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$ | East Side and Canyon Road | Café
Locals congregate in the courtyard or on the front portal of Downtown Subscription, a block east of Canyon Road. A great, friendly spot to people-watch, this café-newsstand sells coffees, snacks, and pastries, plus one of the largest assortments of newspapers and magazines in town. It has lovely outdoor spaces to sit and sip during warm weather.
376 Garcia St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
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$ | The Plaza | Café
This airy, contemporary café across from the Downtown public library has large plate-glass windows, and brushed-metal tables inside and out on the sidewalk under the portal. Try the delicious and creative gelato flavors (strawberry-habanero, brandied cherry, fig-and-walnut, chocolate-banana) or some of the espressos and coffees, pastries, and sandwiches (roast beef and blue cheese, tuna with dill, cucumber, and sprouts).
128 E. Marcy St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
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$ | 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
Known For
- Tasty hot dogs
- Mix-and-match tacos
- Good vegetarian options
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner
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$ | The Plaza |
The cities of Oaxaca and Santa Fe actually have several things in common (a thriving art scene, a complex history, and fantastic food), and this modern Mexican eatery brings a bite of Oaxacan culture into its dishes based upon Mesoamerican culinary traditions. A tribute to the cuisine of its namesake region, the star of the show here is, of course, mole, which you can enjoy with a number of mouthwatering sauces over meats and vegetables. Diners can also choose from authentic tacos, burritos, and quesadillas with dine-in and take-out options.
135 West Palace Ave., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Variety of creative mole sauces
- Festive and colorful interior
- Fantastic tacos
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed. No dinner Sun.
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$$ | The Plaza |
Tucked inside a cozy house on busy Guadalupe Street, Fire & Hops turns out flavorful, local, seasonal, and affordable gastropub-style food while also offering a stellar list of craft beers from regional breweries such as Bosque, Bow & Arrow, La Cumbre, Marble, and Ex Novo. Fire & Hops also features an extensive wine and cider list, and reserves a tap for hard kombucha crafted by celebrated local producer HoneyMoon Brewery. Among the food choices, you can't go wrong with the Thai red curry, the Cubano sandwich with beer-brined pork, a generous bowl of expertly executed ramen, or the immensely popular small plates, the most popular of which is crispy fried Brussels sprouts. Be aware that there's no on-site parking except for a pair of handicap-accessible spaces (and a 16-slot bike rack), but it's not too hard to find a spot on the street in the vicinity (check the website for tips on where to park).
222 N. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Upscale pub food
- Small plates like crispy fried Brussels sprouts
- Great beer, cider, and hard kombucha
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$$ | 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
Known For
- Duck fat fries
- Excellent steak au poivre
- Stellar beer and wine selection
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch
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$$$$ | The Plaza |
The Southwestern-accented and Mediterranean fare created by chef Jose Rodriguez here is beautifully presented, and the scenery, especially during the warmer months, is part of the charm. Get a table on the patio surrounded by hollyhocks, flowering shrubs, and centuries-old adobe walls, or for a musical meal (evenings only), sit in the restaurant's adjacent Club Legato, which features live jazz and talented singers. Some favorite entrées include Moroccan lamb tagine or pan-seared ruby trout. An impressive on-site wine shop sells many of the estimable vintages offered on the restaurant's wine list.
125 E. Palace Ave., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Perfect Moroccan lamb tagine
- Gorgeous patio and live jazz in bar
- On-site wine shop
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$ | 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
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.
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$ | 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
Known For
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Organic ingredients
- Unusual ice cream flavors
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$ | The Plaza |
This modern American café has a strong hipster vibe that's in step with the influx of newcomers to Santa Fe who've brought whispers of Portland, Austin, and Santa Monica. The menu features basics done well, including bagels and granola for breakfast and burgers and grain bowls for lunch. The front porch is a great place to have a latte or glass of wine and watch the world go by, and the small gourmet grocery inside has Swedish candies, Spanish olives, French cheeses, and fun soft drinks.
225 E. Marcy St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Great front porch for dining or chilling with a beverage
- Gourmet grocery items
- Tarot card readings available on Sunday
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$ | East Side and Canyon Road |
A day filled with museums is bound to work up an appetite, and while there aren't too many places to eat around Museum Hill, luckily this café offers burgers, burritos, salads, and soups to help refuel your body and mind. There is a large shaded patio for warm-weather dining, and it also serves beer and wine. It's a casual spot that fills up quickly so prepare to wait a bit if you arrive during peak hours or make a reservation in advance.
746 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Beautiful shaded patio great for people-watching
- Sumptuous weekend brunch menu
- Solid lunch options
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner
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$$ | The Plaza |
Run with homespun care by the Razatos family since 1947, this café has been a fixture on the Plaza since 1905. The food runs the gamut of New Mexican fare, including salads, sandwiches, burgers, and tacos (don't miss the delicious crispy avocado tacos). Prices have jumped significantly in recent years, but it is still a preferred stop for breakfast, lunch, or dinner by locals. A South Side branch ( 3466 Zafarano Drive 505/424–0755) is also run by members of the Razatos clan and is close to Cerrillos Road hotels.
