  | Fine Dining Restaurants in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico AlbuquerqueThe nickel slots are bright, noisy: Bien Shur is subdued, quiet, tasteful. The dining room is classy and beautiful but still comfortable, leaving diners to contemplate the wonderful contemporary cuisine and stunning views of the city and Sandia mountains. After your meal, you can head back downstairs into the casino scuffle for some live jazz in the Tlur P’a Lounge and a hand of video poker. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) View/Add Reviews [ 1 ] Albuquerque - DowntownArtichoke Café and Wine BarLunch:
Mon-Fri: 11am-2:30pm
Dinner:
Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10pm
Sun 5pm-9pm
Happy Hour:
Mon-Fri: 3pm-6:30pm (subject to change)
Once your lunch or dinner at the upscale Artichoke Café has concluded, you’ve got to adjourn to the sexy new Wine Bar next door. The wine list is actually a leather-bound tome with a massive assortment of wines. Prices start at a decent $28 or $30 a bottle and zoom up into the upper stratospheres of frivolity, but you can also order select vintages by the half-bottle or glass. You'll love the front-facing "big city" windows, curvy wooden bar and comfortable seats. It’s open until 11 p.m. on the weekends, but beware: The kitchen stops serving at 10 p.m. No matter. It’s got one hell of a breadbasket, and, as our server once suggested, "You can fill up on the wine!" Don't mind if we do! (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) Add a Review  Farina Pizzeria and Wine BarMon: 11am-9pm
Tues-Fri: 11am-10pm
Sat: 5-10pm
Sun: 5-9pm (subject to change) Full review: Seriously sexy food (12/25/2008)
Across Edith from the Artichoke Café, Farina’s proximity to some of the most established fine dining in Albuquerque isn't an accident. Farina is the punked-up younger sibling of jazzy Artichoke Café, and it brings a tantalizingly direct message to the neighborhood: pizza, beer and wine, and all of it damn good. Sharp, concise and to the point, with 20 superb choices offered by the glass or bottle. Farina’s wine list is straightforward and focused. The bar is comfortable and every wine is perfectly matched to the kitchen’s chic pizzeria offerings. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) View/Add Reviews [ 2 ]  LuciaBreakfast: Mon-Sat: 6:30am-10:30am
Brunch:
Sun: 10am-2pm
Lunch:
Mon-Sat: 11am-2:00pm Dinner:
Mon-Sun: 4:30-10pm (subject to change) Full review: My, how I do like them oysters (1/21/2010)
Downtown's Hotel Andaluz and its restaurant, Lucia, seem like they were designed to make you feel cool. The dining room is dimly lit by low-volt lamps hanging from paper ceilings and the occasional flash of fire from the open kitchen. Mediterranean fusion fine-dining begins with grilled artichokes smothered in saffron butter and capers, or heavenly grilled oysters with smoked chile-chive-oil mojo (a kind of Caribbean mayo) and pancetta on pea greens. Once you’re fully rested after a night of cocktails and herb-crusted rack of lamb, come back in the morning for fluffy, toothsome lemon-ricotta pancakes and organic breakfast burritos. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) View/Add Reviews [ 2 ]  Slate Street CaféMon-Fri 7:30am-10pm
Sat-Sun 9am-10pm
Closed Sunday (subject to change) $$$ • Vegetarian Available • Booze Served • Wine Bar • Craft Beer • Catering • Outdoor Patio • Lounge Read more: Mina's Dish: Two museum cafés offer more than eye candy (10/20/2011) Full review: This ain’t your mama’s meatloaf (1/3/2008)
Modeled after a New York loft, Slate Street’s wine bar has an ultra-hip, modern, minimalist feel. This wine list is rhythmic, flowing and poetic, and it’s the most pleasurable to read and easiest to comprehend in Albuquerque. The wines are listed by style—“just a little sweet,” “ABC: Anything But Chardonnay” or “sexy, elegant, austere”—not varietal or region. Demystifying the label like this makes it easy for patrons to pair wine and food. The listings are simple, but not simplistic. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) View/Add Reviews [ 2 ]  The Standard DinerMon-Thu 11am-9pm
Fri 11am-9:30pm
Sat-Sun 10am-9pm (subject to change) Full review: They’re missing a brick, but only one (7/13/2006)
Forget everything you know about typical diners. Add class, upscale furnishings and a larger price tag, and then you’ll have the Standard Diner. They have oysters, fine wines and homemade desserts, and some interesting twists on ordinary fare like meatloaf and mac and cheese. The service is doting, the view of our beloved Huning Highland is representative and if you need a restaurant to take your boss to, try kissing his rings while downing a nice glass of Port. It might make it a little easier. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) View/Add Reviews [ 3 ] Albuquerque - Far Northeast Heights Savoy Bar and GrillLunch: Mon-Fri: 11am-3pm
Dinner: Sun-Thurs: 5-10pm
Fri-Sat: 5-11pm
Brunch: Sun 11am-3pm
