Must-see restaurants in Central New Mexico

  • Compound

    Santa Fe

    A longtime foodie favorite, featuring the contemporary American creations of much-lauded chef and owner Mark Kiffin. Ingredients are always fresh, and…

  • Annapurna's World Vegetarian Cafe

    Albuquerque

    This awesome vegetarian and vegan cafe, one block south of Route 66 and part of a small local chain, serves fresh, tasty Indian specialties, including…

  • Tune-Up Cafe

    Santa Fe

    Casual neighborhood hangout, west of the Railyard, where the chef, from El Salvador, adds his own twists to classic New Mexican and American brunch…

  • El Gamal

    Taos

    Vegetarians rejoice – at this casual Middle Eastern place, there's no meat anywhere. Even if the falafel doesn’t quite achieve the stated aim to promote…

  • Green Jeans Farmery

    Albuquerque

    Built from converted shipping containers, this hip community hangout features a number of great casual eateries as well as a distillery and the jumpin'…

  • Gutiz

    Taos

    This yummy New Mexican–French–Cajun hybrid makes most everything from scratch, using organic seasonal produce. Breakfast, served until closing, is the…

  • State Capital Kitchen

    Santa Fe

    Small plates and seasonal cuisine make this gourmet destination something of an anomaly in Santa Fe. You won't find much chile on the menu – instead…

  • Sugar's BBQ

    Santa Fe Region

    On the east side of the highway a short way south of Classical Gas, this tin-clad trailer has, thanks to its sublimely juicy barbecue, been hailed one of…

  • Burger Stand at Taos Ale House

    Taos

    Much like the Santa Fe branch, this hip burger joint is a popular pick for an easy, decent meal – think burgers with applewood-smoked bacon, and Gouda,…

  • Frontier

    Albuquerque

    This giant cantina that sprawls across several rooms has to be seen to be believed: get in line for enormous buttery cinnamon rolls, smothered enchiladas…

  • Slate at the Museum

    Albuquerque

    Looking for a quick bite in the Old Town? Stop by the Albuquerque Museum for salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups and cupcakes from the much-loved downtown…

  • Il Piatto

    Santa Fe

    This classy but welcoming Italian place, on one of the sleepier blocks north of the Plaza, is a good spot for a romantic dinner. The light, zestful…

  • Hollar Restaurant

    Central New Mexico

    Fried green tomatoes, grits, biscuits and fried chicken, plus all the usual chile-based staples – no wonder this place is so popular. Throw a great…

  • Guava Tree Cafe

    Albuquerque

    Salsa music and Celia Cruz posters give this outpost of Colombian cuisine a healthy shot of pastel-colored soul. Feast on arepas (stuffed corn pockets…

  • Seasons Rotisserie & Grill

    Albuquerque

    With bright-yellow walls, high ceilings, fresh flowers and a creative menu, this contemporary restaurant provides welcome relief from the usual Old Town…

  • Sugar Nymphs Bistro

    Santa Fe Region

    Alongside the Peñasco Theatre and part of the same operation, this homespun little bistro serves gourmet comfort food using local produce, including a…

  • Orlando's

    Taos

    Renowned for serving what’s hands-down the best New Mexican food in Taos – be sure to try the blue-corn chicken enchiladas – this inconspicuous little…

  • Geronimo

    Santa Fe

    Housed in a 1756 adobe, Geronimo is among the finest and most romantic restaurants in town. Highlights on the short but diverse menu include honey-grilled…

  • Il Vicino Pizzeria

    Albuquerque

    Line up at the counter to order simple Italian meals such as wood-fired pizza, salads and pasta, but don’t forget the real star attraction – spectacular,…

  • Rooftop Pizzeria

    Santa Fe

    Up on the 3rd floor of the Santa Fe Arcade, the namesake terrace isn't the only attraction at this gourmet pizzeria – think blue-corn crusts that are thin…

  • Blue Window Bistro

    Santa Fe Region

    On the north side of the shopping center, this brightly colored cafe is Los Alamos' best dining option. It offers lunchtime shrimp tacos and burgers, and…

  • Los Potrillos

    Santa Fe

    This upbeat Mexican restaurant with a hefty menu is another local favorite – choose between shrimp fajitas, chiles en nogada (stuffed with beef, pecans…

  • Burger Stand at Burro Alley

    Santa Fe

    This hip burger joint and brewery is good for an easy meal in the Old Town – think cheeseburgers with habanero jam, fish and chips with Hatch green chile…

  • Grove Cafe & Market

    Albuquerque

    Much more cafe than market, this light, bright EDo (east downtown) bistro is renowned for healthy, all-day organic breakfasts, and does a brisk trade in…

  • Loyola's Family Restaurant

    Albuquerque

    Pure Route 66 style, baby. Set a quarter-mile east of Nob Hill, Loyola’s has been serving no-frills New Mexican staples, including some of the best chile…

  • Shotgun Willie's

    Central New Mexico

    Locals love this tiny place, serving the ultimate hangover sop-up, artery-clogging breakfast specials of fried eggs, meats and potatoes. The true house…

  • Milad Persian Bistro

    Santa Fe

    The delicately seasoned kabobs and bountiful salads are made for lingering at this pleasant bistro on Canyon Rd. The cozy patio is particularly well…

  • Antiquity

    Albuquerque

    With just 14 tables in an atmosphere of rustic elegance, Antiquity specializes in steak, seafood and fine wine. The desserts list isn't long, but it doesn…

  • Zuly's Cafe

    Santa Fe Region

    This superfriendly place, run by Dixon native Chalako Chilton, serves some of the best green chile you'll find anywhere, plus espresso coffees. Burgers,…

  • Mesa Vista Cafe

    Santa Fe Region

    Simple diner on the highway near the resort, serving New Mexican favorites with several veggie options as well as a recommended red chile cheeseburger and…

  • Elements

    Central New Mexico

    This elegant, opulent mountain-view restaurant is very much Angel Fire’s fine-dining option, serving hearty alpine food such as organic elk loin and…

  • Artesian Restaurant

    Santa Fe Region

    The smart but relaxed dining room at the resort is open for all meals, and prepares organic and local ingredients with aplomb. The wine bar here opens at…

  • Hwy 4 Coffee

    Santa Fe Region

    Locals rave about this little spot that specializes in sandwiches, pizzas and pastries. Breakfast choices include oatmeal and breakfast burritos. And…

  • Asian Pear

    Albuquerque

    A delectable no-frills Korean canteen, with housemade BBQ chicken and Korean beef rice bowls, as well as bento meals, sides and soups.

  • Los Ojos Restaurant & Saloon

    Santa Fe Region

    An atmospheric saloon with a surprising variety of vegetarian burritos and chile considering the number of animal heads on the walls.

  • Wildcat's Den

    Central New Mexico

    Burger joint that also serves Mexican-style fast food, featuring its renowned homemade salsa.

  • Tiwa Kitchen

    Central New Mexico

    Pueblo residents and visitors alike flock to one of the few places in the state where you can sit down to a plate of Native American treats such as phien…

  • Bode's General Store

    Santa Fe Region

    Located at the base of Abiquiú along the highway, Bode's (pronounced boh-dees) has been here for 100 years – ever since 1919 to be precise. This is the…

  • Sirphey in the Canyon

    Santa Fe Region

    Open since 2018, this small eatery sells burgers, sandwiches and burritos a few steps from the visitor center. Also has vegetarian options. According to…

  • Taos Pizza Out Back

    Taos

    Pizza dreams come true with every possible ingredient under the sun at Taos' top pie palace; for example, the recommended Vera Cruz has chicken breast and…

More destinations you need to see