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    Urban Bliss Life » Blog » Food Travel Guide: Where to Eat in Albuquerque, New Mexico

    Published: September 6, 2018 / Updated: September 8, 2022 by Marlynn Jayme Schotland · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Food Travel Guide: Where to Eat in Albuquerque, New Mexico

    837 shares

    The hungry traveler's dining guide the best Albuquerque restaurants on Where to Eat in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

    Southwestern cuisine reigns supreme in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As the city grows, some chefs enjoy putting their own unique spin on a delicious blend of Native American and Spanish flavors, while others hold steadfast to traditional cooking methods and generations-old recipes.

    Here, you'll find no shortage of posole stew, frito pie, breakfast burritos, and piñon coffee, mixed in with trendy avocado toasts and interesting doughnut flavors.

    The one thing you will be able to find at almost every restaurant: those world famous New Mexico Chiles.

    Red, Green, or Christmas?

    red chiles

    Albuquerque, New Mexico is known for its chiles, and when dining out, you'll most likely be asked which you prefer with your meal: red or green. Either can be mild, and either can be spicy -- there are so many different determining factors to which way the spice meter swings on any given day, so be sure to ask your server. To get both, tell your waiter or waitress that you'd like "Christmas."

    Where to Eat in Albuquerque, New Mexico

    During my recent travels to Albuquerque, I was searching for the best places to eat near me. I had the pleasure of dining at several different hot spots. Here are some of my favorite Albuqurque restaurants that we visited. From fast casual restaurants to farm-to-table experiences, here's a look at where to eat in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

    Bristol Doughnut Co.

    After shopping for unique artisan goods at the super cool and hipster Spur Line Supply Co., continue your on trend trip with a stop at Bristol Doughnut Co. for fresh coffee and their house-made doughnuts. There's a new fun flavor every week, in addition to their classics. The strawberry piña colada was a hit at the time of my visit.

    Located inside Spur Line Supply Co.
    800 20th Street Northwest
    Albuquerque, NM, 87104
    https://bristoldoughnut.co/

    Cafe de Benvanidez

    Casa de Benavidez is a longtime family-owned and operated restaurant serving Mexican and New Mexican food. If it's a nice day, be sure to ask for a table outside, where you can sit amid a beautiful garden setting under shady trees. Portions are large here, so don't be afraid to share an entree or two. Their breakfast burritos are absolutely amazing, as are the huevos rancheros. Add a side of fresh sliced avocado, and you've got enough fuel to power through a long day.

    8032 4th Street NW
    Albuquerque, New Mexico 87114
    http://casadebenavidez.com/

    Campo (in Los Poblanos)

    Campo restaurant is located in Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm. There is a large bar area, one main spacious dining room, a more private dining room perfect for groups, and ample outdoor space that allows you to enjoy the lavender farm and possibly sneak a glimpse of the resident llamas or peacocks.

    The peaceful farm setting sets the stage for the meal to come: expect modern interpretations of classic cuisine, featuring the farm's freshest produce and other local ingredients.

    From the most beautiful and artistic avocado toast I have ever seen to a modern and hearty rendition of huevos rancheros to the mouthwatering housemade pastries, the meals I enjoyed at Los Poblanos' Campo restaurant were among some of my favorite of the trip.

    Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm
    4803 Rio Grande Blvd N.W.
    Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM 87107
    https://lospoblanos.com/

    El Pinto

    There's so much happening at El Pinto, that's it's really not quite enough to just call it a popular restaurant.

    Jim and John Thomas – AKA The Salsa Twins, pictured above –took over the restaurant from their parents, who opened El Pinto in 1962. Since its humble beginnings, the twins expanded the restaurant into a full blown salsa production facility, with a "hen hotel," greenhouse, gardens, composting stations and worm farm.

    This ginormous restaurant alone seats 1,200 people, and can be a fun maze to navigate when you're operating on little sleep and one too many of their sweet, refreshing margaritas.

