Famous for its streetcar history, location on the Texas and Mexico border, and friendly residents with so many blended culture, El Paso is a great Texas city to visit and an even better one for foodies.
These are the best restaurants in El Paso, ranging from the many popular Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants to mouth-watering pizza, American fare like burger and fries, and even some healthy cafes for those of you who want something a little lighter.
El Paso is one of my favorite cities (yes, the fresh tortillas do play into this!) and I can’t wait to share my picks for El Paso’s best restaurants below – if you’re wondering where to eat in El Paso with kids, as a couple, or even as a solo traveler, I’ve got you covered.
Let’s get started!
PS – there are in no particular order, so have a browse depending on what kind of cuisine you’re in the mood for
1. Los Bandidos de Carlos & Mickey’s
Our go-to place to take out of towners for classic Mexican and Tex-Mex food. Tons of food options, including a decent number of vegetarian options. The vibes and aesthetic of this place is pretty unique.
💻: website | 📞: 915-778-3323 | 📌: 1310 Magruder St, El Paso, TX 79925
Classic Mexican and Tex Mex food is on the menu at Los Bandidos, as one of the best restaurants in El Paso for locals and visitors alike.
They’ve got plenty of veggie options, as well as great chips and salsa, enchiladas, tacos, chimichangas and tortilla soup that I still dream about.
Try the prickly pear margarita if you want something different, and don’t forget to appreciate the interior.
The design and atmosphere is totally on point and immersive, and there’s nothing I don’t like about this El Paso restaurant.
2. House of Pizza
Best pizza I’ve had in El Paso, perfectly cooked, crispy crust, homemade sauce, fresh veggies… What more would you want?
💻: website | 📞: 915-565-7240 | 📌: 2016 N Piedras St, El Paso, TX 79930
Called by some the “best pizza in town,” House of Pizza serves up some great lunchtime pizza options, as well as sandwiches (hot pastrami is my go to) and awesome salads.
The staff are really friendly and the portions are large, meaning you can usually take some home with you.
The pizza crust is my favorite in the area, and I always stop to go here when we’re driving through.
Also, my husband wants me to write that his favorite is the meatball sandwich so consider that as well!
3. Casa Pantera
Ordered the grilled octopus, oysters and split the pork chop along with the onion/mushrooms. Food was all SO good. Flavorful and cooked perfectly.
💻: website | 📞: 432-218-8806 | 📌: 3015 Pershing Dr, El Paso, TX 79903
The food is absolutely top notch at Casa Pantera, featuring menu items like grilled octopus, pork chop, tomahawk ribeye and the truffle with mashed potatoes.
This should be your go-to choice for anniversaries, date nights, and special occasions (or just catching up with friends), as the entire ambiance is amazing and the cocktails are a must-try.
Make sure to make reservations in advance to make sure you have a space, and if you want something different, sit outside by the kitchen to see it all in action.
One reviewer even called it “the best restaurant I’ve ever been to in my entire life,” and that’s some high praise if I’ve ever heard it!
4. The Italian Kitchen
Italian food at its finest has always been a staple for The Italian Kitchen! We love this restaurant! It never disappoints. Bring your appetite because the portions are large, and meals are delicious, and the service is excellent.
💻: website | 📞: 915-565-4041 | 📌: 2923 Pershing Dr, El Paso, TX 79903
The Italian Kitchen has been a staple for over 70 years in El Paso – which makes it one of the longest running restaurants on this list.
It’s total nostalgia, with comfy vibes and vintage photos on the walls of the restaurant’s past.
Go for classics like the fettucine alfredo with chicken or the pepperoni pizza, or try the fried mushrooms, bruschetta, or the eggplant parmesan.
You’ll get friendly service, big portions, and a memorable dining experience here.
5. The District Pub & Kitchen
Had a great lunch and Bloody Mary. Bartenders were friendly, warm and provided great service. Had a three chili chicken wrap, it was very good bar food. We will be back for sure!!!
💻: website | 📞: 915-564-0707 | 📌: 601 N Piedras St, El Paso, TX 79903
The District Pub and Kitchen has some of the best lunches and dinner options in El Paso, particularly if you want to enjoy music in the background and a wide variety of drinks and cocktails to go with your meals (the bartenders are always friendly ever time we’ve been).
Try the three chili chicken wrap, or go for the tacos or burgers for some great bar food.
Service is fast and you can watch the game while you eat, or catch up with friends.
6. Su-Casa Restaurant
My husband and I ordered the tacos dorados. We asked for them, Xtra crispy, we had to wait a bit longer for our food, but let me just say, it was well worth the wait.
