Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Los Ranchos

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!!!

Vernon's Speakeasy is clearly the best steakhouse in Albuquerque. The service and food are consistently awesome! Our server Kristen has been with Vernon's for 18 years now. That speaks volumes! You won't be disappointed here

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.

Indigo Crow is always good. Been going there for well over 15 years. Had the Ahi Tuna salad and green chile cheeseburger for lunch - split with my wife. Highly recommend. Sit outside if weather permits. One of the Crown Jewels of the New Mexico dining scene.

Great menu with flavorful salads and entrees, good prices for lunch, little bit more expensive for dinner but worth it. Good and fast service from the minute you enter the front door. We enjoy sitting at high tops in the bar facing the Sandias, especially when the weather is warm and the entire wall opens up like a garage door. We've had grilled vegetable salad, roasted apple caesar, caprese salad, margherita pizza, lemon artichoke pasta, eggplant parmesan, chicken parmesan sandwich, chicken milanese and chicken saltimbocca, and lemon ricotta cookies -- and we love all of these dishes. Not only do we get Open Table points for our reservations but also points for M'Tucci's Rewards program. Daytime ambience is casual, but this is also a perfect place for date nights and special occasions. So nice to have some place other than fast food for family meals here on the West Side.