Must-see restaurants in Central New Mexico

  • Taos Cow

    Central New Mexico

    During research this beloved ice cream shop and cafe had closed and was selling scoops from a kiosk while finalizing new digs in Arroyo Seco. The longtime…

  • Lambert's

    Taos

    Consistently hailed as the 'Best of Taos,' this charming old adobe north of the Plaza remains what it’s always been: a cozy, romantic local hangout where…

  • El Parasol

    Santa Fe Region

    This unassuming trailer in Española is still regarded as the best of the six El Parasols scattered across Central New Mexico. Order at least two chicken…

  • Cafe Pasqual's

    Santa Fe

    Whatever time you visit this exuberantly colorful, utterly unpretentious place, the food, most of which has a definite south-of-the-border flavor, is…

  • Pop Fizz

    Albuquerque

    These all-natural paletas (popsicles) straight-up rock: cool off with flavors such as cucumber chile lime, mango or pineapple habanero – or perhaps you'd…

  • Golden Crown Panaderia

    Albuquerque

    Who doesn’t love a friendly neighborhood cafe-bakery? Especially one in a cozy old adobe, with gracious staff, oven-fresh bread and pizza (with green…

  • La Choza

    Santa Fe

    Blue-corn burritos, a festive interior and an extensive margarita list make La Choza a perennial (and colorful) favorite among Santa Fe's discerning…

  • Jambo Cafe

    Santa Fe

    Hidden within a shopping center, this African-flavored cafe is hard to spot from the road; once inside, though, it’s a lovely spot, always busy with…

  • La Plazuela

    Santa Fe

    One of Santa Fe’s greatest pleasures is a meal in the Fonda’s irresistible see-and-be-seen central atrium, with its excited bustle, colorful decor and…

  • Artichoke Cafe

    Albuquerque

    Elegant and unpretentious, this popular bistro prepares creative gourmet cuisine with panache and is always high on foodies’ lists of Albuquerque’s best…

  • El Nido

    Santa Fe

    Helmed by chef Enrique Guerrero, the culinary action at this beautiful old steakhouse revolves around the open flame, with a wood-burning grill,…

  • Coda Bakery

    Albuquerque

    If you're driving east toward the Sandia Mountains and looking for easy picnic fare, swing south from Central Ave for tasty banh mi sandwiches and…

  • Rancho de Chimayó

    Santa Fe Region

    Half a mile north of the Santuario, this bright, spacious garden-set restaurant serves classic New Mexican cuisine, courtesy of the Jaramillo family's…

  • Love Apple

    Taos

    A real 'only in New Mexico' find, from the rustic-sacred setting in the converted 19th-century adobe Placitas Chapel, to the delicious, locally sourced…

  • Clafoutis

    Santa Fe

    As Oscar Wilde once quipped, the only way to get rid of temptation is to give in, and that sums up the approach you should take at this super bon French…

  • Level 5

    Albuquerque

    Whoa, that view. A breathtaking panorama of Albuquerque, flanked by the Sandia Mountains, accompanies your meal, whether dining inside or out at this…

  • Mikuna Grill

    Central New Mexico

    For a fine meal inspired by beloved multigenerational menus from Peru, tuck into this bustling new restaurant in the heart of Angel Fire. Especially nice…

  • Taos Diner

    Taos

    Diner grub at its finest, prepared with a Southwestern, organic spin. Mountain men, scruffy jocks, solo diners and happy tourists – everyone's welcome…

  • Harry's Roadhouse

    Santa Fe

    This casual longtime favorite on the southern edge of town feels like a rambling cottage with its various rooms and patio garden – and there’s also a full…

  • Flying Star neon cafe sign on Route 66, Central Avenue in Downtown Albuquerque.

