New Mexico is a southwestern US state of extraordinary diversity, where ancient Native American civilizations, Spanish colonial heritage, and 21st-century art communities converge against a backdrop of red desert mesas, soaring mountain ranges, and alabaster dune fields. The Land of Enchantment offers travelers the gypsum-white dunes of White Sands National Park, the dramatic cavern formations of Carlsbad Caverns, the UNESCO-listed cliff dwellings of Bandelier and Chaco, the living Taos Pueblo, and Santa Fe's world-class museums and galleries.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
The Shed
Popular New Mexican restaurant in New Mexico.
Known for: House red chile enchiladas, posole, sopapillas
113½ E Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Café Pasqual's
Popular New Mexican / Global restaurant in New Mexico.
Known for: Breakfast enchiladas, Huevos Motuleños, seasonal dinner specials
121 Don Gaspar Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501
La Choza
Popular New Mexican restaurant in New Mexico.
Known for: Blue corn enchiladas, green chile stew, tamales
905 Alarid St, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Tia Sophia's
Popular New Mexican (breakfast) restaurant in New Mexico.
Known for: Breakfast burritos (claimed birthplace of the modern breakfast burrito)
210 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
The Compound Restaurant
Popular American / New Mexican fine dining restaurant in New Mexico.
Known for: Contemporary American cuisine in a historic hacienda on Canyon Road
653 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Geronimo
Popular Global Eclectic / Fine Dining restaurant in New Mexico.
Known for: Elk tenderloin, globally inspired tasting menu in a historic 1756 adobe
724 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Sazon Restaurant
Popular Modern Mexican / New Mexican restaurant in New Mexico.
Known for: Chef Fernando Olea's inventive Mexican and New Mexican cuisine with moles
221 Shelby St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
El Parasol
Popular New Mexican (quick casual) restaurant in New Mexico.
Known for: New Mexico's best fast-casual green chile burrito under $12
407 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Mexican
The Shed
Café Pasqual's
La Choza
Tia Sophia's
The Compound Restaurant
Sazon Restaurant
El Parasol
The Pantry Restaurant
Frontier Restaurant
Duran's New Mexican Kitchen
Sadie's of New Mexico
Monroe's Restaurant
Casa de Benavidez
Orlando's New Mexican Café
Michael's Kitchen
Doc Martin's Restaurant
Rancho de Chimayo Restaurante
El Paragua Restaurant
Range Café
The Flying Star Café
Global Eclectic
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |