I really like this place. Unfortunately, we do not go here often. Since we haven’t been back to the Lensic Performing Arts Center, we haven’t been to Terra Cotta Wine Bistro in a long time. Terra Cotta stands on its own. The food is always exceptional. The wine list is one of the best lists in town. If you eat early this place is a hidden gem. We were able to get reservations on a day’s notice just because we tend to eat early. But you always need a reservation, Believe me, the place was appropriately packed when we left the restaurant.
There is always a prix-fix dinner(45). Sadly, there were no vegetarian options on the Fall and Winter Prix-fix menu.
I was very excited about the choices that all of our table had. The meat eaters will be overjoyed with the rib eye steak(38).
To start, we had the famous onion rings(8) with an incredible house made sauce. There was a nice tang of heat to go with that delicious sauce. The onion rings were perfectly cooked and were not at all greasy. This was a rare treat because now during the pandemic, many restaurants have taken this item off of their menu. I have no idea why? I think it is a work intensive item.
I was intrigued with the crunchy spicy green beans(8). Green beans are one of my favorite vegetables outside of my all time favorite, carrots. These green beans were flash fried with a house-made ketchup dip and topped with some cheese. They were addictive. I couldn’t believe how many of these tasty morsels I ate. I was trying to save room for my main course. Unfortunately, dessert was now out of the question. But eating these spicy and crunchy beans was certainly worth it.
Next is a photo of my entree, the rustic vegetable ratatouille(25). This was indeed a harvest feast. All of the vegetables were perfectly cooked and seasoned. Even the eggplant was wonderful. I’m not a fan. There were all kinds of interesting vegetables like red peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, summer squash, and tomatoes. The seasoning was divine and made the vegetables sing. The vegetables were outstanding. The polenta wedges just added the right amount of heft to the dish. They balanced the vegetables. Also adding to this dish was the Parmesan Cheese. Wow! that addition really made this dish pop. As did the presentation of the sprinkled parsley. It was a beautiful dish to behold and and incredible dinner. I was in heaven. What a meal!!! I didn’t need any wine, my iced tea was a perfect pairing with this fall extravaganza.
The branzino fillet(32) was also perfectly cooked. The skin came off in one piece. This fillet was a pan seared flaky mild white fish with lemon butter and had a base of summer squash along with some incredibly tasty Yukon Gold Potatoes. Yes, I had a sample of the potatoes and they just melted in your mouth.
There is a wine special if you get to Terra Cotta Wine Bistro before 6 several of their wines are discounted to 6 dollars a glass.
I had a sip of a lovely Spanish Rose. It went well with all of our entrees. Terra Cotta Wine Bistro has an extensive wine menu. I mean it is several pages of interesting wines. So many choices…
A smaller dining room 
The TerraCotta Wine Bistro’s Menu except for dessert. Yes, they have a dessert menu. I was full so I wasn’t interested.
We did sit out on the heated patio out in the back of the restaurant. It was warm and pleasant. We still dressed in layers.
Our server was delightful and his team made sure that our water and iced tea glasses were never empty.
If I remember correctly, Terra Cotta Wine Bistro first started as a catering company and has been a restaurant for many years. They still do catering.
Terra Cotta Wine Bistro is located at 304 Johnson Street. Their phone number is 1.505.989.1166 and
is open Thursday 5-8, Friday 5-9, Saturday 5-9, Sunday 5-8 and Monday 5-8. I made reservations through Open Table.
FYI Saya’s Fry Bread and Indian Tacos Food Truck has moved. Saya’s is now located at 1716 Llano Street.
Upcoming review: Church Street Cafe in Albuquerque
