Welcome to Itality: Plant Based Foods
At Itality: Plant Based Foods, the culinary philosophy is rooted in the rich traditions of Native American heritage. Located in Albuquerque, NM, this unique eatery celebrates plant-based cuisine with an array of dishes inspired by indigenous flavors. Founder Tina Archuleta, from the Jemez Pueblo, emphasizes a connection to the land and ancestral knowledge, stating, “Plant foods are Native foods.” This ethos reflects in dishes like the Ital-NDN Taco and OG Nachos Supreme, which are lauded for their creativity and freshness. With a welcoming atmosphere and an inclusive menu, Itality invites everyone to experience the beauty and depth of plant-based dining.
-
2500 12th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, United States Hotline: +1 505-451-2861
Welcome to Itality: Plant Based Foods, a vibrant oasis for plant-based dining nestled in the heart of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Located at 2500 12th St NW, this Native American-owned establishment is not just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey deeply rooted in tradition and culture.
At Itality, the ethos of food as a connecting force shines brightly. The founder, Tina Archuleta of the Jemez Pueblo, invites diners to experience the beauty of indigenous ingredients and plant-based cuisine. As she beautifully puts it, “Plant foods are Native foods. Plants are our oldest ally.” Her passion resonates through a thoughtfully curated menu that honors her ancestry while appealing to diverse palates.
The menu is a delightful blend of creativity and heartiness, featuring items like the Ital NDN Taco, a taco that showcases red chile beans, avocado, and a unique pumpkin chi sauce, earning rave reviews from customers like Nick Gerlich. He describes it as “beyond reproach,” a sentiment echoed by many who find themselves captivated by the bursts of flavor and freshness that define each dish.
- Lunch favorites: Enjoy the OG Nacho Supreme, a hefty dish fortified with quinoa, or indulge in the Fry Bread Special that provides a comforting nod to traditional fare.
- Smoothies and Drinks: Refresh your palate with offerings like Prickly Pear Lemonade or the nutrient-packed Green Omega. Each sip enhances your dining experience, perfectly complementing the vibrant meals.
- Salads: The More Life Salad is a refreshing and nutritious choice, ensuring you leave feeling light and satisfied.
Patrons frequently echo sentiments of gratitude for the meals, with one customer noting their appreciation for a “great little niche cafe.” The atmosphere is welcoming, and while indoor seating is intimate, the lively vibes promote a shared experience among diners. Whether dining in or grabbing a meal to go, every aspect of Itality invites you to appreciate the moment.
In a city celebrated for its culinary diversity, Itality: Plant Based Foods stands out as a beacon of innovation and respect for indigenous foodways. Each dish not only satisfies hunger but nourishes the spirit, making this a must-visit destination for anyone craving a taste of wholesome, plant-based cuisine. My visit left me eager to explore more of what this remarkable establishment has to offer. If you find yourself in Albuquerque, don't miss your chance to experience this transformative dining adventure.
It’s always fun to find a new (to me, anyway) place serving a plant-based menu. I know. It’s not for everyone. But for those who crave this style of food, it is a godsend. And Itality is just that. Located just off NW 12th, Itality is Native American-owned, which automatically causes me to give even higher praise. I am a supporter. There’s a great story in Edible New Mexico that tells Tina Archuleta’s story, and how she wound up creating plant-based food for a diverse audience. Google it. Tina, who hails from the Jemez Pueblo, had this to say: “Plant foods are Native foods. Plants are our oldest ally. Plants are our relatives and they’re here for us. My food is not going to hurt anyone.” And so she set out a couple of years ago to create a table at which all could dine, and in a way that honors the traditions of her lineage. To that end, she has hit a home run. I made the mistake of coming late for lunch one day on a recent business trip to ABQ, and arrived about 1pm. This put me after a mad lunch rush, and thus they had to to start over cooking the many menu items. Under some circumstances, I might have been annoyed. But not this time. It was well worth the wait. I went with the Ital-NDN (say it slowly), which is basically a pueblo taco with red Chile beans, avocado, romaine lettuce, tomato, onions, and their pumpkin chi sauce. OMG, this was absolutely amazing! If there is one thing I love about ABQ it is the diversity of dinging experiences. Itality just catapulted to the top of my list for repeat visits. This taco was beyond reproach, and even though I had to wait 30 minutes for the kitchen to catch up, it was all good. If you’re not vegan, don’t write this off. And if you are, what’s keeping you? This is an amazing place to be in the moment, whether you dine indoors or out. Dining is a spiritual experience here, and I will be back.
I had the OG Nachos Supreme and they were so good. The quinoa in it is an excellent idea. Definitely a good choice if you want leftovers because it's so big. The service was great. I also tried the blue corn bread and pueblo cookies which were also very good.
The food was awesome! It was a real treat to get to try indigenous American food that was plant based. And beyond just having great, creative options, it was all very tasty too. The fry bread was delicious without being super greasy. Everything tasted really fresh and healthy. Enchiladas were also delicious
awesome vegan food unlike anything I've ever had before - this is the realest local cuisine out there. the lady at the register was very sweet and helpful. not much indoor seating but wasn't a problem. We had the blue corn waffle and fry bread special.
Ordered the kyu-nah which was their current stew of green chile lentils and potatoes, with a side of oven bread and an omega green smoothie. The stew had so many flavors and was hearty and delicious on a cold day! The smoothie was so yummy, I left full and content. What a great little niche cafe. Atmosphere was welcoming and the other food coming out looked so good. I’ll definitely be returning.
Delicious! My one shot to eat out while in New Mexico and I chose wisely. The fry bread was amazing!
Fully vegan! 'Best fried oyster mushrooms I've ever had!' We had the Fried Oyster Shrooms and Waffles, the Pueblo Pizza, and the Chaco smoothie - everything was excellent!
I am so thankful I had the opportunity to try this welcoming plant-based Pueblo cuisine, while visiting Albuquerque,NM! I ordered the shrooms and waffle, with fry bread on the side and paired with Omega Green smoothie and prickly pear lemonade. Everything tasted delicious, healthy and filling. I look forward to trying more menu items when I visit the area again. The space was inviting as well as the staff. They do have intimate indoor seating but I opted to get my food to go.