    Flying Star Cafe

    Albuquerque

    For visitors, the Nob Hill location of this deservedly popular local chain is the most convenient of outlets throughout Albuquerque and beyond. Locals…

  • El Paisa Taqueria

    Albuquerque

    Wedged in among the chicharronerias and tortillerias across the Rio Grande, unassuming El Paisa will require a bit of deciphering if your taqueria vocab…

  • Tesuque Village Market

    Santa Fe

    Hole-in-the-wall turned country-hip, this is a weekend hot spot for folks heading to or from Tesuque Flea Market. If you’re hungry and in a hurry, grab a…

  • Tia Sophia's

    Santa Fe

    Local artists and visiting celebrities outnumber tourists at this long-standing and always packed Santa Fe favorite. Breakfast is the meal of choice, with…

  • La Paloma

    Santa Fe

    This exposed-brick newcomer is where you come in your fancy clothes to eat the fancy tacos. You know, the ones with hand-pressed tortillas, pepper-almond…

  • La Cueva Cafe

    Taos

    This little Mexican cafe on downtown’s southeastern edge has rapidly established itself as a local classic. Satisfaction is guaranteed, whether you drop…

  • La Casa Sena

    Santa Fe

    Several downtown restaurants have outdoor seating but this is the prettiest, in the flower-filled garden of an old adobe that also has a snug interior…

  • Joseph’s Culinary Pub

    Santa Fe

    This romantic old adobe, open for dinner only, is best seen as a fine-dining restaurant rather than a pub. Order from the shorter, cheaper bar menu if you…

  • Cowgirl BBQ

    Santa Fe

    With its juicy barbecue, awesome margaritas, outside patio, billiard room and live music – and its exuberant celebration of the women who made the West –…

  • Doc Martin's

    Taos

    Hang out where Bert Phillips (the original Doc Martin's bro-in-law) and Ernest Blumenschein cooked up the idea of the Taos Society of Artists. Sit by the…

  • Dr Field Goods

    Santa Fe

    This locavore deli is a top pick for a casual bite out on Cerrillos Rd. Diners can choose between free-range buffalo enchiladas, goat tortas with honey…

  • Horseman's Haven

    Santa Fe

    Let's talk about the green chile. We were warned it was hot, and we like hot, but whoo, that fiery elixir darn near ripped apart our stomach lining, not…

  • 192 at the Blake

    Central New Mexico

    Nibble on a shared plate of calamari and parsley aioli during après-ski or order up a manzo flatbread (carne asada, blue cheese, arugula and caramelized…

  • Michael's Kitchen

    Taos

    Locals and tourists alike converge on this old favorite because the menu is long, the food's reliably good, it's an easy place for kids, and the in-house…

  • San Marcos Cafe

    Central New Mexico

    Down-home, country-style cafe that's 7.5 miles north of Cerrillos and 17 miles south of Santa Fe on Hwy 14. Aside from some excellent red chile and…

  • Pueblo Harvest Cafe

    Albuquerque

    A rare chance to sample the real local cuisine, with dishes such as blue-corn porridge for breakfast, Tewa tacos for lunch – the Pueblo take on Indian fry…

  • La Boca

    Santa Fe

    A casual offshoot of the all-but-identical La Boca restaurant in the courtyard off Lincoln Ave, this relaxed central tapas bar offers a changing but…

  • Bavarian

    Central New Mexico

    The best dining on the mountain (at the bottom of Lift 4), you can fuel up here on hearty Spätzle (noodles), Wiener Schnitzel, scrumptious Apfelstrudel…

  • Trading Post Cafe

    Taos

    This longtime favorite strikes a perfect balance of relaxed and refined. Everything on the largely Italian menu, from pasta specials to rosemary chicken,…

  • Ruby K's Bagel Cafe

    Santa Fe Region

    Like bagel places across the universe, service can be maddening if you're in a hurry, but Ruby's is the place for a sandwich – available on a bagel,…

  • Slate Street Cafe & Wine Loft

    Albuquerque

    A popular downtown rendezvous, the cafe downstairs is usually packed with people enjoying imaginative comfort food, from green chile mac-and-cheese to…

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