The best Mexican restaurants in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, according to Open Table

Looking for the best Mexican restaurants in Albuquerque or Santa Fe? OpenTable has made it easier for you.

They’ve created a list of the top places to enjoy Mexican food based on customer reviews. Only verified diners who have eaten at the restaurant can leave reviews, ensuring accurate rankings.

Here are the restaurants:

El Pinto Restaurant and Cantina

El Pinto was founded by twin brothers, John and Jim Thomas, in 1962 and has been the quintessential spot for healthy and fresh New Mexican cuisine ever since. El Pinto is also the first and only restaurant with an Animal Welfare Approved laying hen program on-site. The 250 hens lay pasture-raised eggs that are used daily. A popular menu item is their famous Red Chile ribs.

Location: 10500 4th St. NW, Albuquerque

Mulas

At Mulas you can experience traditional Spanish, Mexican, and Native influences in their dishes. A great feature of this restaurant is that they prepare their food fresh, allowing for customer accommodations. One customer said, "Since they don’t pre-prepare all their meats ahead of time, they’re able to adjust the meal to your diet. If you have special dietary needs, they often can accommodate them."

Location: 4908 Corrales Rd, Corrales

Fiesta Azul Tequila House

Fiesta Azul Tequila House is a family-owned establishment that was founded in 2020. The owners, who came from Chihuahua and Colima, work together to create an authentic Mexican meal with modern innovation. The restaurant operates under the idea of a "scrap kitchen" which ensures that each meal is created with care and sustainability at the forefront. Fiesta Azul will be expanding their business to the Albuquerque market and is opening soon.

Location: 6910 Montgomery Blvd NE Suite A, Albuquerque

La Plazuela at La Fonda on the Plaza

La Plazuela, the official restaurant at La Fonda, is located on the original 1920s patio, retaining its Old World charm. The skylight provides natural light, creating a warm atmosphere for diners. While the building reflects its historic roots, the menu showcases New World influences on classic New Mexican cuisine. A popular starter is the tableside guacamole, a house favorite. One customer praised their meal, stating, "A perfect experience. I had the sea bass, and it was cooked and seasoned to perfection."

Location: 100 E San Francisco St, Santa Fe

Flora Restaurant

Flora is one of the restaurants located inside the Sawmill Market. The restaurant uses wood, charcoal, and rotisserie cooking to create bold flavors in their dishes. A popular menu item is their margarita. Customers have praised the service, especially when dining with larger groups. One customer said, "Excellent seating for a large group. Interesting menu. Quality food. Top-notch service for a large group."

Location: 1909 Bellamah Ave. NW, Albuquerque

Gabriel's

Get a taste of the Southwest and Old Mexico at Gabriel’s, recognized by Zagat as "one of America's top restaurants, a true Mexican classic, rated excellent in all categories." Guests can choose to dine on the outdoor patio with mountain views or inside, where kiva fireplaces create a cozy atmosphere. Popular dishes include the crab enchiladas and the must-try tableside guacamole. One customer raved, "The food was delicious! The fresh tableside guacamole is a MUST!!! The prickly pear margarita is outstanding! Definitely worth visiting and going back."

Location: 4 Banana Ln, Santa Fe

Agave Restaurant

Agave Restaurant, located inside the Eldorado Hotel and Spa, offers guests a hip, casual setting for shared plates and entrées. Guests can also enjoy the bar, known for its signature margaritas and premium cocktails. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a daily happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. One satisfied customer shared, "Highly recommend! Fresh, flavorful, delicious! Everything we ordered was amazing—the pork chop, salmon, and prosciutto flatbread were all great."

Location: 309 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe

Sazon Restaurant

Sazón is an award-winning restaurant founded by Chef Fernando Olea in 1991. Originally from Mexico City, Chef Olea has crafted a menu that blends the flavors of Old Mexico with ingredients from around the world. The menu is small but emphasizes locally sourced produce and meats whenever possible. A standout dish is the Sopa de Amor, Olea's signature soup. One customer wrote, "The chef is a master at creating flavors!!! The soup and the chef’s mystery dessert are a must!!!!"

Location: 221 Shelby St, Santa Fe