Ranchos de Taos Restaurants

One of the best meals I’ve had in many years. I went with my spouse and two friends for a birthday. We had cocktails, foie gras appetizer, tuna appetizer, pork shank, sea bass, elk tenderloin. Everything was very beautifully presented, carefully crafted, flavors perfectly balanced, and everything perfectly cooked. Service was attentive but not intrusive (perfect!). There was great detail to each dish. For example the tuna appetizer was presented with three different sauces, artistically presented on the plate, I especially remember the wasabi aioli. There were also two kinds of fish roe, marinated, and three different preparations of the tuna. Yes, we all shared each other’s dishes. They were able to accommodate a dairy allergy. Gluten free options were limited, however it was possible. Vegetarian options were available, not vegan. One of my biggest pet peeves about restaurants is when they have an elegant entree, and the extravagantly described dessert is a gussied up sheet cake. That was not the case here. We had gluten free German chocolate cake, banana cream pie, and an apple dessert. Every one was a delicious work of art. For example the apple dessert came, in part, with what looked like a perfect golden apple on the plate. But under the sweet shell (white chocolate?) was a creamy mousse, and apple filling. My spouse said the banana cream pie was the best ever. They were able to substitute the vanilla ice cream side to the chocolate cake with a sorbet without any problem. It wasn’t an inexpensive meal, but one we will remember with fondness for years to come.

It was a beautiful visit, the only complaint I have is people talking so loud that I can hear every detail of the conversation. I go to relax and enjoy the quiet time, some people are just inconsiderate.

Aceq is my favorite restaurant in the area and I never pass up an excuse to have a special night out to dinner there.

Food was all good. However I ordered the bison ribs for $43, which should have been called bison rib- singular, because it was a very small plate with the equivalent of one rib. It was good but really guys?!? Everything else was good and reasonable sized portions. Just kind of steamed about paying that much for one rib!

Beautiful restaurant with excellent food. Pricey but less pricey than other restaurants we’ve been to in Santa Fe.