Nestled in the heart of New Mexico, in the desert, surrounded by mountains, and just northwest of Texas is the sprawling city of Albuquerque. Founded in 1706 as a Spanish colony, it is the largest city in New Mexico and is best known for its combination of modern and historical offerings. One of Albuquerque’s cultural highlights is Old Town, which dates to the same colonial period and has preserved many historic buildings.
This historic area is filled with notable adobe buildings, museums, and plenty of shops selling traditional Native American gifts. Nearby, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center traces the culture and heritage of New Mexico’s tribes. With its rich and fascinating history, Albuquerque has something to offer travelers of all types.
The ambiance of Old Town Albuquerque and its art galleries, shops, and museums is as varied as the food scene. A great place to begin your exploration is on the Plaza, a Spanish-style common where you can shop, eat, and wander in the shade of cottonwood trees. From historic Old Town to cutting-edge galleries, you’ll find something that excites your senses. With vibrant, modern urban areas and historic landmarks and neighborhoods, Albuquerque is where you can experience the past while living in the present.
Albuquerque is filled with a unique blend of cultures, offering an atmosphere of diversity and warmth. With its Southwestern charm and scenic mountain backdrop, Albuquerque is filled with many activities. It is known for its Native American art, hot air balloons, and excellent cuisine.
Explore museums and world-class art galleries housed in historic buildings from the Spanish colonial era. Party down at Old Town Fiesta or celebrate the blossoming spring with Indian Market. Experience the contrast of cultures and architecture in Albuquerque, NM.
Recommended food tours: New Mexico Flavors Tour Of Old Town Albuquerque
Embark on an exciting Albuquerque Old Town Food Tour and discover the rich flavors of New Mexico cuisine. Stroll past iconic landmarks like San Felipe de Neri Church and Capilla de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe as you visit various eateries. Savor delicious food and alcoholic beverages while your knowledgeable guide shares captivating stories about the region’s history, culture, and culinary scene. Book now to secure your spot on this unforgettable experience and enjoy a stress-free start with an easy-to-find meeting location.
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The 15 Best Albuquerque Restaurants
Albuquerque is a city that loves to eat. Many of the city’s most-loved eateries take their inspiration from the rich and varied ethnic groups that have settled here. Taste the sweet and smoky New Mexico red and green chile, which is at its best while it’s fresh from the roaster in fall and winter. Learn about the chilies, sauces, and salsas. Sample New Mexico’s most famous ingredients at a local restaurant or attend an event celebrating its harvest season with Aztec dancing, mariachi music, and folkloric dancing.
Albuquerque is famous for its signature red and green chile dishes, but there’s no need to go spicy if your palate’s not up for it. Instead, you can find a veritable United Nations of cuisine in the city’s 900 eateries, from pizza and barbecue to Mediterranean and Chinese, and a vast market for vegetarian cooking. Food-wise, Albuquerque can surprise you because it has all the flavors you want!
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
5011 Pan American Fwy. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 // +15053450240
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is where you come with friends and family to catch up on the latest recipes and enjoy some of the freshest seafood offered. It’s a family-owned chain restaurant, and its recipes are passed from generation to generation. This is why it’s one of the best Albuquerque restaurants:
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen’s commitment to delivering quality products has earned them a reputation for culinary excellence, and it is evident in every aspect of the Pappas Dining Experience, from their service and cuisine to the stylish atmosphere of their restaurants.
The menu features a mouthwatering blend of seafood and favorites like catfish fillets, Louisiana gumbo, crawfish etouffee, filet mignon, fried oysters, etc. Pappas offers a diverse array of cuisines and traditions. Each Pappas location has its own unique personality.
Guests can enjoy better dining through the most talented kitchen chefs, eager service staff, and the best ingredients available. They were founded strong, and they’re even stronger today. They invite you to experience the taste, passion, and confidence that defines Pappas!
Bravo! Italian Kitchen
2220 Louisiana Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 // +15058881111
Bravo! Italian Kitchen serves delicious Italian cuisine in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Found on the outskirts of historic Old Town Albuquerque, NM, Bravo! Italian Restaurant is a Roman-ruin-themed eatery offering an array of delicious dishes made from the freshest ingredients. One of the best Albuquerque restaurants with Italian food.
