These 15 Rio Rancho and Albuquerque restaurants all have their own special version of the famous New Mexican cuisine which emphasizes New Mexican spices, herbs, and flavors; especially red and/or green New Mexico chile peppers.
Now more than ever it’s important to support small business; all of these restaurants are extra-diligent with their safety practices, and you may call in your order for packaged pick up. We selected these 15 based on suggestions from locals and our own exquisite samplings. Let us know what other foodie favorites should make the list!
Voted Best Albuquerque Italian Restaurant, M’Tucci’s Moderno features traditional and contemporary Italian food, with delicious house-made pasta, cheeses, cured meats and craft cocktails. Enjoy gorgeous view of the Sandia Mountains at their Albuquerque location. We love the pizza for a Friday night movie treat. Mariposa was pleased to partner with M’Tucci’s to deliver lunch to local health care workers during COVID-19.
M’tucci’s Moderno located in Rio Rancho is a sister of their first restaurant, M’tucci’s Italian, which is located at Coors and Montano on Albuquerque’s West Side.
1908 Wellspring Avenue SE, Rio Rancho
6001 Winter Haven Road NW, Suite M, Albuquerque
Locals love Turtle Mountain’s pizzas, calzones and grinders from the wood-fired oven, paired with hand-crafted ales and lagers from the on-premise brewhouse. Featuring a large selection of house-brewed ales and house brews, from cream ales to amber ales and dark stout beer. Try the Sandia Calzone with ham, pepperoni and peppers or the Mescalero Meatball Sub with shaved parmesan cheese. Yum!
905th Place SE, Rio Rancho
Earning Trip Advisor “Award of Excellence” for several years running, Joe’s Pasta House is one of our favorites. We tried the yummy Baked Ravioli Alfredo and their outstanding lasagna. Seafood specialties are delicious too, including Lobster Ravioli with Shrimp or Linguine with Clams. Special children and senior menu options are also available.
Joe’s Pasta House, 3201 Southern Blvd SE, Rio Rancho
Hot Tamales showcases New Mexican cuisine that focuses on being authentic while still offering up some twists for adventurous diners. Feed your appetite with Hot Tamale Cakes, Chicken, Bacon and Avocado Salad, variety of stuffed sopapillas, beef enchiladas, chicken tacos or Green Chile Enchilada Casserole.
1520 Rancho Blvd. SE, Rio Rancho
It’s always a good time to indulge in some fresh micro-brewed beer, steak, seafood or Mexican cuisine. Try Cazuela’s Breakfast Burritos or Pescado Burritos—fish grilled with onions and tomato wrapped in a homemade tortilla with beans, rice and sour cream. The dishes and seafood specials are all tasty!
4051 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho
Pho Bar specializes in classic Vietnamese ingredients and recipes, offering up dishes like Spicy Lemongrass Soup, pork egg rolls or Bun—Vermicelli noodle bowls. Locals love their authentic cuisine, flavorful dishes and friendly atmosphere. They also serve shakes – don’t miss the strawberry or lychee flavors. Plus a large selection of vegetarian dishes mean you’ll find something delicious for everyone.
3301 Southern Blvd. SE, Ste. 502, Rio Rancho
Irish pub food is always appealing, and O’Hare’s offers a delicious selection of soups and salads, battered chicken wings, sesame Cajun shrimp, or slow-roasted pork. Try one of the house staples – a double-decker Reuben sandwich or the ‘original gardenburger.’
4100 Southern Blvd., Rio Rancho
Highly recommended, this restaurant in nearby Corrales uses local produce to create inspired dishes with southwest touches and international flavors. Try the salmon on a bed of risotto or a New York strip followed by key lime pie! Great breakfast burritos as well.
4515 Corrales Rd., Corrales
El Pinto specializes in fresh New Mexican cuisine, with an onsite greenhouse that produces over 5,000 pounds of organically grown greens. Try the green chile stew and red chile ribs for a delicious treat. Tasty burritos, enchiladas and stuffed sopapillas will satisfy everyone’s appetite.
10500 4th St. NW, Albuquerque
Farm and Table’s menu honors the New Mexico growing season and changes regularly. We’ve enjoyed the open atmosphere with a cozy patio and both the Potato Gnocchi and the New York Strip loin with rosemary fingerling potatoes dishes. Beef burger and tacos are great too! Next door to the La Posada art gallery.
8917 4th St. NW, Albuquerque
Sadie’s of New Mexico is a well-loved restaurant with family recipes that have been passed down for generations. Try the legendary carne adovada, burritos and stuffed sopapillas. Salsas have a bold flavor with a kick. Online ordering available at the 4th St. and Academy locations.
6230 4th St NW, Albuquerque
5400 Academy Rd., Albuquerque
Quality fine dining in an adobe mansion at the Santa Ana Golf Club with the backdrop of the Sandia Mountains. Menu changes seasonally to feature the freshest local ingredients available. Try the sweet corn ravioli, bison burger or miso glazed Alaskan halibut–you’ll be coming back for more. Reservations recommended.
Santa Ana Golf Club
288 Prairie Star Rd, Santa Ana Pueblo
Bosque offers great beer and great conversation in inclusive community spaces. Their beers are recognized at both the local and national levels, with awards from the Great American Beer Festival, the World Beer Cup, and the New Mexico Brewers Guild IPA Challenge. Try the Jetty Jack, Bosque Lager or Bosque IPA, then go from there! Albuquerque Journal named the brewery to their 2018 list of Top Workplaces.
834 US-550, Bernalillo
Famous for “quality comfort food made from scratch,” try the café for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We loved the mouth-watering blue corn tortilla enchiladas and huevos rancheros.
925 Camino Del Pueblo, Bernalillo
Delicious pizza, salads and subs in a relaxing atmosphere! Pizzas made to your specifications, Dion’s promotes sustainable agriculture and supports local communities. Their signature Bonta Pizza Sauce, is free from preservatives and seasoned with their own spice blend.
8525 Jefferson NE, Albuquerque
Enjoy exploring these restaurants and let us know your favorites!
Looking for a new home or custom homesite near Albuquerque? Nestled among the foothills of Rio Rancho, Mariposa is a master-planned community just 30 minutes north of Albuquerque. Mariposa is designed for living naturally and offers a fully equipped fitness center, resort-style indoor and outdoor pools, parks, sports courts and miles of trails and abundant open space with endless views of the Mariposa Preserve and surrounding mountains. Learn more at https://liveinmariposa.com/.
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