Best Casual Restaurants in Fairgrounds

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!!!

Good always delicious and top notch service. The entire staff made us feel very special.

We finished off our alphabet date with the an amazing dinner. Zinc wine bar and Bistro was amazing. We had a very attentive waiter Jessie. The food came out hot and on point. I could not find a flaw in any of the food except that it was so much, I had to take half mine home to enjoy tomorrow. We ordered the bread plate and seared rare ahi tuna to start. My husband ordered the cast iron seared wagyu flank steak and I ordered the grilled Atlantic Salmon. The chef in the restaurant knows how to season his food and his staff are very talented. We will be back to try some other dishes.

This was an anniversary dinner and we enjoyed it very much. We love bringing our family to Mattucci’s. We’re now realizing that each one has its own feel its own vibe and this one is definitely a dress up. Nice vibe. Definitely will be coming back here.

And an awesome time for my first time and the food was really good! I will be back again!