Santa Fe Restaurants

Eating out is a major pastime in Santa Fe and it's well worth coming here with a mind to join in on the fun. Restaurants with high-profile chefs stand beside low-key joints, many offering unique and intriguing variations on regional and international cuisine. You'll find restaurants full of locals and tourists alike all over the Downtown and surrounding areas. Although Santa Fe does have some high-end restaurants where dinner for two can exceed $200, the city also has plenty of reasonably priced dining options.

Waits for tables are very common during the busy summer season, so it's a good idea to call ahead even when reservations aren't accepted, if only to get a sense of the waiting time. Reservations for dinner at the better restaurants are a must in summer and on weekends the rest of the year.

So-called Santa Fe–style cuisine has so many influences that the term has become virtually meaningless, especially with many of the city’s top eateries embracing a more international approach to cuisine, albeit all the while sourcing more and more from local farms and ranches. At many top spots in town, you’ll detect Latin American, Mediterranean, and East Asian influences. Yet plenty of traditional, old-style Santa Fe restaurants still serve authentic New Mexican fare, which combines both Native American and Hispanic traditions and is quite different from Americanized as well as regional Mexican cooking.

Santa Fe's culinary reputation continues to grow not just in terms of restaurants but also in businesses that produce or sell specialty foods and beverages, from fine chocolates and local honeys and jams to increasingly acclaimed New Mexico wines, beers, and spirits. Don't miss Santa Fe Farmers' Market, one of the best in the Southwest.

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  • 1. Paloma

    $$ | Railyard District

    A fun go-to for happy hour or an intimate dinner, this bright and bustling modern take on a Mexican cantina offers an impressive mezcal-focused cocktail program, plenty of shareable small plates, and seasonal entrées such as squash blossom enmoladas and a perfectly roasted half chicken with grilled chard, charro beans, and a classic mole poblano sauce. Street tacos—crispy Baja-style sea bass, cauliflower with marcona almonds, or lamb barbacoa with smoky adobo sauce—are another specialty, as is the remolacha salad of hibiscus beets, citrus, seasonal fruits, and frisee. You'll also find well-prepared versions of Mexican and Tex-Mex classics, from nachos to tortilla soup to fajitas. Cocktails here are equally impressive and the bar offers an extensive selection of mezcals, tequilas, and sotols.

    401 S. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
    505-467–8624

    Known For

    • Street-food-style tacos
    • Craft cocktails
    • Mexican and Tex-Mex classics

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch
  • 2. Sage Bakehouse

    $ | Railyard District

    This artisanal bakery produces some of the best bread you'll ever taste along with delectable pastries, panini, tartines, quiches, soups, and salads. While many items are made to grab n' go, taking the time to enjoy a fresh-made meal in the small café is a nice break from a busy day.

    535 Cerrillos Rd., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
    505-820–7243

    Known For

    • Artisanal bread and baked goods
    • Seasonal soups, panini, and tartines
    • Charming ambience

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner
  • 3. Whoo's Donuts

    $ | Railyard District

    With a near-fanatical following for its traditional and creative doughnuts, Whoo's offers mouth-watering flavors that incorporate outside-of-the-box combinations and local flare. For those preferring savory over sweet, try the delicious handheld breakfast burritos. A selection of organic coffee and tea is also available.

    851 Cerrillos Rd., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87505, USA
    505-629–1678

    Known For

    • Green chile apple fritters
    • Blue corn blueberry doughnuts with lavender icing
    • Organic coffee and tea

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 4. Zacatlán

    $$$$ | Railyard District

    Chef Eduardo Rodriguez led some of Santa Fe’s most famous kitchens for nearly 25 years before opening his own eatery, naming it after the north-central Mexican region of his birth. The culinary marriage between the southwestern United States and Mexico shows up in dishes like mole negro chilaquiles (eggs, Chihuahuan cheese, black beans, chicken, and mole sauce) for brunch and whole fried snapper with crab saffron risotto, calabacitas (sautéed zucchini), and salsa Veracruz for dinner. Sweets include flan de elote and churros, and the patio is charming for brunch in warm weather.

