonio's fine dining offerings. The highlight of the evening is the staff they really make an effort to create a genuine connection and share about the dishes as you're trying them. The pace of the meal was good and the intimate venue is a fun time. The menu had some serious highlights like the ox tail dish, lengua, and the coconut desert. Keep in mind you won't be eating A5 waygu here, but they take several cheaper cuts of meat and really elevate them. If I were to go back, I would probably skip the drinks they offered. The first, a tequila sunrise shot wasn't too special and was too sweet. The second was a also too sweet and the glassware was awkward to drink from. The last drink was very very good but so overpowering I tasted it the whole rest of the meal until I went home and brushed my teeth. The first would be better as some kind of white or sparkling wine, the last should be served probably after the remaining courses because it truly was delicious. The opening and closing courses were amazing, I'd eat 10. Now the atmosphere is the part that I think drops the fine dining experience. While I understand and appreciate the intimate train car environment, watching people wash dishes the whole night is distracting and not a vibe. It really took away from the whole experience and I would recommend waiting until the night is over to wash up and keep the dirty dishes out of sight for those eating. I don't think that's too much to ask for. Overall a pretty good experience!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 5
Jason Thomas
Delicious food. Thoughtful. Intimate.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Natalie Zavala
San Antonio is truly lucky to have a restaurant like this. The food was extremely tasty, thoughtful and well portioned. It was complicated and yet made with simple/fresh ingredients. The descriptions of each dish with the global context and historical references made it even richer! We will definitely be back! Can’t believe this has been there for a few years and we have just experienced it. What a wonderful restaurant! Thank you to the three chefs who served us last night – it was a personal and remarkable experience! Wonderful anniversary dinner!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Julie
My husband and I enjoyed a beautiful anniversary dinner tonight. The food was delicious and unique. The presentation was beautiful. Service was excellent. We loved the atmosphere of the seating area. So many fine dining restaurants can get very noisy, so this was a perfect change of pace. The owners are very passionate about each dish and really put their hearts into each course. Thank you so much!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Emily Smith
This is one if not the favorite fine dining restaurant in San Antonio. We have been going since they first opened up and make it a point to go back when we are back in town. Chefs are all talented and super fun to talk to. Highly recommend!!!
I eat around the city, it’s my hobby and I enjoy it. Finding places like A Way to the Heart are just truly fascinating. I will admit hearing they do dishes from around the world sounded a bit ambitious to pull off, but Chefs David & Diego truly hit it out of the park. Not one dish missed, every one was well presented, and the flavors were truly amazing. I highly recommend this place for an intimate date night or a couples celebration dinner. It’s truly an amazing culinary experience that we need to see more of in the City of San Antonio. Well Done Chefs!??????
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rod
A great place for an intimate dinner. Diego was an awesome host/chef that made the experience magnificent. For was great. I will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rachel Lindley
Chef Diego blends flavors together beautifully. This is an intimate tasting experience with a maximum of 12 people. The service and food was exceptional.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Katherine Palmer
A Way to the Heart is a must experience San Antonio treasure! My husband and I loved the food, the chefs, and the ambiance. We will be going back again & again!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Preston Joseph
Our experience was great. Every course was delicious and took us on a culinary journey. While each course was relatively small, after 9 courses we left full, but not to the point of being uncomfortable. The atmosphere was great, and it feels like everyone there is able to be creative to make interesting and delicious dishes. We will definitely be back to try another menu.
Fantastic experience! The food was spectacular and for what you’re getting, pretty reasonable. My ONLY request would have been ever so slightly larger portions, though it’s a balance with a 9 course tasting! Celebrated my birthday, so the 8 of us took up 2/3rds of the restaurant. Next time I’m going to keep it more romantic with just the 2 of us. Would highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I would like to preface this review with stating that I have never had a tasting menu before, nor have I ever spent more than $80 per person on a meal. Nor have I eaten inside of a rail car, or eaten in a place with so few seats. So this experience was quite a few firsts for me.
I arrived solo on a Saturday evening, with 11 out of 12 seats filled... almost a full house, though every table was occupied. They probably don't get many solo diners, as the seating was arranged for 2 people per table. The ambiance in this small rail car was really warm and intimate. Getting to watch the chefs hard at work in preparing these dishes was quite enjoyable as well. They were very friendly and answered our questions, and were even willing to share details on how the food was prepared.
