Fine Dining Albuquerque Restaurants
Albuquerque - Downtown
Artichoke Café
Lunch:
Mon-Fri: 11am-2:30pm
Dinner:
Sun-Thu: 5pm-9pm
Fri-Sat: 5pm-10pm
Happy Hour:
Mon-Fri: 3pm-6pm
Closed Sunday (hours can change without notice)
It just makes sense to order the steamed artichoke at the Artichoke Café. Slathered in lemon-caper oil and a raspberry vinaigrette, it makes a great starter before trying a heftier order of grilled curried chicken or sliced steak. Once your upscale lunch or dinner has concluded, adjourn to the sexy wine bar next door. The wine list is actually a bound leather tome featuring a massive assortment of wines. Prices start at a decent $28 or $30 a bottle and zoom into the upper stratospheres of frivolity. You can also order select vintages by the half-bottle or glass. You'll love the front-facing windows, curvy wooden bar and comfy seating.
Full review: Artichoke Cafe maintains excellence for 30 years ()
Alibi recommends: Any of their signature drinks will pair wonderfully with the menu. The raviolis are especially wonderful.
Vibe: High-end dining in a clean, classy locale
 | | |  | | 3.5 rating (92 votes) |
Farina Pizzeria
Mon: 11am-9pm
Tues-Fri: 11am-10pm
Sat: Noon-10pm
Sun: 5-9pm (hours can change without notice)
Across Edith from the Artichoke Café, Farina’s proximity to some of Albuquerque’s most established fine dining isn't an accident. Farina is the punked-out younger sibling of the jazzy Artichoke and brings tantalizing options to the neighborhood: pizza, beer and wine, all of it damn good. Sharp and concise, with 20 superb choices offered by the glass or the bottle, Farina’s wine list is focused and straightforward. The bar is comfortable and every wine can be perfectly matched with the kitchen’s chic offerings.
Full review: Seriously sexy food ()
Read more: Food News: Green Jeans Farmery delayed, and more (11/5/2015)
| | | | | 4.09 rating (122 votes) |
Seared
Mon closed, Tue-Wed 4-9pm, Fri-Sat 4-10pm, Sun 4-8pm (hours can change without notice)
Meals Served: Dinner
By day an unassuming coffee shop, Seared puts on its ball gown at night and serves a beautiful dinner menu to those who know. Make reservations ahead of time and ask the server what’s good that day. Seared specializes in meat dishes like French-cut pork chops and filet de boeuf, but they’re happy to accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free dietary restrictions as well.
Alibi recommends: Filet de boeuf, kababs, or whatever’s on special.
Vibe: An upscale joint hidden in a coffeeshop facade.
| | | | | No Votes Yet! |
Slate Street Café
Mon: 7:30am-3pm
Tue-Thurs: 7:30am-3pm, 5-9pm
Fri: 7:30am-3pm, 5-10pm
Sat: 9am-2pm, 5-10pm
Sun: 9am-2pm (hours can change without notice)
$$$ • Vegetarian Available • Gluten-free available • Booze Served • Wine Bar • Craft Beer • Wine • Catering • Take Out / To-Go • Outdoor Patio • Wireless Internet • Lounge
Slate is on a quiet, blink-and-you-miss-it avenue between Fifth and Sixth Street, nestled right in the heart of the legal district. Like the space itself, the menu is polished and unintimidating. Don’t miss the ahi tuna sandwich (with gluten-free bread available!). It's all very affordable for its level of quality. There’s also a fabulous wine loft with the wines listed by style—“just a little sweet,” “ABC: Anything But Chardonnay” or “sexy, elegant, austere”—not varietal or region. Demystifying the label like this makes it easy for patrons to pair wine and food.