    317 Aztec St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87505, USA
    505-780–5174

    Known For

    • Southwest meets Mexico flavors
    • Intimate atmosphere
    • Fresh, creative cuisine

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.–Wed.
  • 5. Andiamo!

    $$ | Railyard District

    A longtime locals' favorite, Andiamo! scores high marks for its friendly staff, consistently good northern Italian food, and comfortable dining room. Produce from the farmers' market down the street adds to the seasonal surprises of this intimate restaurant set inside a sweet cottage in the Railyard District. Start with the addictively delectable crispy polenta with rosemary and Gorgonzola sauce and consider such hearty entrées as crispy duck leg confit with grilled polenta, dried figs, and sautéed spinach or linguine with spicy grilled shrimp and olives in a shallot, garlic, and tomato sauce. There's a super wine list with varied prices. Save room for the tiramisu or chocolate pots de crème.

    322 Garfield St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
    505-995–9595

    Known For

    • Crispy duck leg confit with polenta
    • Great pizzas
    • Charming cottage setting

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
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  • 6. Cowgirl BBQ

    $ | Railyard District | American

    A rollicking, popular bar and grill with several rooms overflowing with Old West memorabilia, Cowgirl has reasonably priced Southwestern, Tex-Mex, barbecue, and Southern fare. Highlights include barbecue, buffalo burgers, chiles rellenos, and salmon tacos with tomatillo salsa. If you catch one of the nightly music acts—usually rock or blues—you're likely to leave smiling. When the weather is good, grab a seat on the spacious patio out front, order a delicious margarita and some green-chile cheese fries, and settle in for great people-watching. The attached pool hall has a loaded jukebox to keep toes tapping. Alas, service can be spotty.

    319 S. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
    505-982–2565

    Known For

    • Mesquite-barbecue baby back ribs
    • Nice selection of beers on tap
    • Live music
  • 7. El Chile Toreado

    $ | Railyard District

    Considered one of Santa Fe's best food trucks, El Chile Toreado offers hearty, delicious, and affordable New Mexican breakfast and lunch. Although it has made it onto many “must-eat” lists, it has retained both quality and convenience, cementing itself as a perennial local favorite.

    807 Early St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
    505-500–0033

    Known For

    • Tasty hot dogs
    • Mix-and-match tacos
    • Good vegetarian options

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner
  • 8. Joseph's Culinary Pub

    $$$ | Railyard District

    Chef-restauranteur Joseph Wrede has garnered countless accolades since the 1990s at various restaurants in Taos and then Santa Fe, and his current eatery—a stylish gastropub set in a vintage adobe with low beamed ceilings, slate floors, and a cozy patio—continues to showcase his considerable talents, featuring a menu of deliciously updated comfort fare. Dishes you're already familiar with receive novel twists, including caviar-topped duck fat-fried potato chips with crème fraîche, pickled onion, and cured egg yolk; and posole verde with chicken, a farm egg, tomatillos, and avocado. The steak au poivre is one of the best in town, and Joseph's doesn't skimp on the desserts either—save some space or you may miss out on a very sweet ending.

    428 Agua Fria St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
    505-982–1272

    Known For

    • Duck fat fries
    • Excellent steak au poivre
    • Stellar beer and wine selection

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch
  • 9. La Choza

    $ | Railyard District

    Sister to the Shed restaurant located downtown, La Choza (which means "the shed" in Spanish), serves tasty, traditional New Mexican fare. It's hard to go wrong here: chicken or pork carne adovada (marinated in red chile and slow-cooked until tender) burritos, white clam chowder spiced with green chiles, green chile stew, and the classic huevos rancheros are exceptional. The dining rooms are colorful, dark and cozy, with vigas across the ceiling and local art on the walls. The staff is friendly and competent, and the margaritas are potent and flavorful. Make a reservation (even during the week) or you will easily find yourself waiting over an hour for a table.

    905 Alarid St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
    505-982–0909

    Known For

    • Stuffed sopaipilla
    • Outstanding and extensive margarita and premium-tequila list
    • Long waits unless you make a reservation

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 10. La Lecheria Ice Cream

    $ | Railyard District

    Take a break from wandering the markets, stores, and galleries of the Railyard with an adventurous dive into seasonal ice cream flavors like red chile honey, butterscotch miso, citrus basil, and sweet corn (traditionalists can still enjoy a scoop of vanilla bean, mint chip, or chocolate sea salt). Santa Fe native Joel Coleman brings years of experience to this old-fashioned creamery that sources organic dairy and eggs, forgoing preservatives and stabilizers. La Lecheria ice creams are also sold by the pint in select stores and appear on the occasional restaurant dessert menu (visit their website for latest spots). Guests can also find baked goods in their Railyard shop. 

