The 27 Best Restaurants in Albuquerque, NM for 2024
You may think of restaurants in Albuquerque as only serving incredible Southwestern food. While Native American, Sonoran and Mexican flavors are present and accounted for, there’s more than that being served up at restaurants in Albuquerque. New American, farm-to-table and diner delights all share the terrain to prove that diversity is delicious!
How can you sift through your options to find the restaurants in Albuquerque most likely to hit the spot? You don’t have to; we’ve done it for you! Our list of Albuquerque’s most desirable eateries includes local legends and contemporary classics waiting to be discovered. Read on to find restaurants in Albuquerque, NM that make dining locally a savory Southwestern adventure.
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27 Best Albuquerque Restaurants
1. The Grove Café & Market
Owners Jason and Lauren Greene opened The Grove Café & Market in 2006, blending local ingredients with homespun hospitality. This Albuquerque restaurant quickly became a gathering place for foodies to fill up both body and spirit.
The Vibe
Bright and sophisticated, this eatery-slash-food-boutique provides guests with sweet serenity at no extra charge.
What to Order
Take a lemon herb turkey sandwich for a spin to see how tangy citrus mayo complements roasted turkey and sliced avocado.
The Grove Café & Market | 600 Central Ave. SE, Ste. A, Albuquerque, NM 87102 | $$
2. Frontier Restaurant
At Frontier, the delicious traditions of restaurants in Albuquerque have been satisfying diners since 1971. It's a prime hangout for college students looking for affordable bites.
The Vibe
The yellow barn roof on this restaurant in Albuquerque announces the happy diner energy waiting inside.
What to Order
Sandwiches, burgers, chicken strips — if it's an American favorite, this restaurant in Albuquerque serves it. Choose your favorite and you won't be disappointed.
Frontier Restaurant | 2400 Central Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 | $
3. Sixty-Six Acres
Sixty-Six Acres is the ultimate in modern dining among the varied restaurants in Albuquerque. Everyone in the family can find something to love here, from cocktails to kids’ meals.
The Vibe
Asymmetrical design with a strong Southwestern flair equals interior artistry at this restaurant in Albuquerque.
What to Order
With a Sixty-Six Green Chile Cheeseburger, you get a burger with locally-raised beef, heat-infusing Hatch chiles and garlic Jack cheese.
Sixty-Six Acres | 2400 12th St. NW, Building B North, Albuquerque, NM 87104 | $$
4. Antiquity Restaurant
Antiquity Restaurant offers a level of fine dining that’s rare among restaurants in Albuquerque. Reservations-only service accommodates couples and groups in a sophisticated yet cozy setting.
The Vibe
Linens, silver, and unique art — this is one of the best restaurants in Albuquerque for luxury in the Southwest.
What to Order
Beer-sautéed spiced shrimp is flavored with New Mexico red chile pepper and cream, a unique creation for an Albuquerque restaurant.
Antiquity Restaurant | 112 Romero St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 | $$$
5. Saggios
Pasta and pizza made from scratch are sure to engage diners at Saggios. This culinary wonderland may be the most energetic of Albuquerque restaurants, from the fantastic food to the fabulous décor.
The Vibe
This dining room is alive with eclectic art, vibrant candy colors and pop culture sculptures.
What to Order
Penne green chile chicken, Saggio's most irresistible selection, fuses Mexican green chile and chicken to cream sauce over tender penne.
Saggios | 107 Cornell Drive SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 | $$
6. M'tucci's Twenty-Five
An Italian ristorante on the desert landscape, M'tucci's Twenty-Five brings upscale delights and a comfortable atmosphere to restaurants in Albuquerque, NM for a different kind of Southwestern meal.
The Vibe
This restaurant in Albuquerque’s open spaces and bright lighting invite lively diner interactions.
What to Order
Build your own charcuterie board without lifting a finger! You can order salami, cheese and condiments arranged for your pleasure.
M'tucci's Twenty-Five | 4939 Pan American Freeway, Albuquerque, NM 87109 | $$
7. Fork & Fig
Fork & Fig bills itself as a modern eatery, complete with a creative menu and contemporary design. It's a shining example of nouvelle cuisine in Albuquerque, though it's anything but pretentious.
The Vibe
Industrial rustic best describes this suavely comfortable restaurant in Albuquerque.
What to Order
The lavender salad is an eye-catching item. The mix of greens, fruits and vegetables is a fresh flavor carnival on your plate.
Fork & Fig | 6904 Menaul Blvd. NE, Ste. C, Albuquerque, NM 87110 | $$
8. Farm & Table
Local food grown and served responsibly informs the philosophy at Farm & Table. This restaurant in Albuquerque serves its imaginative creations on the same farmland where the ingredients grow.
The Vibe
Bohemian farmhouse chic, with sweetly artful New Mexican elements.
What to Order
The cavatelli is a vegan treat making delicious use of house-made pasta with olives, piñons and sunchoke.
Farm & Table | 8917 Fourth St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114 | $$
9. Tucanos Brazilian Grill
Brazilian specialties add South American fire to the best restaurants in Albuquerque, courtesy of Tucanos. You’ll find steakhouse and salad bar options that are fresh, flavorful and full of authentic Brazilian touches.
