Antonio’s The Taste of Mexico is expanding its reach across northern New Mexico with the second location set to open late December 2025. The Taste of Mexico is a northern New Mexico staple that has been around for 23 years, and for eight years at its current locations, Antonio’s continues to prove to be one of the best Mexican restaurants in Taos, as shown in its 4.1-star Google review with over 1,000 reviews. If you’ve ever been to Antonio’s, you know to expect quality Mexican food as well as local staples.
A friendship that grew into a business partnership flourished right in one of the seats at Antonio’s restaurant. François Bouyra began coming to Taos in 2023 around Christmas time to visit friends. “We came to ski and immediately I fell in love with Taos. There is something about the weather, gastronomy, the people, and the feeling that you get in Taos that’s unlike anywhere else,” Bouyra said. It wasn’t long after that François and his wife purchased a home in Arroyo Seco.
Antonio and François recalled the story of their first meeting. François explained, “It was near closing time, after a long day of skiing, when I called Antonio’s to see if they’d still be open when I made it back to Taos.” Despite the late hour, Antonio generously said to come right over and he would fix him a meal. Little did Antonio know that conversation would change his future. After several talks about interests, realizing that they had the same love of food—specifically Mexican food—and an overall love of Mexico, the partnership was solidified. Originally from a small village in France, François has lived in Mexico for 34 years.
Antonio had been thinking of expanding, and his new friendship and partnership with François and their immediate cohesion on a business idea meant expansion was now a reality. His second restaurant was within reach.
For François, Taos reminded him of where he grew up in France. “I grew up in a small village where there wasn’t a lot going on, but you had a beautiful view and you were immersed in the land. Those wide country views of Taos reminded me of back home,” Bouyra said.
The second location is located in El Prado, but close enough to Central Taos that people can easily stop by for lunch and dinner. Both François and Antonio are looking forward to serving the same high-quality Mexican food Antonio offers with some elevated dishes. They are also excited to offer Mezcal 33, which will be their featured Mezcal.
With François’s background in business consulting and marketing and Antonio’s expertise in hotels and restaurants, this combination of talents is sure to deliver a fresh, new dining experience. François’s love of Taos and Antonio’s cuisine made it easy for him to make the decision to invest. “We share the same entrepreneurial spirit,” Bouyra said. “We see opportunities and we embrace them.”
Antonio mentioned that his son, Marco, is interested in working at the new location. “I’m excited for Marco to host at the new location.” François mentioned his two children, Santiago and Marion with pride. “Santiago works with me in my consulting business and my daughter lives and works in Paris for a fashion magazine.”
Pending the liquor license, the new space will soon offer a full bar serving great cocktails, wine, and spirits. “The space itself is very comfortable and very beautiful,” both partners agreed. “It has two patios, lots of outdoor seating and just is a great scene in Taos.”
Most people know that Antonio’s was featured on the popular TV show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. “That was such a fun time and such a rewarding experience,” Antonio shared.
Arriving in Taos in 1994, Antonio has worked in restaurants throughout New Mexico. Both Antonio and François light up when discussing their current and future endeavors and cannot wait to open the doors of Antonio’s The Taste of Mexico in El Prado.