Each course was beautifully and artistically presented, and all of them had bold and interesting flavors to try. I've included photos with my review, and I will provide a ranking below with the ones that impressed my palate the most. Unfortunately, Google doesn't let me easily caption these photos, so hopefully the names below are descriptive enough to match them with the pictures. Nearly all of them were exceptional and exceeded my expectations.
In order of highest praise to lowest (lowest still being above average in this case):
Cowboy Butter
Steelhead & Potatoes
Napalm Gumbo
Deconstructed Snickers
Lobster Roll
Thanksgiving Dinner
Pop Rocks & Dippin' Dots
Juneberry Mousse
Biscuits & Gravy
The Cowboy Butter was the most impressive for me because it had a strong beefy flavor that lingered, even 10-15 minutes after finishing it and drinking water. If you've ever had really flavorful beef jerky, you know what that feeling is like. That rich beefy umami you can still taste minutes, maybe hours later. This is one of those appetizers like Texas Roadhouse rolls, where you just want more and more because that flavor is just that good.
The Steelhead & Potatoes dish was made by the sous chef and was easily the best seafood dish I've ever eaten. I don't particularly care for seafood or fish because the fishy flavor is often a bit too pungent for my palate, but when it is prepared at this level with such care and balance, I can't ignore it. If someone served this to me in a larger portion with more potatoes and maybe 3 pieces of fish instead of 1, I would call it a Michelin star worthy dish. To be able to turn a food I usually don't like into something I want more of is really a feat that is hard to overcome. This may not impress others as much as it impressed me, but .
The Napalm Gumbo, as they called it, had such a wonderful balance of spicy Cajun flavors that it made the #3 spot. I think the only reason it's not #2 in the list is because I was forced to leave some of the roux on the plate. Maybe in the future there will be some French bread to soak up whatever roux remains, but for now it sits as the third best thing on the menu that night. It is a faithful representation of New Orleans style Cajun cuisine. Adding some red beans might also be a nice touch.
At the end of the night, a couple got engaged and it was all around a touching and wonderful experience. I highly recommend giving this place a try, as they rotate out their menu seasonally. $125 per person might seem steep to most people, but once you get immersed in the flavors and presentation, you'll be more than satisfied with the experience. 5/5 will highly recommend.
But, if you're a big guy like me who hasn't eaten in over 8 hours, you may want to budget for a 10th course at your favorite burger spot, if they are still open.
Vegetarian options: No vegetarian menu (yet) but maybe at some point in the future.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came here for my partner’s birthday and was blown away by the creativity, presentation, love, and care put into each dish. I wasn’t able to get a picture of most of the dishes but HAD to capture my favorite dish of the night, the trout wrapped in nori. The chefs take immense pride in their work and it shows in every dish. Just the fact that they take the time to explain every dish and where they drew inspiration from really made every plate come to life. Will definitely be coming in again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This spot is such a hidden treasure. The atmosphere is low-key and intimate. The quality of the ingredients is top notch. The food is delicious, and the way the chef explains the why's and how's of the dishes is just such an experience. I will come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was our first time visiting this place. We had been to mixtli In the same train car years ago. This place gives early years mixtli Vibes but not just because it is in the same location. The beauty of the Latin food that was being represented is that it’s not expensive ingredients. The ingredients of most Mexican, central American, Caribbean dishes are fairly cheap, and then the quality is reflected in the process of cooking and that is what a way to the heart and mixtli (Especially the earlier versions of mixtli ) highlight. All nine dishes were a hit… I won’t review the actual dishes since they will be rotating off next week… But nine for nine is a good ratio (Even our last visit to mixtli was amazing but there were one or two dishes that did not blow us away) While I love the rotating Seasonal menu aspect I hope that they will incorporate their mole In a recurring way. In a city where most of the Mexican food is really good, 99% of the mole Is really bad and this is a very good representation of a delicious Mole.
