Restaurants near Sandia Crest

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

We selected this restaurant for the quality of the food. It was our anniversary and we couldn’t have been more pleased. When seated, there was an anniversary card signed by multiple staff and then followed by a glass of champagne. We ordered delicious cocktails and tried some wonderful appetizers. The roasted artichokes with lemon hummus were especially tasty. The manager stopped by to see how we were enjoying everything so far. We ordered the filet mignon and a steak dinner entree which were both fantastic. Dessert was on the house. Our waiter, Wen, was very attentive and you should definitely ask for him if he’s available. This is one of the best in town and certainly my favorite. Thank you Seasons 52!

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.

Service was excellent - when I ordered the salmon, the menu didn't mention it was pepper crusted and the server offered to have it remade without me asking (I was trying to scrape it off and eat it and he noticed.) We went to the bar to try the Espresso Martini offerings and they were amazing. Everyone friendly and accommodating to me and my elderly mom.