If you’re looking for a romantic dinner in Albuquerque, NM, these five romantic restaurants offer up excellent food and wine and the best dining atmosphere Albuquerque has to offer.
Restaurant Antiquity
112 Romero NW
505-247-3545
Dinner Only
This Old Town favorite, located in an historic adobe house, has been serving up excellent seafood and steaks in a romantic setting for over 50 years. Their pan seared crab cakes are killer, and the Scallops Jalapeno give a New Mexican twist to a succulent seafood favorite. Restaurant Antiquity boast an amazingly extensive wine list with distinctive wines from all over the world. For those of you who don’t want the full bottle, Antiquity offers a reasonable half bottle selection as well. If you’re looking for a romantic dinner in Albuquerque, nothing beats a stroll through Old Town to the Restaurant Antiquity! Reservations are recommended.
The Artichoke Cafe
424 Central SE on the corner of Central and Edith
(505) 243-0200
Lunch Weekdays: 11am – 2pm
Dinner Tues-Sat: 5:30pm – 10pm
Dinner Sun-Mon: 5:30pm – 9pm
Tucked away in historic downtown Albuquerque, the Artichoke Café cooks up a modern twist on classic Italian and French favorites. The pumpkin ravioli, made in-house daily, is to die for, and the Artichoke’s extensive wine menu has something for every taste. With entrées in the $15-20 range, the Artichoke café is both romantic and affordable. This popular downtown establishment boasts a dining room featuring the works of local artists as well as a sophisticated bar to enjoy a Framboise Mojito before sitting down for dinner. As a longtime supporter of the arts in New Mexico, the Artichoke café offers 15% off your meal with a ticket stub from any Albuquerque arts venue.
Yanni’s Mediterranean Grill and Opa Bar
3109 Central Ave NE in Nob Hill
(505) 268-9250
Mon-Thurs: 11am-9:45pm
Fri & Sat: 11am-10:45pm
Sun: 11:30-8:45pm Dinner menu starts at 4pm
Yanni’s, voted Alibi’s Best Albuquerque Restaurant in 2009, has been serving delicious Mediterranean cuisine to Nob Hill diners for years. The Fried Calamari w/ Horseradish Cocktail sauce is the best in town, and the very reasonably priced entrees, like Mediterranean Linguine, Pastitsio, or Moussaka, are equally tempting. The dining room at Yanni’s boasts the iconic blue and white of the Greek islands. You’ll feel like you’re dining on the Mediterranean Sea right here in the desert. If you’re looking for a romantic after-dinner drink, enjoy a glass of wine and live music at Yanni’s Opa Bar.
El Pinto has been serving up classic New Mexican cuisine since 1962. Located on the west side, right across the street from the Adobe Theater, El Pinto serves up award winning chile in a quaint and beautiful atmosphere. If the weather is favorable, the extensive candlelit patio is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner for two. The maze-like interior has plenty of secluded dining areas tastefully decorated in the style of an old Southwestern hacienda. Enjoy a classic or fruity margarita over a steamy plate of spicy Carne Adobada or El Pinto’s famous Chile Ribs. Entrees start at $13, making El Pinto a delicious and affordable romantic Albuquerque restaurant.
Trombino’s Bistro Italiano
5415 Academy Road Northeast
(505) 821-5974
Mon – Thurs: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Fri: 11:00am – 10:30pm
Sat: 3:00pm – 10:30pm
Sun: 3:00pm to 9:00pm
Trombino’s Bistro Italiano is romantic restaurant with the best hand-made manicotti you’ll ever have. With an extensive wine list and an excellent bar menu (they make a great apple martini) Trombino’s is a terrific place for a romantic evening out. Be sure to save room for dessert; the cannoli is to die for!
