62 Best Restaurants in Santa Fe, New Mexico

This no-frills, family-owned local chain might not look like much from the outside, but its fast, fresh New Mexican cuisine is a standard favorite among northern New Mexicans. Consistently praised for its superior chile, tacos, carne adovada, and breakfast burritos by locals and national media alike, it's worth a stop for those looking for a true New Mexican food experience. The Atencio family has been serving straightforward New Mexican classics, in one form or another, since the 1950s, and they have several locations throughout the city.

This busy, friendly, art-filled compound 6 miles southeast of Downtown consists of several inviting rooms, from a diner-style space with counter seating to a cozier nook with a fireplace, and an enchanting courtyard out back with juniper trees and flower gardens. The varied menu of contemporary diner favorites, pizzas, New Mexican fare, and bountiful salads is supplemented by a long list of daily specials, which often include delicious international dishes and an array of scrumptious homemade desserts. Favorites include smoked-chicken quesadillas and grilled-salmon tacos with tomatillo salsa and black beans. Breakfast is fantastic. On weekends, if you're there early, you might just get a chance at one of the phenomenal cinnamon rolls. Desserts here are homey favorites, from the chocolate pudding to the blueberry cobbler. Many gluten-free and veggie options are available, and Harry's is also known for stellar margaritas. The owners are committed to recycling and sustainable business practices.

Tucked behind the Giant gas station, this no-frills diner-style restaurant close to the many chain hotels along lower Cerrillos Road has long been a standout for some of the spiciest and tastiest northern New Mexican fare in town, including superb green chile-bacon-cheeseburgers, blue-corn tacos packed with beef or chicken, huevos rancheros, and the hearty plato sabroso (a 12-ounce rib steak with rolled enchilada, beans, posole, rice, and hot sopaipilla with honey). Grab one of the comfy red-leatherette corner booths or a stool at the counter, and enjoy the people-watching.

Set in the pine-scented foothills northeast of town, the ethereal boutique resort and spa Ten Thousand Waves has always cultivated a tranquil Japanese aesthetic, and its on-site restaurant is no exception. The menu is izakaya-style and features an extensive list of sakes and shareable small plates—two or three per person is typically sufficient; highlights include roasted mushrooms in a rich tamari butter sauce, grilled avocado with nori sea salt and fresh wasabi, and pork belly tacos. The burgers, salads, and desserts are also dependably delicious. Sushi is not served, but seafood does appear on the occasional omakase menu, tasting like it just leapt out of the sea. Paper lanterns hang from the lofty, pitched ceiling, and a traditional tatami room is available for patrons seeking a completely authentic vibe. Even the washrooms, outfitted with the latest in lavatory technology, are more Land of the Rising Sun than Land of Enchantment. Service can be spotty, but the food is consistently excellent.

Ahmed Obo, the Kenyan-born owner who regularly tops the local paper's "best chef" list, applies great skill and enthusiasm to the Afro-Caribbean food at this casual, homey eatery in a shopping center a couple of miles south of the Plaza. Flavors of coconut, peanuts, and curry influence everything from shrimp to goat stew. Vegetarian choices like the coconut lentil stew are rich and comforting. World-beat music, African art, and the friendly waiters—who will happily recommend their favorite dishes—add to the appeal. Plus, it's the only place for miles, maybe thousands of miles, you can put down a cold Tusker. You can also catch the Jambo Hapa food truck at various locations throughout northern New Mexico, sometimes as far north as Taos.

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.

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. 

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.

This bright, modern bakery and café is tucked away just off the hustle and bustle of busy Cerrillos Road. The interior is crisp and clean with Matisse-inspired pops of color, and the food is French-inspired casual fare that includes crepes, salads, and sandwiches. On the bakery side, it's hard to leave without taking something home, whether it's a baguette or brioche, a gleaming fruit tart, or a (not-so) simple cookie. 

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.

A couple of miles south of Downtown in a spacious adobe building with pitched ceilings and a charming patio, Midtown Bistro offers modern American cuisine, such as pork chops with truffle oil, crab cakes with lemon aioli, or vegan quinoa and black bean pilaf. It's a spot that delights visitors wishing to avoid the downtown Plaza crowds in high season. Lunch is more casual, with an emphasis on salads and sandwiches. A short but smart wine list delivers bottles from all over the world.

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.

Since 1948, this beloved, family-owned greasy spoon has been pleasing locals and visitors with consistently tasty, New Mexican--style diner fare. Popular choices here include buckwheat pancakes, huevos consuelo (a corn tortilla topped with two eggs, spicy chile, and cheese, with the Pantry's famous home fries), green-chile stew, tortilla burgers, and chicken-fried steak. If you decide to hit the Pantry on a weekend, prepare to wait as the line is frequently out the door. The Pantry is so popular that it now has two additional locations: the Pantry Dos, located farther south of town near Santa Fe Community College, and the Pantry Rio, which sits near the Santa Fe River on Galisteo Street in downtown.

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.

Given New Mexico's deep ties to its easterly neighbor, the Lone Star State, it's hardly surprising that the region has some top-notch barbecue joints, including this spacious, contemporary adobe building with two large patios. It turns out superb, fall-off-the-bone barbecue brisket, baby-back ribs, pulled pork, and smoked half-chicken. Fish tacos, steaks, burgers, and traditional New Mexican dishes round out the extensive menu. The Ranch House is about a 15-minute drive from the Plaza and a great option for visitors staying in hotels along Cerrillos Road.

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.

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.

Tiny Rowley Farmhouse Ales has won several awards at the Great American Beer Festival, including three medals for its sour-style ales, so if you like beer (any kind of beer) a stop at Rowley is a must. In addition to offering its own brews, Rowley also has an extensive list of local and imported beers and ciders that it finds inspiring, along with comfort foods like shrimp po'boys, cast-iron skillet green chile mac 'n' cheese, and chicken and waffles. Tucked off Cerrillos on a side street in an industrial-meets-residential area, it's a comfortable neighborhood spot to enjoy a beer and meal.

In Lone Butte, about 20 miles south of Downtown Santa Fe along the northern end of the scenic Turquoise Trail, this funky spot is known for its creative fare and nontraditional setting: an actual feed store selling propane, hardware, tools, and farm animal feed, with roosters, turkeys, and peacocks running about outside. In one of the two bric-a-brac–filled dining rooms, sample rich cinnamon rolls and such delectables as burritos stuffed with roast beef and potatoes and topped with green chile. Expect a wait on weekend mornings.

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.

In a historic building toward the end of gallery row at the intersection of Canyon Road and East Palace Avenue, you'll find the Teahouse, with several bright dining rooms throughout the converted adobe home, and a tranquil outdoor seating area. In addition to fine teas from all over the world, you can find delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, including baked polenta with poached eggs and romesco sauce, bagels and lox, and wild-mushroom panini. The service tends to be leisurely but friendly.

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).

Aptly named after the brilliant and colorful sunsets enjoyed from its outdoor patio, SkyFire, part of Bishop's Lodge Resort, is both elegant and comfortable. The menu melds Mexican and Southwestern fare with lighter offerings such as Hamachi ceviche, Wapiti tamal, and duck enchiladas as well as heftier options like elk short ribs, whole fried fish, and a 31-ounce bison tomahawk steak. The cocktail and wine lists make for a fun time even if you're only stopping here for drinks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.