2 Best Restaurants in The Southside and Ranchos de Taos, Taos

Chef Antonio Matus has been delighting diners in the Taos area for many years with his authentic, boldly flavorful, and beautifully plated regional Mexican cuisine. In this intimate art-filled restaurant with a slate courtyard, Matus focuses more on regional Mexican than New Mexican fare. Specialties include chile en nogada (poblano peppers stuffed with pork, pears, and raisins and topped with a walnut-cream sauce) and Mexico City–style tacos al pastor with shaved, seasoned pork, pineapple, and cilantro, plus a fantastic tres leches cake and a rich chipotle-chocolate cake. Local favorites such as pork-stuffed sopaipillas are also served.

A standout amid the strip of mostly unmemorable fast-food restaurants along Paseo del Pueblo on the south side of town, this airy, high-ceiling contemporary space—part of a regional chain with locations in Albuquerque as well—serves stellar burgers using hormone-free Angus beef from respected Harris Ranch; turkey, veggie, Colorado lamb, bison, and salmon burgers are also available. You can also choose from an assortment of novel toppings, including fried eggs, wild mushrooms, grilled onions, and crispy jalapeños. Beer and wine are also served.