The Vibe
Sunny spaces and tropical elements add vibrant mood-elevating energy to this fun restaurant in Albuquerque.
What to Order
The Churrasco Meal is a buffet-style combination that offers an array of proteins, served with bread and unlimited salad.
Tucanos Brazilian Grill | 110 Central Ave. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 | $$$
10. Sadie's
Year after year, Sadie's brings in Best of City awards as a gem on the Albuquerque restaurant landscape. After more than 50 years in business, it's no surprise that visitors have made the discovery.
The Vibe
There's an open-air art space feel to this restaurant, with live music setting a soothing tone.
What to Order
The Fuego Burger is a hamburger made fiery with red chile powder, topped with green chiles and cheese, the perfect symbol of Albuquerque's fusion heritage.
Sadie's | Multiple Locations | $$
11. Indian Pueblo Kitchen
For true Native American cuisine, take a trip to Indian Pueblo Kitchen. You'll find few restaurants in Albuquerque as dedicated to sustaining traditional fare as this sacred space.
The Vibe
This eatery is part of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, celebrating Native arts and culture.
What to Order
Blue corn enchiladas or an Indian taco will tell you what modern Native cuisine is all about.
Indian Pueblo Kitchen | 2401 12th St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 | $$
12. Cervantes Restaurant & Lounge
Fresh food and family comfort make Cervantes Restaurant & Lounge a haven for diners. Restaurants in Albuquerque as timeless as this are destined to become legendary for their sweet spirit as much as their menu.
The Vibe
The block arches and turned ironwork within this restaurant in Albuquerque take visitors back in time.
What to Order
Go for the stuffed sopaipilla plate, a type of fried bread tacos that displays New Mexico’s distinctive indigenous flavors.
Cervantes Restaurant & Lounge | 5801 Gibson Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 | $$
13. Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza
Italian food takes a turn for the delicious at Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza. This chain operates three restaurants in Albuquerque, serving artisan pizza, pasta and sandwiches to acclaim for over 30 years.
The Vibe
Sleek and contemporary, this trattoria is a visual feast.
What to Order
The Vespa Piadine, or folded flatbread sandwich, serves up tender roasted chicken flavored with pesto, two kinds of cheese and sun-dried tomato mayo.
Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza | Multiple Locations | $$
14. Cocina Azul
Cocina Azul, or Blue Kitchen, adds a streak of lively, upscale cantina soul to the realm of restaurants in Albuquerque. This dining room gleams with neon and glows with gold light, an entrancing blend of personalities.
The Vibe
This shining Albuquerque restaurant serves up stylish bar and grill glamour.
What to Order
Emma's Taco Burger Plate reinvents the humble taco by incorporating chuck steak and American cheese.
Cocina Azul | 1134 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 | $$
15. Two Fools Tavern
If you're searching for Irish pub-style restaurants in Albuquerque, you'll find one at Two Fools Tavern. One of the city's most warm and cozy restaurants,the authentic interiors will make you believe you’ve entered a portal to the Emerald Isle!
The Vibe
This restaurant in Albuquerque is a perfect recreation of an Irish pub, from the cozy seating to the friendly service.
What to Order
Order The Bookmaker and sink your teeth into a succulent roast beef sandwich topped with Irish white cheddar and served with warm au jus.
Two Fools Tavern | 3211 Central Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 | $$
16. The Grill on San Mateo
The menu at The Grill on San Mateo is as modest and unassuming as the environment. It’s worth exploring this quiet gem serving supremely tasty steak, chicken and burgers.
The Vibe
Quirky and casual, with photo walls showing off memorable moments in American history.
What to Order
If wraps are what you're into, the Southwest Chicken is here to please with tender chicken, cheese and green chile all huddled together in a flour tortilla.
The Grill on San Mateo | 3300 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 | $
17. 66 Diner
The 1950s are alive and well at 66 Diner, infusing restaurants in Albuquerque with kitschy charm. Visitors can order classic plates while enjoying one of the best restaurants in Albuquerque for vintage fun.
The Vibe
All the theatrical glitter of an old-fashioned diner is present and accounted for.
What to Order
The Meatless Tuesday sandwich is the diner’s signature grilled cheese that tops gooey Swiss and American cheeses with warming green chile. After your main meal, treat yourself to a decadent ice cream sundae or milkshake.
66 Diner | 1405 Central Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 | $$
18. Green Jeans Food Hall
The excitement of Green Jeans Food Hall lies in the variety of possibilities all under one roof. This collection of contemporary restaurants in Albuquerque provides a buffet of culinary curiosities.
The Vibe
Ultra-modern outdoor dining, with renovated shipping containers serving as the main structures.
What to Order
Rustic on the Green is a burger lover's heaven, while Amore feeds the pizza fans, and Santa Fe Brewing Co. takes care of the pub food experts.