Patrons can nosh on pasta, grilled steaks, and seafood or munch on one of Bravo! Italian’s signature pizzas fresh from the wood-burning oven at lunch and dinner. For those who like to enjoy an evening out with a cocktail or glass of wine, Bravo! offers an extensive wine list that pairs well with all menu items.
Bravo! Italian Kitchen is a neat and clean restaurant with an outstanding staff that provides excellent service. Bravo! Uptown offers a “rustic elegance” dining experience where you can relax and enjoy the company of friends and family. With delicious food, a fun atmosphere, and inviting staff, everyone will enjoy their time here. Good food and good times are on the menu, so bring your family and friends. They look forward to seeing you.
Seared Bistro
119 San Pasquale Ave. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 // +15059998414
Seared is one of the Albuquerque restaurants specifically for people who love traditional, juicy American food. However, Seared is more than just a place to eat in Albuquerque. If unique New Mexican cuisine is not your thing, Seared offers many kinds of seafood and red meat options. There are some vegetarian items as well. The wine list at Seared is one of the most diverse in the state. It’s a place for foodies and friends to gather for a friendly atmosphere with an award-winning wine selection.
Located in the heart of Albuquerque, at Seared Bistro, you’ll find a classic interior crafted from oak wood and a friendly staff ready to serve you as soon as you arrive. Enjoy fresh fish and delicious meats alongside their chef’s favorite daily pasta and vegetable specialties. Dishes such as Salmon Crudo, Soup Du Jour, House Salad, Veggie Burger, and House-cut loin are a must-try on their menu. In addition, they use fresh and organic produce as often as possible, bringing the freshest ingredients to your dining table.
Whether you stop in for appetizers after work or are hosting a business dinner, Seared offers an array of options that will satisfy everyone. They are proud to provide their customers in Albuquerque with a unique dining experience.
Golden Crown Panaderia
1103 Mountain Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 // +15052432424
The Golden Crown Panaderia has been an Old Town institution for over forty years. The old pictures of Albuquerque and the traditional New Mexico recipes add a sense of history to the bakery, making it feel like you’ve stepped back into the past as you bite into a delicious pan dulce – making this place one of the most unique Albuquerque restaurants. So bring your taste buds to life at Golden Crown Panaderia, a family-owned business serving the Albuquerque community since 1972.
As your neighborhood bakery, they bring you the diversity that no other bakery offers.
At Golden Crown Panaderia, you will find an assortment of bread and baked goods distinctly New Mexican. You can buy sandwiches and paninis with fresh bread. In addition, they offer gourmet coffees, beer on tap from several local breweries, wine, chocolate truffles, handmade cheesecake, pies, and pastries. The menu at Golden Crown Panaderia has all the old favorites, with a few surprises that were chosen to give you the best quality and flavor.
They use as many fresh ingredients as possible, and their recipes are either passed down through generations of local families or created by their own chefs. They bake only the finest New Mexican recipes and have excellent customer service, so you can always be satisfied with your eating experience. At Golden Crown Panaderia, they make sure that you have a good time.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
6600 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 // +15053967200
Fogo de Chão, literally “fire from the sky” in Portuguese, is a genuine Brazilian churrascaria—with more than 65 cuts of premium-grade meats served on the Rodizio table-side service, which continues to be prepared by the churrasqueiros using traditional ingredients and cooking techniques. It’s one of the most unique Albuquerque restaurants. Forged in fire, steeped in tradition, their story began in the mountains of Southern Brazil and continued with your support. With 29 restaurants open since 1997, Fogo de Chão is a pioneer in the grilling tradition of Brazil, called churrasco.
They use fresh local ingredients, their menu is extensive, and they offer plates such as Costela, Alcatra, Lombo, Frango, and much more. The Fifth Generation of Fogo de Chão is now reshaping an already celebrated brand. As the torch is passed to a new generation, extraordinary challenges and opportunities await them. Merging all concepts that work and some new ideas to bring to fruition the promise of getting them even closer to their original mission: “To feed and entertain with passion, innovation, and excellence.”