Full review: The Slate Street Café ()
Full review: This ain’t your mama’s meatloaf ()
Read more: Patio and Happy Hour Guide (6/8/2017)
Read more: The Dish: Weekly Specials (11/7/2019)
Read more: Mina's Dish: Two museum cafés offer more than eye candy (10/20/2011)
| | | | | 3.76 rating (107 votes) |
Albuquerque - Fairgrounds
The Crown Room
Located at the end of a long corridor in the Downs Casino, the Crown Room’s very existence is something of a surprise. Even more surprising is just how elegant the cozy dining room is. The chaos of the casino outside the door quickly fades away as you dive into cuts of steak that rival the finest in town. Sure, it’ll set you back a few bucks, but the experience is not to be missed.
| | | | | 2.5 rating (2 votes) |
Albuquerque - Far Northeast Heights
Savoy Wine Bar & Grill
Dinner: Daily from 5pm
The Lounge: Daily from 3pm
Happy Hour: Daily 3-6pm (hours can change without notice)
Cuisine: Fine Dining, American, Bar, Dessert, Fusion, Organic/Locally Grown, Seafood, Steakhouse, Vegetarian, Wine Bar
$$$ • Vegetarian Available • Gluten-free available • Booze Served • Full Bar • Craft Beer • Wine • Catering • Take Out / To-Go • Live Music • Outdoor Patio • Wireless Internet
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—stovetop clam bake, grilled peach salad and the house charcuterie plate. For dessert, there’s praline-chocolate torte, house-made blackberry-Chambord ice cream, cheese plates and, of course, a glass of La Spinetta Moscato d’Asti.
Full review: Grape harmony ()
Read more: Patio and Happy Hour Guide (6/8/2017)
| | | | | 3.17 rating (84 votes) |
Albuquerque - Nob Hill
Nob Hill Bar & Grill
Mon: Closed
Tue-Fri, Sun: 11am-9pm
Sat: 11am-10pm (hours can change without notice)
$$$ • Vegetarian Available • Booze Served • Full Bar • Wine Bar • Craft Beer • Wine • Take Out / To-Go • DJ • Dancing • Outdoor Patio • Lounge
Finally, the Fried Chicken. When talking with someone at the bar the next day, he asked what I should order, and I told him the fried chicken, wherein I described it as “the crispiest, crunchiest skin you’ve ever had, packed full of seasoning, all holding in some of the most moist white chicken you’ve ever had, with the perfect pairing of sides and a hot sauce that doesn’t need to be there, but is so much better for existing for it.” Afterwards, he told me I undersold the dish to him. I cannot begin to tell you how highly I think of this fried chicken. With a buttermilk brine, the mashed potatoes and gravy and that incredible hot sauce, it is so incredibly good I felt shame when I couldn’t finish my second piece.
Full review: Nob Hill Bar & Grill has grown into a local favorite ()
Full review: Gastrobar is best after dinner ()
Read more: Craft Cocktail Week (7/11/2019)
Read more: Burque Burger Week: All the Best Burgers in Albuquerque (5/23/2019)
Read more: Food on the Move: A New Nob Hill (2/20/2020)
Alibi recommends: The fried chicken, the meatloaf, and the barbacoa nachos.
Vibe: High-end-dining featuring American cuisine with a cocktail lounge.
| | | | | 3.89 rating (93 votes) |
P’tit Louis Bistro
Tues-Sat: 11am-2:30 pm
Tues-Sat: 5:30pm-10pm
Closed Sun-Mon (hours can change without notice)
P’tit Louis’ digs is a collaboration between Christopher Descarpentries, John Phinizy and Tom White of Il Vicino and Two Fools Tavern. With classy lunch, dinner and wine menus, this lovely bistro will truly transport you to France. The delicousness doesn’t stop with hors d’oeuvres and entrées; the dessert choices are absolutely to die for, so make sure to save room.
Full review: P’tit Louis Bistro sends you to Paris for a night ()
Alibi recommends: Traditional French dishes done well, but make sure you try the oysters on the half-shell, the soupe à l'onion gratinée, and save room for the crème brûlée!
