New Mexico has a smorgasbord of incredible eateries but some stand out for more than the dishes they serve. These 9 restaurants have astonishing views that you can savor along with your meal. If you’re looking to impress a date or to relax in a scenic setting, head to the following establishments:
- Izanami, 21 Ten Thousand Waves Way, Santa Fe
Facebook/Izanami
Facebook/Izanami Izanami sets itself apart by serving Japanese bar food and offering 40 different sakes, including sake flights. The plating is almost as spectacular as the views from the balcony over the Santa Fe National Forest. Added bonus: it’s on the grounds of 10,000 Waves, one of the best spas in New Mexico.
- Pueblo Harvest, 2401 12th Street NW, Albuquerque
Yelp/Pueblo Harvest Cafe
Yelp/ Pueblo Harvest Cafe Pueblo Harvest dishes up a fusion of Native American cuisine, served with views of the Sandia Mountains as a backdrop. The restaurant boasts a horno (a traditional adobe bread oven) that produces sublime pizzas. The blue corn onions rings are also extremely popular. The best views are from the patio but you can also glimpse the mountains from inside the restaurant.
- Bavarian Lodge, 100 Kachina Road, Taos Ski Valley
Facebook/The Bavarian Lodge and Restaurant
Yelp/James M. There aren’t too many spots in New Mexico where you can sample authentic German food, so the Bavarian is a pleasant surprise both for its cuisine and for the killer views of the slopes at Taos Ski Valley. Menu standouts include the sausage plate, the Wienerschnitzel, and the Jägerschnitzel.
- Rebecca’s at the Lodge, 601 Corona Place, Cloudcroft
Facebook/The Lodge Resort and Spa at Cloudcroft
Yelp/Angela F. W. Rebecca’s is the on-site restaurant for the Lodge Resort and Spa and the grounds here are stunning. At this romantic dinner spot, the menu includes a wide range of cuisines from French to traditional New Mexican dishes.
- Terra at Four Seasons Resort, 198 State Road 592, Santa Fe
Yelp/Victoria H.
Yelp/Mrs M. The drive to Terra takes you out of Santa Fe, into what feels like the middle of nowhere. But that remote quality is what makes the views here so memorable, particularly at sunset. Terra is the restaurant for Rancho Encantado and it’s something of a hidden gem. In the main restaurant, the fare is upscale, locally sourced, and extremely fresh. There’s also a more budget-friendly menu in the bar area, which offers the same views.
- Sunset Grill, 1274 Golf Club Road, Las Cruces
Yelp/Peter r.
Facebook/The Sunset Grill The Sunset Grill overlooks the eighteenth hole of a golf course. While dinner is a fine dining affair, the restaurant serves breakfast and lunch too, and those are more casual. Lunch consists of wraps, salads, and sandwiches – try the reuben.
- El Meze, 1017 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, Taos
Facebook/El Meze Restaurant
Yelp/Mary V. From the historic hacienda that houses El Meze, you can enjoy dramatic, mountain vistas. The chef here is a James Beard Award semi-finalist, so the food more than lives up to the setting. The menu is small but diverse. Save room for the lavender crème bruleé.
- County Line, 9600 Tramway Boulevard NE, Albuquerque
Facebook/County Line of Albuquerque
Facebook/County Line of Albuquerque This BBQ joint grills up succulent baby back ribs and brisket. The sides are equally satisfying and with the humungous portions it’s impossible to leave hungry. This restaurant offers mountain views that are best savored during the summer months, when you can also listen to the free summer music series that County Line offers.
- Tina’s Café, 522 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso
Yelp/Derek K.
Yelp/Breanna H. In warmer months, sit on a patio that overlooks a forest and a creek. When it’s colder, stay inside by the roaring fire. Either way, you’ll be treated to an amazing breakfast. The cinnamon rolls and the no name burritos are customer favorites.
What scenic New Mexico restaurant do you like best?
Facebook/Izanami
Izanami sets itself apart by serving Japanese bar food and offering 40 different sakes, including sake flights. The plating is almost as spectacular as the views from the balcony over the Santa Fe National Forest. Added bonus: it’s on the grounds of 10,000 Waves, one of the best spas in New Mexico.
Yelp/Pueblo Harvest Cafe
Yelp/ Pueblo Harvest Cafe
Pueblo Harvest dishes up a fusion of Native American cuisine, served with views of the Sandia Mountains as a backdrop. The restaurant boasts a horno (a traditional adobe bread oven) that produces sublime pizzas. The blue corn onions rings are also extremely popular. The best views are from the patio but you can also glimpse the mountains from inside the restaurant.
Facebook/The Bavarian Lodge and Restaurant
Yelp/James M.
There aren’t too many spots in New Mexico where you can sample authentic German food, so the Bavarian is a pleasant surprise both for its cuisine and for the killer views of the slopes at Taos Ski Valley. Menu standouts include the sausage plate, the Wienerschnitzel, and the Jägerschnitzel.
Facebook/The Lodge Resort and Spa at Cloudcroft
Yelp/Angela F. W.
Rebecca’s is the on-site restaurant for the Lodge Resort and Spa and the grounds here are stunning. At this romantic dinner spot, the menu includes a wide range of cuisines from French to traditional New Mexican dishes.
Yelp/Victoria H.
Yelp/Mrs M.
The drive to Terra takes you out of Santa Fe, into what feels like the middle of nowhere. But that remote quality is what makes the views here so memorable, particularly at sunset. Terra is the restaurant for Rancho Encantado and it’s something of a hidden gem. In the main restaurant, the fare is upscale, locally sourced, and extremely fresh. There’s also a more budget-friendly menu in the bar area, which offers the same views.
Yelp/Peter r.
Facebook/The Sunset Grill
The Sunset Grill overlooks the eighteenth hole of a golf course. While dinner is a fine dining affair, the restaurant serves breakfast and lunch too, and those are more casual. Lunch consists of wraps, salads, and sandwiches – try the reuben.
Facebook/El Meze Restaurant
Yelp/Mary V.
From the historic hacienda that houses El Meze, you can enjoy dramatic, mountain vistas. The chef here is a James Beard Award semi-finalist, so the food more than lives up to the setting. The menu is small but diverse. Save room for the lavender crème bruleé.
Facebook/County Line of Albuquerque
This BBQ joint grills up succulent baby back ribs and brisket. The sides are equally satisfying and with the humungous portions it’s impossible to leave hungry. This restaurant offers mountain views that are best savored during the summer months, when you can also listen to the free summer music series that County Line offers.
Yelp/Derek K.
Yelp/Breanna H.
In warmer months, sit on a patio that overlooks a forest and a creek. When it’s colder, stay inside by the roaring fire. Either way, you’ll be treated to an amazing breakfast. The cinnamon rolls and the no name burritos are customer favorites.
To uncover more great restaurants in the Land of Enchantment, read our previous article: “These 12 New Mexico Restaurants Are Beloved Local Favorites And You’ll Want To Visit.”
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