Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Albuquerque

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Albuquerque? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Vernon's Speakeasy

4.8

4.8 (5230)

$50 and over

Steak

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

Vernon's Speakeasy is the only speakeasy restaurant in New Mexico! We feature exquisite steaks and seafood and American cuisine in a superb dining atmosphere. The culmination of live music, great food and top notch service, as well as the need for "the Password", create an atmosphere and dining experience that surely proves to be one of a kind.

Top review

Rodney

Dined 2 days ago

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

Seasons 52 - Albuquerque

4.8

4.8 (2328)

$31 to $50

American

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

Seasons 52 is a Fresh Grill and Wine Bar offering a seasonal menu that is naturally lighter and always flavorful. Our seasonal menus feature ingredients at their peak of freshness, oak-fire grilled or brick oven roasted (without a fryer in sight) to be naturally lighter and more flavorful. We also offer an extensive list of wines by the glass and bottle. Here, you'll always feel free to enjoy every bite, every sip, every moment. Lunch and dinner daily with happy hour Monday-Thursday from 3-6PM.

Top review

AndrewVIP

Dined today

Busy time of the year but the staff handled it well. Food is always good and consistent. Definitely get a reservation so you don't have to wait too long. Our server was very nice and positive considering how busy it was, very professional.

Discover more

Popular dish

Wood-Grilled Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Wood-Grilled Tenderloin Salad

Teddy Roe’s

4.8

4.8 (31)

$30 and under

American

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

A speakeasy in the lovely Nob Hill neighborhood, with delicious classic cocktails and tantalizing seasonal house libations. An incredible food menu that's small yet thoughtfully crafted. A dark and mysterious atmosphere is where you can enjoy weekly food and cocktail specials, while enjoying the weekly rotating local jazz musicians. If you're looking for the perfect getaway from the daily routine, Teddy Roe's is Albuquerque's best kept secret!

Top review

Bill

Dined 2 days ago

Fine cozy setting. Great soft music. Superb service

Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro

4.7

4.7 (1152)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

Zinc is a lively three level bistro in Historic Nob Hill. Featuring an open, urban ambiance, Zinc offers casual fine dining on the main level and the loft mezzanine. For those looking for an exciting show, the exhibition bar offers seats right along the open kitchen. The menu focuses on high quality - yet affordable - American bistro fare and utilizes seasonal ingredients, many of which are sourced from local farmers. The Cellar Bar offers the same extensive wine list and premium cocktails as the upstairs, but in a more intimate lounge atmosphere with a lighter menu. Visit www.zincabq.com for menus, pictures, and upcoming events!

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.

Discover more

Experience

New Year’s Eve Dinner at Zinc

D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro - Albuquerque

4.5

4.5 (949)

$30 and under

Bistro

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

Looking for the best restaurant in Albuquerque Old Town? During the summer of 2005, our D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro opened in Albuquerque’s historic Old Town, originally under the St. Clair Winery & Bistro name. Enthusiastic to offer the best wine and gourmet food, we have earned an excellent reputation for quality and service while upholding our family’s six-generation winemaking heritage.

Top review

Deb

Dined 2 days ago

Our server, Heather, was fabulous. The food was very good and also very reasonably priced. Will definitely go again,

El Pinto

4.5

4.5 (7361)

$30 and under

Mexican / Southwestern

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

El Pinto is open for outdoor covered patio dining and indoor seating.

Open daily. Monday through Thursday from 11am-9pm. Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm. Sunday 10:30am-9pm.

Nestled in the cottonwoods, El Pinto was founded with 10 tables in 1962. Twin brothers John and Jim Thomas, carry on the family tradition and have expanded El Pinto into the quintessential "Spot" for healthy and fresh New Mexican cuisine. Experience an authentic Taste of New Mexico.

The Salsa Twins are pairing tradition with innovative healthy nutrition at El Pinto. El Pinto established the first and only Animal Welfare Approved laying hen program on property. 250 hens lay pasture raised eggs for daily use. An onsite green house produces over 5,000 lbs of organically grown greens.

Freshness is throughout El Pinto. El Pinto uses chile from Hatch, NM, pasture raised pork from Kyzer Farms, and local grass fed beef.

