My Favorite Albuquerque Restaurants

The Rio Grande in front of the Sandia Mountains
Albuquerque, New Mexico is famous to some and completely unheard of to many others. For those that are familiar with Albuquerque usually know it because of a couple of different things, the show Breaking Bad and the fact that Albuquerque is home to the biggest Hot Air Balloon festival in the world. You can read more about the Balloon Fiesta here but in this post, I wanted to focus on what of my favorite things in the world; FOOD!
Albuquerque is where I was born and where some of my family still lives so I do go back to visit when I get the opportunity and I almost always have a list of my absolute favorite restaurants that I want to make sure to stop at while there. So when you make it to Albuquerque on your cross country road trip or fly in for the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta or if you are coming to take the Breaking bad tour, be sure to check out these delicious eats!

Green Chile & Pepperoni Pizza with Dion’s Ranch
1. Dion’s Pizza
Dion’s Pizza is a local favorite and known for having the best pizza in town but the local classic and the must-try is the “505”. A pizza pie topped with Pepperoni & New Mexico Green Chile and don’t you dare forget the side of Dion’s ranch dressing that you dip your pizza into, or if you are a bit more crazy, you can pour it directly on top of the pizza. This is a staple for all of us who grew up or have lived in New Mexico for any amount of time. $
2. Last Call
Last Call will be your new favorite go-to restaurant after a few too many brews around town. Last Call is a late-night eat in Albuquerque and has different menu options like Burritos, Tacos, and my personal favorite Fries! Particularly, Carne Asada Fries! This place will satisfy your every craving and it is not to be missed. $

Shrimp & Grits, Chicken & Waffles, fried Okra, Mac n’ Cheese.
It isn’t called “Famous” Franks for no reason. I make sure to visit this restaurant every single time I make it back and I always make sure to order a bit of extra for my leftovers as well. They serve good ol’ fashioned home-cooked southern food. Chicken & waffles, collard greens, shrimp & grits, mac & cheese, fried okra, fried catfish and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I have yet to taste anything from Frank’s that wasn’t amazing and the warm atmosphere of family just keeps me coming back for more. $

Guava Tree’s Almuerzo of the day
Guava Tree is fantastic if you are looking for a taste of Latin Cuisine. Serving, Cubano sandwiches, Arepas, Tamales, Plantains, and a classic lunch special every day “Almuerzo” It is sure to cure your craving for flavor! And if you are in need of a little Spanish practice, they will even let your struggle through ordering your lunch like me lol. $

Carpaccio and Risotto
5. M’tuccis
M’tuccis Italian restaurant is proof that we don’t just make great New Mexican food but that we have plenty more to offer as well. It’s located just past the Rio Grande on the west side of town and definitely worth a visit. Homemade pasta, pastries, impeccable Risotto, and fresh bread are just some of the amazing things you will taste at M’tuccis. Risotto is one of those things that is really easy to get wrong and so for me, it’s always an easy tell on how good a restaurant really is and the chefs at M’tuccis did not disappoint. $$
Mas Tapas y Vino has been one of my favorite Tapas restaurants in Albuquerque for a long time. The delicious food combined with the amazing service has brought me back many many times over the years. It’s located inside Hotel Andaluz situated in downtown Albuquerque right off Central. You can sit at the bar, sit on their outside balcony or you can even reserve one of there few Casbahs, each uniquely designed. $$
7. El Cotorro
If it’s tacos you’re looking for then look no further because El Cotorro is my favorite taco place. The flavor of these tacos is out of this world and they offer a wide range of types to choose from but be careful because if you aren’t use to the spice it’ll certainly get you. You can always get a juice to cool things down or an ice cold beer because personally beer and tacos go hand in hand. $

Hi Friends!
My full name is Courtney Elizabeth and growing up some of my nicknames were Coco & Betty, thus the name Coco Betty. Feel free to call me Coco, I still answer to it. I empower women to love themselves through travel, one trip at a time.

Hi Friends!
My full name is Courtney Elizabeth and growing up some of my nicknames were Coco & Betty, thus the name Coco Betty. Feel free to call me Coco, I still answer to it. I empower women to love themselves through travel, one trip at a time.