El Paso’s food scene has always been rich in border flavors, but recently it’s seen a surge of modern Mexican, farm‑inspired, and chef‑driven spots that sit right alongside the classic taquerias.
These five newer or newly buzz‑worthy restaurants show how much the city is evolving.
1. ELEMI
ELEMI is a bright, modern taqueria that treats tacos with fine‑dining respect. The space is colorful yet minimal, with an open kitchen and a casual but design‑forward feel.
The focus is on heirloom corn and high‑quality ingredients. Tortillas are nixtamalized and made in‑house, and fillings are carefully composed—think pork shoulder confit, grilled fish, squash blossoms, mushrooms, and thoughtfully seasoned meats. Sauces and salsas bring serious depth without being all about heat.
Small plates, ceviches, and a tight cocktail list round out the menu. If you want to experience a “next‑level” taco spot, ELEMI is essential.
2. Taft Díaz
Located in the Stanton House hotel downtown, Taft Díaz brings a refined, border‑inspired menu to a modern, art‑filled dining room. It feels upscale but not stiff—perfect for a special dinner or stylish brunch.
The menu blends Mexican, American, and border flavors: short rib mole, refined enchiladas, grilled steaks with creative sides, and playful takes on regional dishes. You’ll also see seafood crudos, inventive salads, and beautifully plated desserts.
Cocktails lean crafty and visually striking, often incorporating local ingredients, chilies, or fresh juices.
3. Salt + Honey Bakery Café
Salt + Honey is a cozy, sunlit café that’s become a favorite for brunch and lunch. Inside you’ll find a mix of locals working on laptops, friends catching up, and families grabbing weekend brunch.
The menu is comfort‑driven with a twist: stuffed French toast, chilaquiles, creative Benedicts, grain bowls, sandwiches, and salads that lean a bit healthier without feeling austere. Baked goods—scones, pastries, cookies, cakes—are a huge draw, often with seasonal flavors.
Coffee is taken seriously, with good espresso drinks and seasonal specials. It’s one of the best examples of El Paso’s growing modern café culture.
4. Crave Kitchen & Bar (Newer Locations & Revamped Menus)
Crave started as a fresh, modern brunch and comfort‑food spot and has expanded with newer locations and updated menus that keep it feeling current. The vibe is casual‑cool with lots of light, wood, and a lively atmosphere.
You’ll find big, satisfying brunch plates—pancakes, scrambles, chilaquiles, breakfast tacos—plus burgers, salads, and hearty mains for lunch and dinner. Flavors nod to the border: roasted chiles, house salsas, and spice‑forward sauces.
It’s a flexible spot: good for group brunch, a casual date, or a weeknight dinner when you want something better than basic.
5. Ambar Restaurante
Inside The Plaza Hotel, Ambar is a polished Mexican restaurant with a serious mezcal and tequila program. The dining room is dramatic—towering liquor shelves, dark wood, leather, and big windows—making it feel like a downtown destination.
The menu celebrates regional Mexican cooking with upscale execution: ceviches, house‑made tortillas, moles, grilled seafood, and wood‑fired meats. Expect rich sauces, thoughtful plating, and a balance of traditional flavors and modern presentation.
The bar is a major attraction, with an extensive agave spirit collection and cocktails that go way beyond basic margaritas.
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