happy hour 3pm-6pm (subject to change) Full review: Grape harmony (9/6/2007)
Wine flights are the best way to try different selections without going broke, and Savoy has some interesting choices. They pair perfectly with the restaurant’s stunning interiors and lovely New American dishes—grouper in an almond-romesco sauce, seafood linguine, grilled peach and seared sea scallop salads, and the house charcuterie plate. For dessert, there’s praline-chocolate torte ($6), house-made blackberry-Chambord ice cream ($3.50), cheese plates and, of course, a glass of La Spinetta Moscato d’Asti ($5). Open ’til 10 p.m. weekdays, 11 p.m. weekends. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) Add a Review Albuquerque - I-25 Corridor Torinos' @ HomeBreakfast:
Tue-Fri 8am-10:45am
Sat 9am-10:45am
Lunch:
Tue-Sat 11am-5pm
Dinner:
Fri-Sat 5:30pm-9pm
Happy Hour:
Tue-Fri 2:30pm-6:30pm (subject to change) Read more: Locovore: A flawless meal @ Torinos’ @ Home (8/18/2011)
Torinos’ is owned by Maxime and Daniela Bouneou (a husband-and-wife team from Nice, France, and Torino, Italy, respectively), and their Northern Italian restaurant is the next best thing to a plane ticket to Occitania’s northeast corner. Everything is made from scratch, and ingredients are sourced as locally as possible. The
pappardelle all’Amatriciana
— fresh, house-made wide linguine tossed in a light tomato sauce with pecorino
,
chile, olives and
guanciale
bacon
—
is a glorious bowl of pasta. In the guilty pleasures department, the foie gras would satisfy the itch of the most jaded addicts. Don’t pass up the
spezzatino,
a slowly braised beef brisket served with seared polenta cubes. There’s also half-melted mallard duck confit served with cranberry rhubarb compote. Drop in for à la carte breakfast and lunch, or book a table for dinner service—a $36, six-course set menu. Vegetarians and other food restrictions can be accommodated, Maxime says, but it’s best if they call ahead. “Then we can make something special.” (Alibi Staff, February 2, 2011) Add a Review Albuquerque - Midtown Jennifer James 101Full review: A class of her own (7/3/2008) Read more: Mina's Dish: Jennifer James on the Joy of Cooking (12/23/2010)
Jennifer James and Nelle Bauer, along with a dedicated staff, have definitely set the bar high. A surprising location—in a Menaul strip mall—seems to suggest that JJ is separate from the Nob Hill gang in more than just geography. The menu is short and sweet: a smattering of primary and secondary courses followed by dessert, all of which change often to suit the available ingredients (reverently selected and prepared) and the chefs’ moods. While studying JJ’s offerings, a small bowl filled with ever-so-thin pickled cucumbers, along with crusty bread and a brilliant compound butter, gives a hint of what’s to come. Even the vegetarian dishes don’t treat herbivores as an afterthought. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) View/Add Reviews [ 1 ] Albuquerque - Nob Hill Nob Hill Bar and GrillTues-Thurs: 11am-10pm
Fri-Sat: 11am-1:30am
Sun: noon-9pm
Closed Monday (subject to change) $$$ • Vegetarian Available • Booze Served • Full Bar • Craft Beer • Catering • Take Out / To-Go • DJ • Dancing • Outdoor Patio Full review: Gastrobar is best after dinner (6/26/2008)
If you like your comfort food with a gourmet twist, it’s here. Nob Hill Bar and Grill boasts meatloaf (crowned with smoked bacon) and burgers (American kobe). Signature cocktails, a few vegetarian entrées, and a comfy but chic atmosphere make Nob Hill Bar and Grill a solid addition to the neighborhood. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) View/Add Reviews [ 11 ]  Scalo Northern Italian GrillSun 11am–2:30pm & 5pm–9pm
Mon–Thu 11am–2:30pm & 5pm–10pm
Fri–Sat 11am–2:30pm & 5pm–11pm (subject to change)
The surprising thing about Scalo is that it’s simultaneously more pleasant and less expensive than you’d think. It’s just as breezy and classy as ever in its high-ceilinged dining room, while the patio will have a nice, long season of pleasant weather. Now serving brunch on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and there’s plenty of fresh-pressed espresso to sip with it. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) Add a Review  Yanni's Mediterranean Grill and Opa BarMon-Thurs: 11am-9:30pm
Fri-Sat: 11am-10:30pm
Sun: 11:30am-8:30pm (subject to change)
You love Yanni's. So do we. As the only restaurant in Albuquerque with a diverse and refined Greek-influenced Mediterranean menu, who can top them? Their adjoined Opa Bar seats about 85 people and is open for lunch, dinner or just cocktails. Painted deep red, dimly lit and accented with lots of dark wood, the lounge provides a stark contrast to the bright, light and airy dining rooms at Yanni's. It’s an ideal place for pre- or post-movie cocktails and snacks, or more substantial cuisine. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) Add a Review  Zinc Wine Bar & BistroWeekend Brunch
Sat & Sun 11am-2:30pm
Afternoon Intermezzo
Mon-Sat 3pm-5pm
Dinner
Sun-Thur: 5pm-10pm
