Mesa Provisions isn’t your average Route 66 diner. Chef Steve Riley, whose mastery of Southwest cuisine has caught the eye of respected foodie publications such as Edible and the prestigious James Beard Society, infuses each dish with a blend of innovation and tradition.

Renowned for his vegetable-centric creations, Riley’s plates are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Imagine achiote-glazed pork belly nestled in a tomatillo curry, or harissa-roasted carrots adorned with goat milk yogurt and vibrant chermoula. Intrigued? Mesa Provisions is a must for the curious traveler seeking an unexpected culinary adventure in the heart of New Mexico.

Keep reading to see why this Albuquerque restaurant was one of our favorite stops on our tour through New Mexico wine country.

The Location & Atmosphere: What to Expect  

Mesa Provisions is located right on the famous Route 66 that runs through Albuquerque. The facade is somewhat unassuming, and you’d never know there is a world-class restaurant behind those walls. 

Stepping inside, you immediately feel welcome. The hostess greets you with a smile and ushers you inside the small, quaint dining room. We were seated at one of the stand-alone tables, which was great, but there was also a nice countertop bar area where you could enjoy the full menu and soak in the casual atmosphere.

Chef Steve Riley’s Menu at Mesa Provisions  

Chef Steve Riley grew up in Albuquerque, but moved to Los Angeles between 2001-2018 to develop his skills. His time in Redondo Beach completely changed his perspective on food and cooking. Here, he developed a love of working with fresh vegetables, which he didn’t fully appreciate until he began visiting the local farmers market in LA almost daily.

As he began experimenting, he was ultimately able to develop his own style of cooking and found himself coming back to his Southwestern roots, with an elevated flair. The experience appears to have paid off.  Chef Riley was a 2024 James Beard Foundation finalist for Best Chef in the Southwest, and, in our opinion, his Mesa Provisions restaurant absolutely deserves a Michele star for his ability to blend flavors and, of course, the presentation.

Must order dishes include:  

• Achiote Pork Belly with Tomatillo Curry, Cabbage, Radish, Pickled Onion, Pineapple Pico de Gallo

• Biscuits with Green Chile, Sharp Cheddar, Red Chile, Honey Butter

• Harissa Roasted Carrots with Goat Milk Yogurt, Carrot Top Chermoula, Almond Dukkah

• Smoked Half-Chicken with Red Chile Honey, Duck Fat Flour Tortillas, Pepita Crema, Cabbage Slaw, Pintos

Keep in mind that the menu does change seasonally, so there will always be new dishes popping up all the time.

Our Experience  

As we mentioned at the start of our review of Albuquerque’s Mesa Provisions, from the outside, you’d never guess that within those walls, an exquisite dining experience awaits. Even the menu itself is simple and to the point. But, when the food starts arriving, and it doesn’t just arrive beautifully plated, but it’s delicious to boot, you’re going to be blown away by your dining experience, just as we were.

The biscuits at Mesa Provisions are mentioned in tons of reviews, so we had to try those, and we can vouch that they are just as good as people say they are. Do not go to Mesa Provisions without trying Chef Riley’s biscuits.

The same goes for the pork belly; it’s a 10/10 dish and the plating is simply gorgeous. While we were seated, Chef Riley brought us out the BBQ Beets, a “gift from the kitchen”, and told us about the creation of the restaurant.

For the entree, we went with the Lamb Shank, a hearty dish with meat that literally fell off the bone. We paired our meal at Mesa Provisions with a bottle of Chateau de Saint Cosme CDP, which went well with our selections.

If you like a lighter style of wine, you will find some gems on the wine list. Cool varieties like Timorasso, Muscadet, Pinot Bianco, Friulano, Dolcetto, and Catarratto are fun additions you don’t always see. The average bottle price hovers around $65 a bottle, with a lot of options in the $45 to $55 price range too, which is great to see.

Tips  

• Reservations are highly recommended at Mesa Provisions. While they are not required, this is one of Albuquerque’s most popular restaurants, so it’s better to play it safe.

• If you’re celebrating a special occasion with a group, be aware that the restaurant can only host parties up to 8 guests.

• This Albuquerque restaurant has a time limit per reservation. Tables of 2 are allotted 1.5 hours per reservation and 2 hours for parties of 3 or more.

Closing Thoughts  

From the exceptional service (a big shout out to our waitress, Aubrey!) to the mouthwatering food, everything at Mesa Provisions was absolutely wonderful. Finding this gem of a restaurant in Albuquerque was the highlight of our trip through the Southwest. This restaurant can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best of them, and is a total five star experience. Mesa Provisions is a must-visit the next time you’re in New Mexico.