Albuquerque Dining                                               

A connoisseur of fine dining in a large metropolitan area might question whether dining in Albuquerque will satisfy a sophisticated taste.  One only has to look at the diverse community of art and culture in New Mexico to conclude that the culinary arts are alive and well in New Mexico.

So you need not worry about moving to Albuquerque or elsewhere in New Mexico, as you will most likely find a wider variety of choices in dining and entertainment than in most metropolitan areas.
 

In addition to "New Mexican Food" and our famed chiles and sopapillas, New Mexico has a wide array of dining choices – everything from the standard chain restaurants to eclectic dining for the discriminating palate.

A few favorites include:

Ambrozia

Located in historic Old Town at the corner of Central and Rio Grande. Ambrozia Cafe and Wine Bar has been awarded four stars by the Albuquerque Journal and has been named best restaurant in Albuquerque by Crosswinds weekly. Enjoy signature dishes such as Lobster Corn Dogs - Skewered lobster tails in a jalapeno corn batter served with chipotle ketchup, mustard cream and avocado remoulade and Dulce De Leche Tiramisu with marscarpone cream, dulce de leche sauce and chile-lime poached pear.

http://www.ambroziacafe.com/
 

Chef du Jour

The menu changes weekly at this restaurant located near Old Town Plaza.  The menu might include Petite Forest Mushroom & Leek Galette with Herbed Creme Fraiche, Chocolate Hazelnut Cherry Torte with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream or other delightful fare.

Graze by Jennifer James

Graze in Nob Hill is a small plate concept featuring contemporary cuisine that utilizes fresh products from local farmers. Our patrons claim that the food and the atmosphere are "sophisticated yet fun - an experience not expected in Albuquerque".  In addition to amazing fare such as the signature deviled eggs and the sweet corn tamale in poblano cream sauce with mango salsa, you will find yourself returning for the freshly baked bread and butter.  The whipped butter changes daily with varieties such as cranberry almond and maple-buttered rum. 
http://www.grazejj.com/
 

Le Café Miche

Featuring French Country Cuisine, Chef Claus Hjortkjaer will delight you.  In addition to regular dining, you can attend cooking classes here every Tuesday evening, as well as wine dinners and classes and a wide array of special events.  Le Café Miche is located on Wyoming, just north of I-40.  Join Chef Claus for his weekly radio show.  His half-hour show runs from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. on KAGM Talk Radio, 106.3 FM on your dial.
http://www.cafemiche.com/

Los Cuates

For New Mexican food, Los Cuates is considered to be among the best in Albuquerque.  The restaurant has two locations near San Mateo and Lomas and has just added a new location at Menaul and Wyoming.  Portions are huge and the chips and sopapillas are plentiful.
http://www.loscuatesrestaurants.com/

The Ranchers Club

The Ranchers Club has consistently provided award winning services and food for years. Among our awards, the Ranchers Club is recipient of the AAA Four-Diamond Award for two years, the DiRona Award for nine years, and Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the third year in a row.  Enjoy a Lobster Chimichanga or the Cowboy Rib Eye Steak.

http://www.ranchersclubofnm.com/
 

Scalo Northern Italian Grill

Using Locally grown organic produce, Scalo offers classic, hand made, Northern Italian cuisine with a seasonal menu that is changed with the harvests.  From pizza to pasta to filet mignon, Scalo has something for everyone.

http://www.scalonobhill.com/

Zea Rotisserie
Zea Rotisserie has some of the tastiest food around with a variety that's sure to please and a great selection of fine wines and beverage to boot.  Signature dishes include the Thai Rib Stack, Tournedos of Filet, and Trout Lafitte.
http://www.zeaabq.com/

Zinc Wine Bar and Bistro
The menu features delicacies from the creative mind of chef Chris Pope emphasizing meats from the French rotisserie as well as seasonal selections. Visible from the main floor and from the open balcony, the kitchen turns out bistro classics such as steak frites and onion soup gratinée as well as unique creations like seared rare ahi tuna nicoise and brie cheese tart.  Downstairs, The Blues Cellar offers the same extensive wine list, premium martinis and ice-cold beers as upstairs, but in a more casual, sexy atmosphere. 
http://www.zincabq.com/
 

Don't forget Santa Fe.  The playground of the rich and famous is just a stone's throw away from Albuquerque and boasts some of the finest restaurants in the country.

Check out the following website for menus and discounts at some of the finest and most interesting restaurants in the area.  If you are looking at Albuquerque homes for sale, buying a second home, or plan to retire here, it's always a great time to save a little money and unwind after a day of house hunting.

www.999dine.com

A comprehensive list of local area restaurants can be found at:

www.diningoutisfun.com

Watch this site for upcoming restaurant reviews by the infamous "Culinary Crusader".  The Culinary Crusader is taking on New Mexico's diverse cuisine, one plate at a time.


NEW MEXICO...VISIT FOR A LIFETIME