20 Best Restaurants in New Mexico

Photo by Maddy Baker from Unsplash

New Mexico is a state in the United States. The fifth-largest state in the United States is home to charming cities with interesting attractions.

From breathtaking nature, historical sites, to interesting museums, New Mexico is a state that offers many things to explore.

In addition, New Mexico is also rich with cultural heritage from the Native American, Spanish colony, and Mexican colony, and it also includes marvelous cuisine.

If you’re curious about the cuisine the state has to offers, you should check out these 20 best restaurants in New Mexico that are located in several biggest cities in the state.

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1. JAMBO CAFé

If you’re visiting Santa Fe and looking for a great place for dining, then Jambo Café is a great option to check out. You can find Jambo Café in College Plaza Shopping Center, approximately at 2010 Cerrillos Road, and it’s open from 11.00 a.m. until 09.00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.

Jambo Café is an award-winning restaurant in Santa Fe. The restaurant specializes in African-Caribbean fusion dishes, such as Banana Leaf Wrapped Island Spice Mahi-Mahi, Caribbean Spiced Slow Cooked Ox Tail, North African Spiced Lamb Burger, and many other amazing dishes.

Jambo Cafe

A restaurant known for its truly authentic African home cooking.

There is jerk chicken, goat soup, wraps & pies.

The waiters are patient and the food is excellent.

Address : 2010 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505, USA

2. CLAFOUTIS

If you’re looking for a great eating spot that serves hearty homemade dishes in Santa Fe, then look no further than Clafoutis that is at 333 West Cordova Road. You can visit this restaurant from Monday to Saturday from 07.00 a.m. to 03.00 p.m.

At Clafoutis, you will be served choices of mouthwatering dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some of the dishes that you will find here include omelets, quiches, sandwiches, and bruschetta. Clafoutis also offers fresh homemade baked goods perfect to enjoy with a cup of coffee.

Clafoutis

Authentic French pastry delights, bread and full meals in a cozy cafe setting.

Food is quite delicious with options for yummy coffee and pastries.

Ambiance is country chic, with all servers wearing suspenders and bow ties.

Definitely worth a stop or a special trip.

Address : 333 W Cordova Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507, USA

3. THE PANTRY

The Pantry is a great restaurant for casual dining. The restaurant that has been in business since 1948 is located at 1820 Cerrillos Road. The Pantry opens its door for the customers seven days a week from 07.00 a.m. until 08.00 p.m.

Here, you can enjoy classic regional dishes, ranging from traditional meals, sandwiches, New Mexican traditions, and char-grilled burgers. The Pantry also has a Comfort Foods menu that you can’t miss, the menu consists of Chicken Fried Steak, Santa Fe Beef Brisket, Chicken Breast Dinner, and other tasty dishes.

The Pantry

The lively and robust restaurant offers a variety of delicious dishes and friendly service.

This restaurant serves a variety of classic regional dishes.

Even has a menu for a delicious hearty breakfast with biscuits & gravy.

Address : 1820 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505, USA

4. LA CHOZA RESTAURANT

Enjoy some mouthwatering Mexican dishes at La Choza Restaurant that you can find at 905 Alarid Street. This restaurant is available for dining from Monday to Thursday from 11.30 a.m. to 02.30 p.m. and reopens from 04.30 p.m. to 08.30 p.m. Meanwhile, on Friday and Saturday, this restaurant is open from 11.30 a.m. to 02.30 p.m. and reopens from 04.30 p.m. to 09.00 p.m.

La Choza Restaurant is a casual restaurant that features vibrant decorations. They offer many kinds of Mexican dishes, including burritos, tostadas, quesadillas, enchiladas, and tacos. They also offer vegetarian options that taste just as amazing.

La Choza Restaurant

La Choza Restaurant is a great place to try Mexican dishes.

It is being favorite among visitors because the restaurant has wide variety of items on their menus.

Casual and reasonable price.

The chicken enchiladas are the best.

Address : 905 Alarid St, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States

5. LA NUEVA CASITA CAFé

Las Cruces is a city full of historical sites and interesting attractions. Here, you can also find many great restaurants that serve various amazing dishes. And one place that you can’t miss is the La Nueva Casita Café located at 195 North Mesquite Street, Las Cruces.

This vibrant eating spot serves Mexican comfort dishes that are guaranteed to pamper your taste buds, such as Chile Relleno Plate, Tacos Estrellas, Flauta Bandera Plate, and Chimichanga Bandera. Don’t forget to also try their dessert to end your dining experience on a sweet note.

