Los Alamos, nestled on the Pajarito Plateau, may be home to natural scenery, an array of historic plateau buildings, and the Los Alamos National Laboratory, but it also boasts a long list of mom-and-pop, down-home restaurants inspired by cuisines from all over the world. Read on for our guide to eating out in Los Alamos, New Mexico.
Don’t be fooled by the unpretentious location of Blue Window Bistro; nestled within a shopping center down the road from Los Alamos Airport, Blue Window Bistro is a favorite amongst locals, notable for its casual atmosphere and upscale American cuisine. For lunch, diners can get their hands on soups, salads, sandwiches, and tacos (go for the duck BLT); at dinner, entrées include dishes like bacon-wrapped filet and seafood pasta. Plus, this eclectic joint serves desserts that are on point (think pumpkin bread pudding) alongside beer and wine, the perfect pairing to any meal.
At Viola’s, breakfast and lunch are king. Featuring a Mexican-inspired menu in the way of New Mexican dishes – like huevos rancheros, green chili cheeseburgers, and carne adovada – alongside American classics, Viola’s is the perfect stop for a hearty meal. Another local favorite, Viola’s is frequented by families, early risers, and those looking for a cozy place for lunch.
Cafe Sushi is considered by most residents as the best sushi joint in Los Alamos, nestled in the mountains of New Mexico in a small, but inviting, space. On that seafood kick? Head here for fresh fish, first-class service, and friendly staff. Go for the fan favorite, the spicy tuna salad, or opt for rolls galore. Plus, the servings are generous and the prices unbeatable. Pro tip: Cafe Sushi is no longer a secret – get here early as the restaurant usually runs out of fish before the end of the night.
Chili Works may be described by many as a ‘hole-in-the-wall’ establishment, but this modest joint is all about dishing out really good food. Drawing in both locals and tourists – many of whom return time and time again – for its authentic Northern New Mexican cuisine, Chili Works keeps it simple: pick your meat (bacon, chorizo, or carna adovada are all popular choices), your chile (red, green, or both), and if you would like cheese or not (a definite yes). Then something magical happens – it’s all stuffed inside a warm tortilla with eggs and hash browns. Grab a table outside, or take it to-go, but either way, be prepared to be wowed.
Many food lovers will shy away from chain restaurants, but the family-owned El Parasol is something special. Since 1958, this casual spot has been dishing out flavor-packed Mexican and Northern New Mexican food, like handmade tamales, chili relleno burritos, crispy tacos, posole, and house-made tortilla chips and guacamole. Expanding to include six locations across New Mexico, El Parasol is the key to getting fast-service without sacrificing flavor and quality. Plus, diners can get their hands on American dishes as well, like burgers, Frito pie, fries, and chili cheese dogs.