Vibe: Get misty-eyed in a cozy, ’20s-Paris-like feast for the senses.
| | | | | 3.27 rating (37 votes) |
Yanni's & Lemoni Lounge
Tues-Thurs: 11am-9:30pm
Fri-Sat: 11am-10:30pm
Sun-Mon: 11:30am-8:30pm (hours can change without notice)
$$$$ • Vegetarian Available • Gluten-free available • Booze Served • Full Bar • Wine Bar • Live Music
You love Yanni's. So do we. Their adjoined Lemoni Bar seats about 85 people and is open for lunch, dinner or just cocktails. Painted natural tones and accented with elegant lighting, the lounge provides a subtle contrast to the bright, light and airy dining rooms at Yanni's. It’s an ideal place for pre- or post-movie cocktails and snacks, or more substantial cuisine. Their green chile Bloody Mary will certainly boost your brunch.
Full review: Yanni’s Mediterranean Grill ()
| | | | | 3.83 rating (103 votes) |
Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro
Brunch:
Sun: 11am-2:30pm
Dinner:
Sun: 5pm-9pm
Mon-Thurs: 5pm-9:30pm
Fri-Sat: 5pm-11pm
Cellar Bar:
Tues-Sat: 4:30pm-12am
Mon: 4:30pm-11pm (kitchen until 10pm) (hours can change without notice)
Cuisine: American, Fine Dining, French, Organic/Locally Grown, Wine Bar, Bar, Dessert, Fusion, Steakhouse, Vegetarian
$$$ • Vegetarian Available • Gluten-free available • Booze Served • Full Bar • Craft Beer • Wine • Catering • Take Out / To-Go • Live Music • Wireless Internet
Zinc is a delightfully renovated historic space in Nob Hill, reborn as an upscale restaurant serving elegant American food with noticeable French inspiration. Downstairs, the cellar bar attracts a younger crowd for drinks and music. The happy hour menu, wines by the glass and prices are the best around. Give the brunch a try, and while you’re at it, try a Taos Mule from the bar.
Read more: Patio and Happy Hour Guide (6/8/2017)
Read more: Burque Burger Week: All the Best Burgers in Albuquerque (5/23/2019)
Read more: On the Hunt for Chicken and Waffles (2/20/2014)
Full review: A tale of two restaurants ()
| | | | | 4.22 rating (82 votes) |
Albuquerque - North Valley
Campo
Mon–Fri: 7:30-10:30am; Sat–Sun: 7:30-11:30am;
Wed-Sun: 5-9pm (hours can change without notice)
The newest incarnation of the restaurant at Los Poblanos is a farm-to-table, fine-dining restaurant under the helm of Executive Chef Jonathan Perno. Cooking up Rio Grande Valley cuisine like blue corn hushpuppies and green chile gnocchi, this gorgeous restaurant is great for date night or brunch with the family. Reservations are required for dinner and recommended for breakfast. Or, stop in at Bar Campo for an excellent cocktail made from artisanal bitters and farm-fresh ingredients.
| | | | | No Votes Yet! |
Farm & Table
Dinner hours:
Wed-Thu 5pm-9pm
Fri-Sat 5pm-9pm
Brunch hours:
Sat- Sun 9am-2 pm (hours can change without notice)
Farm & Table’s North Valley setting is gorgeous, inside and out. (The spacious courtyard overlooks 10 acres of farm field.) The local, organic ingredients are meticulously sourced, and the food is reasonably priced for the level of quality you get. Several salad options and vegetarian entrées make this a perfect place to graze. For brunch, try the carne adovada with eggs. Don’t forget a refreshing dessert of house-made ice cream or a sorbet trio.