High Noon Restaurant and Saloon
425 San Felipe St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 // +15057651455
In the heart of Old Town Albuquerque, you will find High Noon Restaurant and Saloon. With a fun, friendly atmosphere, High Noon serves excellent food in a setting with New Mexican charm. Opened in 1974, High Noon Restaurant and Saloon is still owned and operated by the Villa family and is one of the most charming Albuquerque restaurants.
The restaurant offers New Mexican cuisine with high-quality ingredients, including certified Angus beef, fresh seafood, and wild game. They have an extensive menu with dishes such as Shrimp Enchiladas, Truffle fries, Green chile cheeseburger, San Felipe burrito, etc. It is nestled in one of the historical buildings dating back to 1785.
Your visit to Old Town Albuquerque will be more authentic if you have a cowboy’s lunch of freshly grilled steak and a cold Mexican beer. High Noon Restaurant and Saloon, with its New Mexican specialties and one of the largest beer selections in the state, is an ideal place for lunch or dinner, whether you are an adventure seeker, history buff, or food connoisseur, or just enjoy casual dining. Dining at High Noon is fantastic. It’s comfortable and relaxed, and they have the best margaritas!
Annie’s Soup Kitchen
3107 Eubank Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111 // +15052968601
Annie’s Soup Kitchen is a long-time favorite place among all Albuquerque restaurants. Its mission is to provide quality food that has been prepared fresh and served with care, along with exceptional customer service. They want you to feel comfortable and welcome from the moment you walk in the door. Established in 1973, Annie’s Soup Kitchen started with simple recipes of soups and sandwiches and is now evolving with some changes in their menu, but still keeping the authenticity in their plates.
Its menu is stocked with hearty traditional favorites passed down through the generations, and all items are made daily from fresh ingredients. Try out their huevos rancheros, quiche, blueberry pancakes, French onion soup, a variety of sandwiches and salads, etc. For over 40 years, they’ve been serving delicious, homemade food and giving Albuquerque a place to come together and make new friends.
Frontier Restaurant
2400 Central Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 // +15052660550
For more than 40 years, the Frontier Restaurant has accumulated accolades and awards as one of the best Albuquerque restaurants. There is a wide range of restaurants in Albuquerque to choose from. Many have great food, but few create a unique experience like the Frontier. Its funky and unassuming style delivers mouthwatering flavors with fast service. The Frontier Restaurant is an Albuquerque tradition for great food, friendly service, and quick turnover.
Step into the world-famous Frontier Restaurant and kick back in a comfortable booth or at the counter. The menu spans traditional breakfast favorites to burritos, burgers, New Mexican roadside fare, sandwiches, homemade bread, tortillas, and various sweets. It’ll be hard to leave without dessert, whether you’re there for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even just a sweet roll. All of the food is made fresh daily — and the coffee is always brewing. So if you are looking for some good Mexican food, then look no further than the Frontier.
Campo at Los Poblanos
4803 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, Los Ranchos De Albuquerque, NM 87107 // +15053381615
Enjoy genuine pueblo hospitality with every part of your stay at Los Poblanos—from their delicious farm-to-table cuisine in the beautiful dining room to your comfortable accommodations. The Rembe family has created an oasis in the heart of New Mexico’s Rio Grande River Valley and a venue known to be one of the most stunning properties in the Southwest. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or an intimate dining experience, it is hard to find a more beautiful place than Los Poblanos. Here are a few more reasons why it’s one of the best Albuquerque restaurants:
Los Poblanos provides a serene environment for conferences and events while providing a beautiful setting for weddings and special occasions. Here you will find plates to please every palate, including dishes such as chilaquiles, grilled farm vegetable sandwiches, croissants, field salad, seared duck breast, octopus tostadas, and more. With all this food combined with an extensive wine list and refreshments, your dining experience will be memorable.
Visit Los Poblanos and experience the true essence of this region’s history and culture. Escape to a place that is both timeless and inspiring. You will be in for a one-of-a-kind experience. Soak in the natural beauty of New Mexico while relaxing in luxury. Let the historic ambiance surround you as you sit on your private balcony overlooking the lavender fields or take in the unique architecture of John Gaw Meem’s design. It is a family-run establishment that strives to create an exceptional experience for its guests.
