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$$$ | The Plaza |
This cheerful cubbyhole is owned by James Beard Award–winning chef and cookbook author Katharine Kagel, who champions organic, local ingredients, and whose expert kitchen staff produces mouthwatering breakfast and lunch specialties like huevos motuleños (eggs in a tangy tomatillo salsa with black beans and fried bananas) and mahi-mahi tostadas. Dinner offerings range from chicken enchiladas to warm Thai noodle salad. The café's shop offers souvenirs such as cookbooks, aprons, and baseball caps, and there's an art gallery next door selling bronzes, ceramics, glassware, and more. Don't be surprised by the lines out front—it is on every tourist list for a reason (reservations are available for dinner only and strongly recommended).
121 Don Gaspar Ave., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Smoked trout on potato pancakes
- Colorful folk art and murals
- Long waits without reservations (only available for dinner)
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$$$ | The Plaza |
An eight-time James Beard nominee, chef/owner James Campbell Caruso is known for his authentic yet creatively updated Spanish tapas, which are served at both his intimate dining room called La Boca, and the more lively, bustling Spanish pub located directly behind it and aptly named Taberna. La Boca has a more leisurely and romantic vibe and its big windows look out onto fashionable Marcy Street, while Taberna offers a livelier, communal atmosphere featuring live music and ample seating, spilling out into a cloistered courtyard. A full meal in either spot can also include authentic paella, and both areas are similarly priced, though the main restaurant is a tad more expensive. In both, you'll find a long list of fine Spanish wines and sherries. La Boca Bodega is another addition where guests can buy olive oils, spices, chorizo, and more. It also features a coffee bar that serves bocadillos (sandwiches), pastries, and charcuterie boards.
72 W. Marcy St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Fine Spanish meats and cheeses
- Extensive selection of authentic Spanish tapas
- Nice variety of Spanish sherries
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
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$ | Railyard District |
This artisanal bakery produces some of the best bread you'll ever taste along with delectable pastries, panini, tartines, quiches, soups, and salads. While many items are made to grab n' go, taking the time to enjoy a fresh-made meal in the small café is a nice break from a busy day.
535 Cerrillos Rd., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Artisanal bread and baked goods
- Seasonal soups, panini, and tartines
- Charming ambience
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner
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$$$$ | The Plaza |
Owner Quinn Stephenson (who also owns fine dining institution Coyote Cafe) now runs this long-acclaimed member of Santa Fe's culinary vanguard with a lighter menu focused on fresh, fusion cuisine, and it remains one of Santa Fe's must-eat destinations. The minimalist, elegant restaurant is located two blocks north of the Plaza in the historic Padre Gallegos House and offers inventive dishes from chef Dale Kester. The playful bronze animal sculptures found both indoors and out add an earthy-yet-ethereal atmosphere. The inviting shaded patio is pretty, quiet, and the place to see-and-be-seen during warm weather while the private dining room seats about 12 and can be rented out for special occasions.
231 Washington Ave., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- One of the city's dining institutions
- Fantastic patio popular with locals and visitors alike
- Creative cocktails and impressive wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sun.
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$$$$ | The Plaza |
Chef Cristian Pontiggia's enthusiasm and desire for perfection are both evident via the artfully presented dishes served here. The native of Lombardy, Italy, presents elegant food with some whimsical molecular gastronomy flare, and he has racked up multiple awards from the international Chaine de Rotisseurs Society. Guests can treat themselves to an eight-course prix-fixe degustation menu, which includes a smattering of house-made pastas, seafood, meat, cheeses, and dessert (wine pairing is an additional fee). The restaurant also has a full bar with Italian-inspired cocktails, and be sure to check out the on-site deli offering all kinds of wonderful Italian cured meats and cheeses to take home.
225 Johnson St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Wide selection of amari
- Sous-vide wild boar with asparagus and black truffle demi-glace
- Special tasting menus and wine dinners
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Sun. No lunch Tues. and Wed.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$ | The Plaza |
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.
113½ E. Palace Ave., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Red-chile enchiladas and posole
- Mocha cake
- Historic adobe setting dating from 1692
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$ | The Plaza |
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.
210 W. San Francisco St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Huge breakfast burritos
- Popularity with locals
- Traditional New Mexican cuisine, down to the fiery chiles
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$$ | Railyard District |
A longtime locals' favorite, Andiamo! scores high marks for its friendly staff, consistently good northern Italian food, and comfortable dining room. Produce from the farmers' market down the street adds to the seasonal surprises of this intimate restaurant set inside a sweet cottage in the Railyard District. Start with the addictively delectable crispy polenta with rosemary and Gorgonzola sauce and consider such hearty entrées as crispy duck leg confit with grilled polenta, dried figs, and sautéed spinach or linguine with spicy grilled shrimp and olives in a shallot, garlic, and tomato sauce. There's a super wine list with varied prices. Save room for the tiramisu or chocolate pots de crème.
322 Garfield St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Crispy duck leg confit with polenta
- Great pizzas
- Charming cottage setting
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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$ | The Plaza |
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.
193 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Lamb-stuffed sopaipillas
- Excellent margaritas
- Weekend breakfasts
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$ | The Plaza |
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.
404 N. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Green chile cheeseburgers
- Thick milkshakes
- Local family favorite
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$ | Railyard District | American
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.
319 S. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Mesquite-barbecue baby back ribs
- Nice selection of beers on tap
- Live music
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$ | The Plaza |
Slovakian transplant Annamaria O’Brien's bustling bakery and brunch spot is as bright and crisp as her food. The menu borrows a bit from the chef's Eastern European roots with favorites such as paprikash, langos, and goulash, but also features regional American dishes like cornmeal waffles with buttermilk fried chicken and a surprising bone broth "morning soup." The quiche of the day is always delicious. Nearly everything served at Dolina was either grown on the Dolina farm or sourced as locally as possible. After your meal, be sure to peruse the goodies in the bakery case—tarts, pastries, and tvaroh (a ricotta-like fresh cheese) await, best accompanied by a macchiato or Mexican mocha. Make sure you wear your walking shoes as it's nearly impossible to find a parking spot in Dolina's tiny lot.
402 N. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA
Known For
- Eastern European pastries
- Eclectic and hearty breakfast-brunch fare
- Farm-fresh local ingredients
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No dinner
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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 |
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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$ | 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
