Check Out These Expensive Restaurants In Albuquerque, They Just Make Cents!

Albuquerque, New Mexico is the state's largest city, it lies in the high desert. Filled with fun activities, museums, old unique architecture, and of course, their annual International Balloon Fiesta! It’s safe to say there are a lot of things to do in Albuquerque, and while you’re there you may want to experience some fine dining. Today, we are exploring a few expensive restaurants in Albuquerque for a nice night with a special someone or a delightful family outing.

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Antiquity Restaurant

An intimate romantic steakhouse that features other delicious dishes.

Image courtesy of the Antiquity Restaurant Facebook page.

112 Romero St NW | Albuquerque | antiquityrestaurant.com

“Perfect for any occasion,” Antiquity Restaurant is here for anyone wanting to check out this one of a kind establishment. With its intimate setting, it's the perfect place to take someone for a first date, or your partner for an out on the town date night in Albuquerque. Fresh seafood, charcoal-grilled steaks, lamb, and more with their specialty items to complete the menu.

With an array of appetizers like crab cakes, beef carpaccio, and shrimp cocktail. To their chicken and pork dishes, made with the chef’s decadent sauces for a flavorful experience. Their beef is always ensured to be the highest of quality, made to perfection, so you’ll never go wrong getting their numerous options of delicious meats. They also even have a very in-depth wine/craft beer list, that way you can pair a nice drink with any number of dishes on their menu!

“This place lives up to the hype. Fantastic meal and experience! Steak was great and possibly the best shrimp cocktail (you can get it hot with butter or traditional cold style with cocktail sauce) I've had!” -Yelp Review 

Vintage 423

Local sourced ingredients for an inventive meal!

Image courtesy of the Vintage 423 Instagram page. 

8000 Paseo Del Norte Blvd NE | Albuquerque | vintage-423.com

Vintage 423 has got the definition of classy down pact. On their website you can take a virtual tour (!?) of their restaurant for you to get a peek into their sleek and suave atmosphere. Vintage 423 takes pride in their ability to source the highest quality ingredients for every patron who steps through their doors. Their made from scratch menu is constantly evolving so it can get better and better for the consumer.

Steaks include USDA Prime cuts and aged for the very best texture and flavor. With its own Wine & Beer menu, Craft Cocktail menu, and their lunch/dinner menus, Vintage 423 has the fine dining experience in full. Lobster Bisque soup, Roasted Baby Beet salad, Calamari appetizer, Scottish Salmon, Chilean Sea Bass, and many more, this restaurant has your dashing “dressed up” look matched well with an incredible menu.

“Went to vintage 423 last night as always great service, I didn't even have to wait. I tried the new drinks menu and for them being completely new they tasted perfect. The food was amazing as well of course, go by and try the lobster tail and shrimp scampi asap!” -Yelp Review

Frenchish

French inspired dishes and drinks for all to enjoy!

Image courtesy of the Frenchish Instagram page.

3509 Central Ave NE | Albuquerque | frenchish.co

Chefs Jennifer James and Nelle Bauer operate the french-inspired food and drink menu. Frenchish is an upscale choice if you’re in the Albuquerque area and in the mood to drink some wine and eat french inspired food!

This restaurant has an array of truly exquisite menu items, including but not limited to the following: spicy orange + fennel-marinated picholine olives, pan-roasted black cod, steak frites, decadent cakes, and high selections of wines to add just a bit more cadence to an already well-rounded meal.

“The service was wonderful. I had the duck and it was cooked to perfection. I love the vibe especially on central ave with so few restaurants that have a decent array of wine. I'm highly recommend for folks to get a reservation.” -Yelp Review

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Upmarket steakhouse known for amazing food in an upscale setting.

Image courtesy of the Ruth’s Chris Steak House Twitter page.

6640 Indian School Rd NE | Albuquerque | ruthschris.com 

Founded in 1965, Ruth Fertel, a single mom with two kids founded the originally named ‘Chris Steak House.’ Then in 1975 a kitchen fire burned down that restaurant, and Ruth then started again, improvising the name Ruth’s Chris Steak House, leading to the franchise we all know today. With multiple locations, Ruth has created a legacy, and her style of cooking is what kept this restaurant in the thoughts of all who stop in.

Each steak is prepared in a 1800 degree custom boiler, finished with a butter topping and fresh parsley. And to ensure the steak stays warm all the way from the kitchen to the table, it’s served on a 500 degree plate. Now steaks aren’t the only thing Ruth’s does right, they also serve lobster tail, grilled shrimp, stuffed chicken breast, other starters, soups, salads, and desserts. Plus, they have a gluten-free, vegetarian, and keto menu, so there are options for other people's food preferences.

