  | 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, signature cocktails 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 Pa Lounge and a hand of video poker. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) Albuquerque - DowntownArtichoke CaféLunch:
Mon-Fri: 11am-2:30pm
Dinner:
Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10pm
Sun 5pm-9pm
Happy Hour:
Mon-Fri: 3pm-6:30pm (hours can change without notice)
Once your meal at the upscale Artichoke Café has concluded, you’ve got to adjourn to the sexy wine bar next door. The wine list is actually a leather-bound tome with a vast assortment. 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. Those with a taste for the harder stuff should take a look at the artisan cocktails. You'll love the front-facing "big city" windows, curvy wooden bar and comfortable seats. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)  Farina Pizzeria & Wine BarMon: 11am-9pm
Tues-Fri: 11am-10pm
Sat: 5-10pm
Sun: 5-9pm (hours can change without notice) 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)  Slate Street CaféMon-Fri 7:30am-10pm
Sat-Sun 9am-10pm
Closed Sunday (hours can change without notice) $$$ • Vegetarian Available • Gluten-free 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)  The Standard DinerMon-Thu 11am-9pm
Fri 11am-9:30pm
Sat-Sun 10am-9pm (hours can change without notice) 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) Albuquerque - Far Northeast Heights Savoy Bar & GrillLunch: Mon-Fri: 11am-3pm
Dinner: Sun-Thurs: 5-10pm
Fri-Sat: 5-11pm
Brunch: Sun 11am-3pm
happy hour 3pm-6pm (hours can change without notice) 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 meat and fish dishes. In addition to a brilliant wine list, Savoy offers patios, drink specials throughout the day and a cordial and well-informed staff. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) Albuquerque - I-25 Corridor Torinos' @ HomeTue- Sat: 11 am- 9 pm (hours can change without notice) 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) 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)
This is American food at its best. 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 local ingredients (reverently selected and prepared) and the chefs’ moods. Though not lengthy, the wine list is lively and exciting, every glass or bottle a magnificent venture. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) Albuquerque - Nob Hill Nob Hill Bar & GrillTues-Thurs: 11am-10pm
Fri-Sat: 11am-1:30am
Sun: noon-9pm
Closed Monday (hours can change without notice) $$$ • 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 & Grill boasts meatloaf (crowned with smoked bacon) and burgers (American kobe). The appetizers and classic cocktails alone are worth the visit. Cheese sticks encrusted in nuts and miso-seared ahi tuna on wontons go down swimmingly (did we mention the saltwater aquarium?) with a signature cocktail or an organic ale. A few vegetarian entrées, decent hours, a full bar and comfy but chic atmosphere make Nob Hill Bar & Grill a solid addition to the neighborhood. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) P’tit Louis Bistro Nob HillMon- Sat: 11 am- 5:30 pm
Thu- Sat: 5:30- 10 pm (hours can change without notice)
P’tit Louis’ new Nob Hill digs is a collaboration between Christopher Descarpentries, John Phinizy and Tom White of Il Vicino and Two Fools Tavern. Descarpentries has a knack for building Paris from scratch. The restaurant on Gold transports you to Paris of the ’20s. P’tit Louis on Silver resembles bistro along the outskirts of Paris. The menu welcomes diners to many of the downtown bistro’s popular dishes but there are some new choices as well. Descarpentries will continue the practice of daily specials. Nob Hill diners will have the added pleasure of dinner hours Thursday through Saturday and, when weather permits, alfresco dining on the patio. Special private seatings are still available on other evenings. (Alibi Staff, September 29, 2011)  Scalo Northern Italian GrillSun 11am–2:30pm & 5pm–9pm
Mon–Thu 11am–2:30pm & 5pm–10pm
Fri–Sat 11am–2:30pm & 5pm–11pm (hours can change without notice) $$$ • Vegetarian Available • Gluten-free available • Booze Served • Full Bar • Wine Bar • Catering • Take Out / To-Go • Live Music • Outdoor Patio • Wireless Internet • Lounge Full review: Scalo Northern Italian Grill (6/6/2013)
The surprising thing about Scalo is that it’s simultaneously more fancy and less expensive than you’d think. It’s just as breezy and classy as ever in its high-ceilinged dining room. All of the bottles on the wine list are half-price on Monday nights, and there’s free, live music in the bar. Voted Best Italian for 2013. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)  Yanni's Mediterranean Grill and Opa BarMon-Thurs: 11am-9:30pm
Fri-Sat: 11am-10:30pm
Sun: 11:30am-8:30pm (hours can change without notice)
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)  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 (hours can change without notice) Read more: On the Hunt for Chicken and Waffles (2/20/2014) 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) Albuquerque - North ValleyFarm & TableDinner hours:
Wed-Thu 5pm-9pm
Fri-Sat 5pm-10 pm
Brunch hours:
Sat- Sun 9am-2 pm (hours can change without notice)
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)  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. (hours can change without notice) $$$$ • Vegetarian Available • Booze Served • Full Bar • Live Music • Outdoor Patio • Smoking Permitted • Lounge Full review: Dine well and speakeasy (1/24/2008)
Vernon’s is a swanky underground spot for good eats and high times, delivered speakeasy-style. The dining room is walled with lustrous, ebony adobe, and the tables are clothed in crisp, black and white linens. By the glass or bottle, there’s plenty of quality hooch. The menu is classic steakhouse stuff, with beef tournedos in a silky demi-glace, fresh fish and a damn fine veal Oscar. Voted Best Steakhouse for 2013. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) Albuquerque - Northeast Heights Café Jean PierreLunch:
Tue-Sat: 11:30am-2pm
Dinner:
Mon-Thurs: 5:30-8:30pm
Fri-Sat: 5:30-9pm
Closed Sunday & Monday (hours can change without notice) Full review: La crème de la crème (7/23/2009)
In the expanse of parking lot surrounding the Century Rio megaplex is a little piece of Paris. Most Burqueños are familiar with Chef Jean-Pierre Gozard’s previous efforts: Le Crêpe Michel, Le Marmiton and Casa Vieja. Now behind the burners of his own eponymous bistro, Chef Jean-Pierre’s deep skill set is even more apparent. French classics like superb vichyssoise, eggy, delicate crepes, flavor- and texture-packed salads, and transportive
sole meunière
make Café Jean Pierre one of the most exciting new developments in Burque’s continental restaurant scene. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) Albuquerque - Old Town Seasons Rotisserie & GrillLunch:
Mon-Fri: 11:30am-2:30pm
Dinner:
Daily starting at 5 pm
Rooftop Cantina:
Mon-Thu 4pm-11pm
Fri-Sat 4pm-11:45pm
Sun 4pm-10:45pm
Happy Hour:
Mon-Fri 4pm-6:30, 9pm-10pm (hours can change without notice) $$$ • Vegetarian Available • Gluten-free 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) Albuquerque - UniversityRanchers ClubMon-Thurs: 5:30-9:30pm
Fri-Sat: 5:30-10pm
Sun: 5:30-9pm (hours can change without notice) Meals Served: Dinner
Ranchers 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) Albuquerque - WestsideLe Café Miche BistroTues-Sat: 9:30am-4pm
Closed Sunday & Monday (hours can change without notice)
Breakfast croissants with butter and marmalade, a quiche
du jour
or a rich seafood crepe—this place has French cuisine down pat, but the prices won’t have you screaming “
non, non
!” There are daily specials and desserts, and if a crepe with ice cream and rum-marinated cherries doesn’t turn you on, then nothing will. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010) | 
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