Il Localetto Rossi — Restaurant in Albuquerque

Il Localetto Rossi – A Culinary Gem in the Heart of Albuquerque

From the moment you step into Il Localetto Rossi, you're enveloped in a warm embrace that only authentic Italian hospitality can offer. The ambiance is a delightful blend of rustic charm and understated elegance, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

The gnocchi cacio e pepe is a revelation, each bite a testament to the power of simplicity in Italian cuisine. The gnocchi, pillowy and tender, are lovingly coated in a velvety sauce that's rich with the sharp tang of Pecorino Romano and the bold warmth of freshly cracked black pepper. It's a dish that resonates with the soul of Italy, and it's executed to perfection here.

As for the chicken carbonara, it's a symphony of flavors that sings of tradition and innovation. The pasta is cooked al dente, the chicken succulent and flavorful, all brought together by a creamy sauce that's indulgent without being overpowering. The generous sprinkling of crispy pancetta adds a delightful crunch, making each forkful a complex layering of textures and tastes.

The service at Il Localetto Rossi is nothing short of exceptional. The servers, with their charming demeanor, ensure that your glass is never empty and your needs are anticipated with a smile that's as genuine as it is infectious. They navigate the dining room with an ease that speaks of professionalism and a deep love for their craft.

But what truly sets Il Localetto Rossi apart is the undeniable freshness of its cuisine. Each dish boasts ingredients that are sourced locally, ensuring that the flavors are as vibrant and robust as the colors on the plate. The tomatoes taste of the sun, the basil is fragrant, and the olive oil is the liquid gold that ties it all together.

In a city that's brimming with culinary options, Il Localetto Rossi stands out as a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine. It's a place where every meal feels like a celebration, every dish a loving homage to Italy, and every visit a cherished memory in the making. If you're seeking an Italian dining experience that's as genuine as it is delicious, look no further than this...

I ate one of my favorite dishes EVER at this small, local restaurant. I had become bored with food, restaurants and simply eating out. A 4.7 star rating caught my eye along with a dish Pesto Tortellini with mushrooms, red onion, blue cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and basil. ( I added sautéed shrimp to mine, a "must" if you like shrimp) It was off the charts delicious! It rivaled Italian restaurants all over this world. I kid you not! The shrimp were cooked to perfection and the flavors all melded into a sauce with a hint of blue cheese. I even added some of the Calabrian chili pepper oil on top, simply divine! The food came out QUICKLY, it was hot and appealing at first glance. I never expected the "taste explosion" after the first bite, and it just kept coming bite after bite. Rebecca was our waitress, a very personable, attentive , hard-working young lady. We never had to ask for a thing! She was familiar with the customers, menu and never made us feel rushed. The Local atmosphere, service and simplicity of the restaurant along with the dishes served made for a "10" on a scale from 1-5. If you want Italian, this is the place! One last comment, if nothing mentioned above has drawn you to this place, the price will! The cost of our dinner was outrageously inexpensive. Our bill for two with 2 entrees ( Lasagna and Tortellini with shrimp and a bread basket) totalled 46 dollars with tax. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Simply said, don't pass this restaurant up. It is not fancy, but so comfortable and a real "gem"! Sorry, I have only 1 photo...food was almost already eaten before...

I was complaining about there not being any good Italian restaurants in Albuquerque. A friend recommended I'll Localetto Rossi. And I'll spend forever thanking him. First off, the place is small, intimate, and cute. It's just off Central on Buena Vista. You would never really notice it except for the sign. Walking in, (watch your step), you'll notice the decor. It's a clean, simple café vibe. Not too big. We were greeted by Skyy. She was super friendly and upbeat. Her attention to every detail of customer service was phenomenal. We tried the Lobster Ravioli, the Lasagna, and the house salad. We also ordered the bread basket for our app. The chile oil for dipping the bread was out of this world. The Lobster Ravioli was amazing. Fully stuffed ravioli, topped with roasted grape tomatoes, capers, peppers and shrimp, in a sauce that was beyond great. It was so good, I think they need to bottle it. And don't get us started on the Lasagna. It was insane!!. And a huge shout out to Skyy, and the chef. We came during lunch, and it was just the two of them. But, the service was never lacking. And the food was top notch! Skyy was definitely the reason for the vibe. She had the most infectious personality. She was engaging from start to finish. She anticipated our every need before we did. Seriously, you need to try this little gem. I know we'll be...