Charles Place

What a hidden gem! I happen to be one of those people who love preset menus and the one Charles designed for our friends on New Year’s Eve was without a doubt exceptional! Every entrée was packed with flavor and vegetables paired perfectly to succulent meats. Every bite transformed you to a savory culinary realm! Worth every dollar you spend! Perfect for a romantic evening out.

Charles place is the most amazing place for a romantic dinner you won’t have a experience like this any place in NM.
Food amazing and fresh service couldn’t be better

Talk about a unique and amazing experience! This is a little home that the chef lives out of. The food is absolutely phenomenal and the service is perfect. By far one of the coolest any experiences in Albuquerque. Worth every penny.

I wanted to like this more than I did. I think with some minor changes it could be much better! The prix fixe menu is a lovely idea but was incredibly meat-​centric. The appetizer was cheese and charcuterie followed by pork followed by salmon followed by lamb. When I have a meal like this, I appreciate some variety, and found myself literally praying for salad, soup, and more cooked vegetables. A small lovely Amuse bouche seemed like it also would’ve been appropriate. Everything was well prepared, quality, and tasted good but lacked inspiration and play. I also didn’t care for the China used to present the food. It has too much color and took away from the beautiful colors of the food.

A Valentine dinner in Albuquerque worth talking about? Indeed. But don’t wait for a special occasion to head to Charles Place. Walk into this humble abode and prepare yourself for dining like no other in our town. The menu was exquisitely prepared and Charles was happy to provide details of his culinary approach, unique and subtle. Small and intimate, with service that was impeccable.
Food for thought: You can eat a meal anywhere. Go to Charles Place for a memorable fine dining experience.

Just opened a few months ago. Charles, the owner and chef, previously worked at the Albuquerque Country Club for 20+ years, retired and converted his home into a small restaurant. Consequently, you feel as though you are dining at the home of a friend who happens to be a very good chef. There are a limited number of tables, approx. 10, maybe less, and a set menu. Some of the ingredients are grown in his garden.
We were celebrating our anniversary and had a lovely meal. We were immediately served an appetizer plate of bread, cheeses, caprese salad, salmon, red peppers, eggplant — all very good and fresh from the garden. Followed by Cornish Game Hen in a mushroom sauce. Next was a cooled Ahi Tuna on top of tomato slice and watermelon slice — it was a wonderful combination. Sprinkled with feta cheese and a drizzle of balsamic. Fabulous. The main course was a perfectly done beef tenderloin on a base of grilled red pepper and potato with sugar snap peas on top. They were absolutely garden fresh. The dessert was an assortment of chocolate pâté, small piece of layer cake with raspberries and strawberries, orange shortbread cookie and rugalauh with cinnamon center. Everything was very fresh and when the meal was through, we were invited into the kitchen to see the chef. He is very personable and a lovely host. Vanessa is the hostess and server. She handles the front house operation and is efficient and attentive.
We had a delightful time and will return. This is a little gem close to Old Town.

Want a great proposal spot? How about an anniversary dinner you’ll never forget? The best new eatery in Albuquerque? RSVP at Charles Place.
Before I indulge on this review, and I plan to, ready your Burqueño mindset for this wallet whopper: $ 75 per person. That doesn’t include libations, which run high; the cheapest bottle of wine currently stands at $ 32, and beers (Marble, a few others) run $ 6. So prep for a $ 200 bill for two people, easy, without tip. Inane insofar as we locals typically spend, but consider the competition: a cut at Vernon’s goes about $ 75, not to mention the mashed potato and salad that accompany the plate. Look, as I’ve previously pointed out, the cost of fine dining should be priceless; ambiance and service equally factor in the overall experience. At Charles Place, you’re dining in the home of Charles himself. Here’s why this is worth every cent.
A little background on Charles. Born and raised in Israel, he landed in Boston in his twenties, ventured west, and eventually settled in ABQ. Ultimately he became the executive chef of the Albuquerque Country Club, and he ran the joint for about 20 years. Upon retirement, he bought a house downtown and envisioned running his own restaurant, in his living room. He spent a decade bringing the old place up to code, equipping it with a range, industrial dishwasher and all the rest, so it could function as an eatery. He moved his sleeping quarters to the garage. This narrative verges on fairy tale, and I love every ounce of it. He lives his passion. His dishes exude a discipline of a life spent waking, dreaming and crafting great cuisine.
Which isn’t to say his vision of culinary heaven will connect with everyone. A classically-​trained French chef, his plates veer all over the place, but ultimately you should expect something the American palate isn’t accustomed to: delicacy and nuance. Limited spicing, low sodium, and some hard-​to-​find proteins in this locale. Frog legs? I ate ‘em, consistency like chicken, flavor reminded me of walleye for some reason. Quail. Prawn. Red snapper. Three courses that change every week, plus an appetizer and dessert, each plate quickly removed by two awesome locals who add color to the otherwise dainty ordeal. Lots of meat. Avoid, Vegans, avoid.
I’ll close with this: I’ve debated four stars vs. five. It’s costly and the food is tough on local tongues. None of it blew me away. But upon reflection, I’m thrilled this place has a home in ABQ. You have to experience it to know it. Bring a lover, or someone who loves to eat. Charles Place will swoon you. Friday and Saturday only, and group dinners by appointment during the week. Seating is limited to about 20, so yeah, RSVP now.