1 Clafoutis
402 N. Guadalupe St.
505-988-1809
Clafoutis is one of the best French restaurants in the state, but don’t get the wrong idea. It’s not fancy. There are no tuxedoed waiters here. No, this place specializes in the kind of traditional café fare that makes everyday dining in France such a pleasure. The food is authentic and soul-satisfying. When your taste buds have become overwhelmed by curry and chile and wasabi, bring them here to reconnect with simple joys such as crêpes sprinkled with plain sugar, a flaky butter croissant and a cup of café au lait, a plate of pâte with bread and cheese, a bowl of rich French onion soup. The sandwiches and quiches are filling but not overwhelming. Still, you’ll need to watch how much of that crusty bread you eat because you’ll definitely want to save room for something from the best-stocked pastry case in the city. Eclairs, fruit tarts, fluffy, flaky, cakey things with unpronounceable names—they are all magnificent. Just point to any three items and share them with your table. You won’t be disappointed.

2 Café Paris, 31 Burro Alley, 505-986-9162

3 315, 315 Old Santa Fe Trail, 505-986-9190