    The menu is as vast and varied as the space is, and everything is based off recipes from the owners' grandmother, Josephina Chavez-Griggs. El Pinto is a must-visit spot when traveling to Albuquerque. It's especially great for large groups and for special occasions.

    El Pinto
    10500 4th St NW
    Albuquerque, NM 87114
    https://www.elpinto.com/

    Farm and Table

    Farm and Table lives well up to its name. This beautiful restaurant sits adjacent to Alameda Farm, where much of the produce grown makes its way to the table. The owners are committed to sustainable practices, and the care that goes into the ingredients shines on the plate through thoughtful, focused dishes.

    The wine list is impressive at Farm and Table, and our group enjoyed a flight of rosé wines to go with our meal.

    The seasonal menu features full entrees and shareable plates, as well as delicious housemade desserts.

    Farm and Table
    8917 4th Street NW
    Albuquerque, NM 87114
    phone (505) 503.7124
    https://farmandtablenm.com/

    MAS - Tapas Y Vino / Ibiza Bar (in Hotel Andaluz)

    Located inside Hotel Andaluz in downtown Albuquerque, MAS Tapas Y Vino and the upstairs Ibiza Bar are both great spots to enjoy updated Spanish cuisine.

    Executive Chef Marc Quiñones and his team serve up some of the best tapas in town, to be enjoyed with friends over some of the restaurant and bar's tasty cocktails.

    These patatas bravas are truly some of the best I have ever had. Super crispy on the outside with amazing flavor. So good!

    The main courses are just as inventive as the appetizers, but definitely leave room for dessert here, too.

    MAS Tapas Y Vino
    125 2nd St NW
    Albuquerque, NM 87102
    https://hotelandaluz.com/mas-tapas-y-vino/

    Pueblo Harvest

    If it's an authentic southwestern culinary experience you are looking for, definitely make time to dine at Pueblo Harvest.

    Located inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Pueblo Harvest is owned by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico.

    The menu includes recipes that use ingredients from the Pueblos of New Mexico as much as possible, and offers dishes representative of both pre-European contact and post-contact.

    Some of my favorites:

    The Indian Taco Bites are an incredible starter dish, including my favorite fry bread. So good!

    Have you ever had Kool-Aid pickles? Apparently they are a tradition in this part of the country, but nobody we asked knew the origin of the tradition. We tried both regular kool-aid pickles and the fried pickles pictured above. I actually really liked the fried kool-aid pickles - and I don't even normally like pickles!

    The salmon tartare was both delicious and a stunning plate.

    The Tribal Trout was also an amazing dish, and I highly recommend it. Served with a fried squash blossom, this is a simple yet flavorful trout.

    Pueblo Harvest (Inside the IPCC)
    2401 12th ST NW
    Albuquerque, NM 87104
    https://www.puebloharvestcafe.com/ 


    I hope you found this food travel guide helpful! When I travel, I am always looking for the best places to eat near me, so I create these guides to help others who love food and travel, too!

    Have you dined at any of these restaurants? Which ones look most appetizing to you? What other restaurants do you love in Albuquerque? 

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    Thanks to Visit Albuquerque for introducing me to these restaurants during a media visit. As always, all opinions and photos are my own. I don't write about every place I dine on press trips, only the ones I truly love and believe YOU will all love, too!

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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. adeline rossi says

        March 10, 2020 at 9:33 am

        try the slate street café

        Reply
      2. Bob says

        September 20, 2018 at 11:06 am

        Whoa! Looks like ya done did your homework Chica including visiting 2 of my FAVs who I tie for best patios with ambiance...Casa de Benavidez (as includes best Stuffed Sopapilla with Chicharrones & Beans with Red con extra onions) and El Pinto (as includes best only Red Chile Ribs (BBQed, slathered with Red, and then oven baked!) Alas, ya missed the 60 yrs iconic Rte 66 hole-in-the-wall's Foot Long (NM Red) Chile Cheese Dog with onions at The Dog House!!!!

