There are some very special places in this world. Montaño’s Restaurant is one such place. Montaño’s is nestled in the peaceful, comfortable, and smallish town of Belen, 29 miles south of the I25 and I40 interchange in New Mexico. I’d visited here a year ago, when I had a Grandad - Granddaughter day out. During that visit, she and I had a similar experience as this time. As soon as we walked in to the restaurant, the heavenly smell of homemade cooking wafted over us. Portions are generous, excellent taste, with friendly staff and locals ... and very reasonable prices. My lunch partner had a taco, described as a Native American style and I selected the Carne Adovada plate. You would not expect the beans and rice to taste as good as the main attraction, but they were devine, too. My companion said the taco was the best ever. These were to live for the next time. I’m not sure why, as it made no sense, but I requested a side order of fries. That took me back to my early years in SoCal and Germany. It’s really hard to find such succulent pomes frites today. Light and fresh, with no greasy aftertaste. Usually, when you return to someplace a year later, one sees some deterioration in food or service quality. Fortunately, this is a family run restaurant. If anything the food and waitstaff were better. We’ll definitely go back for seconds or even thirds. Try it you’ll like it!

We got there on a Saturday just before closing time at 7pm. Lots of people were rejected afterwards. We found a nice clean table among the only seven tables. Seating capacity is only 22 plus a few highchairs. This is a tiny but cosy place. Service was fast and good. Chips and salsa were automatic. Very good. I had the Chile Relleno Plate. They were hugh and maybe the best I have ever had. They hinge on a good cheese and even more importantly on a good batter fried crisp. So good. My son had an emormus stuffed sopapillas with shredded beef. He was starving going in but was only able to eat half. Every generous servings. Everything was so tasty. Even the sopapillas were different and uniquely good. More denser than normal. More flavor. Please note. This is family style dining. Not fine dining.

The food was wonderful it’s a great place to try it has a little of everything and there sopapillas are huge and delicious five stars from me and the family

Not too horrible for cafe style New Mexican food (not to be confused with authentic Mexican food). Chips and salsa tasted like Tostidos from a bag and jar salsa. Definitely didn't taste homemade. I got the birria tacos which weren't too bad. I would order those again. The rice taste like Uncle Ben's boxed rice, and the beans were very bland. Overpriced for the quality of food and service. The waitress was horrible. This place would do in a pinch, but probably much better places to eat.

We were on our way to TorC to soak in the mineral baths and stopped here for lunch. I have to say the Chile Relleno platter was 🔥🔥2 people can definitely sashes this and the Sopapillas are as big as your face. Very good food and friendly service. We definitely will be back.

I really love the food however, I hate paying for things I feel like I’m not receiving… I usually order extra cheese on my plates. It’s never there unless I make sure to ask them to see it through. Two packets of honey for three sopa’s is ridiculously stingy. I’m paying good money and feel shorted…

I'm never disappointed by the large portions and authentic New Mexican food. Their stuffed sopa is as big as the enchiladas, and there are always enough leftovers for the next day! I've been going to Montonos for years, and it's by far one of our favorite food comfort restaurants.

We enjoy coming here for breakfast/lunch. This time was no different. The food was great, had the combo plate. Sopapillas are really good here too.

The food was marginal no flavor. And the waitress was more involved with talking on her phone than paying attention to customers.