“Absolutely best service and food is extraordinary and delicious. There are not many restaurants in Albuquerque with white tablecloth and employee that are knowledgeable of manners and ethnics , Ruth's Chris is one of very few that I was fully satisfied. Thank you” -Yelp Review

You can Purchase a GiftYa Gift Card for Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse here!

The Artichoke Cafe

Serving original New American fare and wine with an artful atmosphere!

Image courtesy of the Artichoke Cafe Instagram page.

424 Central Ave SE | Albuquerque | artichokecafe.com

Established in 1989, The Artichoke Cafe adds the word ambient in ambience. With their colorful decor, comfortable seating, modern art, and sculptures, you’ll truly feel that exquisite “wining and dining” experience. They have an extensive menu with a variety of different tastes.

Steamed artichoke, Duck Rillettes, Steak Tartare, House-Made Butternut Ravioli, daily prepared market fish, Beef Tenderloin, a cheese plate, desserts, spirits, and a wine list that offers a myriad of drinks that you can enjoy with your dinner or get a bottle with their catering services! Lots of options for you to partake in at the Artichoke Cafe!

“This restaurant is an Albuquerque gem! Delicious classics, subtle nods to regional dishes, refined vegetarian entrees. Dinner service, seasonal menu, ethics and authenticity of owners cannot be disputed. ("C'est le top!")” -Yelp Review

Seasons Rotisserie & Grill

A fine dining establishment focused on a dedication to freshness.

Image courtesy of the Seasons Rotisserie & Grill Instagram page.

2031 Mountain Rd NW | Albuquerque | seasonsabq.com

American-style cooking highlighted by the freshest ingredients to offer. Paired with great wine and service, Seasons Rotisserie & Grill creates a noteworthy fine dining experience. They have an open kitchen, so patrons can see food being prepared and chefs work their magic. This restaurant has an uncomplicated mindset: simple food with the best ingredients.

House-Made Grilled Bread, Savory Chicken Meatballs, Pear & Dried Tart Cherry Salad, Beef Bourguignon, Three Cheese, Sweet Potato & Swiss Chard Ravioli, Oak Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and well, we could go on and on as you can probably tell. Each dish is its own adventure and Seasons’ has the map for every fine meal!

“This place we found by mistake and what a beautiful surprise!!! We got a table on the balcony. Our server, Joe/Joseph was extremely professional and informative.  Excellent service and the food was delicious!!! We had chenin blanc wine, skirt steak and some appetizers.” -Yelp Review

Vernon’s Speakeasy

A vintage speakeasy vibe, cozy seating, with steaks and seafood.

Image courtesy of the Vernon’s Speakeasy Instagram page.

6855 4th St NW | Albuquerque | yougottapassword.com

Probably the most “exclusive” restaurant on this list, Vernon’s Speakeasy says it with its name. A “speakeasy-esque” feel, optional private seating arrangements, VIP private bar access, and a secret menu. This restaurant offers a very different approach to the fine dining world. They even have live music and events for customers to sit back and enjoy while having their meals.

With food items including the likes of steamed “saltspring island” mussels, tomato bruschetta, seared diver scallops, classic french onion soup, pork porterhouse, lamb rack chops, filet mignon, and more, Vernon’s Speakeasy has those appetizing foods that can be paired with select wine by the glass, beer, and spirits. A definitely interesting event for the classic “going out to eat” motif.

“Not only is this place a lot of fun it has great food.  I had them smoke a Manhattan for me and it was the best I have ever had.  Also, I ordered the aged ribeye and it was spot on with great flavor.  You could tell they aged the steak.  Would recommend to anyone.” -Yelp Review

Farm & Table

Regional upscale food made from seasonal ingredients!

8917 4th St NW | Albuquerque | farmandtablenm.com

Just like their website says, Farm & Table provides: “Delicious Food, Beautiful Setting, and Vibrant Community”. Located in the picture-esque north valley in Albuquerque, Farm & Table has been serving customers since 2012 and has kept a relationship with local farmers, ranchers, and food artisans.

Award winning chef Steve Riley takes these fresh ingredients and makes food for all to delight in! Farmer’s Salad, Polenta Cakes, Artisan Cheese Plate, Pork Belly, Stuffed Sweet Pepper, and a few other items take up their menu. This upscale restaurant really taps in with the local community, hosting events and sharing their delicious food with the people of Albuquerque and all who head their way.

“This is an incredible place. The ambiance is romantic and airy. The servers and staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. They manage to make healthy local food taste incredible. It isn't just a place to go for a meal: it is somewhere to be inspired by food.” -Yelp Review

Fine dining may be a new experience for people and it could be intimidating, but it’s always okay to do your research and find out what to expect with that journey. These expensive restaurants in Albuquerque cater to that desire to step out, dress up, and eat interesting fresh new food to Burques or anyone stopping by!