La Nueva Casita Café

An old restaurant serving Mexican dishes that the neighborhood is familiar with.

They have some really good chips and salsa at very reasonable prices.

Address : 195 N Mesquite St, Las Cruces, NM 88001, USA

6. A BITE OF BELGIUM

If you’re looking for a restaurant in Las Cruces that serves exceptional Belgian cuisine, then look no further than A Bite of Belgium that is located at 741 North Alameda Boulevard #16. A Bite of Belgium opens its door for the customers seven days a week from 07.00 a.m. to 02.00 p.m.

As the name suggests, A Bite of Belgium is a restaurant that specializes in Belgian dishes. At this restaurant, you can indulge yourself in tasty Liège waffles as well as burgers, sandwiches, soups, and salads. A Bite of Belgium also has an extensive list of drinks that you can pair with your meal.

A Bite Of Belgium

Restaurant with delicious Belgian dishes perfect for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

This restaurant has amazingly delicious Liège waffles, burgers & Belgian dishes.

Address : 741 N Alameda Blvd #16, Las Cruces, NM 88005, USA

7. SI SEñOR RESTAURANT

From seafood tacos, large plates, burgers, to homemade soups, Si Señor Restaurant has it all. This restaurant is located at 1551 East Amador Avenue, Las Cruces. Si Señor Restaurant is open from 11.00 a.m. to 08.30 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and from 11.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Si Señor Restaurant is a great spot for lunch and dinner, because not only the amazing food and atmosphere, this restaurant also has many options of drinks that you can pair with your food, including beer, wine, tequila, margaritas, cocktails, and many others.

Si Señor Restaurant

Casual chain of outlets serving New Mexican cuisine.

They also provide beer, wine & margaritas.

The restaurant is decorated with classic details, and the quality of the food and service is echoing.

Address : 1551 E Amador Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001, USA

8. LA POSTA DE MESILLA

Stop by La Posta De Mesilla and treat yourself to some delicious Mexican dishes in an 18th-century stagecoach station. You can visit this restaurant at 2410 Calle De San Albino, Mesilla, and it’s open from Wednesday to Monday for lunch and dinner.

The restaurant that has been operating for 80 years serves the best local farm-to-table Mexican cuisines in a historical building. In addition to the exceptional dishes, La Posta De Mesilla is also known for its creative margaritas and specialty tequilas which consist of 100 options.

La Posta De Mesilla

Mexican restaurant equipped with piranha tank & aviary.

They have a great selection of margaritas and tequilas to choose from.

They also have a cute little gift shop.

Address : 2410 Calle De San Albino, Mesilla, NM 88046, USA

9. FRONTIER RESTAURANT

Enjoy some hearty homestyle Southwestern fare at Frontier Restaurant that is located at 2400 Central Avenue SE, Albuquerque. Frontier Restaurant is open for dining seven days a week from 05.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m.

Frontier Restaurant has been providing the people of Albuquerque with delicious Southwestern foods for more than 40 years. The restaurant itself can accommodate more than 300 people in five dining rooms, which makes it a great place to hold a large event or if you just want to mingle with the locals.

Frontier Restaurant, Albuquerque

Down-to-earth counter-serve restaurant offering homestyle Southwestern fare since 1971.

Nestled in the heart of Albuquerque is a wonderful cafeteria style cafe.

Address : 2400 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA

10. PAPPADEAUX SEAFOOD KITCHEN

Come to Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and treat yourself to some of the most delicious seafood dishes in town. You can find this restaurant at 5011 Pan American Fwy NE, Albuquerque, and you can dine here from Sunday to Thursday from 11.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m. and from 11.00 a.m. until 10.00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

At Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, you can stuff yourself with hearty portions on New Orleans-style seafood, as well as other dishes including steaks, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and soups. If you’re unsure what to order, try one of the Chefs Selection menu items, including Atlantic Salmon Alexander, Crawfish Platter, and Rainbow Trout & Crab.

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Albuquerque

So Over Priced! The food is very good there (seafood gumbo!!!!) but so over priced that we just can't justify going back. The service was just average.

Father's Day, Superb Carry out! We placed an order on line for carry-out and received a confirmation text. We pulled into a curbside parking spot # which we replied in a text upon our arrival Received a text a friendly server...

So Glad to be Back! Today was our first dine-in restaurant in almost 3 months and first time back to our favorite place since Valentine's. We had a great experience! Everyone so friendly and helpful and glad to be back serving...

