Pharm Table — Restaurant in San Antonio

WAY Beyond Expectations

Travelling west from a summer on the east coast in our little 25' RV, we were braving the heat and Idalia-aftermath, working our way southwest to visit family. We'd struck out when the restaurant 9n FLwe picked for our 19th wedding anniversary decided to close for Labor Day. Now in Austin, in the middle of a Texas heatwave/drought, we found an oasis - Pharm Table! We're vegan (well, my wife is, I'm more flexible when we eat out), so we were thrilled to find a plant-centric place with clearly intentional food. We made a reservation and hopped an Uber. The staff that greeted us was super friendly. Jaimie (sp?), our server, took plenty of time to explain things and answer our questions. The menu seems smallish, but I think it's better to focus on a superb handful of dishes, than to have a huge menu. There are also fish, beef and poultry protein options. The manager (and I'm sorry I can't remember his name!) stopped by to say hello and thank us for dining. When I mentioned how happy we were to finally find a suitable place for our anniversary dinner, he brought us a couple of glasses of a delicious Latour cremant.. They also comped us the ginger amuse bouche, which we were going to order anyway. Fabulous! It would make the base for a great cocktail, too. The ginger and the mint leaf, when chewed as suggested, got our palates awake and our stomachs ready! Cocktails? You bet! I had their version of a Paloma, with tequila, mezcal and grapefruit . Smokey and delicious! My wife had the Pharm Cup, their take on a Pimm's cup. You can choose silver tequila, gin, or vodka. She had tequila. Dry and smooth, great for slow sipping. She had had the soup of the day, which was some type of curry with roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and was off the chart delicious. Listed as a Cup, it was a big portion. I ordered the herb roasted carrots. They came with a creamy cashew paste underneath, and some crazy good crispy flatbread. We both shared the carrots (and I definitely had some of the soup. Did I mention it was delicious?) I went rogue, ordering Chapolina salmon. I expected a smallish portion, but out came a 5" x 5" thick cut piece of perfect salmon, flaky & pink, crispy skin. The guac was unctuous and fresh, and the blistered tomato was otherworldly. I asked for a spoon, because I wanted all the juices on my plate! The heirloom corn tortillas made for some great bites stuffed with all the things on my plate. My wife had the Eggplant, which was spicy and super flavorful. It was mashed and a bit like babaganoush, but spicy. Served on a board stop the best zucchini I ever tasted. I usually give zukes a "meh", but if I could cook them like this, I'd eat them every night. We felt so well-cared-for, and cared about. We were stunned to learn they'd only been open for 2 months! They've definitely figured things out fast. We had the sweet potato brownie with roasted mesquite bean "ice cream" for dessert. Did NOT taste like mesquite! Chocolatey and light. The ice cream was delicate and cinnamon/vanilla-y. Jaime told us when roasted, the mesquite beans take on that amazing combo of flavors. She brought over a big jar of them, they smelled heavenly. She'd even helped forage them from trees at a local park! We happily paid the 3% added for kitchen staff (I mean, c'mon, it's 3 bucks on a $100 check, are you THAT much of a Grinch? But you can have it taken off if you're so inclined) ll We're broken hearted Pharm Table isn't in our neighborhood in San Francisco. The entire experience from start to finish will stand out as our favorite night on our 4 week, 4500 mile trip across the country. GO TO PHARM TABLE. Eat food made with intention. They will make you feel welcomed, and cared for. You will also feel full, well, and happy. And really, does it get any...

I've had to update my review because while the food is phenomenal, the front of house is more than a bit of a mess. It's very hit or miss and it really detracts from the experience.

I came on NYE and was quoted no fewer than 4 different prices for a prix fix menu with the most expensive number being the one that came out on the bill. That's absolutely outrageous and I'm not even going to get into the rude attitude of the gm that told me "that's the price bc I said so" when I pointed out the error. How about you read your published materials before you drop that attitude on me?

Getting the price right, especially in marketing materials should be basic and not something that is misquoted. If I come in for an advertised price, you can't magically add an additional upcharge just because you want to. This has happened on multiple visits- I feel like I'm scammed when I come here which is really uncool. If you can't handle math and numbers, hire someone who can- this is high school level at most, it shouldn't be that hard.

And if the flip flopping on the pricing wasn't bad enough, how about the fact that the wine pairing doesn't actually come out paired with the food? So fun to have your wine pairing come out after you've finished the dish and while the next course is coming out. Not exactly a "pairing" at that point is it? Pace your dishes appropriately please.

This place has fantastic food but it's an absolute mess. They've been around long enough to have figured it out by now, but it's clearly not a priority for them.

I have always really enjoyed this place and thought it was consistently 'good' but I believe it has recently become 'great'. There's a new fermentation element to the food that really kicks it up more than a notch or two. The new flavors and cooking methods have taken a basic hummus platter and turned it into something phenomenal, memorable and unique. I can't wait to return and try more dishes!

I would also say I really appreciate the fun events and little extra things this place offers customers. For example, I recently attended a natural wine event with a friend from out of town and it truly was a wonderful experience. The wine program here is great and it was amazing to have the opportunity to learn more about wines and ask all the questions...

I would give zero stars if I could.

I found this restaurant online and thought it would be a great fit based on how it is marketed: a gluten-free kitchen with locally sourced, globally inspired food and Ayurvedic influence. As a Functional Nutritionist and Holistic Health Practitioner who lives, breathes, and teaches food as medicine, including Ayurvedic medicine, I was hopeful. Unfortunately, the experience was profoundly disappointing.

The server told us the food is not all organic, though they emphasize being locally sourced. Locally sourced and not organic does not work for my body. The starter was house-pickled ginger to “cleanse your palate,” and every dish was paired with wine, which is completely out of line with Ayurvedic principles.

While the server did check which options were sugar-free, the menu and approach did not align with my values or needs. They recommended the sampler menu, but I chose to leave based on my knowledge and experience. I trust my body and what it needs.

Out of respect, we informed the server we were leaving. She kindly asked for feedback on what could have been done differently for us to want to dine there. She then brought over a man who appeared to be the owner or possible manager and asked him to listen. Rather than hearing me out, he became defensive, insisting their ingredients were as close to organic as I would find in San Antonio, yet admitted he was not sure if their Wagyu was grass-fed for life, as he only knows what he is told. For the record, he must not be aware of Sweet Yams and their organic food. I did not ask to be convinced as I had already made an informed decision to leave. His refusal to listen was unprofessional and unnecessary.

As someone who understands both the science and tradition of food as medicine, I can see through the marketing. Ayurveda emphasizes balance, digestion, and supporting ojas. It does not pair meals with wine, which is considered disruptive to digestive health. That alone was enough to know this place is more about image than integrity.

I cannot, in good conscience, recommend dining here. The experience left me deeply disappointed and sad for those who fall for...