💻: website | 📞: 915-544-5136 | 📌: 2030 Yandell Dr, El Paso, TX 79903
In the mood for Mexican? Su-Casa is a fun and friendly place to eat in El Paso with everything from gordita plates to enchiladas to tacos with rice and beans.
It’s nostalgic and an El Paso gem, with friendly service and reasonable prices so you don’t have to break the bank.
7. Nature’s Delight
A very cozy little cafe, all the food is healthy and they have a very unique menu with items you can’t find anywhere else! The food is refreshing , and not to mention the pricing is outstanding.
💻: website | 📞: 915-867-8822 | 📌: 1814 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX 79902
This awesome healthy café in El Paso has a unique menu with tons of options no matter your dietary requirements (plenty of vegan options here), as well as a cute atmosphere that is perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Get the energy juice to start off with, then try the tortilla soup or chicken sandwich, or go for the veggie soup or tuna delight salad.
The food is always so fresh, the coffee is amazing, and it’s a nice break from the fried and heavy foods elsewhere in town.
8. Tony’s the Pit Bar-B-Q
Stopped by for lunch, and was pleasantly surprised by the homey feel and pleasant service! Everything was delicious, the ribs were fall off the bone and seasoned perfectly.
💻: website | 📞: 915-546-9140 | 📌: 1700 Myrtle Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
Whatever you do, don’t miss an opportunity to visit Tony’s when you’re in El Paso.
This is BBQ done right – with ribs that fall off the bone, barbecue brisket sandwiches that you just have to try for yourself, and everything from sausage, burgers, pulled pork, and more.
The iced tea and lemonade is perfect to wash it all down, and the customer service is some of the best in the area.
I love stopping by here and filling up – if you’re not a frequent BBQ eater (though who in El Paso isn’t?), they’ll help you decide what to get and how much.
The food is prepared to order so it’s always fresh, and I can’t say enough good things about Tony’s.
9. El Jacalito
Many years of serving excellent Mexican food. A lot of history with this restaurant. Beautiful mural depicting history on the outside wall. One of a kind. Highly recommended.
💻: website | 📞: 915-532-4643 | 📌: 2130 Myrtle Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
El Jacalito serves both breakfast and lunch, but I would highly recommend it for breakfast!
The Migas plate is awesome, and the food is super affordable with great coffee and a welcoming neighborhood vibe.
The service is fast, and I would definitely call it a “hole in the wall” in the best way possible – with a gorgeous mural outside that you should definitely take a moment to enjoy.
It’s Mexican home cooking, just served in a restaurant setting – a must-try.
10. Mariscos Los Mariachis
Stumbled across this hole in the wall by accident – but so glad we did! It’s a hidden gem in El Paso. Everything from the food to the service was excellent. The seafood tasted fresh and seasoned perfectly.
💻: website | 📞: 915-702-0009 | 📌: 3214 Alameda Ave, El Paso, TX 79905
If you’re craving seafood, Marisco’s is the place to go.
So many people come across it by accident, as it’s a little bit tucked away, but you won’t regret it.
The food is so fresh and everything is delicious.
Try the fish and shrimp tacos, the calamari, the shrimp cocktails, or the fried octopus bites.
If you don’t want seafood, they’ve got other options too, like rib eye tacos, and the salsa is made right at your table and is seriously good.
I always know we’re going to have a good meal at Mariscos, and the ambiance is nice too.
11. Old Sheepdog Brewery
Great environment with beautiful vibe. Loved the options of food with the food trucks right outside.
💻: website | 📞: 915-702-0055 | 📌: 3900 Rosa Ave, El Paso, TX 79905
I’m obsessed with Sheepdog Brewery for the craft beer and the warm welcome you always get.
It’s a laid back place that feels like you can chill out a bit, and the food trucks right outside give you so many great options to enjoy (which is why this is classed as a restaurant in this article).
The burgers from the food trucks are insanely good, and the taco food truck is a great option when you want some Mexican food along with your IPA.
The building is really beautiful and filled with art (as well as locals who love hanging out here).
12. La Colonial Tortilla Factory
When the craving hits and you need that fix for some good Mexican food this is a must. The service has always been friendly and they truly care about your experience and food.
💻: website | 📞: 915-533-9691 | 📌: 212 N Copia St, El Paso, TX 79905
If you want an authentic Juarez style burrito, La Colonial Tortilla factory is the place to go in El Paso.
They’ve also got tamales, but they often sell out early so get there in the morning.
The tortillas are so much better than anything you’d get at the store, and the brisket and queso is out of this world good.
They’ve been featured on the Food Network on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and for good reason.
