The Most Fun Restaurants in Albuquerque

by The OpenTable Team

Updated November 14, 2019

In the heart of the Southwest desert, Albuquerque has grown into one of America's coolest cities mixing a remarkable history with vibrant cultural attractions and astonishing vistas. The most fun restaurants in Albuquerque deliver a fascinating and creative mix of styles, from traditional Native American to Contemporary American flavors. But where are the city's savviest, most hard-to-please diners heading out to dine when they're looking for a meal out in Albuquerque? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. Here, we've gathered information from the city's most-in-the-know diners to put together this list of the most fun restaurants in Albuquerque. The list includes options for all tastes - from local neighborhood Mexican and Southwest places to upscale downtown fusion restaurants. Grab a table tonight and enjoy dinner in Albuquerque!

Ten 3

4.7

4.7 (1777)

$50 and over

American

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

Ten 3 is an "elevated" dining experience. That means both literally and figuratively. Ten 3 is at the top of Albuquerque's Sandia Peak. To get to the Ten 3 spot, diners will need to take the Sandia Peak Tramway to visit. It's worth the trip. The restaurant features jaw-dropping views of the city and its surroundings alongside dinner. Try favorites like Wild King salmon, mole-braised short rib, and Yukon gold potato tomato tart. For drinks, try the refreshing "Jigback" with mint, cucumber, and Lillet Blanc. Beer selections include local La Cumbre "Elevated" IPA and the La Cumbre "Malpais" stout.

Top review

Larry

Dined 1 day ago

great food, great view, great atmosphere but dress code not enforced which cheapens the experience of this expensive night out.

Blades' Bistro

4.8

4.8 (1814)

$30 and under

International

Placitas

About the restaurant

Blades' Bistro is one of the most stylish restaurants in Albuquerque. This fun spot is a colorful and lively place with a creative menu and plenty of excellent drink options. The appetizer menu includes favorites like deep-fried calamari with sriracha aioli and smoked Asian-style baby back ribs. The Blades' "Bistro Favorites" range from beef tenderloin with sauteed mushroom to boeuf Bourguignon in red wine, garlic, and onions. Dessert is another highlight at Blades. Don't miss the chocolate decadence trio. This features chili lime chocolate pot's du creme with a hand-crafted truffle.

Top review

Christophervip

Dined on Nov 24, 2024

Been going here over 10 years and ALWAYS consistently great.

Prairie Star Restaurant & Winebar

4.6

4.6 (2266)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Santa Ana Pueblo

About the restaurant

This classic New Mexico restaurant offers fine dining on the grounds of the Santa Ana Golf Club. Stop in to experience one of the most fun restaurants in Albuquerque. The wine bar and patio features 32 different wines by the glass and half glass along with a bar and dinner menu. Try one of the small plates like New Mexico green chile cast iron cornbread or steamed Mediterranean black mussels with julienned vegetables. For entrees, try the bacon-wrapped pheasant with a marsala-apple pan sauce or three-cheese Chile Relleno.

Top review

Jeni

Dined 5 days ago

We enjoyed an exquisite thanksgiving meal. The view is spectacular, the restaurant cozy, and the food was delicious and creative. I especially enjoyed the fried sage and the red chile caramel which accompanied the pecan pie.

Vernon's Speakeasy

4.8

4.8 (5221)

$50 and over

Steak

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

This underground favorite at the Village Shops at Los Ranchos is one of the most fun restaurants in Albuquerque. It's an engaging speakeasy-style spot with a New Mexico-driven menu and creative cocktails. Start with the baked brie, duck confit tacos, or blue crab cakes. Entrees include hatch red chile pork tenderloin, stuffed quail with dried cranberry stuffing, or tequila lime chicken with bell pepper Israeli couscous. The "Vernon's Classic" menu includes favorites like a black and blue New York strip and a dry-aged ribeye. On the seafood menu, highlights are shrimp scampi with Argentinian pink shrimp and salmon bruschetta.

Top review

Ramona

Dined 2 days ago

Absolutely amazing! Love this place. Live the atmosphere and experience.