    500 Market St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
    505-428–0077

    Known For

    • Family-friendly atmosphere
    • Organic ingredients
    • Unusual ice cream flavors
  • 11. Radish & Rye

    $$$$ | Railyard District

    Set in a rustic yet modern space, Radish & Rye stands out both for its deftly crafted American food and one of the best small-batch bourbon selections in the Southwest. The kitchen focuses on "farm-inspired" victuals—seasonally rotating dishes like roasted beets and labneh cheese with piñon vinaigrette, and grilled local pork chops with bacon, polenta, and wild mushrooms. Be sure to choose one or two of the tasty sides, such as duck-fat fingerling potatoes, bourbon-pickled jalapeños, or green chile corn bake. Already eaten dinner elsewhere? Stop in for a slice of bourbon pecan pie with crème Anglaise and chantilly or an Abuelito cocktail (Buffalo Trace bourbon, smoked dark tobacco, Carpano Antica, and bitters).

    505 Cerillos Rd., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
    505-930–5325

    Known For

    • Local and seasonal ingredients
    • Bourbon pecan pie
    • Encyclopedic list of small-batch bourbons

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 12. Revolution Bakery

    $ | Railyard District

    This gluten-free bakery serves baked goods, soups, sandwiches, and other goodies (with lots of vegan options) that are so delicious you won't miss the gluten. And good news for visitors who fall in love with the treats here: they ship nationwide.

    418 Cerrillos Rd., Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
    505-346–2669

    Known For

    • Non-GMO ingredients whenever possible
    • Gluten-free bread
    • Casual atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No dinner
  • 13. Tune-Up Cafe

    $ | Railyard District

    This funky spot has colorful walls and wood details, booths, a few individual tables, and a community table. The shaded patio out front is a great summertime spot to enjoy the toothsome Southwest-inspired cooking, from breakfast through dinner. Start the day with savory breakfast rellenos, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, or the smoked-trout hash. The extensive lunch and dinner menus include juicy burgers (both meat and veggie) and some of the best vegetarian enchiladas around. Don't miss the Salvadoran pupusas. Homemade baked goods include a variety of pies and cakes. The staff is friendly and efficient and the care taken by owner/chef Jesus Rivera is evident.

    1115 Hickox St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87505, USA
    505-983–7060

    Known For

    • Breakfast rellenos
    • Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
    • Homemade cakes and pies

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
  • 14. Vinaigrette

    $$ | Railyard District

    A refreshing alternative to the many Santa Fe restaurants that favor filling (and often fattening) dishes, Vinaigrette is all about the greens. This isn't mere rabbit food, however—the hearty salads make a satisfying meal, especially when you add toppings like grilled flank steak, lemon-herb chicken breast, or griddled tofu. The apple-cheddar chop and classic French frisée salads are among the highlights. There are also fresh, house-made soups and sandwiches, and you can eat on the pleasant patio in the summer. For such a casual space, Vinaigrette is notably spendy, but devotees feel the high-quality ingredients are worth it. There are sister restaurants in Albuquerque and Austin, Texas, and the owners also run Modern General, an adjacent, hipster-approved lifestyle shop and café.

    709 Don Cubero Alley, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
    505-820–9205

    Known For

    • Hearty (and expensive) salads
    • Daily house-made fruit pies
    • Baked panko-crusted goat cheese (which can be added to any salad)

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 15. Whoo's Donuts

    $ | Railyard District | Café

    Begun by Jeff and Kari Keenan, the talents behind the terrific artisan shop ChocolateSmith, which is next door and also well worth investigating for a sweet snack, Whoo's has developed a near-fanatical following for its traditional as well as creative doughnuts (maple-bacon with dark-chocolate glaze and chile-brown sugar, blueberry-jelly with cherry glaze, white-chocolate pistachio), which are prepared daily from scratch, sourcing organically as much as possible. Get here early—Whoo's is open daily from 7 until 3 (or until that day's doughnuts have sold out).

