Artea - De Zavala — Restaurant in San Antonio

Tldr: boba not bad, real ingredients, would recommend hella bubble over artea for boba, only food i would recommend is taiwanese popcorn chicken, you can't customize signature drinks.

Bf and I have come here several times and tried the following:

DRINKS winter melon lime aiyu w/ basil seed (neither of us were impressed, doesn't make you desire more) red bean matcha latte w/ boba (usually love both red bean and matcha but this drink made me question my tastes) old time taiwan fruit tea (we both really liked this! Pleasant sweetness, roundness of flavor) Hot longyan/jujube tea (it just tastes like brown sugar in hot water. Definitely would not recommend)

FOOD: beef udon (would not recommend. The egg was delicious and the noodles were cooked well but that's about it; the flavors did not harmonize, the soup tastes like canned broth, and the beef was far from "generous serving of ribeye slices") gua bao (it's alright) pork belly sliders (also alright) taiwanese popcorn chicken (would definitely recommend! We come here only for this sometimes. If you haven't tried taiwanese popcorn chicken you should at least once-- the texture and flavor are much more different than any other fried chicken I've had) teriyaki chicken don (bountiful portion of meat, unlike the udon. Chicken was very overcooked and absolutely smothered in too much sauce, but i liked that it came with cucumber sunomono and soft boiled eggs)

They don't let you modify signature drinks, which is a huge bummer. I know what they're trying to go for (only allow customers to have a beverage experience that they deem ideal) but who's to say how much sugar i have to consume if i want a particular drink?

I must add that they also have transparency in their motto, and the sweetness is natural so you'll have lots of real fruit and other natural ingredients in these items.

I'm sorry, i love you artea (super happy with increasing asian food presence in this part of town), but if i want boba i will have to go with hella bubble down the road. However, this will continue to be the reigning champ of taiwanese popcorn chicken.

Sorry for mid meal photos. I don't photograph unless reviewing and i decided to do so after having eaten my...

Artea is a hidden gem that combines delicious food, a relaxed atmosphere, and a family-friendly vibe, making it a must-visit spot for anyone craving great eats and a fun time. The menu offers a little bit of everything, starting with their edamame, which is fresh, perfectly steamed, and lightly salted—an ideal appetizer to start your meal. Their sushi options are flavorful and well-prepared, a pleasant surprise for a casual eatery.

The real star of the show is their boba tea. With so many options to choose from, it’s impossible not to find something you’ll love. From classic milk teas to more adventurous flavors, the variety is impressive. I personally recommend the strawberry frappe—it’s creamy, refreshing, and absolutely delicious.

What sets Artea apart is how much they’ve thought about making the experience enjoyable for everyone. Families with kids will appreciate the collection of games available, like UNO, Battleship, and Connect Four, which keep little ones entertained while parents enjoy their food. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home.

Another great perk is their rewards program, which lets you earn points toward future visits. It’s a nice incentive for those who plan to return—and you’ll definitely want to.

Whether you’re stopping in for a quick boba tea, enjoying sushi with friends, or spending time with family, Artea offers a cozy and inviting spot that keeps both your taste buds and your spirits happy....

So I had driven by Artea a few times but never really stopped in. I did not know what I was missing out on!!

They tea options are absolutely fabulous especially when it comes to non caffeinated tea. I personally enjoy their Butterfly Pea with boba on a regular basis but have also tried a few of the others. All of them have been delicious tasting. I looked forward to trying some more flavors.

The food is just as good! I have tried the Teriyaki Chicken Don and the Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken Don...... be prepared to have your taste buds asking for more and your tummy to be happy! One plate can easily be two servings for me.

I have also enjoyed their Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken as a shareable but chose not to share it with anyone. 🙈 On this day I also opted for a side of sweet potatoes fries which were tasty but a bit too oily for my liking. Their honey bacon flavor dipping sauce though..... WOW! Talk about so good.

I have yet to try the desserts but I am sure I will enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed everything else.

This place is ALWAYS BUSY but it makes sense. When you have as a good a product as they do you will have repeat customers and those who want to try it from all good things they have heard from others.

Expect at least a 30-40 minute wait on weekends for food. If you are only wanting tea it can be up to 10 minutes. You can always order ahead on their app to cut down the wait time and get rewards to use towards future purchases....