M'tucci's Italian - Albuquerque

4.4

4.4 (1186)

$30 and under

Italian

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

This longtime favorite is one of the most fun restaurants in Albuquerque. M'tucci's is full of classic Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, five pork bolognese, and braised wild boar ragu. For dinner, try the chicken Milanese with spicy house marinara or the chicken piccata with caper-white wine sauce and creamy garlic mashed potatoes. For pizzas, go for the meatball and spicy bacon with fresh mozzarella and house-roasted red pepper. The "Genovese" pie features basil pesto and Italian sun-dried tomato.

Top review

Helen

Dined 2 days ago

We always enjoy M'Tucci's on coors. It is always consistent. The food is delicious and the service is outstanding.

Indigo Crow

4.8

4.8 (2536)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

This multi-level hot spot is one of the most fun restaurants in Albuquerque. It's a colorful and lively place with an extensive Mezcal collection and micro-brewed beer. Appetizers include Mexican street corn, duck fat truffle fries, and avocado CBD toast. For local entrees, try the ancho-glazed shrimp with fresh corn grits or the Molcajete Verde seafood stew. Indigo Crow also boasts a selection of beers from Cave Creek Beer Company. Try the BSM Blonde Ale, New England-style Creeker IPA, or the Local Honey Wheat.

Top review

Jackie

Dined 2 days ago

The food, service, and ambience was fantastic! Definitely going back.

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Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro

4.7

4.7 (1149)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

This upscale but welcoming spot is one of the most fun restaurants in Albuquerque. Trek out to the Nob Hill District to find some of the city's best wine and some excellent modern specialties. Start with the grilled wild game sausage and rosemary polenta fries or crispy duck confit eggrolls. Seasonal entrees include blue corn crusted winter squash Relleno and Atlantic sea scallops with tuxedo fettuccine. Along with the fine wines, try some of Zinc's excellent beers. Go for the Bosque Brewing lager or the La Cumbre "Elevated" IPA.

Top review

larryvip

Dined 3 days ago

We really love this place. The people, the vibe, and the food and drink

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Experience

New Year’s Eve Dinner at Zinc

M'tucci's Moderno Italian - Rio Rancho

4.6

4.6 (981)

$30 and under

Italian

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

M'Tucci's Moderno is a sister restaurant of the Albuquerque favorite. This is one of the most fun restaurants in Albuquerque. Head in for the weekday happy hour for specials on cocktails, draft beer, and house wines. It's also an excellent spot for lunchtime favorites. Try the crispy green chile fried pork tenderloin sandwich or the Italian grilled pastrami sandwich. Pizzas come artisan-style or as a flatbread. Go for the "Affumicato," with roasted grape tomato, smoked buffalo mozzarella, and local basil.

Top review

Brent

Dined 3 days ago

Service and food were both excellent! We will be back!

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Popular dish

Pesto Ravioli

The Melting Pot - Albuquerque

4.3

4.3 (2332)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

Fondue is on the menu at The Melting Pot, one of the most fun restaurants in Albuquerque. Head into the local outpost of this national chain for the unbeatable cheese and bread combination. There's also an excellent happy hour with deals on margaritas, draft beers, and cheese and chocolate fondues. Go for the "Best of Albuquerque" fondue option, with hatch green chile, aged, cheddar, and lager beer fondue. That comes alongside chocolate bourbon pecan fondue with caramel. Pair dinner with the Melting Pot Mule, with fresh mint, lime, and Absolut vodka.

Top review

Cindy

Dined 5 days ago

Service was slow but the food was good. Enjoyed having 2 burners for our group of three.

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Popular dish

Pure Chocolate Fondue

Experience

6-Rose Bouquet -$36.95

Experience

A Touch of Romance - $14.95

High Noon

4.6

4.6 (974)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

High Noon is a classic Old West-style saloon with one of the most creative menus in town. It's the perfect New Mexico stop after a trip to the nearby Museum of Natural History and Science. The "Original Old Town Steak House" features tenderloins, strips, chicken, and seafood. For a New Mexico meal, try the blue corn enchiladas with spicy chicken or beef barbacoa. High Noon also features a buffalo burger with low-cholesterol ground American bison. Try the double chocolate torte with raspberry sauce and dark chocolate cake for dessert.