    851 Cerrillos Rd., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87505, USA
    505-629–1678
  • 16. El Tesoro

    $ | Railyard District | Latin American
    Closed Permanently

    One of the Railyard District's better-kept secrets, this small café occupies a spot in the high-ceilinged center of the Sanbusco Center, steps from several chic boutiques. The tiny kitchen turns out a mix of Central American, New Mexican, and American dishes, all of them reliable. Grilled tuna tacos with salsa fresca, black beans, and rice; and Salvadorian chicken tamales wrapped in banana leaves are among the tastiest treats. El Tesoro also serves breakfast fare (including great French toast with strawberries), pastries, gelato, lemon bars, hot cocoa, and other snacks, making it a perfect break from shopping.

    Sanbusco Market Center, 500 Montezuma Ave., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
    505-988–3886

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner, Monday through Saturday
  • 17. Flying Star Cafe

    $$ | Railyard District | Café
    Closed Permanently

    The lone Santa Fe outpost of the popular Albuquerque minichain occupies a spacious, high-ceilinged modern building in the heart of the Railyard District. With comfy booths, ample access to outlets (for plugging in laptops or smartphones), and long hours (7 am until 9 or 10 pm daily), this lively spot serves many functions: office-away-from-home, bar (wine and beer only), coffeehouse, and full-service restaurant. You order at the counter, and service is quick and friendly. Check out the extensive list of blackboard specials, or go with a Flying Star classic, like the Southwest eggs Bennie (with turkey sausage and a cheesy-chile sauce), Chinese "crunch" salad with chicken or tofu, or grilled sirloin sandwich with Jack cheese, green chiles, and horseradish sauce. Breakfast is served all day, and there's also a huge selection of decadent cakes and cookies.

    500 Market St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
    505-216–3939
  • 18. Opuntia

    $ | Railyard District
    Closed Permanently

    This modern café sits above the hustle and bustle of the Railyard, offering sweeping views of downtown Santa Fe and the surrounding landscape. With a focus on house-made, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients, the dishes aren't tied to any specific cuisine but are crafted more to complement Opuntia's carefully curated selection of fine teas. The floor-to-ceiling windows and living wall installations blur the boundary between indoors and out, creating a unique space. While the café serves delicious coffee, matcha lattes, Belgian beers, ciders, sake, wine, and cocktails, it also has one other unexpected attraction: it's a cactus and succulent shop (opuntia is the scientific name for prickly pear cacti).

    1607 Alcadesa St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
    505-780–5796

    Known For

    • Impressive selection of tea, Belgian beers, sake, wine, ciders, and cocktails
    • Creative design aesthetic that blurs indoors and outdoors
    • Fun on-site cactus and succulent shop

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Mon. and Tues.
  • 19. Raaga

    $$ | Railyard District | Indian
    Closed Permanently

    In a town with some surprisingly good Indian restaurants, this intimate spot in a cozy Railyard District bungalow earns kudos for the modern interpretations of talented chef Paddy Rawal, who frequently uses New Mexican ingredients in his delicious creations. Among the starters, don't miss the lasooni gobhi (cauliflower florets sautéed in garlic sauce) and chicken-mint salad with mango and mint chutny and pico de gallo. Notable main dishes include mahimahi marinated in yogurt, lime leaf, green chile, and saffron, and paneer mutter (garden peas and farmers cheese in a mild cashew sauce). The honey-soaked "milk puffs" make a nice ending to a hearty meal.

    544 Agua Fria Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
    505-820–6440

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 20. State Capital Kitchen

    $$$$ | Railyard District
    Closed Permanently

    The dangling Edison bulbs, abstract art, brick walls, and decided lack of Southwestern trappings are an immediate clue that this intimate, high-end farm-to-table bistro strives for an urbane, worldly ambience—indeed, it wouldn't look at all out of place in Brooklyn or San Francisco. Chef-owner Mark Connell sources ingredients predominantly from sustainable ranches and fisheries and local farmers and foragers, and his plates burst with flavor and color. The menu changes often but could feature crispy-creamy polenta with wild mushrooms and a farm egg, followed by slow-cooked buffalo short ribs with farro risotto, braised greens, juniper gremolata, huckleberry compote, and natural jus. The five-course tasting menu (a vegetarian option is available) provides a grand way to sample a few different plates. The only knock is that service can be a bit slow.

    500 Sandoval St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
    505-467–8237

    Known For

    • Charcuterie and cheese plates
    • Beautifully plated farm-to-table cuisine
    • Five-course tasting menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch

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