From a pure pragmatic side, this place is a little over half the price of a dinner for two at Mixtli. Last time we went to mixtli it was almost $600 For the dinner for 2 With the standard wine pairings.. Last night bill for us was about $340 After tip… They don’t have a liquor license so they had three small mixed drinks that were “donated by the chef” and they allow you to bring your own bottle of wine and have appropriate stem wear. So that saves money…the chefs do most of their own serving and bussing with one assistant. And the chefs describe their inspiration and ingredients at each dish is brought out…
Obviously I made lots of comparisons between this place and mixtli bc the Inspiration are obviously similar. At the core, it is taking simple, cheap ingredients and making them complex and sophisticated by how the chefs cook them. Both do it well and I’m happy that San Antonio has two options like it… Honestly, we’ve only been to mixtli a few times Because the price point feels like you need to save up to go there (and it’s totally worth it when you do) But this price point seems a little closer to what you would spend for a good meal at most of the nice Pearl restaurants, At a price that is a splurge, but not quite as shocking:)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Visited here during restaurant week (you still pay the standard $125/pp rate during restaurant week) as my friend and I took the opportunity to try one of San Antonio's fine dining offerings.
The highlight of the evening is the staff they really make an effort to create a genuine connection and share about the dishes as you're trying them. The pace of the meal was good and the intimate venue is a fun time.
The menu had some serious highlights like the ox tail dish, lengua, and the coconut desert. Keep in mind you won't be eating A5 waygu here, but they take several cheaper cuts of meat and really elevate them. If I were to go back, I would probably skip the drinks they offered. The first, a tequila sunrise shot wasn't too special and was too sweet. The second was a also too sweet and the glassware was awkward to drink from. The last drink was very very good but so overpowering I tasted it the whole rest of the meal until I went home and brushed my teeth. The first would be better as some kind of white or sparkling wine, the last should be served probably after the remaining courses because it truly was delicious. The opening and closing courses were amazing, I'd eat 10.
Now the atmosphere is the part that I think drops the fine dining experience. While I understand and appreciate the intimate train car environment, watching people wash dishes the whole night is distracting and not a vibe. It really took away from the whole experience and I would recommend waiting until the night is over to wash up and keep the dirty dishes out of sight for those eating. I don't think that's too much to ask for.
Overall a pretty good experience!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 5
Delicious food. Thoughtful. Intimate.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
San Antonio is truly lucky to have a restaurant like this. The food was extremely tasty, thoughtful and well portioned. It was complicated and yet made with simple/fresh ingredients. The descriptions of each dish with the global context and historical references made it even richer! We will definitely be back! Can’t believe this has been there for a few years and we have just experienced it. What a wonderful restaurant! Thank you to the three chefs who served us last night – it was a personal and remarkable experience! Wonderful anniversary dinner!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
My husband and I enjoyed a beautiful anniversary dinner tonight. The food was delicious and unique. The presentation was beautiful. Service was excellent. We loved the atmosphere of the seating area. So many fine dining restaurants can get very noisy, so this was a perfect change of pace.
The owners are very passionate about each dish and really put their hearts into each course. Thank you so much!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is one if not the favorite fine dining restaurant in San Antonio. We have been going since they first opened up and make it a point to go back when we are back in town. Chefs are all talented and super fun to talk to. Highly recommend!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I eat around the city, it’s my hobby and I enjoy it. Finding places like A Way to the Heart are just truly fascinating. I will admit hearing they do dishes from around the world sounded a bit ambitious to pull off, but Chefs David & Diego truly hit it out of the park. Not one dish missed, every one was well presented, and the flavors were truly amazing. I highly recommend this place for an intimate date night or a couples celebration dinner. It’s truly an amazing culinary experience that we need to see more of in the City of San Antonio. Well Done Chefs!??????
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A great place for an intimate dinner. Diego was an awesome host/chef that made the experience magnificent. For was great. I will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chef Diego blends flavors together beautifully. This is an intimate tasting experience with a maximum of 12 people. The service and food was exceptional.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A Way to the Heart is a must experience San Antonio treasure! My husband and I loved the food, the chefs, and the ambiance. We will be going back again & again!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our experience was great. Every course was delicious and took us on a culinary journey. While each course was relatively small, after 9 courses we left full, but not to the point of being uncomfortable. The atmosphere was great, and it feels like everyone there is able to be creative to make interesting and delicious dishes. We will definitely be back to try another menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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