We love the food in Albuquerque, New Mexico! Southwestern cuisine hits its stride in this high desert city, offering much more than standard southwestern flavors.
You’ll have no shortage of restaurants to try. But how can you know which ones are worth it?
Today, we’re biting into the restaurant scene to share seven of Albuquerque’s best joints. Try not to drool too much.
Let’s chow!
Visiting Albuquerque, New Mexico, for Great Food
You might think of Albuquerque as a destination for hot-air balloon lovers and photographers. It has a great art scene and tons of outdoor activities. But this city can also be considered the ultimate stop for foodies.
Many restaurants in Albuquerque specialize in New Mexican cuisine. You’ll see red and green chile on the menu just about anywhere. We suggest trying your food Christmas style, which will come with both kinds of chile.
Classic Route 66 diners can be found downtown if you’d rather opt for a burger and a milkshake. You can also enjoy the exciting nightlife in this area by visiting some of the breweries and bars.
Pro Tip: Grab a bite to eat in Albuquerque to fuel up to do these 9 Best Things To Do on Route 66 in New Mexico.
7 Delicious Food Joints in Albuquerque
The sprawling city of Albuquerque has hundreds of restaurants serving just about any kind of food you want. We picked out seven of our favorite spots to share with you in no particular order.
#1 Campo at Los Poblanos
We highly recommend stopping by Campo at Los Poblanos for brunch or dinner during your next trip to Albuquerque. This upscale restaurant features fresh, seasonal menu items that will satisfy your appetite. You’ll need to book a reservation to eat here, so plan accordingly.
We suggest ordering classic New Mexican cuisine at this restaurant. You should seize the opportunity to order anything made with blue corn during brunch. The local favorite dinner dish, the carrot cavatelli, comes with chicken sausage and green chile cream. All the entreés look so appetizing you’ll probably have a hard time choosing just one.
#2 Farm & Table
Farm & Table is known for getting at least 80% of the food for its menu from Albuquerque-based ranchers and farmers. They’ve been locally sourcing their ingredients since they opened in 2012. The restaurant only opens for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, so you’ll probably want to reserve a table in advance.
If you eat meat, you can’t go wrong ordering the ribeye or the pork belly. This will probably be some of the freshest meat you’ve ever had. This spot also has several options for vegetarians, like its Farmer’s Salad, which is chock full of fresh, local veggies.
If you believe what you eat and where it comes from matters, you can’t miss a chance to eat at this restaurant.
#3 Frontier
Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this restaurant has a little bit of everything. It’s conveniently located right across from the University of New Mexico. You place your order at the register and wait for your number to be called.
Don’t skip on their fresh-squeezed orange juice, and if you decide to order one of their famous cinnamon rolls, be prepared for it to be humongous. Their lunch and dinner options feature classic regional foods like green chile stew. We love the fiesta chicken sandwich with green chile with a side of onion rings.
No matter what time of day, stop by this giant red and yellow restaurant for a quick, authentic meal.
Pro Tip: Spend the night snoozing at one of these 7 Best RV Parks in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
#4 Frenchish
Food in Albuquerque doesn’t get much better than Frenchish. From Wednesday to Saturday, you can order dinner at this spot, and like Farm & Table, it’s probably best to make a reservation. As the name suggests, this upscale restaurant puts a spin on classic French cuisine.
One of the most popular menu items, the Frenchie burger, comes with fried onions and gruyère cheese. They also serve rainbow trout and duck if you don’t want a burger. Vegetarians will also appreciate the options on this menu, including caramelized cauliflower with couscous. This restaurant even offers several gluten-free options!
Their menu changes with the seasons, but the high-quality dishes and unique flavors are always on the list. You’ll definitely want to dine at Frenchish if you enjoy modern French cuisine as much as we do.
#5 Antiquity Restaurant
You’ll find Antiquity Restaurant in a historic downtown adobe house. This has become a favorite spot for locals to celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. The restaurant only has a few tables, so give them a call to make a reservation.
Antiquity serves classic fancy foods like crab cakes and escargot. They have lobster, filet mignon, and salmon. The wine list is lengthy, with options for everyone. They even have a few beers available if you aren’t a wine drinker.
If you’ve been looking for delicious food with a quaint and romantic ambiance, this Albuquerque establishment is the place to be.
#6 Sawmill Market
Several cities have been incorporating food halls in recent years. One large building houses several restaurant vendors, so visitors have a plethora of options.
Sawmill Market, the first food hall in New Mexico, has nearly thirty merchants selling diverse menu items. You can get tacos, pizza, or even baked goods in this marketplace. Locals love Notorious Poke and Paleta Project for a treat.
A food hall can be an excellent option for a group because instead of everyone agreeing on one restaurant, you can all eat something different. It can also be an exciting place to pick up local souvenirs like flowers or salsa.
#7 Indian Pueblo Kitchen
This unique restaurant can be found inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Visitors can experience the Native American culinary arts and learn about Indigenous cuisine by visiting the Indian Pueblo Kitchen. You won’t find a kitchen like this anywhere else.
Blue corn enchiladas and pueblo stew are some of their most popular menu items. You can opt for a twist on a favorite and order the prime rib fry bread dip sandwich. They serve breakfast all day, and while they offer many great dishes, we can’t stop in without ordering the Rancheros de Albuquerque.
Before you leave, grab some to-go baked goods like their famous Pueblo Pies or authentic Pueblo Oven Loaves.
The Food in Albuquerque Hits the Spot
On your next trip to the southwest, be sure to budget some time for the food in Albuquerque. These restauranteurs cater to all palates, and they do it well!
You’ll want to eat classic New Mexican, fine dining, and Indigenous cuisine. And don’t forget to make reservations for the must-hit spots like Farm & Table and Campo at Los Poblanos.
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