Read more: Theater News: Theatre on the Farm (6/21/2018)
Read more: Summer Guide: Make Me Melt (5/5/2016)
| | | | | 4.38 rating (27 votes) |
Vernon’s Speakeasy
Mon-Sun: 4:30pm-9:30pm
Fri-Sat Happy Hour: 9pm-11pm
Sunday Brunch: 10:30am-3pm (hours can change without notice)
$$$$ • Vegetarian Available • Booze Served • Full Bar • Wine • Live Music • Outdoor Patio • Smoking Permitted • Lounge
Vernon’s is a swanky underground spot for good eats and high times, delivered speakeasy-style. The dining room is walled with lustrous, ebony adobe, and the tables are clothed in crisp, black and white linens. By the glass or bottle, there’s plenty of quality hooch. The menu is classic steakhouse stuff with beef tournedos in a silky demi-glace, fresh fish and a damn fine veal Oscar. Check out the Black Diamond Lounge to take in the fancy cocktails and live music.
Full review: Dine well and speakeasy ()
| | | | | 3.26 rating (121 votes) |
Albuquerque - Old Town
Antiquity Restaurant
Sun-Thurs: 5-9pm
Fri-Sat: 5-10pm (hours can change without notice)
This creeking wooden-floored and quaint restaurant is located in Old Town and is one of the few places in the city unafraid of serving a very rare steak. The all around energy is charming and old timy, and their menu is thoughtful and satisfying. Save your money and treat yo self.
| | | | | 4.09 rating (61 votes) |
Level 5
If you want to impress someone from out of town, take them to Level 5. This rooftop restaurant and bar atop Hotel Chaco boasts panoramic views of the Sandias and a cocktail menu for folks who expect stellar mixed drinks. Want to know what venison carpaccio tastes like? Or a $48 steak? Make a reservation at Level 5.
Full review: Level 5 has sublime food in posh setting ()
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Seasons Rotisserie & Grill
Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm
Dinner: Daily 5-9pm
The Rooftop:
Daily 4-10pm
Happy Hour:
Mon-Fri 4-6:30pm, 9-10pm (hours can change without notice)
Cuisine: American, Fine Dining, Bar, Dessert, Fusion, Organic/Locally Grown, Seafood, Steakhouse, Take Out/To-Go, Vegetarian, Wine Bar
$$$ • Vegetarian Available • Gluten-free available • Booze Served • Full Bar • Craft Beer • Wine • Catering • Take Out / To-Go • Live Music • Outdoor Patio • Wireless Internet
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.
Read more: Weekly Specials: Happy Hour (7/11/2019)
Full review: Fine dining is always in season ()
| | | | | 3.45 rating (55 votes) |
Albuquerque - Sandia Pueblo
Bien Shur
The 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.
Full review: Not so sure ()
Read more: Bar Review: A Sandia Staycation (2/22/2018)
| | | | | 3.1 rating (67 votes) |
Albuquerque - South Valley
Embers Steakhouse
Head up to the third floor of Isleta Resort and Casino for some fancy and delicious rooftop dining with a view to die for. Take in the fiery red sunset over the green fields of the South Valley while sipping a bold Shiraz that is perfectly paired with your juicy top sirloin steak. Or dream of ocean breezes while dining on seared scallops in Chardonnay butter sauce. Mmmmmm.
Read more: Patio and Happy Hour Guide (6/8/2017)
| | | | | No Votes Yet! |
Albuquerque - University
Ranchers Club
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—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.
| | | | | 3.15 rating (68 votes) |
Salt and Board
Mon-Sat 11am-11pm
Sun 11am-10pm (hours can change without notice)
The charcuterie restaurant and wine bar in the middle of the most college-y block in the city might seem a little out of place, but it’s a breath of fresh air for those of us who have been shopping for a good grown-up neighborhood spot. Salt and Board serves a rotating selection of wines and craft beers, as well as sandwiches, toasts and salads made with fine meats and cheeses. There’s also—of course—the charcuterie board, which includes three cured meats paired with three cheeses that will likely send you into a salty, fatty, blissed out food coma.
| | | | | 4 rating (2 votes) |
