Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Albuquerque

The warm and inviting atmosphere of Antiquity will immediately make you feel at home. With brightly polished antique wooden furniture sprawled around and ancient lamps and chandeliers illuminating the entire area, you almost feel as if you've gone two or three centuries back in time. However the contemporary steak and seafood delicacies which are on offer, immediately bring you back to the present. The seasonal menu is an added attraction, so you can relish the best of every season. Shrimps, lobsters and some mouthwatering desserts are the specialties and are available all seasons. Antiquity is truly, one of Albuquerque's hidden treasures.

Located along the Rio Grande Bosque, El Pinto's shaded patio draws diners from throughout New Mexico. Established in 1962, this dining gem has maintained its reputation for serving authentic New Mexican dishes. A number of tables are situated in private nooks for more private, romantic dining. Award-winning salsa precedes each meal. Generous portions of New Mexican dishes such as carne adovada, chile rellenos, enchiladas, and burritos are offered. As ultimate proof of its glowing reputation it has been visited by President Bush and Mick Jagger (separately, of course).

St. Clair Winery and Bistro offers a variety of experiences to choose from: an affordable lunch or dinner, a beautiful outdoor patio packed with flowering plants and an indoor bar area for drinks, a special events room, and a tasting room. Whichever the occasion, you will be served St. Clair's wines from their own New Mexico vineyard, which is located in the Mimbres Valley in the southwestern corner of the state and has been run by the same family for six generations. St. Clair also offers a novel gift idea: buy a bottle of wine and they will hand paint a design onto it appropriate to the occasion.

Make your trip to Los Ranchos memorable by dining at Vernon's Hidden Valley Steakhouse, an upscale dining destination tucked away behind the Village Shops in true speakeasy fashion. Dark and intimate interiors exude a unique ambiance that belongs to the bygone era, making this restaurant a perfect venue for romantic dinners and special occasions. Service follows a high standard and robust wines accompany some of the best prime cuts you will experience in Albuquerque. To start off, try the Blue Crab Cakes or Shrimp Tacos. Entrees see a choice of classic steaks like the New York Strip and Boneless Ribeye, along with exceptional seafood dishes like the 12oz Lobster Tail. A prix fix menu for two is also offered to sample the best of chops and seafood at less. Pair the selections with a glass of your favorite wine while saving room for dessert. The overall experience will leave even the most discriminating foodies impressed. Reservations are highly recommended.

The Slate Street Café is a favorite with the crowd who work at the nearby courthouses. You can dine at the downstairs restaurant or go upstairs to the Wine Loft to enjoy a drink. The restaurant also makes for a fun or romantic spot for dinner and Saturday brunch. The Wine Loft plays host to monthly tastings. The restaurant also hosts the Albuquerque Songwriter Series, an initiative of the City Music Office. The goal of the Series is to showcase songwriters from all genres of music by presenting an evening exploring song craft in an intimate setting. The Series runs 7p-9p on the first Thursday of each month and admission is free.

The Bien Shur restaurant is tucked away on the ninth floor of the classy Sandia Resort & Casino. In contrast to the bustling gaming floor, it is calm and peaceful here. Enjoy your meal with view of the picturesque Sandia Mountains. It serves contemporary American food, light in flavour. You can enjoy a drink or chat with your friends on the outdoor patio. You need to follow the Business Casual dress code.