        Reply
      3. Zara Young says

        September 16, 2018 at 10:26 am

        These all look like really yummy meals! Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
      4. Keating says

        September 10, 2018 at 1:33 pm

        This food all looks amazing! We've driven through Albuquerque a few times but have never stopped for a meal or anything. We'll possibly be driving through again later this month so maybe we'll have to stop and check one of these places out!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          September 14, 2018 at 1:17 am

          I highly recommend it! :)

      5. Jenni LeBaron says

        September 07, 2018 at 2:04 pm

        I am a tremendous fan of chilis so I love hearing that you also know about the "Christmas" keyword when you want both red and green. People always look at me funny when I say I prefer that! This looks like a fantastic and well-varied list of places to check out.

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          September 14, 2018 at 1:17 am

          Glad you know that too! Thanks, Jenni! :)

      6. Erica says

        September 07, 2018 at 12:41 pm

        This post made me huuuuungry! I love the concept of Farm and Table. I’m a sucker for local produce!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          September 14, 2018 at 1:15 am

          Same here! :)

      7. Roxy says

        September 07, 2018 at 12:39 pm

        Everything looks so good! I've been to ABQ once, but didn't have time to explore!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          September 14, 2018 at 1:15 am

          I hope you get a chance to one day!

      8. Kasey Ma says

        September 07, 2018 at 12:18 pm

        These all look like really yummy meals! Thanks for sharing!

        Kasey Ma
        TheStyleWright.com

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          September 14, 2018 at 1:13 am

          Glad you enjoyed the post! :)

      9. Jennifer Maune says

        September 06, 2018 at 10:07 pm

        All of this looks so good, but especially those donuts!

        -Jennifer

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          September 14, 2018 at 1:12 am

          It was all amazing! :)

      10. Evelyn Hernandez says

        September 06, 2018 at 9:10 pm

        I love spicy food and I add chiles to my food all the time! Your pictures made my mouth water!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          September 14, 2018 at 1:11 am

          I love them, as well! Thanks so much, Evelyn!

      11. Sam @ The Haunted Housewife says

        September 06, 2018 at 5:03 pm

        The food looks so so good! I need to try their chiles, I’ve heard good things. I hope I catch them on a spicy day! Koolaid pickles remind me of “tropickles,” that Walmart sells. They’re red and they taste like sweet and sour sauce. I’m wondering if they’re the same.

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          September 14, 2018 at 1:08 am

          I bet they're similar!

      12. sunny says

        September 06, 2018 at 4:57 pm

        I've never been to New Mexico, but these places all look so yummy! Maybe I'll have to plan a trip just for the food haha!

        XXOO Sunny

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          September 14, 2018 at 1:07 am

          It's definitely worth the trip!

      13. Chelsea says

        September 06, 2018 at 4:28 pm

        All of this looks SO delicious and now visiting New Mexico is at the top of my list of places to travel to! I love the little tip you included about “Christmas”!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          September 14, 2018 at 1:06 am

          I hope you get to visit soon! Thanks, Chelsea! :)

      14. Catherine @ To & Fro Fam says

        September 06, 2018 at 3:20 pm

        Why choose red or green when you can have both? I'm a Christmas kind of gal! I love exploring a region's specialty. That's why I always get chile relleno when I'm in New Mexico. YUM!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          September 14, 2018 at 1:06 am

          Agreed! They're a great combo! :) That sounds amazing!

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      Marlynn Jayme Schotland 2021 profile pic

      Hi! Thanks for stopping by! I'm Marlynn - a cookbook author, writer, photographer, and mom of two teenagers + a lovable lab retriever. Here you'll find my fast, easy, and delicious recipes, wine pairings, and travel guides. I hold a WSET 2 with Distinction in wine, and am a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

      More about me →

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