54 Lincoln Ave., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Great vegetarian options
- Retro diner charm
- Breakfast all day
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$$$$ | Railyard District |
Set in a rustic yet modern space, Radish & Rye stands out both for its deftly crafted American food and one of the best small-batch bourbon selections in the Southwest. The kitchen focuses on "farm-inspired" victuals—seasonally rotating dishes like roasted beets and labneh cheese with piñon vinaigrette, and grilled local pork chops with bacon, polenta, and wild mushrooms. Be sure to choose one or two of the tasty sides, such as duck-fat fingerling potatoes, bourbon-pickled jalapeños, or green chile corn bake. Already eaten dinner elsewhere? Stop in for a slice of bourbon pecan pie with crème Anglaise and chantilly or an Abuelito cocktail (Buffalo Trace bourbon, smoked dark tobacco, Carpano Antica, and bitters).
505 Cerillos Rd., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Local and seasonal ingredients
- Bourbon pecan pie
- Encyclopedic list of small-batch bourbons
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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$$$$ | The Plaza |
Having cooked at some of the best restaurants in town (Geronimo, the Old House, Anasazi), acclaimed James Beard–nominated chef Martín Rios now flexes his culinary muscles in his own simple, elegant restaurant with a gorgeous patio. Rios prepares progressive American cuisine, which is heavily influenced by his French culinary training. Dinner entrées include a delicious vegetarian-tasting plate, maple leaf duck breast, and New Zealand lamb.
526 Galisteo St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Daily-changing vegetarian tasting plate
- Wine and cocktails made with local spirits
- Attractively landscaped patio
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch
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$ | Railyard District |
This gluten-free bakery serves baked goods, soups, sandwiches, and other goodies (with lots of vegan options) that are so delicious you won't miss the gluten. And good news for visitors who fall in love with the treats here: they ship nationwide.
418 Cerrillos Rd., Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
Known For
- Non-GMO ingredients whenever possible
- Gluten-free bread
- Casual atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No dinner
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$ | East Side and Canyon Road |
This big red food truck is a constant along Old Santa Fe Trail, serving up quick and delicious BBQ sandwiches, coleslaw, beans, and all the fixins. It's the perfect break from typical New Mexican food while still experiencing some unique local flavor.
502 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
Known For
- Casual family dining
- "Texas-sized" turkey legs
- Racks of ribs to-go
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
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$$$$ | The Plaza |
James Beard Award-winning, Mexico City–born chef Fernando Olea has been working his culinary magic at different Santa Fe restaurants since 1991 and now offers his upscale take on regional Mexican fare, complete with an exhaustive list of artisan tequilas and mezcals, at Sazón. Within the handsome dining room warmed by a kiva fireplace and filled with Frida Kahlo and Day of the Dead–inspired artwork, the focus is on one of Mexico's greatest dishes, mole. The waitstaff begin the dining experience with a sampling of mole sauces and small, fluffy tortillas to try each one—you can then order one of the night's featured proteins with whichever mole you prefer. You can also try the chef's prix-fixe (degustation) menu, and don't miss the infamous "Sopa de Amor" of poblano chile cream, blue crab, and Amaretto whipped cream. Save room for the unabashedly rich Volcán de Chocolate cake and the surprising helado de mole poblano (hickory-smoked mole poblano ice cream in chocolate).
221 Shelby St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- House-made mole sauces
- Chef's set degustation menu
- Encyclopedic selection of artisan mezcals
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch
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$$ | East Side and Canyon Road |
Located right on famed Canyon Road, this Thai spot is a refreshing change of pace when you've had all the red and green chile you can handle and don't want to drop a few hundred dollars for a meal at the fancy restaurants down the block. Traditional soups, decadent noodle dishes, and flavorful curries are available both for dine-in and take-out. There really aren't too many outstanding Asian restaurants in Santa Fe so this popular spot has expanded to a second location in El Dorado, about 20 minutes outside of town.
802 Canyon Rd., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Authentic Thai food
- Reasonably priced dishes
- Great lunch menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
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$$$$ | The Plaza |
This romantic restaurant with hardwood floors, soft lighting, and stone walls has a menu that presents upscale versions of classic fare such as steak, fish, and chicken. For a less formal vibe, have dinner and cocktails at the convivial bar or enjoy breakfast on the lively street-side patio. A tasting table in the center of the space is available for reserved private tequila tastings.
113 Washington Ave., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Pleasant patio in warm weather
- Delightful cocktails and lively bar scene
- Extensive wine and tequila lists
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$$$$ | East Side and Canyon Road |
This folk-art-filled restaurant, with decor by famed designer Alexander Girard, is one of the most well-known dining spots in town. The oft-changing menu is devoted to seasonal and local ingredients with a variety of meats, fish, and pastas. The extensive, and expensive, wine list will please the most discerning oenophile. Lunch is as popular as dinner with the chicken schnitzel a popular favorite. In warm weather, enjoy the charming patio while younger folks prefer sitting at the u-shaped bar that has a more social atmosphere than the dining room.
653 Canyon Rd., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Excellent wine list
- Small yet lively bar area
- Cozy dining room and lovely outdoor patio
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