Address : 5011 Pan American West Fwy NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109-2239

11. MONROE'S RESTAURANT

Another great restaurant that you might interest in visiting while in Albuquerque is Monroe’s Restaurant. You can visit this restaurant at 6051 Osuna Rd NE, Albuquerque. And it’s open from Monday to Saturday from 11.00 a.m. to 08.00 p.m. and from 09.00 a.m. to 08.00 p.m. on Sunday.

Monroe’s Restaurant is a Mexican eatery that has been established in 1962. At this spacious restaurant, you will be served with many options of Mexican fares to delight your palates, such as fajita, enchilada, taco, and quesadilla. Also, don’t miss out on the famous chile and make your dining experience even more complete.

Monroe's Restaurant, Albuquerque

Nice patio and good service, but..... To begin, the chips were not crispy; salsa ok. I have a feeling I ordered the wrong item by choosing the fish enchilada plate. I often order shrimp enchiladas in two different authentic...

Great food! This was our first visit to Monroe’s and it did not disappoint! Excellent food and service throughout our visit. The stuffed sopa and tamales where very good. Plus if it is of interest to you, they have a healthier...

First visit My husband had heard about Monroe's and when we were figuring out where to go for dinner, we decided to try it out. I ordered a beef and bean burrito and my husband ordered the beef and bean chimichanga, both of which...

Address : 6051 Osuna Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109

12. VERNON'S SPEAKEASY

Treat yourself to a fancy steak dinner at Vernon’s Speakeasy. You can find Vernon’s Speakeasy in The Village Shops at Los Ranchos, approximately at 6855 4th St NW and it’s open from Wednesday to Sunday from 04.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.

Vernon’s Speakeasy is a romantic underground restaurant with a vintage speakeasy vibe that offers a unique dining experience. Before you enter this restaurant, you must know the password first. And once you entered, you will be served steaks and seafood dishes in a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Vernon's Speakeasy

Good food, fun atmosphere, questionable service. We really liked our meals; the food and drinks were very good. We were seated and then offered to move to a table in the area near the piano. This was fine for us, but it did take a...

Great food average service.... This makes my second visit to Vernon‘s speakeasy. The first time was spectacular. This time well but for the amount of the food they charge I expected service to be top notch. The waiter was...

Another pleasing experience My daughter took me to Vernon's ... again ... for my birthday. Always an amazing experience. Highly recommended. The filet was prepared to my exact order and melt-in-your-mouth good. Service is...

Address : 6855 4th St NW Ste A, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM 87107-6167

13. CATTLE BARON

If you happen to visit to Roswell and looking for a great place that serves steak, then look no further than Cattle Baron that is located at 1113 North Main Street, Roswell. Cattle Baron is open every day of the week from lunchtime until dinnertime.

Once you entered Cattle Baron, you will be welcomed in an Old West-themed space with a warm atmosphere. Numerous delicious items from the menu are available to delight your appetites, from prime rib, chicken, to seafood dishes.

Cattle Baron, Roswell

A wonderful salad bar and decent steaks.

They have good lunch specials.

Address : 1113 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88201, USA

14. LOS CERRITOS MEXICAN KITCHEN

Another place that you can check out to grab some delicious bites is Roswell Los Cerritos Mexican Kitchen. You can visit this restaurant that is located at 2103 North Main Street, Roswell and it’s open from Tuesday to Sunday from 07.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m.

Los Cerritos Mexican Kitchen is a casual eatery that serves tasty Mexican dishes. Some of the foods that you will find here include tacos, burritos, burgers, and seafood. They also offer beer and wine to complement your meal.

Los Cerritos Mexican Kitchen

Los Cerritos Mexican Kitchen is another great place to have a delicious meal. The restaurant specializes in traditional home style Mexican cusines that are made from scratch.

Address : 2103 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88201, United States

15. PEPPERS GRILL & BAR

If you’re looking for a great family-friendly restaurant in Roswell, then Peppers Grill & Bar a great option for you. This restaurant is located at 500 North Main Street and it’s open from Monday to Saturday from 11.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m.

Peppers Grill & Bar is a bar & grill that serves Southwestern cuisines, ranging from hand-cut aged steaks, burgers, chicken, and Mexican dishes. While you’re here, make sure to try the famous baby back ribs. Peppers Grill & Bar also provides gluten-free options to cater to your special diet.

