Best Fun Restaurants in Southwest Hights

We moved to ABQ after 30 years in the Napa Valley. We are certifiable food snobs after routinely eating at the Restaurant at Meadowood, Bistro Jeanty, The French Laundry, etc. The only restaurant that we have dined at in New Mexico that could remotely compare to those kinds of culinary icons is Geronimo in Santa Fe...until our meals last night at Ten 3. My wife had the Pacific Barramundi, and we both thought it was one of the best seafood entrees that either of us have ever had. It was literally jaw-dropping delicious. The fish as perfectly cooked, and the broth was divine. I had the New York steak, and it was a great cut of beef that came out hot (which is rare in NM restaurants with Ruth's Chris as the exception) and was exactly medium rare as requested. My daughter (who is a very picky eater with gluten & dairy intolerances) had the Eggplant Rollatini accompanied by a Tempura Mushroom appetizer, and she inhaled her meal. She thought it was one of best meals she has ever had. You cannot beat the window view above ABQ at 11,500 ft, and the ambience of the restaurant with vaulted ceilings and very creative lighting fixtures was very calming and relaxing. What you do not get from Ten 3 is the service polish and impeccable delivery and bussing timing of a Michelin star experience, but our waiter was extremely personable. We were hounded by excessive buss staff asking to refill our water glasses way too often, but I guess that's better than being ignored, and the need to stay hydrated at 11,500 ft is more than likely the driver behind this excessive water refilling drill. The net-net is that our meals reminded us of the outstanding cuisine that we were accustomed to experiencing at the best restaurants of the Napa Valley, and I reiterate that we are "insufferable" food snobs! Ten 3 is pricey for NM, but the food and ambience is well worth the tram ride!!!

We have been to Santa Fe several times but had never been to Geronimo. We sat at the bar which was awesome with fantastic ambiance. The bar tenders were attentive but not overbearing. The food was spectacular. The stuffed quail as well as the wasabi Ceasar salad were outstanding. They had a strip steak special that was very good. Finally the Mexican white prawn dish was so good. Cannot recommend this restaurant enough. If you go to Santa Fe and want a world class meal visit Geronimo.

The food and service were exceptional. A very unique menu.

From entering the restaurant the experience at Sazón was excellent. The food was amazing including the best soup we’ve ever had. Some very creative and unique dishes and all were excellent. Starting with the mole tasting was very cool. Our server, Nick, was excellent and made great suggestions and explained the dishes in detail. Absolutely a must try restaurant in Santa Fe.

I had huevos rancheros which were delicious. Other members of the party had chicken enchiladas, burrito, & enchilada & relleno plate. All very delicious and everyone was very pleased.