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 (1786)

$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

Noah

Dined 2 days ago

Amazing food, amazing views 10/10 anniversary would absolutely go back.

Blades' Bistro

4.8

4.8 (1817)

$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

MarthaVIP

Dined 6 days ago

This is a beautiful small bistro. Excellent food and ambience! It’s a favorite spot for us to go for a lovely meal in Placitas (5 minutes off the I-25 exit…very easy drive). I give Blades the highest recommendation!

Prairie Star Restaurant & Winebar

4.7

4.7 (2275)

$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

Jon

Dined 2 days ago

We returned to Prairie Star after a long hiatus, and found it just as wonderful as it had been in the past. Superb food, cheerful and attentive service and a quiet, comfortable ambience made the experience all we had hoped for and more. Bravo, Prairie Star!

Vernon's Speakeasy

4.8

4.8 (5229)

$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

Rodney

Dined 2 days ago

The staff was great, my Waygu beef was too salty. Need to back off on the rub.

M'tucci's Italian - Albuquerque

4.4

4.4 (1192)

$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

CherylVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We had eaten at 2 other M'Tucci restaurants and this was our first time at the one closest to us (Coors and Montano, NW). We decided to try their Wed. night special at the bargain price of $30/person. We made a reservation about an hour ahead and were glad that we had. The restaurant was quite full. There were no choices on the special and no substitutions. I probably would not have ordered any of the dishes on the special but we were pleasantly surprised and pleased. The appetizer was a bruschetta topped with mussels. My husband adored this. I thought it was very good. It came with a small glass of a pleasant chardonnay. The main course was hangar steak with roast potatoes. I asked for mine to be cooked medium rare, I was told, you couldn't specify how you wanted it cooked, on the special. Our steaks came out medium rare and were exceptionally tender and flavorful. This was served with a small glass of Cabernet. Dessert was a pumpkin swirl cheesecake. This was the weakest of the courses but we still ate every bite. It was served with a moscato dessert wine. All the portions were small but we didn't leave hungry. Service was excellent in spite of how busy it was. We definitely will return for the Wed. special and will try other things as well. This may become our go to local restaurant.

Indigo Crow

4.8

4.8 (2552)

$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

Patti

Dined 2 days ago

Our first visit to the restaurant and yes, we will be back. The food was excellent. I would recommend to friends that I like.

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Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro

4.7

4.7 (1151)

$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

Holly

Dined 7 days ago

Always enjoyable experience and great food. Great service also. Wine selection is very good and my lamb was cooked perfectly.

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Experience

New Year’s Eve Dinner at Zinc

M'tucci's Moderno Italian - Rio Rancho

4.6

4.6 (984)

$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

Loretta

Dined on Dec 10, 2024

Delicious food, excellent service and great atmosphere. Drink was also very good, attention to detail was truly appreciated!

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Popular dish

Pesto Ravioli

The Melting Pot - Albuquerque

4.3

4.3 (2333)

$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

April

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

The meal was delicious, the service was exemplary. Our server Tana was amazing. The ONLY downside to the experience was that the owner charges a 3% “Kitchen Fee”, this is a completely unnecessary fee if the owner is paying their staff. This is not a $$ restaurant this is a $$$-$$$$ restaurant and if you can’t pay a sufficient wage there is no excuse.

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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 (976)

$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

Carol

Dined 2 days ago

Our server (sorry- don’t have her name!) was excellent. She had bright red lipstick/ dark hair (if that helps!). Great experience all around.

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Popular dish

Shrimp Enchiladas

Savoy Bar and Grill Albuquerque

4.6

4.6 (1358)

$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

AngelaVIP

Dined 6 days ago

The filet migon was cooked to perfection! The service was top-notch.

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WASABI SESAME SEARED AHI TUNA

Vintage 423

4.6

4.6 (1176)

$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

Angel

Dined 4 days ago

FUUUUUUN very tasty water 10/10 and the food was delicious. Plus STAFF WERE REALLY NICE

Seasons Rotisserie & Grill

4.8

4.8 (1853)

$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

DannaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Seasons is a family favorite. We celebrated a birthday last night. Amazing food, drinks, and service.

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Experience

New Year's Eve Prix Fixe

Experience

Valentine's Day Prix Fixe

El Pinto

4.5

4.5 (7361)

$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

joyce

Dined 3 days ago

Always a pleasant and enjoyable experience. I would recommend this restaurent.

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Popular dish

Famous Red Chile Ribs