34 Best Restaurants in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Voted Santa Fe's best pizza for over a decade and featured in several national magazines and TV shows, this midtown spot is clearly a local favorite for dine-in or take-out. The unique flour crust is rolled in cornmeal (there's also a gluten-free version), and the meat is sourced from local farms known to treat the cows and pigs humanely and raise cage-free chickens. This one-stop shop also sells pints of local La Lecheria ice cream.

First and foremost a lively coffeehouse that turns out expertly prepared pour-overs, lattes, cold brews, and other delicious espresso drinks using house-roasted beans, this funky, inviting space also serves tasty and eclectic salads, sandwiches, and tapas. The menu spans the globe, featuring breakfast tacos, Korean steak bowls, Ponzu salmon, and birria quesadillas. If the weather is nice, grab a seat on the spacious patio. This is the original Iconik location but others have now popped up Downtown inside Collected Works Bookstore, on the corner of South Guadalupe and Agua Fria, and on Cerrillos Road.

Begun as a catering business that threw occasional pop-up dinners, Paper Dosa became so beloved for its boldly flavored southern Indian cuisine that the owners opened what has become a popular brick-and-mortar restaurant. Dosas (large, thin crepes made with fermented rice and lentils and stuffed with different fillings) are the specialty here and come in about 10 varieties, from paneer and peas to a locally inspired version with green chile and three cheeses. The rest of the menu is just as enticing, with spicy sambar stew, refreshing chile-dusted mango and goat cheese salad, and lamb curry among the stars. In the casually upscale, art-filled dining room you can eat at a table or the bar.

Expect to wait in line at this downtown eatery that's been family operated since 1953, serving flavorful New Mexican food and popular margaritas. Even if you're a devoted green chile fan, definitely try the locally grown red chile the place is famous for; it is rich and earthy, with a bit of spice. Other specialties include red chile enchiladas, green chile stew with potatoes and pork, and charbroiled Shedburgers. The large selection of soups and salads will appeal to all visitors, and be sure to save room for their famous mocha cake. The rambling, low-doored, and atmospheric adobe dating from 1692 is decorated with folk art, and they have kept prices remarkably fair considering the iconic location. 

This family-run downtown joint has been in operation since 1974, serving some of the area's best New Mexican breakfasts and lunches. Order anything and expect a true taste of local tradition, including perfectly flaky, light sopaipilla; Tia's delicious burritos stuffed with homemade chorizo disappear fast on Saturday so get there early. Mammoth chile-smothered breakfast burritos will hold you over for hours on the powdery ski slopes during winter. Be aware that the red and green chiles are spicy and you're expected to understand this elemental fact of local cuisine.

With a near-fanatical following for its traditional and creative doughnuts, Whoo's offers mouth-watering flavors that incorporate outside-of-the-box combinations and local flare. For those preferring savory over sweet, try the delicious handheld breakfast burritos. A selection of organic coffee and tea is also available.

Run by the family behind Tia Sophia's and Tomasita's, this casual New Mexican restaurant is where locals go to avoid the crowds at other Downtown eateries. Located inside DeVargas shopping center (just five minutes north of the Plaza), Atrisco offers authentic dishes the way Santa Feans like them—smothered in red or green chile (or both, referred to as "Christmas" style). The stuffed sopaipillas are highly recommended, and the meat loaf with jalapeño mashed potatoes will please the "meat-and-tater" crowd looking for hearty fare at slightly less than Plaza-adjacent prices.

This old-school, regional fast-food chain serves tasty breakfast burritos and juicy burgers. Perfect for a quick bite with the kids, don't forget to get a healthy helping of green chile on your burger.

Although the name of this cheery bakery suggests sweets, and it does sweets especially well, Chocolate Maven also produces impressive savory breakfast and lunch fare. Meals are "farmers' market–inspired" and feature seasonal dishes, including wild-mushroom-and-goat-cheese focaccia sandwiches, eggs ménage à trois (one each of eggs Benedict, Florentine, and Madison—the latter consisting of smoked salmon and poached egg), and Caprese salad of fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes. A plus for those looking for healthier fare is the option of various plant-based meat options for breakfast or a lunchtime sandwich. Some of the top desserts include Belgian chocolate fudge brownies, mocha-buttercream torte with chocolate-covered strawberries, and a fantastic carrot cake. Don't let the industrial building put you off; the interior is light, bright, and cozy. From the dining room, you can even watch the bakers in action through a large picture window.

Undeniably French, this bustling café serves authentic, delicious food. Walk through the door of this bright, open space and you'll almost certainly be greeted with a cheery "bonjour" from Anne-Laure, who owns it with her husband, Philippe. Start your day with a crepe, a fluffy omelet, or le gauffre (large waffle). Lunch offers quiches with perfectly flaky crusts, an enticing selection of large salads (the salade de la maison has pears, pine nuts, blue cheese, Spanish chorizo, tomatoes, and cucumbers atop mixed greens), and savory sandwiches like the classic croque madame (grilled ham, egg, and cheese) on homemade bread. The classic onion soup is comforting on a cold day. Save room for the café's namesake dessert, clafoutis. The baguettes and pastries are perfectly prepared—no small feat at 7,000 feet elevation.

This low-key, slightly off-the-beaten-path café is worth finding for its delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, or even just for an afternoon coffee break. Inside the industrial space, tuck into plates of huevos rancheros and other eggy fare in the morning, and a mix of Southwestern and Asian dishes later in the day. The dog-friendly, covered patio beyond the dining room has long communal tables and a few smaller, more private ones. There's a good selection of house-made baked goods and espresso drinks as well. It's cash-only and casual—you order your food at the counter. Prices are reasonable for the quality and amount of food served.

This neighborhood café-newsstand sells fancy coffees, various snacks, and sumptuous pastries as well as one of the largest assortments of newspapers and magazines in town. The shaded patio is a fun spot to people-watch and a great place to fuel a Canyon Road stroll.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.