Peppers Grill & Bar

Taste Southwestern and traditional Mexican cuisines at Peppers Grill & Bar. Foods like steaks, baby back ribs, and salads can be ordered here. Make sure to order their burger and margarita which are known to be the best in Roswell.

Address : 500 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88201, United States

16. PORTOFINO

Come to Portofino to enjoy Italian cuisine in a casual setting. You can find this restaurant at 1203 West 2nd Street, Roswell, and it’s open from 11.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and from 11.00 a.m. to 04.00 p.m. on Sunday.

At Portofino, you will be able to enjoy various tasty Italian dishes to satisfy your hunger. Some of the dishes that you can find here are pizza, pasta, burgers, salads, and many others that will guarantee to make you want to visit this place again in the future.

Portofino, Roswell

Laid-back eatery supplying pizza, pasta & other familiar Italian & Italian-American standards.

Local's favorite places for excellent Italian dishes in Roswell.

Address : 1203 W 2nd St, Roswell, NM 88201, USA

17. JOE'S PASTA HOUSE

Rio Rancho is a city in New Mexico that has many great restaurants that is worth exploring. While you’re in Rio Rancho, make sure to check out Joe's Pasta House. You can find this restaurant in Country Club Center, approximately at 3201 Southern Blvd SE and it’s open from Monday to Saturday from 11.00 a.m. to 08.00 p.m.

Joe’s Pasta House is a restaurant that serves traditional Italian American cuisine. The dishes served here are made from high-quality ingredients that result in the exceptional taste of the dish. If you’re coming with your partner, don’t hesitate to order the special menu which consists of Dinner for 2.

Joe's Pasta House

Excellent Italian I have been a regular at Joe's for a very long time. I have always left feeling really good about my experience. I have brought both friends and family repeatedly for a great meal and have never had a bad...

Great food and service for our first post-covid sit down meal and anniversary dinner! Service was great, food was wonderful and as a bonus, we were both provided a delicious cannoli to celebrate our anniversary. Don't hesitate...

Birthday Take Out To Die For Because of the virus, we were able to get ( pick up) four separate meals !birthday pasta from Joe’s pasta House selection of delicious food which we ate and enjoyed for two days or three it was very...

Address : 3201 Southern Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124-2070

18. HOT TAMALES NEW MEXICAN KITCHEN

Enjoy numerous yummy Mexican eats at Hot Tamales New Mexican Kitchen that is located at 1520 Rio Rancho Blvd SE. Hot Tamales New Mexican Kitchen can be visited from Monday to Sunday.

As the name suggests, Hot Tamales New Mexican Kitchen is a place where you can fill your tummy with yummy tamales. In addition to tamales, Hot Tamales New Mexican Kitchen also offers other Mexican foods, including tacos, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, bowls, and many others.

Hot Tamales New Mexican Kitchen

Family-friendly restaurant offering tamales, fajitas & other Mexican eats, plus weekend breakfast.

Come by if you want to try real New Mexico food.

Address : 1520 Rio Rancho Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124, USA

19. M'TUCCI'S MODERNO ITALIAN RESTAURANT

M'tucci's Moderno Italian Restaurant is an Italian restaurant that is located at 1908 Wellspring Ave SE, Rio Rancho. This restaurant is currently open from Monday to Sunday and is available for lunch and dinner.

At M'tucci's Moderno Italian Restaurant, you will be taken on an amazing journey from the land to the sea through their exceptional dishes. Some of the dishes that you will be able to enjoy at this restaurant include Italian “Buffalo” Shrimp, Crab & Spinach Fonduta, Harris Ranch Hanger Steak, and Pork Chop Ripieno.

M'tucci's Moderno Italian Restaurant

This is a great restaurant to try, especially for the first time.

Offering upscale experience with a reasonable price tag.

Address : 1908 Wellspring Ave SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124, USA

20. WECK'S

Weck’s is another great spot in Rio Rancho to grab a bite. This restaurant is located in Hilltop Plaza, approximately at 1620 Rio Rancho Blvd SE and it’s available for dining seven days a week from 07.00 a.m. to 02.00 p.m.

Weck’s offers various hearty American breakfast and lunch fares in a laid-back setting with a retro vibe. Some of the dishes that you will be able to enjoy at this restaurant include papas, pancakes, waffles, eggs, burgers, sandwiches, and many other mouthwatering choices, including gluten-free options.

Weck's, Rio Rancho

Local chain serving hearty American breakfast & lunch fare in a casual setting with a retro vibe.

You will not leave hungry!

Address : 1620 Rio Rancho Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124, USA