Top review

EricaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

We used the BOGO Free email for our dinner. I had the salmon with baked potato and calabacitas while my partner had enchiladas with a relleno and fried egg. We shared the guac. He enjoyed his margarita while I sipped my delicious Sauvignon Blanc. The room was lovely and warm by the fire. Our waiter was very attentive which made our dinner and time at El Pinto all the nicer! Thank you for hiring such great staff. It's one reason we continue to go to El Pinto coupon or not. We highly recommend.

Discover more

Popular dish

Famous Red Chile Ribs

M'tuccis Bar Roma

4.5

4.5 (863)

$30 and under

Italian

University of New Mexico South

About the restaurant

Welcome to M'tucci's! A locally owned business that loves making dishes from scratch using high quality products. We make our own sourdough bread, pasta, mozzarella cheese and more! Located in Historic Nob Hill, we have an incredible view of route 66 and a beautiful patio. We also work hard to have an amazing beverage program including hand crafted cocktails, 14 beers on draft and a large wine selection. We tend to go on a wait during high traffic hours so reservations are highly recommended. If you have any seating preferences please note them in your reservation as we have a beautiful bar along with two dining areas and a chefs bar for seating.

Parties over eight are subject to a 20% gratuity. Outside desserts are allowed, but we have a $15 outside dessert fee. We do have one complimentary dessert from our menu for celebrations!

Top review

Erin

Dined 3 days ago

We really enjoyed our evening. Great service, unexpected wine choices, and tasty food. I had the gnocchi and it was delicious!

Fiesta Azul Tequila House - NM

4.5

4.5 (26)

$30 and under

Mexican

Academy West

About the restaurant

Welcome to our authentic Mexican restaurant, where the vibrant flavors of North and Central Mexico come to life!

Our family-owned establishment, founded in 2020, brings a blend of traditional authenticity and modern innovation to every dish we serve. Our commitment to using the freshest ingredients and the concept of a "scrap kitchen" ensures that every meal is crafted with care and sustainability in mind. Specializing in handcrafted cocktails and boasting a wide selection of tequilas, our bar is the perfect place to savor a taste of Mexico. Our owners, hailing from the states of Chihuahua and Colima, bring their rich culinary heritage to every aspect of our restaurant. Come experience the true essence of Mexico with us and savor the flavors of our vibrant heritage!

¡Bienvenidos!

Top review

Greg

Dined 1 day ago

Great service, food and value. I always modify my order and they always modify to my needs.

D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro - Cottonwood

4.4

4.4 (127)

$30 and under

Bistro

Los Ranchos

About the restaurant

We are thrilled to announce that our newest D.H. Lescombes location in Albuquerque is open! This exciting expansion marks a significant milestone in our journey, and we are honored to establish this second Albuquerque location, near Rio Rancho, NM, to serve the wonderful community and surrounding areas.

Top review

NancyVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We three friends came for dinner before a concert. The seasonal decorations were lovely and the booth by the window had a beautiful view of the Sandias and the city lights. Our server was very good even though he seemed so young. The price of the wine by the glass is pretty high. I would recommend just buying a bottle. My beet salad was excellent as was the bruschetta. The portions are large and reasonably priced. My mussels were very salty but the chef graciously redid my order with less seasoning. My friends had chicken Parmesan and the Dijon chicken. The Parmesan version seemed to be the better choice. Can’t wait to bring my husband.

Scalo

4.2

4.2 (1020)

$31 to $50

Italian

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

A contemporary interpretation on authentic European Italian flavors served with superior service and an upscale ambiance—this is Scalo. More than just a restaurant, Scalo is an experience, inviting guests on an Italian excursion of flavor, flair, and finesse. Prided on fresh ingredients and scratch-made recipes, Scalo is praised as one of Albuquerque’s best Italian eateries.
Scalo boasts elegant dining room, beautiful patio as well as a trendy bar with ample seating.
Reserve a table and prepare to indulge in a delicious, exquisite experience we like to call squisito!
i migliori saluti!

Top review

BillVIP

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

A lovely evening. We were seated near a VERY loud table, and Trinity - our waitperson - moved us and provided excellent service all evening long. I highly recommend Scalo and will be returning.

Explore Diners' Choice best of Albuquerque

Explore more Diners' Choice lists