Italian$$Five PointsTue-Sun 11:00-21:00
The Italian Kitchen on Pershing Drive has served El Paso since 1948 with fettuccine alfredo, pepperoni pizza, and eggplant parmesan in large portions.
Order: Fettuccine alfredo or eggplant parmesan
Tip: Split a pasta as a starter; portions are generous enough for two to share.
Japanese$$East El PasoTue-Sun 11:00-21:00
Gom Ramen on Hunter Drive is El Paso's leading ramen specialist, offering rich tonkotsu, shoyu, and vegetarian broths in a city where the noodle shop.
Order: Tonkotsu ramen with soft-boiled egg and chashu pork
Tip: Closed Mondays; the miso ramen with corn is the best vegetarian option.
Seafood$$YsletaTue-Sun 10:00-21:00
Mariscos Los Mariachis on Alameda serves Mexican-style seafood with tableside salsa, shrimp cocktails, fish tacos, and fried octopus in a bright room.
Order: Shrimp tacos with tableside salsa verde, or the campechana cocktail
Tip: Ask for the tableside salsa preparation; the green version with tomatillo is the best match for fish tacos.
Mediterranean$$DowntownMon-Thu 07:30-20:00; Fri 07:30-21:00; Sat 08:00-21:00; Sun 08:00-15:00
Lamezze on North Stanton Street in downtown El Paso serves mezze, charcoal-grilled kebabs, and falafel with a bright Levantine-Borderplex aesthetic, open.
Order: Hummus with warm pita and charcoal kebabs
Tip: Good vegetarian spread at brunch; the falafel plate with tahini and pickled vegetables is the best plant-based order.
New American$$DowntownMon-Thu 07:00-21:00; Fri-Sat 07:00-22:00; Sun 07:00-21:00
Crave Kitchen on Cincinnati Avenue runs breakfast through dinner daily, serving New American plates with a Southwest green chile accent at all-day hours.
Order: Green chile burger or breakfast tacos
Tip: All-day menu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options; the most convenient downtown spot for hotel guests.
American BBQ$DowntownTue-Sun 11:00-20:00
Tony's The Pit Bar-B-Q on Myrtle Avenue is El Paso's classic barbecue address, with mesquite-smoked brisket, pork ribs, and sausage served in a no-frills.
Order: Brisket sliced plate with jalopy pickled onions, or the pork ribs
Tip: Popular cuts sell out; arrive by 13:00 for the full selection.