Joe's Pasta House - Albuquerque — Restaurant in Albuquerque

This restaurant is a definite asset to our community. We were immediately greeted by 2 lovely hostesses who were poised, polite and eager to please..we came in on a busy Friday evening without reservations (although I don't recommend that) and were seated immediately including accomodations for a wheelchair. Upon greeting us, our waiter presented a basket of bread with a fresh tomato rustica ( heavier than a puree, but not chunky) and an herbed olive oil was also served. The menu hits nearly all expectations! Very comprehensive, without feeling over-reaching. The mixed veggie fried calamari app was very flavorful, although we didnt recignixe the squid which was presented in cubed strips, and it seem.processed - but flavors were VERY nice. Chairs are lovely cross-detailed bentwood. The decor is simple - as though starting out- but a clean slate to evolve moving forward. The flooring is grey, vinyl plank and the tables follow that theme. The bar is very inviting - a nice place for a single diner or cozy couple to dine. Full liquor license! Our waiter, River, was very professional, available and friendly. The general manager, Shelley, cares about the details, visits the tables and is interested in everyone being accomodated. The background music was very nice and the light levels were dimmed as evening set in. (Alrhough all lighting coming from the ceiling is never flattering). The ceiling - had it been painted black - would have offered a much cozier feel. Luciano, the busser, was especially polite in the background. He cares. Very bright. The little live, cut flowers, candles, and music contribute to the ambiance. The food is generally above par. We had 1. The chicken, green chile, alfredo fettuccine, 2. eggplant parm, 3. lobster/shrimp ravioli (oh - that hint of nutmeg) and 4. salmon (cooked under medium - to perfection). All were excellent. I had my salmon on a bed of spinach in lieu of pasta. However, two - not good - side sauces accompanied my salmon. There was a pot of pesto aoli - but it tasted like Miracle Whip - sweet - with pesto. I was so looking forward to the aoli, but it did dissapoint. Not like fresh aoli. Not an asset. But moreso was a dark side sauce which I thought might be a balsamic glaze - turned out to be an an Asian based soy - NOT what I expected on my plate in an environment surrounded by everything Italian. So fortunately I didnt drizzle it across my beautiful fish. They need to be clear on what they are serving and bring their side sauces up a few notches. In closing, very worth the visit. A few details could...

The original Joe’s Pasta House in Rio Rancho will always be the best. Some businesses thrive by staying true to their roots, and unfortunately, the new Albuquerque location just doesn’t capture the same magic.

My husband and I have been loyal customers of Joe’s in RR for over 7 years—we’ve brought countless friends and family, and even had our wedding catered by them in 2020. We’re huge fans of the nostalgic, comforting Italian food, especially since my husband is Italian.

When we visited the new ABQ location, the experience was disappointing from the start. We weren’t greeted by the hostess—she simply said “two?” and sat us without a welcome. The entryway was bare, with only a single Joe’s sign, and the overall décor was stark white and minimal. Instead of feeling warm and inviting like Joe’s should, it gave off a bland, Mediterranean-inspired vibe that just didn’t fit.

Our server (we only learned her name, Danielle, from the check) never introduced herself or made us feel welcomed. She seemed shy and unprepared, which added to the awkward atmosphere. The bread—usually one of our favorite parts of a meal at Joe’s—tasted like it was from the day before, slightly hard and not fresh. The pasta dishes were familiar, but lacked the same care and quality we’re used to.

On top of that, there was no music playing, the restaurant felt lifeless, and my husband noticed an unpleasant smell (like drains) being masked by candles. Several employees were gathered in the bar area on their phones instead of engaging with customers, which reinforced the lack of energy and hospitality.

Overall, the Albuquerque location feels forced, underwhelming, and far removed from what makes Joe’s Pasta House special. We’ll continue supporting the Rio Rancho restaurant we know and love, but we won’t be returning to this new one. Sometimes, if it isn’t broken, it’s best...

My family and I visited Joe’s Pasta House last weekend, and what an incredible experience it was! We had heard wonderful things about their authentic Italian cuisine, and they truly exceeded our expectations. The highlight of our evening was when the Chef took the time to come to our table personally. He walked us through the entire menu with such passion and made thoughtful recommendations based on our preferences. During our conversation, we learned that this is actually their second location and they’re still in their training phase - which made their outstanding service all the more remarkable. Every staff member we encountered was genuinely warm and welcoming. My daughter tends to take her time when ordering, and not once did we feel rushed or pressured. Their patience and understanding really stood out to us, especially in today’s fast-paced world where that level of care feels rare. The restaurant features a full bar, and my wife was delighted with their wine recommendations that perfectly complemented our meal. From our appetizers all the way through to the cannoli, every single dish was exceptional. The pasta had that perfect texture, and you could taste the authenticity in every sauce - clearly made from traditional recipes with the finest ingredients. Honestly, if Joe’s Pasta House delivers this level of excellence while still settling into their new location, I can only imagine how extraordinary they’ll be once fully established. We’re already looking forward to our next visit and have been enthusiastically recommending them to everyone we know. This place absolutely...