Trattoria Nostrani

After having observed the no perfume policy, our party of four was seated in a crowded corner next to an individual who reeked of cigar smoke. The four courses that we ordered were all recommended by the waiter. They may have been aiming for subtle flavors but it was simply bland. This pretentious restaurant is over priced and over rated. We found flavorful food at much more reasonable prices at the Thunderbird Grill south of Santa Fe on Highway 14.

My wife and I enjoyed our first dinner so much we returned two days later. Chef Nelli has perfected Gnocchi. I had the opportunity to participate in a culinary class at CIA Greystone with Chef Jean-Louis Pallidin (Washington DC, NYC, and Las Vegas) who has the reputation of preparing the finest Gnocchi in the US. With his passing, Chef Nelli rises to and possibly surpasses the master with her outstanding dish. The wait staff is most professional with excellent knowledge of the food and preparations. If you love to sample and graze, this is the place. Small plates can be ordered as entrees, main dishes can be ordered in half servings, so you can experience the variety of flavors, proteins, and pastas. Much of their produce is grown on property. The wine list is excellent. Yes, there are rules; no fragrance, respect the staff and your fellow dinners. But Eric the owner is loved by his many local customers and he was as gracious as he could be with this couple from GA. He helped us with wine and we enjoyed his company, however brief, because of his attention to his many guests. You cab dine inside the restaurant or on the patio, same great service, same great food. When we return to Sante Fe, this will be our first stop.

From national press to a local 'foodie' following, this restaurant is consistently praised as the best restaurant in New Mexico. Those who think negatively about it or have had a bad experience probably did not follow the strict 'no fragrance' policy, or otherwise ran afoul of the host/chef/owner who doesn't hold back his disdain for those that treat him, his restaurant, or his guests with disrespect. Bottom line, the food is from heaven and no one visiting Santa Fe should miss it.