Culinary Excellence of Santa Fe
One of my favorite things to do (besides cooking at home!) is meeting up with friends at one of Santa Fe's world-class restaurants. Here are some of my choices for traditional New Mexican eateries, elegant splurge restaurants, international cafés, rooftop bars for cocktails at sunset, or casual breakfasts with fresh-baked goods. Call me if you'd like to meet at one of these special places.
New Mexican
La Choza
905 Alarid St. | 505-982-0909 | Website
One of the most popular and authentic eateries with colorful décor, Southwestern dishes, and a separate vegetarian menu.
The Shed
113½ East Palace Ave. | 505-982-9030 | Website
Local go-to for classic Southwestern fare housed in a circa-1692 hacienda with a cantina-style bar.
Atrisco Cafe and Bar
DeVargas Center. | 505-983-7401 | Website
Colorful family-run cafe and bar serving seasonal New Mexican specialties, plus burgers and breakfast. Great margaritas, frozen and on the rocks.
El Parasol
1833 Cerrillos Rd. | 505-995-8015 | Website
Family-owned counter-service chain doing Mexican standards and homemade tortilla chips. Fresh, fast, and delicious!
Tomasita’s
500 S Guadalupe St. | 505-983-5721 | Website
Popular with tourists, famed for its spicy chile, frozen margaritas, and outdoor patio.
Gabriel’s
4 Banana Ln. | 505-455-7000 | Website
Just north of town, regional Southwestern cuisine in a warm space featuring guacamole made tableside and a garden patio with sunset views over Santa Fe.
Cafe Pasquals
121 Don Gaspar Ave. | 505-983-9340 | Website
Organic, locally, and seasonally sourced foods that are imbued with traditional New Mexican flavor and innovative creation. Incredible homemade desserts and ambience!
High End
The Bull Ring Steakhouse
150 Washington Ave. | 505-983-3328 | Website
Comfortable, old-time steakhouse featuring chops and seafood along with great cocktails and weekday happy hour at the bar. Best escargot and wedge salad in town.
Radish & Rye
505 Cerrillos Rd. | 505-930-5325 | Website
Intimate, refined locale with a warm farm-to-table feeling, featuring locally sourced New American plates, and a wide bourbon selection.
315 Restaurant and Wine Bar
315 Old Santa Fe Trail | 505-490-2898 | Website
Downtown intimate and romantic French eatery featuring seasonal fare, vast wine list, and twinkling white lights
Market Steer Steakhouse
210 Don Gaspar Ave. | 505-992-6354 | Website
Award-winning chefs offer gourmet steaks, toppings, sauces and more in the grand dining room of the historic St. Francis Hotel.
Geronimo
724 Canyon Rd. | 505-982-1500 | Website
Eclectic New American seasonal fine dining and wild game served amid elegant, minimalist decor in a circa-1756 adobe home.
Dinner for Two
106 N Guadalupe St. | 505-820-2075 | Website
Elegant bistro known for table-side preparations, plus a menu of locally sourced fare and global wines. Spacious outdoor patio, and fun bar.
International
Jambo Cafe
2010 Cerrillos Rd. | 505-473-1269 | Website
Chef Ahmed Obo’s African home-style fare includes jerk chicken, goat stew, plus wraps and pies in a casual, cheerful space. A local favorite and affordable.
Cafecito
922 Shoofly St. | 505-310-0089 | Website
Family-owned business blending the cultures of Argentina, Armenia, and Italy. Serving empanadas, pasta, and great coffee!
Horno
95 W Marcy St. | 505-303-3469 | Website
Italian-leaning gastropub where street food meets indoor dining. A new Santa Fe favorite, walking distance to the Plaza.
Paper Dosa
551 W Cordova Rd. | 505-930-5521 | Website
Stylish, casual place with an artful vibe offering flavorful South Indian dishes, wine, and beer. Many gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Chow’s Asian Bistro
720 St Michaels Dr. | 505-471-7120 | Website
Innovative takes on Chinese menu classics served in a refined but easygoing earth-toned setting. Elevated Asian cuisine!
Family Style
Cowgirl BBQ
319 S Guadalupe St. | 505 982-2565 | Website
New Mexican favorites and great monthly specials. Hidden: ask for the “ice cream baked potato.” Live music draws crowds at this popular cowgirl-themed spot.
Piccolino
2890 Agua Fria St. | 505-471-1480 | Website
Family-owned delicious casual Italian fare with a full-on drive-through. Very popular and down home.
