Fodor's Expert Review Mariscos la Playa

Yes, even in landlocked Santa Fe it's possible to find incredibly fresh and well-prepared seafood served in big portions. This cheery, colorful Mexican restaurant surrounded by strip malls is just a short hop south of Downtown, and favorite dishes include the absolutely delicious shrimp wrapped in bacon with Mexican cheese and caldo vuelve a la vida ("come back to life"), a hearty soup of shrimp, octopus, scallops, clams, crab, and calamari. Other menu options are ceviche tostadas, fresh oysters on the half shell, and pescado a la plancha, tender trout cooked with butter and paprika. The staff and service are delightful. There's also a location in Albuquerque.