Considered initially little more than a border crossing, El Paso has become a vacation destination, and its best restaurants continue to rule the roost. El Paso’s culinary finesse finds influences from all over the world as the city straddles the borders of Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. In El Paso, you’ll find flavors reminiscent of Spain, Italy, Lebanon, and a whole lot more, which means one thing: eating is one of the best things to do, so come hungry.
In our picks of the best restaurants, you can enjoy a romantic evening at an upscale restaurant or comfort food at apartments for rent in El Paso.
- L & J Café
How does it work? This El Paso institution is frequently touted as El Paso’s best restaurant, which dates back to 1927.
The reason for going? L&J Café is so deeply rooted in a family tradition that it has been in El Paso since the beginning of time. A great example of the food is the chile de arbol salsa, bottled and sold on-site. Additionally, there are legendary dishes like red enchiladas, tostadas, tacos de beef, and chile rellenos. It has won numerous awards and accolades over its nearly century-long history, and L&J is beloved by locals.
- Zino’s Greek
These two Greek restaurants in town transport guests to the islands of Santorini or Mykonos (without the jet lag).
Why should I go? The only trained Greek chef in El Paso makes authentic Greek and Mediterranean food from scratch. He grills chicken, lamb, and ground beef kabobs perfectly, while other Greek table staples (like gyros and moussaka) are outstanding. If you’re feeling fancy, inquire about the specials.
- Taft Diaz
Taft Diaz is an elegant dining establishment in the downtown neighborhood at the Stanton Hotel. Taft Diaz is one of the best restaurants in El Paso, featuring a mouth-watering all-day menu, signature cocktails, and Mexican-inspired dishes. This restaurant is one of the city’s magnificent places, featuring a gorgeous black-and-white interior, attentive servers, and a variety of decadent desserts. Choosing what to eat:
- Order the Divorciados for a gluten-free breakfast to start your day.
- Quesadilla, eggs cooked to your taste, beans, and green sauce are included.
- For dinner, how about a poultry-based dish?
- If that’s the case, I suggest ordering the Happy Bird.
- It is a roasted half-chicken with baked potatoes and charred broccolini.
- Tacoholics
It serves sinfully delicious tacos and burritos from a former gourmet food truck. It’s a favorite taco joint among locals, and anything you order will be delicious. If you can only eat one meal at Tacoholics, make it the Flautas Ahogadas, the city’s famous rolled tacos. Flautas are made with white wheat flour and corn masa tortillas, stuffed with ground beef, fried, and topped with queso fresco and tangy salsa verde. Additionally, they launched a giant Quarantine Pack during the pandemic, with enough tacos for 120 (socially distant) guests.
- Cattlemen’s Steakhouse
Indian Cliffs Ranch is home to an iconic family-style restaurant.
What’s the point? It’s worth the drive to Cattleman’s Steakhouse, even though it’s not technically in El Paso.
Hearty T-bone steaks are cut daily on the premises, and the desert scenery is stunning. As well as the restaurant, there’s also a lake, petting zoo, playground, and a movie set, so kiddos will love this place.
- The Hoppy Monk
A casual gastropub serves modern American and Tex-Mex food and a variety of cocktails, beer, and wine. It’s the perfect place to get good food at an affordable price at this family-run eatery.
You can get a complete meal for less than 30 bucks with Salsa Macha Brussels sprouts and a Ribeye sandwich on the patio. Are you interested in doubling down? You can get a $5 margarita when you arrive during Happy Hour (Wednesday through Friday).
- Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant
An old-school restaurant specializing in Tex-Mex dishes, Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant opened in 1976. You can catch up with your family, partner, or friends at Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant, one of El Paso’s best restaurants. It offers an old-school vibe, a vibrant interior, friendly service, and generous portions.
The best foods to eat
- Try the Caldillo, one of our house specialties.
- This spicy stew includes beef, green chile, and potatoes.
- If you eat white meat, try the Chicken Mole.
- Rice and beans are served with tender boneless chicken.
- Café Mayapan
This coffee shop is also a social initiative serving traditional, nutritional Mexican fare since 2001 (the concept contributes to female empowerment). Cafe Mayapan’s menu changes with the seasons, but guests can rest assured that their meals will be excellent, whatever the season.
The Lum Metik Fair Trade Company, located behind the café, offers artisanal goods, including roasted cactus and turkey picadillo lettuce wrap tacos.
- Ardovino’s Desert Crossing
It hosts a popular farmers’ market over the border in New Mexico and a garden-fresh Italian restaurant. Ardovino’s, the region’s premier fine-dining restaurant, is excellent for a Saturday. Most veggies and herbs are grown on-site, and the mountainous desert scenery is hard to beat. The Farmers’ Market at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing has sold high-quality foodstuffs, produce, and cute homemade gifts for almost two decades. Make sure you spend some time here.
- Julio’s Mexican Food
Authentic Mexican cuisine is served at Julio’s Mexican Food, which opened in 1944. The restaurant is one of the best places to try traditional Mexican cuisine with your companions.
This casual restaurant has exquisite margaritas, elegantly plated dishes, friendly staff, seasonal house specialties, and more.
The best foods to eat
- A house favorite is the Steak Tampiquena.
- This dish includes sirloin steak, red cheese enchiladas, guacamole, refried beans, and rajas.
- To end your meal, try the Crepes de Cajeta.
- Brandy or tequila-flambeed crepes topped with caramel drizzle and pecans.
Add a joy of best Taste 