Albuquerque is an artistic, diverse town with a rich layered history. In over three centuries since the town’s founding, Albuquerque has seen the rise of the largest hot-air balloon festival in the world, road trippers of Route 66, and the Old West outlaws. It’s the one-of-a-kind heritage influence in the culinary scene of Albuquerque that offers everything from Mexican paleterias to Native American cuisine to the chile, the New Mexican food’s VIP. Here are the best and must-visit restaurants in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Farm & Table
$$$, American (New), Vegan Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Breakfast & Brunch
8917 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114
(505) 503-7124
farmandtablenm.com
Farm and Table was started by Cherie Montoya Austin to continue and culminate her traditions and values from Albuquerque’s North Valley, the city’s most fertile and greenest area. The seasonal menu is prepared by the chefs following the day’s current fresh crop making this concept embrace the present society of the environmentally conscious. Local farmers and other areas in New Mexico such as Santa Fe, Los Lunas, and Santa Ana Pueblo supply the ingredients used by Farm and Table. Local wine and beer accompany the delectable fresh fare such as Pan Seared Duck Breast and Cider Glazed Pork Chop. North Valley of Albuquerque’s peaceful setting serves appetizing, healthy, and creative farm-to-table meals.
Seasons Rotisserie & Grill
$$, American (Traditional), Bar, Sandwiches, Music Venues
2031 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 766-5100
seasonsabq.com
Located in Old Town’s north area, Seasons Rotisserie and Grill is a sophisticated restaurant with contemporary casual elegance. The open kitchen offers a silhouette for white-tablecloth dining accompanied by a wall of wine bottles, huge fresh flower arrangements, and hardwood floors that completes the ambiance. Dishes such as Oak Fired Atlantic Salmon, Jumbo Sea Scallops, and Blue Cheese Crusted Local Beef Fillet bring out the best taste from a wood-burning grill. This Albuquerque’s favorite provides contemporary cuisine with a lot of New Mexico accents paired with a relaxed outdoor patio.
Antiquity Restaurant
$$$, American, Steakhouse, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly
112 Romero St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 247-3545
antiquityrestaurant.com
The neighborhood of Old Town was the original site of Albuquerque when it was established in 1706. Antiquity Restaurant, buried in one of the historic adobe buildings in Old Town, is a fine-dining romantic restaurant that offers both timeless and classic atmospheres. Cozy tables and booths create an intimate dining affair the will make your date focus their eyes and attention on you. Antiquity’s continental menu centers on steaks, seafood, and other meat dishes. Centerpiece dishes include the Henry IV filet mignon which is topped with bearnaise sauce and artichoke heart and enclosed in bacon and the chateaubriand beef tenderloin.
High Noon Restaurant & Saloon
$$, American, New Mexican, Bar, Steakhouse, Southwestern
425 San Felipe NE, Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 765-1455
highnoonrestaurant.com
Housed in Old Town’s north side’s 250-year-old abode, High Noon serves great dishes for over 35 years. This magnificent 1785 establishment offers a cozy bar lounge, one huge adobe booths ideal for a romantic dinner or date, and another dining room. High Noon, dubbed as the Original Old Town Steakhouse, definitely grasps how to create great steaks and plate them up in the most appealing manner. The red chile beef bites and kobe beef sliders are a must-try for starters, while more traditional or New Mexican dishes are highly recommended for an entree. The bar stocks more than 30 tequilas for the hardcore New Mexicans who enjoy their straight shots and margaritas.
Naruto
$, Asian, Japanese, Bar, Ramen, Vegetarian Friendly
2110 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 369-1039
narutonoodle.com
The desert climate of Albuquerque means chilly nights throughout the colder months when little things are more bewitching than a massive bowl of ramen. Over the street from the University of New Mexico, the traditional Hakata-style ramen at Naruto provides a toasty means to beat the frosty feeling. Hakata-style ramen does not use wavy noodles but thin eggless noodles. The famous tonkotsu bowl ramen is produced with chashu pork and pork broth and can be requested as either super rich or regular. The restaurant also serves Shoyu and miso ramen made with imported and special miso and soy sauce from Japan. Naruto’s menu also includes a variety of sake and beer.