Fri-Sat: 5pm-11pm
Cellar Bar
Mon-Sat: 5pm-1am
Sun: 5pm-11pm (subject to change) Full review: A tale of two restaurants (12/20/2007)
Best Wine Bar winners in 2008’s Best of Burque poll, Zinc is a delightfully renovated historic space in Nob Hill, reborn as an upscale restaurant serving elegant American food with noticeable French inspiration. Thirsty? Don't miss the mocha, with “Zinc” written in chocolate syrup, or the wonderful selection of wines by the glass. Downstairs, the wine bar attracts a younger crowd for drinks and music. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) View/Add Reviews [ 4 ] Albuquerque - North ValleyFarm & TableDinner hours:
Wed-Thu 5pm-9pm
Fri-Sat 5pm-10 pm
Brunch hours:
Sat- Sun 9am-2 pm (subject to change)
After a long winter of teasing us via its Facebook page, Farm & Table finally opened on Fourth Street between Paseo and Alameda. The setting is gorgeous, inside and out (the spacious courtyard overlooks 10 acres of farm field). The local and organic ingredients are meticulously sourced, and the food is reasonably priced for what you get. As mind-expanding as the pork pork belly is, Chef Ravey’s seafood is on another level entirely, as one might expect from a talented Hawaiian chef. (Alibi Staff, May 3, 2012) Add a Review  Terra Bistro and Wine BarLunch: Tues-Fri: 11:30am-1:30pm Dinner: Tues-Sat: 5:30pm-close (subject to change) Full review: Grounds for celebration (2/8/2007)
Upscale is as upscale does, and Chef-Owner Peter Lukes does it right. The wine list is huge and the menu reflects the highlights of seasonal Italian bistro dining—like prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, beef carpaccio, seared crab and corn cakes, and a traditional salad Caesar. Lunch or dinner, there’s never a bad time for chicken picatta, and the service here is top-rate. Bring a friend, bring a date or bring a divorce lawyer—the intimate setting and fine cuisine will impress all. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) Add a Review  Vernon’s Hidden Valley SteakhouseDaily Reservations:
4:30-9:30pm
Black Diamond Lounge: 4:30pm-close
Cocktail Hours:
Mon-Fri 4:30pm-6:30pm
Fri-Sat 9pm-11pm
Live music Wed through Sun. No cover. (subject to change) $$$$ • Vegetarian Available • Booze Served • Full Bar • Live Music • Outdoor Patio • Smoking Permitted • Lounge Full review: Dine well and speakeasy (1/24/2008)
Vernon’s is a swanky underground spot for good eats and high times, delivered speakeasy-style. The dining room is walled with lustrous, ebony-adobe, and the tables are clothed in crisp, black and white linens. By the glass or bottle, there’s plenty of quality hooch. The menu is classic steakhouse stuff, with beef tournedos in a silky demi-glace, fresh fish and a damn fine veal Oscar. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) Add a Review Albuquerque - Old TownView/Add Reviews [ 1 ]  Seasons Rotisserie & GrillLunch:
Mon-Fri: 11:30am-2:30pm
Dinner:
Daily starting at 5 pm
Rooftop Cantina:
Mon-Thu 4pm-11pm
Fri-Sat 4pm-11:45pm
Sun 4pm-10:45pm
Happy Hour:
Mon-Fri 4pm-6:30, 9pm-10pm (subject to change) $$$ • Vegetarian Available • Booze Served • Full Bar • Wine Bar • Catering • Take Out / To-Go • Live Music • Outdoor Patio • Wireless Internet Full review: Fine dining is always in season (3/11/2010)
Seasons’ rooftop patio is one of our favorite wine-drinking destinations, especially when it’s nice out. There are heaters up there for chilly nights, the courtyard fountain provides a calming gurgle, the view of the mountains is great and the happy hour menu has outstanding dishes at more than reasonable prices. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) View/Add Reviews [ 1 ] Albuquerque - UniversityRanchers Club is arguably the city’s fanciest restaurant, where fine steaks and seafood are king. Certainly it has the dining room with the most formal service—you know, tuxedos and golden-domed plates and all—but with live music and expertly crafted cocktails, the resplendent bar is also worth your time. This is the place we like to go for really special occasions—like when someone else is paying or when we want to break a hunger strike. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) View/Add Reviews [ 2 ] Albuquerque - UptownMarcello’s Chop HouseLunch: Mon-Sat: 11am-3pm
Dinner: Mon-Thurs: 5-10pm
Fri-Sat: 5-11pm
Closed Sunday (subject to change)
Get ready to drop some serious dough on this place, but if anything will get you into someone’s pants, it’d be a meal here. This joint is cool, smooth and classy, the
foie gras and Kobe beef are tender and delicious and even the mac and cheese is fancy-schmantzy with a sprinkling of shaved black truffles. Have an excellent glass of wine, an order of oysters Marcello and don’t forget to lay on the charm. Your date (and your libido) will thank you for it. Open late—10 p.m. weekdays, 11 p.m. weekends—of course. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) View/Add Reviews [ 1 ] | 
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