Fodor's Expert Review Vinaigrette

A novel and noble alternative to the many Santa Fe restaurants that favor filling (and often fattening) dishes, Vinaigrette is all about the greens, which are sourced organically, with the majority of produce raised on owner Erin Wade's 10-acre farm in nearby Nambé. This isn't mere rabbit food, however—the hearty salads make a satisfying meal, especially when you add toppings like grilled flank steak, hibiscus-cured duck confit, or seared sea scallops. The apple-cheddar chop and classic French frisée salads are among the highlights. For a casual space with sometimes absent or snooty service (especially during the busy lunch rush), Vinaigrette is notably spendy—but you're paying those few extra dollars for high-quality, local ingredients. There's also a branch in Albuquerque's Old Town neighborhood, and the owners also run Modern General, an adjacent, hipster-approved lifestyle shop and café.