4 Best Restaurants in Silver City, Southwestern New Mexico

Alotta Gelato. Made on-site, the gelato here is creamy and delicious. Flavors change regularly; espresso, chocolate hazelnut, and a very unordinary vanilla are regulars, as are sorbets like raspberry and mango. It's open late if you need a nighttime snack.

Fresh flowers grace the wooden tables and light streams through the large windows at this cheerful bakery and eatery. Owner Diane Barrett's menu includes Hatch-green-chile Benedict, "Grandma's" spaghetti, steaks, and a deftly prepared lemon-caper chicken. The sandwiches are all made with wonderfully tasty house-baked bread; if you're in the mood for something sweet, don't hesitate—this chef really shines when it comes to desserts. Bottled microbrews and well-chosen wines are available. There's a popular Sunday Champagne brunch.

The Mesa family serves up hunger-busting traditional Mexican food here, all based on old family recipes. Enchiladas and chiles rellenos (ask for the green chile on the rellenos—strangely, they charge extra for it, but it's worth it) satisfy big appetites in the cheerful dining rooms decorated with art from local artists and packed with families.

Although the food menu is scant at this quirky java spot, the coffees are good and the space comfortable for spreading out and sipping. There's free Wi-Fi.