Saggio’s
107 Cornell Dr. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 // +15052555454
Saggio’s is a classic amongst the Albuquerque restaurants. It has been serving up delicious Italian food since it opened in 1977. The original recipes are still being used to this day, and most of the staff have been working at Saggio’s for over 25 years!
Saggio’s is a family-owned and operated pizzeria and Italian restaurant specializing in handmade, authentic Italian specialties: pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Saggio’s kitchen is a place where local ingredients meet classic Italian recipes. The result is a menu that’s as delicious as it is comforting. Whether you’re enjoying a slice of pizza in the casual, family-friendly dining room or having dinner with friends at one of the dinner tables on the patio, you’ll feel like you’ve gone home.
Saggio’s is an Italian restaurant that believes in making food from scratch, using the freshest ingredients. They serve pasta dishes that are both traditional and innovative, pizza by the slice, garden-fresh salads, handmade calzones, Tuscan sandwiches, and desserts to accompany the vast selection of wine and beer. All of this is served with a smile! Saggio’s is a neighborhood establishment serving New Mexican families for over 35 years. They promise you a warm, vibrant ambiance and excellent food at a price that won’t break the bank!
Cocina Azul
4243 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 // +15058312600
Cocina Azul is one of the Albuquerque restaurants for delicious, homemade New Mexican Cuisine. Their menu includes tacos, quesadillas, and nachos, a full bar, and the best margaritas in town. They also feature Southwestern-accented burgers, breakfast, and brunch dishes. All the dishes are made from scratch with fresh ingredients daily, including their award-winning salsa, hot or mild. Each dish is prepared by hand and can take time to prepare appropriately.
Once you taste their delicious food, you’ll understand why locals and visitors alike come back to Cocina Azul again and again. Their family-owned restaurants reflect Albuquerque’s rich cultural heritage and authentic atmosphere. They pride themselves on serving only the freshest ingredients and continually strive to bring their customers excellent service. So no matter how you slice it, a visit to Cocina Azul is sure to be a happy meal. One of the best Mexican restaurants in Albuquerque!
Seasons 52
6600 Menaul Blvd. Pad 2, Albuquerque, NM 87110 // +15053485852
Seasons 52 is a fresh grill and wine bar in Albuquerque, NM. The innovative menu has something for everyone, including seasonal specials, hard-to-find premium cuts of beef, fish, chicken, and pork, and delicious desserts sure not to disappoint. At Seasons 52, they know that no two people are alike and no two situations are the same, and probably why it’s one of the best Albuquerque restaurants. Therefore, their menu provides excellent choices for every taste and lifestyle, including gluten-free items, children’s selections, and an extensive wine list to suit any palate.
You’ll find familiar favorites at Seasons 52 and dishes you may not see anywhere else, like Chipotle BBQ shrimp flatbread, naked cheddar burger, blackened Mahi Mahi tacos, Turtle cheesecake minis, and much more.
Seasons 52, a fresh grill and wine bar, is about dining out. Each day you can choose from one of four different menus that include various options from seafood and salads to pasta and burgers. If you’re not sure what you want, allow their friendly staff to help guide you to the perfect choice. Wide-open spaces and lively ambiance set the pace at this urban oasis, where you’ll find a menu bursting with flavors that come from only the freshest ingredients. So fuel up for a food adventure at lunch or dinner, or sit back and relax with a glass of wine. Either way, Seasons 52 is your ticket to true culinary freedom!
Fork & Fig
6904 Menaul Blvd. NE C, Albuquerque, NM 87110 // +15058815293
Josh Kennon has been a builder with a passion for food, a background in construction, and a flair for design. His experience in the kitchen evolved in Le Cordon Blue before working as a chef at several restaurants. After nearly 15 years of working in kitchens across the country, Josh came to Albuquerque, where he pursued his dream of opening Fork & Fig, one of the best Albuquerque restaurants.