Boxcar
530 S Guadalupe St. | 505-988-7222 | Website
Made-from-scratch bar food with live music, sports on big screens, many beers on tap, great nachos, and a popular brunch in the Railyard.
Dion’s
2014 Cerrillos Rd. | 505-424-7333 | Website
Pizza, salads, and subs in a family atmosphere of ease and simplicity.
Clafoutis
333 W Cordova Rd. | 505-988-1809 | Website
Local favorite French country-style spot for exceptional house-made baked goods for light breakfast, brunch and lunch.
Sweetwater Harvest Kitchen
1512 Pacheco St Bldg B. | 505-795-7383 | Website
Intentionally created dishes made in the 100% Gluten-Free kitchen that honors the seasonality of food and creates a welcoming environment for all dietary preferences paleo, vegetarian, and vegan.
The Violet Crown
1606 Alcaldesa St. | 505-216-5678 | Website
Enjoy a meal while sitting down to your favorite flick in the theatre!
Bars
Inn of the Anasazi Bar and Lounge
113 Washington Ave. | 505-988-3030 | Website
Elegant ambiance, Silver Coin margaritas, classic cocktails and locally brewed beers. Try the tequila table, where you can taste premium tequilas with unique food pairings.
Dragon Room
406 Old Santa Fe Trail | 505-983-7712 | Website
Internationally known hot spot adjacent to the historic Pink Adobe, eclectic charm with trees growing through the floor and out the roof.
Coyote Rooftop Cantina
132 W Water St. | 505-983-1615 | Website
Upstairs outdoor cafe for bird’s eye people watching, light fare from the famed Coyote cafe, and inventive cocktails. Excellent starters.
Tonic
103 E Water St. | 505-982-1189 | Website
Cozy Art Deco downtown bar with craft cocktails and late-night live jazz Thursday-Saturday.
Rio Chama
414 Old Santa Fe Trail | 505-955-0765 | Website
Choose a cozy high-backed booth or the sociable wraparound bar for satisfying American cuisine, craft cocktails and a huge selection of whiskeys. Weekday fun happy hour.
Bell Tower Bar
La Fonda on the Plaza, 100 E San Francisco St. | 505-982-5511 | Website
Favorite rooftop bar for stunning sunsets and a view of the Plaza, with light snacks and tasty margaritas (open May-October).
Draft Station
60 E San Francisco St. | 505-983-6443 | Website
Another bar overlooking the Plaza, serving regional craft beers, pizza and other Italian dishes in a hip setting.
Coffee Shops
Iconik Lupe
314 S Guadalupe St. | 505-428-0996 | Website
Hand-roasted specialty coffee and tea for tasty breakfast and lunch, inside or outside the gorgeous “ruinesque” patio.
Ohori’s
505 Cerrillos Rd. Suite B103 | 505-982-9692 | Website
Locally owned micro-roasting coffee operation for over 25 years. Signature roasted Arabica coffee beans and teas, pastries and burritos, and merchandise.
Ecco Espresso & Gelato
128 E Marcy St | 505-986-9778 | Website
Finest quality Italian gelato, espresso, coffee, and lattes in pleasant downtown cafe. Homemade light take-out foods available.
Tea House
821 Canyon Rd. | 505-992-0972 | Website
A variety of steeped teas from China, India, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Santa Fe served with delicious main dishes and desserts with a lovely outdoor patio.
Kakawa Chocolate House
1050 E Paseo de Peralta | 505-982-0388 | Website
Exquisite drinking chocolate elixirs and unique truffles, caramels, solid dark chocolates and delicious homemade ice cream, served on Talavera crockery in a charming adobe cafe.
Bakeries
Whole Foods
753 Cerrillos Rd. | 505-992-1700 | Website
Coffee bar with tasty and wholesome baked goods, breakfast and brunch fare, seating inside or on the porch.
Sage Bakery
535 Cerrillos Rd. | 505-820-7243 | Website
European-inspired cafe with an inviting terrace preparing artisan bread, pastries, and sandwiches on house-baked bread.
Chocolate Maven
821 W San Mateo Rd. | 505-984-1980 | Website
"Relaxed eatery featuring specialty coffee drinks, hot chocolates, high tea, hearty entrees and to-die-for desserts. Gluten-free friendly.
French Pastry Shop
La Fonda Hotel, 100 E San Francisco St. | 505-983-6697 | Website
Pastries, sweet and savory crepes in a quaint setting at the historic La Fonda on the Plaza.
Revolution Bakery
Design Center, 418 Cerrillos Rd. | 505-346-2669 | Website
Best gluten-free deserts and bread in Santa Fe, with many Vegan options!