Fodor's Expert Review Lucia

Lucia provides Albuquerque with a much-needed dose of style. The angular, spare dining room with mod overhanging lights and contemporary furnishings is downright edgy and unexpected for a dining venue inside the historic Hotel Andaluz. The menu pushes the envelope, too, with pricey (by local standards) and creative Mediterranean fare with nary a hint of green chiles. You might start with grilled baby artichokes with caper-saffron butter, followed by Catalonian-herb-crusted rack of lamb with oil-poached tomatoes, chickpea compote, and roasted-garlic asparagus. There are no weak links on this ambitious menu. Breakfast and lunch are served, too. The patio area is dog-friendly.