A unique concept that combines New Mexican comfort food with international influences, Fork & Fig opened its doors in early 2015 and has become wildly popular. This establishment offers unique dishes such as Beouf Bites, Ahi Tuna crudo, Smoked Salmon, Green Chile Burger, Purkey, Romesco Pasta, Waldorf chicken, and more!
Fork & Fig is a chef-driven restaurant and bar experience emphasizing local ingredients. The menu features sharable small plates, entrees built around seasonal produce, and craft cocktails that highlight fresh juices and herbs. Fork & Fig is committed to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible—with no freezer or fryers in its kitchen! At Fork & Fig, you can enjoy finely crafted cocktails made from fresh juices and herbs, traditional New Mexican cuisine with innovative twists, and made-to-order contemporary American dishes with global influences. With an inventive menu and award-winning chef, this restaurant is a must for any foodie visiting the best Albuquerque restaurants!
66 Diner
1405 Central Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 // +15052471421
Experience the nostalgia of America’s most extraordinary road trip at one of the most iconic Albuquerque restaurants, the 66 Diner. You’ll step back in time as you encounter an eclectic collection of memorabilia and diner fare that will please any customer. They feature fresh burgers, hand-cut fries, and shakes made from the best ice cream. In addition, the diner offers a full-service soda fountain, a retro jukebox with over 100 songs, Pez dispensers, cool memorabilia, and much more! From the moment you walk in, you’ll think you’ve been transported to post-war America.
You’ll enjoy delicious food made from scratch by their friendly staff, who are ready to make sure you have a great meal. The menu is made from delicious food and includes a breakfast burrito, cheddar fries, New Mexico green chile stew, grilled chicken salad, steak ranchero, and much more. The 66 Diner is a fun and friendly place where the atmosphere, food, and shakes are second to none. So take a trip back in time and relive the heyday of Route 66; leave your cares behind in their nostalgic dining room and take on the challenge of their hopscotch court!
Farm & Table
8917 4th St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114 // +15055037124
Farm & Table serves American cuisine locally sourced from the Albuquerque farming community and it’s one of the most unique Albuquerque restaurants. At Farm & Table, they believe that what you put into your body matters. They have held this belief since they opened in 2012 as one of the first restaurants in Albuquerque to source up to 80% of their menu from local farmers and ranchers.
When you visit Farm & Table, you’ll experience the joy of eating fresh, locally-sourced cuisine. Try dishes such as Brussels Sprouts and Turnips, Pork Belly, Ruby Trout, Moussaka, etc.
Their menu changes often, but you can always count on delicious dishes like steak fries, grilled pork chops, and mussels steamed in beer. Handcrafted cocktails, a focused wine list, and an extensive beer selection are just some of the offerings on their bar and beverage menus. Farm & Table offers an intimate dining experience with a charming patio that is idyllically located in Albuquerque’s picturesque north valley, complete with a water feature and fire pits. The New Mexico sunshine warms their intimate dining room and award-winning patio throughout the day. Farm & Table sets the stage for a fantastic dining experience. If you’re looking for the gem amongst the best places to eat in Albuquerque, this is it.
The Best Albuquerque Restaurants: Wrap Up
There are many reasons why Albuquerque is a great place to visit: its cultural charms, its wide range of shopping and dining choices, its dramatic scenery, access to the outdoors, and so much more. While Albuquerque is known as the “City Different,” that’s not the only thing that makes it unique. The cuisine here is some of the best in the world!
Albuquerque tops a list of U.S. cities offering the most remarkable diversity in cuisine. As the city redefines its culinary experiences, you’ll find that exploring it is as exciting as eating your way through it. No matter your mood or dietary preferences, their commitment is to ensure that every guest has a stimulating and unforgettable experience of great food and hospitality.
If you love exploring new tastes and trying new things, you’ll be delighted with everything that this Southwestern gem offers, from fresh-tasting seafood and Native American specialties to vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Albuquerque, New Mexico, is home to one of the most exciting dining scenes in the country, so don’t hesitate and visit the best restaurants in Albuquerque as soon as you can.
Visiting other destinations in New Mexico? Check out our other delicious guides:
Which one of these Albuquerque restaurants will you visit first? Let us know in the comments section below!
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever