Best Greek / Mediterranean
When you want your cheese flaming, your lamb perfectly seasoned and your liquor smacking of anise, Yanni’s is your destination. For years, Yanni’s has delighted Albuquerque diners with its delicious take on classic Greek cuisine. Live music on the weekends and a reasonable lunch menu make Alibi readers say Opa! 2) Olympia Café3) Zorba’s Fine Greek Cuisine / Gyros Mediterranean
Best Middle Eastern
You may know someone who watches a lot of Fox News and has a flawed view of the Middle East. One way to play ambassador is to take them to Sahara, where they can indulge in savory, moist falafel, tangy hummus and a plethora of other Middle Eastern delights. If only Bill O’Reilly would go chin deep into a beef shawarma. 2) San Pedro Mart3) Café Istanbul
Best Italian
Even if you don’t understand what “antipasti” means, you can bet it will be tasty at Scalo. The revered restaurant consistently serves up fresh, delicious Italian food that Alibi readers just can’t stay away from. With appetizers, salads, pizza, “primi” and “secondi” menus, Scalo is the place to embrace a four-course lifestyle. 2) Trombino’s Bistro Italiano3) Mario’s Pizza & Ristorante
Best French
Ah, the French: always attractive and trim. Their secret? Alibi readers say the best place to find out is at P’tit Louis Bistro, where you can indulge in classics like mussels and boeuf Bourguignon. This cozy spot will have you mistaking the former Bank of the West building for the Eiffel Tower as you step out the door. Ooh la la!2) Le Café Miche3) La Crepe Michel
Best Vietnamese
No matter the month, the spring rolls at Viet Taste are always in season. Other favorites include the beef pho and pork noodle bowl. But, Viet Taste has not pho-gotten their vegetarian customers, serving up steaming bowls of vegetable wonton soup and other veg-head delights. Whatever your taste, whatever the season, Viet Taste is a reason to rejoice!2) Café Da Lat3) 2000 Vietnam
Best Thai
Best Fusion
New Mexico knows a thing or two about fusion (the H-bomb, anyone?), and its citizens have their sights on the best fusion restaurant in the city: Pasión Latin Fusion. The couple who runs the restaurant showcases a variety of Latin American flavors in their dishes, from tuna tacu tacu to quesadilla Cubano. After a taste, you’ll find yourself infatuated with Pasión.2) CoolWater Fusion3) Jinja Bar & Bistro
Best Chinese
You would be dim not to dig into the dim sum at adored Duke City restaurant Budai. Alibi readers have deemed the Chinese restaurant best in the city, and considering the tasty tofu, delicious duck and succulent scallops, the readers aren’t wrong! Hopefully, your next fortune reads: “Get thee to Budai!”2) Fu Yuang3) Kai’s Chinese Restaurant
Best Indian
Alibi readers keep returning to Taj Mahal to discover new taste sensations and dishes that are a mouthful to pronounce and a luscious mouthful to eat. The popular Indian restaurant knows how to work a clay oven and a spice rack in heavenly, mouthwatering symphony. 2) India Kitchen3) Namaste Restaurant
Best Japanese
Some prefer their Japanese food with acrobatics and flames, while others enjoy a quiet room and soft lights while noshing on sashimi. Whatever your taste, you’ll find delicious, freshly prepared food at Japanese Kitchen in the Uptown area, and Shogun, which resides in the busy corridor of Central in Nob Hill. Or hit up both, and indulge your dual Japanese tastes.
Best Southern Food
Sometimes the soul cries out for sustenance, and when it does, look no further than Nexus Brewery, readers’ favorite southern food joint. While your spirit rejoices at classic soul food dishes like fried chicken and waffles, collard greens and biscuit bread pudding, your taste buds will adore the wide variety of craft beers on tap. Soon, you’ll be pronouncing Albuquerque with a southern twang. 2) Frank’s Famous Chicken & Waffles 3) Mr. Powdrell’s BBQ House