Top review

Mike

Dined 1 day ago

My wife and I are currently on a cross-country road trip from Ontario to Palm Springs, California, with a two-night stop in Albuquerque, New Mexico. During our stay, we discovered High Noon Restaurant and Saloon while exploring local dining options. Impressed by its reviews, we chose it as one of our planned dinner spots—and it exceeded expectations. Our server, Michelle, provided outstanding service, rivaled only by the exceptional food. We both selected the San Felipe Burrito with chicken and enjoyed every flavorful bite. The restaurant’s ambiance, paired with the authentic New Mexican flavors, created an unforgettable dining experience. We highly recommend High Noon Restaurant and Saloon as a top choice for dinner in Albuquerque’s Old Town.

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Popular dish

Shrimp Enchiladas

Savoy Bar and Grill Albuquerque

4.6

4.6 (1354)

$30 and under

Californian

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

This fun restaurant in Albuquerque offers a taste of California wine country in New Mexico. Grab a glass of some of the excellent wine at Savoy and pair it with appetizers like crab cakes, antipasto, and baked local goat cheese. For dinner, try favorites like braised elk Osso Bucco, filet mignon, and pan-seared scallops "Oscar." For cocktails, try the Autumn mule with fresh lime juice and Gosling's ginger beer.

Top review

Sheryl

Dined on Nov 21, 2024

Loved celebrating a birthday at Savoy! Seated in the fireplace dining area, so we were able to carry on conversations. Our request to connect to the sound system to enjoy the music that was playing in another section, was carried out. Our appetizer was the warmed brie which was delightful. We chose the filet mingon and the salmon which were both so tender and flavorful! The piece de resistance was the chocolate torte! So many layers and decadent flavors combined to make it a dessert not to be missed! We highly recommend Savoy for those romantic dinners and very special occasions.

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WASABI SESAME SEARED AHI TUNA

Vintage 423

4.6

4.6 (1173)

$31 to $50

American

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

An atmospheric, intimate local favorite, Vintage 423 is a stylish spot for drinks or dinner. It's an excellent spot for lunch in the heart of Albuquerque. Go for some of the selections off the sandwiches menu. Favorites include the Santa Fe prime rib with roasted green chile and pepper jack cheese. The bacon pork shoulder sandwich features jalapeno aioli, lettuce, and tomato. For dinner, try the pan-roasted duck breast with sweet potato puree and haricot verts or the double bone-in pork chop. A six-hour braised short rib includes chive mashed potatoes and whole-roasted hatch green chile.

Top review

JLvip

Dined on Nov 13, 2024

It’s my place of choice when entertaining new people. Never disappoints I’m not even a local :)

Seasons Rotisserie & Grill

4.8

4.8 (1845)

$31 to $50

American

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

This laid-back Albuquerque restaurant is a spot for a relaxing meal and some live music. Stop in for some dinner or a drink after a day exploring the Old Town section of Albuquerque. Shareables like fried duck confit stuffed ravioli and sweet potato stuffed poblano pepper are perfect for appetizers. Entrees include parmesan-crusted organic chicken breast, braised lamb shank, and prime rotisserie prime rib. Pair the meal with the Sierra Nevada "Celebration Ale" or one of the local La Cumbre "Elevated IPAs." There's also the signature "A Lo Cubano" cocktail with rum and spiced syrup.

Top review

ReneeW

Dined 2 days ago

Great as usual! I had the Beef Bourguignon, and it was delicious - I was unable to finish it and the bad thing is, it got left on the counter of my kitchen overnight - I was so bummed. We will be back soon!

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Experience

New Year's Eve Prix Fixe

Experience

Valentine's Day Prix Fixe

El Pinto

4.5

4.5 (7348)

$30 and under

Mexican / Southwestern

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

El Pinto is one of the most fun restaurants in Albuquerque. It's also one of the most beautiful. Head out to this 4th Street hot spot for an excellent meal in a classic Southwest location surrounded by gardens. Start with the restaurant's most famous dish, the red chile ribs. These fall-off-the-bone favorites come marinated in red chile and with an optional side of slaw. Another favorite is the "Best Nachos in America" with green chile and fresh jalapenos. Grab a selection off the "New Mexico Grill" like the tomahawk pork chip or ground chile queso burger.

Top review

Megan

Dined 3 days ago

Can’t beat El Pinto. We’re native New Mexicans and we eat here every time we come home.❤️💚

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Popular dish

Famous Red Chile Ribs