Best Restaurants in Taos
Taos visitors will find strong dining options both in Taos Ski Valley and downtown Taos.
New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment, and for skiers and riders, Taos might be the reason why. The NM 150 access road not only brings you up steep, sparkling mountains, but also leads to an unbeatable, lively dining scene. From fine dining to alpine classics, to New Mexican favorites like the green chili cheeseburger, foodies will find a lot to like—both on-site and down the valley in downtown Taos.
Taos Ski Valley’s main base village hosts several high-quality dining options.
Via: Taos
Taos Ski Valley
Taos Ski Valley has two base areas. The Resort Center has parking, lodging, the main Lift 1 and most of the restaurants, cafes and bars. Further up the road is a second, smaller base area with just one restaurant, where Lift 4 provides access to Kachina Peak. Both have solid dining options, but it's always nice to know where is what — and what is what — so you can ski down to the right base for your food, and experience, of choice.
Breakfast
If you like an early start, go to Black Diamond Espresso, open before the lifts daily. They offer espresso drinks, specialty coffees, chais, teas, as well as sweet/salty snacks and locally made pastries. For a more hearty breakfast, you can head to Café Naranja in the Edelweiss for breakfast which serves entrees like pancakes made from organic Hopi heirloom blue corn and whole piñon. Other breakfast options include 192 at the Blake (delicious smoothie bowls, Italian Eggs Benny and Loaded French Toast). Door 38 Pizza by Taos Ale House offers a giant breakfast burrito with eggs, potatoes, bacon, green chili and cheese.
192 at The Blake at Taos Ski Valley.
Via: Taos
Lunch and Dinner
For lunch and dinners, starting on the higher end side is 192 at The Blake, an Italian affair. Pizzas make their way onto the menu after breakfast, and they end the day on a stellar aprés note, with an excellent cocktail, beer and wine list. Daily room service and takeout are available, as well as valet parking.
The Blonde Bear Tavern, located at the Edelweiss Lodge and Spa, is described as “refined European alpine cuisine.” The menu is Italian inspired with southwest influence, created by Chef Bill Hartig, with entrees like whole rainbow trout with red grapes and balsamic sauce or flatiron steak with Italian salsa verde. In the winter ski season the Blonde Bear is typically open each Thursday through Monday for aprés ski and dinner.
The Hondo Restaurant, Der Garten Bistro, and Door 38 Pizza at Taos Ale House are more cozy, casual style. The Hondo in the Snakedance Condos is a classic, historic spot, great for families, with enchiladas, sandwiches and small plates. Door 38 Pizza has rich, classic American foods, such as chicken wings, burgers, three different kinds of loaded fries, pizzas and salads. Der Garten Bistro is a fresh, organic veggie-forward spot with solid sandwiches and craft cocktails. They are open at 2 p.m. onward at Brownell Chalet.
Aprés-ski
Aprés-ski can be found at all of the aforementioned locations. But, for adults-only spots, go to the Martini Tree Bar, which has reopened after a few years shuttered. This area serves craft cocktails and local spirits with direct views of the slopes.
The mid-mountain Whistlestop Cafe at Taos.
Mid-Mountain
On the slopes is Whistlestop Cafe, located mid-mountain near Lifts 2 and 6. This area offers grab-and-go food and drinks, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Food is high-quality and fairly priced for mid-mountain ski resort food.
During peak times, guests will find live music and DJs.
The Bavarian Lodge at Taos Ski Valley.
Via: Taos
Side Base
Taos Ski Valley’s Side Base hosts one restaurant: The Bavarian. This charming ski-in ski-out lodge serves huge steins of beer, and casual German food.
The Bavarian is worth a visit for its outdoor seating and less of the commotion of the main base. The sunny, outdoor deck is the perfect spot to enjoy homemade apple strudel or a soft pretzel, with stunning views of the mountains straight ahead.
Downtown Taos
The La Cueva restaurant serves authentic New Mexican cuisine. Via: TripAdvisor
Taos itself offers a greater variety of delicious, local food. Our first pick is La Cueva, a TripAdvisor 2023 Traveler’s Choice and perfect for any type of traveler. Popular with locals with excellent food, this highly rated and very laid back restaurant serves New Mexican favorites for brunch through dinner. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.
The Love Apple is our pick for a downtown Taos date! Via: TripAdvisor
Similar in quality is Latin-French-fusion restaurant Gutiz, popular for its elevated breakfast menu. Don’t miss the famous French Toast.
A top choice for families would be Antonio’s The Taste of Mexico or Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe, both with Tripadvisor 2023 Traveler’s Choice. Boasting incredible reviews, these two spots have large portions, a casual ambiance, and attentive and friendly staff.
A perfect date spot would be the Love Apple, again on the 2023 Travelers Choice list. This intimate, old-home restaurant with candlelit tables and white-wash walls serves fresh, healthy food. Cash only!
For drinks, Taos Mesa Brewing Taos Tap Room is a stunning spot. Under a unique, dome-shaped ceiling, you can enjoy local brews and food from their wood-fired wood-fired oven. Adobe Bar is a cozy, romantic bar in the Taos Inn, with food just as good as their cocktails. Try the Prickly Pear or the Perfect Margarita.
Final Thoughts
Whether on the slopes or downtown, stopping at any Taos restaurant is a guarantee for great food, atmosphere and service. If you’re skiing or riding, just make sure you know where your trail pops out to plan ahead for the ideal dining experience, and don't get too lost in the enchantment!
