Must-see restaurants in 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…

  • Revel

    New Mexico

    Revel was so tasty that we came back again for more. Ingredients for the hearty fare served in these rustically chic digs are sourced from local farms …

  • 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…

  • Buckhorn Saloon

    New Mexico

    Once part opera house, this venerable saloon is Silver City's most atmospheric dining option, offering serious steaks and seafood amid 1860s Wild West…

  • 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…

  • Cornerstone Bakery

    Southeastern New Mexico

    Totally irresistible, hugely popular local bakery and cafe, where everything, from the breads, pastries and espresso to the omelets and croissant…

  • 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…

  • Adobe Rose

    Southeastern New Mexico

    The lively patio is the place to be on a Friday night. Add in a margarita and the green chile chicken enchiladas and you're looking at a perfect evening…

  • Luna Rossa Winery & Pizzeria

    New Mexico

    Burned out on green and red chile? It happens. For a tasty alternative, settle in on the patio at Luna Rossi for decadent pizzas and a host of Italian…

  • Chala's Wood-Fired Grill

    New Mexico

    With house-smoked carnitas and turkey, housemade bacon and chile-pork sausage, plus calabacitas (squash and corn), quinoa salad and organic greens, 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…

  • Blue House Bakery & Cafe

    Southeastern New Mexico

    Its baked goods are pretty darn good, as are the breakfast sandwiches at this busy spot. Cheery and family-owned, it also offers an outdoor patio and…

  • 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…

  • Three Rivers Eatery & Brewhouse

    New Mexico

    Both trendy and kid-friendly, this hip spot spreads through three different buildings along one block, serving pub grub, pizzas and its own microbrews and…

  • 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…

  • Rebecca's

    Southeastern New Mexico

    Inside the Lodge Resort, Rebecca's is the classiest choice in Cloudcroft, with rich, meaty dishes such as Parmesan-crusted rack of lamb to match the…

  • 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…

  • Owl Bar Cafe

    New Mexico

    Leave I-25 at exit 139, 10 miles south of Socorro, to sample the finest green chile cheeseburgers this side of Hatch. The potent mix of greasy beef, soft…

  • 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…

  • Trinity Restaurant & Wine Bar

    Southeastern New Mexico

    This elegant split-level dining room – the ceiling is so high there’s room for a mezzanine floor – offers Carlsbad’s finest dining, with a menu of steaks,…

  • Charlie's Spic & Span Bakery & Cafe

    New Mexico

    This Las Vegas institution has listened to the town's gossip for more than 50 years, and is still the place to hang out and catch up over a cup of coffee …

  • 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…

  • ¡Andele!

    New Mexico

    Everyone raves about the salad bar, and with good reason. Follow up the homemade chips with tacos el castor or smothered enchiladas, or just dig in to a…