Green Jeans Food Hall | 3600 Cutler Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 | $$
19. Nexus Brewery & Restaurant
Saunter into Nexus Brewery & Restaurant for some of the best craft brews and bar bites of any restaurant in Albuquerque. This soulful New Mexican eatery fuses Southern and Southwestern flavors for an epicurean explosion.
The Vibe
Colorful and contemporary, this brewhouse is a true desert blessing.
What to Order
New Mexico Hot Chicken takes Nashville Hot Chicken into new territory, merging red chile and cayenne for an extra-fiery kick.
Nexus Brewery & Restaurant | 4730 Pan American Freeway NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 | $$
20. Tomasita's
New Mexican food is what Tomasita's does best! An Albuquerque restaurant with Southwestern character, this cozy eatery celebrates the best flavors of New Mexico with authentic dishes and refreshing margaritas.
The Vibe
Brick walls, wood floors and live music infuse this popular restaurant with magic.
What to Order
The Grilled Veggie Especial enchiladas provide all the rich, robust flavors you love in Sonoran cuisine.
Tomasita's | 4949 Pan American Freeway NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 | $$
21. Church Street Café
Boring food isn't allowed on the menu at Church Street Café, great news for seekers hoping for exciting restaurants in Albuquerque. This spot serves authentic New Mexican creations with hearty helpings of authenticity.
The Vibe
A magically adorned adobe space with a beehive fireplace and mosaic tabletops.
What to Order
Savor the Southwestern flavor of fried vegetarian rellenos. The popular dish at this restaurant in Albuquerque features cheese-filled green chiles battered and fried crisp.
Church Street Café | 2111 Church St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 | $$
22. Vernon's Speakeasy
Mum — or yum — is the word when entering Vernon's Speakeasy. Unless you know the password, you won't be getting into one of the most secretive and exciting restaurants in Albuquerque!
The Vibe
This Gatsby-level lounge requires reservations to pass beyond the red velvet curtains.
What to Order
Menus start at $100 and include four to five-course dinners, featuring opulent foie gras and steak au poivre.
Vernon's Speakeasy | 6855 Fourth St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107 | $$$$
23. Asian Pear
Asian Pear is the best restaurant in Albuquerque for a blend of Japanese dining and Korean BBQ. Enjoy healthy renditions of your favorite dishes in a flavorful fusion format.
The Vibe
This unassuming dining room is a snug space that thrives on simplicity.
What to Order
Kim's Bowls come with glass noodles, rice and your choice of protein, including tofu for plant-forward eaters.
Asian Pear | 8101 San Pedro Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113 | $
24. Sawmill Market
The name is no clever moniker; Sawmill Market is the stylish resurrection of a historic sawmill, now a chic food hall bringing a bevy of restaurants to Albuquerque.
The Vibe
The sawmill character carries through in sleek industrial fixtures and generous wood décor.
What to Order
From gourmet Mexican dishes at Flora to tasty tapas at Little Madrid, this market is an international smorgasbord.
Sawmill Market | 1909 Bellamah Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 | $$
25. La Reforma
Mexico City cuisine finds a home among the restaurants of Albuquerque at La Reforma. This brewery serves tasty specialties to go with its sudsy craft concoctions.
The Vibe
As light and breezy as a seaside taco stand, La Reforma is one of the most laid-back restaurants in Albuquerque.
What to Order
Street tacos, tortas and burritos comprise a simple yet delicious menu that makes ordering foolproof.
La Reforma | 8900 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113 | $$
26. El Patio De Albuquerque
Since opening in 1977, El Patio de Albuquerque has been a local favorite for diners in search of great restaurants in Albuquerque. Authentic food, a full bar and live music make this one of the most entertaining Albuquerque restaurants on the scene.
The Vibe
Enchantment lies on the eponymous patio behind the blue fence.
What to Order
Green Chile Stew served with fresh tortillas and beans is an affordable bowl of comfort food you won't find anywhere in the area except at this restaurant in Albuquerque.
El Patio De Albuquerque | Multiple Locations | $
27. D. H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro
D. H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro provides wine lovers with an Albuquerque restaurant on the grounds of a working vineyard. Enjoy a tour before settling in for a satisfying meal afterward. If you’re looking for date ideas in Albuquerque, a winery tour and dinner here is an excellent idea.
The Vibe
Casual elegance consumes this modern mix of vintner and culinary cultures.
What to Order
The pecan pesto pasta uses locally grown pecans and tangy sun-dried tomatoes for an intriguing twist on pine nut-topped pesto linguini.
D. H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro | 901 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, B-100, Ste. B, Albuquerque, NM 87104 | $$
Try Cooking Albuquerque Foods
Create your own take on New Mexican cuisine with cooking classes in Albuquerque. There’s an array of courses taught by exceptional local chefs, each leading you to new levels of culinary proficiency. Learn to prepare classic dishes that represent regional flavors while gathering new techniques used by the pros.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Exciting new spaces standing beside classic haunts means all options are on the table when it comes to restaurants in Albuquerque. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wandering from one oasis of delicious dining to the next. You’re in the Land of Enchantment, after all, and the restaurants in Albuquerque are no exception!
For even more ways to explore Albuquerque and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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