Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Albuquerque

Annapurna Ayurvedic Cuisine and Chai House serves healthy and delicious vegetarian Indian food and drinks, and specializes in vegan fare prepared in the Ayurvedic tradition. It was awarded "Best Vegetarian Menu" and "Best Vegan Baked Goods" by readers of the Weekly Alibi, Albuquerque's alternative weekly newspaper. Try the thali, which translates as "plate" in Hindi and effectively serves as a sampler. Served in a series of small bowls on a spinnable round tray, it is a fun way to experiment with a selection of different dishes. Keen chefs may want to inquire about the Ayurvedic cooking classes available from the restaurant's knowledgeable owner.

El Patio is so named because the majority of the seating is on an attractive tree-lined patio, ideal for people watching in Albuquerque's only pedestrian-friendly area of town. Reservations are not taken and the establishment is relatively small so to ensure an outdoor table, avoid the busiest times of day. They serve all the usual New Mexican fare, such as substantial portions of enchiladas, tacos and fajitas accompanied by sopaipillas. Should you forget that they do not accept credit cards, you can get in line for the money machine inside with the other diners who did the same.

Weekend brunch hours at the Grove Café and Marke find it packed, and for good reason. The Grove offers a delicious selection of freshly made breakfast items, hot and cold sandwiches, and salads (try the Farmers Salad: a medley of golden beets, almonds, goat cheese, asparagus, yellow peppers and greens). Cocktails brighten up the brunch hour: sample a glass of vinho verde (Portuguese "green wine", which can be hard to find in the United States) or play it safe with a mimosa. Last but not least, The Grove also makes the absolute best cupcakes in town.

The food offered at Il Vicino is rich and distinctively Italian. Classics such as wood-fired pizza, calzones, savory sandwiches are all modestly priced. The homemade-tasting sweets include crunchy biscotti, a flourless, silky chocolate cake and a down right decadent, chocolate-soaked cannoli. The atmosphere is busy, modern and modest with tables and chairs Al Fresco for those who want to take in the great outdoors. An in house microbrewery brews up full flavored ambers and ales.

Gecko's may not be the hottest bar and restaurant around, but its modest and casual atmosphere still makes it a hit with a younger crowd. The bar has a very warm and inviting feel to it. It specializes in a variety of wines, beers and other intoxications because of which its is frequented by the local bar mongers a lot as well. And if you're a sports freak, then this is where you can catch up on you favorite sports too, while enjoying some delectable tapas on offer. Youngsters usually come here for their daily quota of junk food as Gecko's is really famous for its burgers and sandwiches. The interiors are done very intricately with funny murals adorning the walls to retain the youthful and relaxed atmosphere of the place. Come here to enjoy a round of drinks with your friends.

Located at the intersection of Amherst Drive Southeast and Silver Avenue Southeast, Mata G is known for their variety of vegetarian and vegan meals. Their healthy eats include burritos, soups, salads and sandwiches. They also serve a selection of hot bowls that are inspired by various international cuisines like Indian, Asian, Lebanese and others. This restaurant’s spacious and light-colored interiors exude a warm and friendly vibe. They also offer packed meals which are perfect for those who want to grab a quick bite.