Il Localetto Rossi Italian Cuisine: A Taste of Italy in Albuquerque

My husband and I had a truly special experience here yesterday. After seeing some recent negative feedback, I felt compelled to share our perspective because our visit was flawless. The atmosphere has that wonderful, homey feel that is so hard to find. Despite being the only server for four tables, our waitress was an absolute sweetheart—attentive, super quick, and clearly working from the heart. Our drinks and food arrived promptly, and we never felt rushed; we actually appreciated having an hour to slow down and enjoy our meal. The food was outstanding. The pasta was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was authentic—flavorful without being overbearing. I don’t usually order Chicken Parmesan, but the addition of Cacio e Pepe pasta made it unique and delicious. Also, the portions are great; while bread isn't complimentary, it’s only $3 to add on, which is more than fair. Please take negative reviews with a grain of salt—this place is a treasure for those who can take the time to appreciate it.

Quaint italian restaurant in the UNM district. Very good service, nice atmosphere and excellent food! With appetizers, salad, entree and drinks it was about 40/person! Great value for the excellent food!

Our foodie friends took us to this neighborhood Italian restaurant with amazing food. We shared the pork belly Mac and cheese as an appetizer, then we each had a dish; carbonara, lasagna and eggplant Parmesan. The surprise winner was the eggplant Parmesan though all were excellent. The decor and lighting appear to fresh out of the 1970s. Seems like a talented chef started small and is improving Il Localetto as passion permits.

Seated when they opened without reservation, that was an exception to their rule; major points for that that. But we were rushed to leave. I was happy to see a good restaurant occupy an old favorite's location, but that location has always been a hole in the wall in the University neighborhood. The food was good but not great, great food deserves a great distinction. I haven't found any other place in New Mexico that makes better Italian food, that said; no place here has risen to excellence. Overall, one of the top five Italian restaurants in our humble state.

Hands down the best place I’ve eaten so far in Albuquerque. Everything was phenomenal! The chicken on the chicken parm was the best paired with the pasta it’s a home run. The gnocchi cacio e pepe was so beautifully seasoned and fresh. I would have licked the plate clean if it was more socially acceptable. The tiramisu topped it all off. I didn’t get a picture before we started to eat it because it was seriously that good. Everything was worth every penny, plus our waitress was a sweet heart. Coming again asap.

This place is legit! Excellent italian food in the 505! Chicken Carbonara was creamy and flavorful, shrimp skampi was amazing Bone in pork chop looked like a masterpiece! Was not able to try it because my brother in law had finished it before I could even ask for a bite lol! Chicken parmasean was on point, the red sauce is so perfect and you have to think, is this how it is in Italy? Calamari and bread plate for appetizers and another stand out performance! The bread was perfectly toasted with a light wood char bite to it. A touch that only a real cook takes pride in adding. I cant wait to go back. We were so full that we passed on desert and it adds to my motivation to get back to this place. Shot out to the service, the waitress, and hostess were awesome! We made reservations and I recommend everyone doing so. This place only had a few tables filled and by the time we left EVERY table was full as well as the parking lot area. Will update with more pictures on our second round at this place! Thank you for the great food!

The food is so good! Absolutely worth the price. Even the Salad that looks so simple has such a great flavor. I have no complaints in anything. I’m so happy to find this hidden germ during my trip in Albuquerque. Will definitely come again if I revisit here in the future.

I travel all over the country for work and this was one of the best meals I have ever eaten! I had the cheese tortellini in pesto cream sauce and added a piece of fried chicken. It was perfect!. I also ordered the bread to clean the bowl at the end, which I never do! Had the pistachio gelato for dessert which was light and refreshing!