The food here is so good, incredibly authentic, and it just never disappoints.
13. L & J Cafe
Fantastic experience! Our first visit, so we ordered the “sampler”. It was all delicious.
💻: website | 📞: 915-566-8418 | 📌: 3622 E Missouri Ave, El Paso, TX 79903
Dating back to the 1920s, this family-run restaurant has been serving up amazing food and drinks to the El Paso area for a long, long time.
The steak burrito with con queso is excellent, as is the chili relleno, and the chips are super fresh.
Try the green and red sauce, as well as the green chili chicken enchiladas, or go for the strawberry margarita if you just want some drinks.
I always opt for the veggie fajitas, and one of my favorite parts about L&J is that family-style service you get.
You never feel like a burden here, and you get authentic Mexican food in the process – yes, please.
14. Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant
Just OMG!! Food is hot, fresh, and just delicious. The atmosphere is fun, comfortable, and welcoming to top it off. Waitress was so nice, checked on us frequently, and we never had to ask for refills of anything.
💻: website | 📞: 915-565-6713 | 📌: 2719 N Piedras St, El Paso, TX 79930
Another great Mexican restaurant in El Paso, Kiki’s has some great quesadillas, as well as crab tacos, burritos, and Tex-Mex style enchiladas.
Most of the time, there’s a line – for good reason!
The food is always hot and fresh, and the atmosphere is super fun.
Try the queso fries with the brisket to share, or indulge in the tostadas or machaca.
It’s a local vibe with a homey atmosphere and some interesting Kiki history on the walls!
15. West Texas Chophouse
Absolutely loved the atmosphere, food and service! Isabella was absolutely phenomenal in making sure we received everything we asked for and provided recommendations as it was my first time here.
💻: website | 📞: 915-775-2467 | 📌: 1135 Airway Blvd Suite B, El Paso, TX 79925
This excellent steakhouse in El Paso is a great place for a nice meal, featuring perfectly cooked steaks, sides like baked potato, mac and cheese, onion rings, and more, as well as some of the best dessert around.
You can also sit at the bar if you want to watch some sports and just hang out, or take the whole family to catch up around a table.
The beer and cocktail list is expansive, and the service is always kind and attentive every time we’ve been.
16. Great American Steakhouse
Ate at the Great American Steakhouse in El Paso for the first time. Boy, have I been missing something by not stopping there. Delish. Generous portions.
💻: website | 📞: 915-590-5227 | 📌: 1345 George Dieter Dr, El Paso, TX 79936
17. Kona Grill
Today was our 2nd time here in one week. The food is amazing . Drinks are spectacular. Service extraordinary. Isaac our server today took his time explaining everything and also friendly.
💻: website | 📞: 915-249-3803 | 📌: 8889 Gateway Blvd W #1740, El Paso, TX 79925
For exotic dishes, as well as classic American cuisine, check out Kona Grill.
Try the macadamia nut chicken, the poke bowls, the fried calamari, or the shrimp tacos!
It’s all great, you can’t go wrong, and the environment is relatively high end so you’ll feel like you’re really treating yourself.
You can eat indoors, or there’s a covered patio if the weather is nice.
18. Andale Mexican Restaurant
This place was everything! The atmosphere is wonderful. I really came to hear live music and they did not disappoint. I had the trio seafood tostadas. It was delicious.
💻: website | 📞: 915-590-5999 | 📌: 9201 Gateway Blvd W, El Paso, TX 79925
If you want live music and Old Mexican vibes, Andale is the place to go in El Paso.
They’ve got both Mexican and seafood options, depending on what you’re in the mood for, and the margaritas have earned a special place in the hearts of many locals.
Perhaps the best part is the atmosphere – it’s so fun with great interior décor and live music, which makes it the perfect place for a festive meal that’s a little bit different from your standard sit-down meal (in a good way).
19. Gom Ramen
The food is great, the staff is very friendly and the place is clean. I had the Gom ramen, which was so good, the broth was delicious and the slight spice was perfect.
💻: website | 📌: 1821 Hunter Dr, El Paso, TX 79915,
20. Grandy’s
Pleasant surprise! Walked in @8:30pm. Very clean, staff was very friendly. I had the special-chicken fried steak. Very tasty and affordable.
💻: website | 📞: 915-598-8382 | 📌: 10599 Vista Del Sol Dr, El Paso, TX 79925
21. Cafe Maypan
I feel like the food I had here was the most authentic Mexican and even pre-Spanish Mexican food I’ve ever had! I had cactus for the first time, and it was great!
💻: website | 📞: 915-217-1126 | 📌: 2000 Texas Ave, El Paso, TX 79901