How far would you drive for good food? Located in Abiquiu, an alluring day-trip destination an hour north of Santa Fe, is a must-try restaurant that's worthy of a day trip itself. A hidden gem restaurant in New Mexico, Cafe Sierra Negra is where you'll find fresh, affordable dishes made with healthy ingredients.

Café Sierra Negra is owned by Abiquiu resident Melodie Milhoan who named this hidden gem restaurant after the mountain it resides by. It first opened in January 2021 and has become a highly-rated local favorite ever since.

At this Abiquiu eatery, you have the option to dine indoors with gorgeous works of art adorning the walls or out on the patio. No matter where you sit, you'll feel right at home. It's such a warm, friendly place!

The menu at Cafe Sierra Negra is an eclectic mix of American, New Mexican, and international cuisines made with fresh local and organic ingredients whenever possible.

From shrimp tacos and green chile cheeseburgers to the mezze platter and the spinach crepe, your taste buds will love all of the flavors.

If you're like me and would love nothing more than to try a variety of food, order the mezze platter. With this dish, there are chickpea cakes, feta tomato cucumber salad, roasted red peppers, fire-roasted artichoke hearts, roasted peppers, and kalamata olives served with a side of pita bread. This is a perfect meal in my book!

The green chile stew, which happens to be gluten-free, is another fabulous option. With chunks of organic chicken in a broth of New Mexico green chiles, carrots, celery, onions, and red potatoes, it's both a hearty and healthy option.

And then there's dessert. Cafe Sierra Negra has an incredible selection of from-scratch baked goods and pastries. If you can't find room after dinner, I suggest you order something, like a slice of the Basque cheesecake or a cinnamon roll, to take home for later.

Ready to take a day trip to Abiquiu and dine at Cafe Sierra Negra? While it's a bit off the beaten path, it's absolutely worth it. Visit the Cafe Sierra Negra website for information on the location, hours, and menu. You can also follow Cafe Sierra Negra on Facebook for updates and more delicious food photos!

If you love the inspiring landscape of New Mexico as much as I do and want to brush up on your photography skills, sign up for the Photo Creative Workshops-Half-Day to Chimayo on Viator.