Must-see restaurants in New Mexico

  • Latitude 33

    New Mexico

    Relaxed, friendly bistro, tucked away downtown between the two main drags, which serves Asian-inspired dishes at good prices. Think spicy peanut noodles…

  • 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…

  • High Country Restaurant & Saloon

    New Mexico

    The round-the-clock throng of diners tells you this Wild West restaurant, at the Y-junction south of town, is something out of the ordinary. Whether you…

  • 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,…

  • 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…

  • Jerry's Cafe

    New Mexico

    Slide into a booth at this busy old-timer for a generous serving of Gallup atmosphere. Keep it simple with a bowl of green or red chile, or, if you haven…

  • 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…

  • Traveler's Cafe

    New Mexico

    With no sign of its presence outside, this plaza coffee-and-sandwich shop is not easy to spot. Once inside, though, it’s enormous, housed in a weaving…

  • 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'…

  • Chope's Bar & Cafe

    New Mexico

    Worth every second of the 15-mile drive south of town, Chope's may not be much to look at, but the hot chile will turn you into an addict within minutes…

  • Sparky's Burgers

    New Mexico

    Drop by for what might be the best green chile cheeseburger in the state, served with casual pride. Lots of locals actually order the BBQ – after you…

  • 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…

  • Purple Onion

    New Mexico

    One of the few inhabitants of the virtual ghost town of Mogollon, the Purple Onion claims to serve the best burger in New Mexico. We’re not sure if it’s…

  • Wonderful House

    New Mexico

    The dynamic young staff here, on the main highway next to the Step Back Inn, work hard to live up to its far-from-bashful name, serving quick-fire…

  • Teresa's Tamales

    New Mexico

    A tiny cinder-block building with a wood stove and votive candles in the corner. Come to this community hub for some of the best tamales ($2 to $4) in the…

  • Pie-O-Neer Café

    New Mexico

    Step up to the pie bar to peruse the many different slices on offer. Trust us, it will be very hard to make up your mind. If you're particular, call ahead…

  • 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,…

  • Del's Restaurant

    New Mexico

    Serves hearty American and Mexican dishes for lunch and dinner; a salad-bar trip is included with American entrees, and chips and salsa with the Mexican…

  • Passion Pie Cafe

    New Mexico

    Watch T or C get its morning groove on through the windows of this espresso cafe, and set yourself up with a breakfast waffle; the Elvis (with peanut…

  • 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…

  • Ancient Way Café

    New Mexico

    The cozy Ancient Way Café makes for an excellent pit stop along Hwy 53, serving tasty home-cooked American, New Mexican and veggie specialties in simple…

  • La Nueva Casita

    New Mexico

    Bordering the historic El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro in the Mesquite Historic District, this cozy and beloved Mexican restaurant serves made-from…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Joseph's Bar & Grill

    New Mexico

    Route 66 nostalgia lines the walls of this popular place, family-run since 1956. The bountiful Mexican and American menu ranges from Santa Fe enchiladas…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Genaro's Cafe

    New Mexico

    Smart New Mexican restaurant, three blocks from Route 66, serving a good range of dishes alongside bowls of posole and chile. If you like it hot, you'll…

  • 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,…

  • Spirit Winds Coffee Bar

    New Mexico

    Join the university crowd for excellent cappuccinos and gourmet tea, plus good sandwiches, salads, soups and pastries. A gift and card shop and occasional…

  • 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…

  • Hillsboro General Store Café

    New Mexico

    Housed in Hillsboro's historic general store, this place is a surprise of the best kind. The New Mexican plates feature local chile, free-range locally…

  • 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…