February 2022 - THE CUT: Romantic restaurants that deliver on taste

The Facebook group “Burque Take Out and Curbside” provided a list of their favorite romantic restaurants. Here’s a narrowed-down version for you to consider for a romantic and tasty date night experience.

ALBUQUERQUE

Ten 3 - Casual $$, Fine $$$$ - Ten 3 has a fine dining and casual dining experience. As Aileen L suggested, you should probably plan to go up (via the Tram because there’s no direct road to the restaurant on top of the Sandias) so you’re eating during sunset, and, if you go fine dining, you can make a reservation for a window view.

Antiquity $$$$ - Nestled on the edge of Old Town, it’s a cozy place to go after wandering Old Town plaza. Don’t forget to make a reservation!

La Troquet $$$ - Traditional French fare in downtown Albuquerque. Menu items change often, and it’s a small, cozy restaurant, so make reservations and prepare to be impressed.

Jinja $$ - Good food and a comfortable atmosphere. The booths have high walls, providing a private environment, perfect for a first date. The rice paper salmon is a great starter.

Prairie Star $$ - Pair a beautiful view of the Sandia Mountains with a local bison burger, and you’ve got a great evening!

Dog House $ - Weird choice, maybe. But isn’t romance more about who you’re with? Well, the Dog House has delicious chili dogs, and you can stay in your car chatting about whatever you want. Just don’t forget the onion rings.

PLACITAS

Blades Bistro $$ - Fine dining at its best in Placitas. Another small restaurant, so you should probably make a reservation. And don’t miss out on the chocolate truffles trio for dessert!

CORRALES

Indigo Crow $$$ - Kick off your date with happy hour (Tues - Thurs), then dive into the menu with options like lobster ravioli.

RIO RANCHO

Joe’s Pasta House $$ - Joe’s is the perfect place to get your carbs on and enjoy a great atmosphere.

SANTA FE

Geronimo $$$$$ - From duck confit to elk tenderloin, fine dining with a touch of homey atmosphere, you might see if you can get a reservation near the fireplace.

The Shed $$ - Delicious New Mexico food in the Santa Fe Plaza. Pair that with a romantic walk through the plaza, and you’ve got romance.

Cowgirl BBQ $$ - For a fun atmosphere with tasty barbecue, definitely Cowgirl BBQ. And they even have outdoor seating, cocktails, and great happy hour specials. Don’t forget to check out their ice cream dessert that looks like a baked potato. Seriously.

The French Pastry Shop and Creperie $ - Looking for something cozy for the mid-day Santa Fe plaza? Come in for a savory or sweet crepe and coffee.

LAS CRUCES

D.H. Lescombes $$ - (and yes, there’s also one in Albuquerque - formerly named St. Clair Bistro). Go for a wine flight and enjoy pistachio pesto pasta or pecan-crusted chicken.