5 (New-ish) Reasons to Crush on ABQ’s Food Scene

Albuquerque food scene favorites from our team at the time of writing: a downtown food hall, a pizza truck, Spanish tapas and two spots worth a visit.

See Our Services
5 (New-ish) Reasons to Crush on ABQ’s Food Scene

Why New Mexico Chooses Us

  • Best of the City, 2018 to 2025
  • Same team every visit
  • Free estimates

Sandia Green Clean team member cleaning a kitchen

Same Team

  • Trained three-person crew
  • Learns your home
  • No contracts

The Same Team Every Visit

A trained three-person crew that learns your home, not rotating strangers.

Sandia Green Clean cleaner making a bed

Deep Clean

  • Baseboards and blinds
  • Beds and full surfaces
  • Every visit

Every Clean a Deep Clean

Baseboards, blinds, beds and the spots that usually get skipped.

Sandia Green Clean cleaner wiping kitchen cabinets

Eco Promise

  • No harsh chemicals
  • No off-gassing
  • Kid and pet safe

Green Products, Safe for Kids and Pets

No harsh chemicals and no off-gassing, plus Breezy Blue disinfection made in Albuquerque.

Originally published March 14, 2023. Updated September 2026 with a summary, next steps and answers to common questions.

Albuquerque is a foodie town. Even if you don’t realize it (yet), you’ll miss the food as soon as you leave. Not only is it unique, but the people making it behind the scenes are passionate about what they do – something that not every city can boast about.

In case you didn’t know, 505 pride runs deep.

This week we’ve collected some of our favorite foodie spots in ABQ that deserve the spotlight. From new scenes to can’t-beat menus, this top 5 list will help you rediscover just how special Albuquerque’s restaurants are.

Enjoy!

5 New-ish Foodie Spots to Enjoy in Albuquerque This Weekend

1. 505 Central: A downtown food hall that is as beautiful as it is a food-lover’s paradise, 505 Central offers 9 unique vendors to ensure everyone gets a taste of what they crave. Featuring spicy chicken sandwiches, gourmet burgers, microbrews, cocktails, tacos, traditional New Mexican dishes, Detroit-style pizza, ramen, and coffee, 505 Central doesn’t disappoint. Bonus: Stackt Sandwich Co is joining the lineup shortly and, if you didn’t already know, you can grab liquor to go there, too (plus brats!)

2. Papa Cano’s: A wood-fired pizza truck that lives up to its hype, you can find Papa Cano’s popping up at some of your favorite local hangouts, like Marble Brewery and Ex Novo. Follow their Instagram to stay updated about where they’ll be showing up next. (Highly recommend the ABQ-BBQ pizza!)

3. Little Madrid: One of the newest additions to Sawmill Market, Little Madrid is, as you guessed, a Spanish-centric restaurant featuring an awesome selection of Spanish wines, tapas, and house specialties, like Basque Cheesecake. Check out their Paella to see New Mexican fusion food done right.

4. La Fonda del Bosque: New? No. But La Fonda del Bosque, located at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, has a lot of new things going on – and it’s well worth revisiting. Open for lunch Tuesday through Friday and for dinner on Friday nights, La Fonda del Bosque features a unique menu with dishes like Lavender Salmon and Coffee Tofu Steak.

5. Carrie’s Restaurant: Located in the Clyde Hotel in downtown Albuquerque, Carrie’s serves breakfast and lunch with an intention of bringing back “culinary glamor.” While the goal of Carrie’s is to help you slow down and relax, those who need a quick bite don’t have to miss out – check out Carrie’s Mercantile menu for food that can be ordered to-go via your phone. (New Mexico Panini for lunch, anyone?)

Wish you had more time to enjoy Albuquerque’s food scene? Let us help you #claimyourweekend! Book your next clean with our professional, eco-friendly teams today!

Questions about eating out in Albuquerque

Where is 505 Central in Albuquerque?
505 Central is a food hall in downtown Albuquerque. When we wrote this post, it offered a range of vendors under one roof, including spicy chicken sandwiches, gourmet burgers, tacos, traditional New Mexican dishes, Detroit-style pizza, ramen, microbrews, cocktails and coffee. Vendors can change over time, so check what is open before you go.
What restaurants are inside Sawmill Market?
This post featured Little Madrid, a Spanish restaurant that was one of the newer additions to Sawmill Market at the time. It served tapas, Spanish wines, Paella and house specialties like Basque Cheesecake. We only covered Little Madrid here, so check with Sawmill Market directly for its current lineup.
How can I spend more weekends enjoying Albuquerque instead of cleaning?
Hand the cleaning to a team you trust. Our teams give you a deep clean every visit using green products, and the same trained team returns each time so they learn your home. There are no contracts. Learn more on our Claim Your Weekend page or request a free estimate.