When you think of the best restaurants in Santa Fe, it’s likely that you immediately think of spicy green chiles, creamy black beans, hearty breakfast burritos, comforting tamales, and savory meats like carne asada and slow-cooked pork.
This guide covers the best restaurants in Santa Fe for:
A mixture of Indigenous, Mexican, and Spanish traditions, classic New Mexican cuisine alone makes an adventure to the Southwest worth it.
But Santa Fe's culinary scene, in particular, stands out for its creative, diverse, and outside-the-box ethos. It pushes beyond the traditional to explore new territory. In addition to cozy diners that serve green chile stews and breakfast all day, you can visit some of the most ambitious, chef-driven fine-dining restaurants in the United States. Plus, a wide variety of world cuisines are available, often with a Southwestern twist.
While the following list barely scratches the surface of Santa Fe's dining scene, it should serve as a useful starting point for you as you begin planning your gastronomic itinerary through the Southwest.
Santa Fe punches far above its weight when it comes to fine dining, with James Beard-winning chefs and tasting menus that rival those of any major food city. If you're planning a special night out during your stay, these are the three reservations to make first:
317 Aztec St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-780-5174
Chef Eduardo Rodriguez's Zacatlan serves creative Southwestern, Mexican, and fusion dishes in a stylish space just off the downtown Plaza. Brunch is served from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM and features dishes like Mole Negro Chilaquiles and Surf & Turf Eggs Benedict.
Come back for the dinner menu, which offers an expanded variety of small plates like lobster ceviche, elegant entrees, and flavorful desserts (the churros with chocolate are a must). Pair it all with a Mexican beer, red sangria, or something from the cocktail list, and grab a patio seat on a warm evening.
428 Agua Fria St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-982-1272
Joseph's Culinary Pub by Chef Joseph Wrede, a Food & Wine “Best New Chef” alum, offers an eclectic menu that spans from elevated comfort food (such as Duck Fat Fries, Posole, and Lamb Burgers with Green Chile and Sheep's Cheese) to Asian-fusion items like Duck Confit Pad Thai and Hamachi Sashimi.
Established in 2013 in the Railyard district and recognized twice by The New York Times in its first year, this quaint, romantic spot makes everything from scratch. Make sure to check out the wine list as well: it champions small producers and natural, organic, and biodynamic winemakers, as well as local craft beers and spirits from Altar Spirits, their Railyard neighbors. Dinner service starts at 5 PM, and the intimate room fills fast.
221 Shelby St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-983-8604
Sazon offers a daily Degustacion (prix fixe) menu consisting of nine courses created by Chef Fernando Olea, winner of the 2022 James Beard Award for Best Chef of the Southwest. You can upgrade to include a tequila, mezcal, and wine pairing to complete your fine dining experience.
If you'd rather opt out of the prix fixe, you can also order off the dinner menu, or stop by for dessert and after-dinner drinks in one of Santa Fe's most atmospheric rooms.
Santa Fe's palate travels well beyond the Southwest, spanning South Indian, Spanish, African-Caribbean, and French cuisines, often with a green-chile twist. For flavors from around the globe without leaving the high desert, start with these four favorites:
551 W Cordova Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505
505-930-5521
For South Indian cuisine in a fun, lively atmosphere, don't miss Paper Dosa. Ideal for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free guests, the menu includes refreshing small plates and sides like Spicy Mango Salad, Raitha, and Coconut Rice, along with a variety of creative dosas, uttapams, and curries.
Dinner is served Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 9 PM, and this local favorite regularly tops Santa Fe's best-of lists, so reservations are a smart move.
72 W Marcy St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-982-3433
Chef James Campbell Caruso's La Boca stars a complex, intriguing tapas menu and wine list heavily influenced by Mediterranean and Southwestern culinary traditions. Seafood options include Paella Classica, Canelones (with crab and bay scallops), shrimp dishes, and more, or opt for Lamb Albondigas, Braised Short Ribs, and other high-quality meats.
An eight-time James Beard Award nominee, Caruso has also made La Boca an ambassador of Spanish sherry culture, so let the staff guide you through a pairing. The adjoining Taberna dining room hosts live music, making this downtown spot as fun for a lingering evening of shared plates as it is for a quick pre-gallery bite.
2010 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505
505-473-1269
Jambo Cafe has a devoted local following for a reason: its menu full of thoughtful African and Caribbean dishes is packed with flavor. Chef Ahmed Obo hails from Lamu Island, an island off the coast of Kenya known for fusing Swahili, Middle-Eastern, Indian, and European cuisines. Stop by for favorites like Jamaican Organic Jerk Chicken and the slow-cooked goat stew, or opt for inventive wraps, kebabs, and salads. Browse the Jambo Bazaar inside the restaurant for African art, textiles, and spices, and save room for the coconut flan.
333 W Cordova Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507
505-988-1809
Clafoutis is a family-owned French bakery and restaurant that serves salads, cheese plates, creative quiches (including a green chile option), sandwiches, and a full patisserie menu (including fresh breads, luscious cakes, gorgeous fruit tarts, and more). Perfect for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or catered events.
Run by the Ligier family, who honed their craft in French bakeries before settling in Santa Fe, this beloved spot bakes everything fresh daily. Regulars swear by the coconut French toast, the French onion soup, and the pastry case of macarons, éclairs, and croissants, and almost every dish comes in under $15. Arrive early on weekends, because the line is part of the tradition.
No trip to Santa Fe is complete without a proper red-or-green experience, the kind served in generous portions with a side of local charm. For the homestyle New Mexican plates locals actually eat, head to these two beloved standbys:
3139 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507
505-471-8685
With a breakfast menu served until 5 PM and a warning for those unaccustomed to hot chiles, Tortilla Flats offers a fun, laid-back approach to Southwestern dining. In addition to salads, sandwiches, soups, and burgers, you can also order enchilada plates, burritos, and tamales.
Family-owned and operated since 1986, this Cerrillos Road institution sits just minutes from Meow Wolf, making it the perfect pre- or post-adventure fuel stop. Try the blue corn piñon pancakes or a green chile breakfast plate, order a bold margarita at happy hour, and bring the dog: the covered patio welcomes four-legged guests.
4250 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507
505-424-1680
Known for its breakfast options like Huevos Rancheros, Breakfast Enchiladas, Chilaquiles, and Huevos Chimayo, the Flying Tortilla also offers family-friendly staples for lunch (like chicken-fried steak, a classic Reuben, and the New Mexican Tortilla Burger smothered in chile and cheese).
Serving classic diner fare with New Mexican flair since 2005, this local hangout is famous for its stuffed pancakes and its breakfast burrito, which you can order with carne adovada, brisket, or corned beef. Breakfast and lunch are served daily, and the Flying Tortilla is also a great choice for catering an event at your vacation rental; check out their website for details.
Every great food day in Santa Fe needs bookends: a locally roasted brew to start and a craft cocktail to finish. Whether it's a morning horchata latte or a jazz-backed nightcap, these two spots have you covered:
1600 Lena St Ste A2, Santa Fe, NM 87505
505-428-0996
Iconik Coffee Roasters has three locations (Lupe, Red, and Lena Street), each one offering a different twist on Direct Trade coffee and tea. In addition to some of the best coffee concoctions in the state (the horchata latte has a cult following), you can order lunch (paninis, salads, and grain bowls), treat yourself to a pastry, or purchase bags of freshly roasted coffee beans.
103 E Water St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-982-1189
Tonic Santa Fe is a chic Art Deco cocktail bar that also hosts live jazz music (Thursday through Saturday nights). Their Southwestern-inspired cocktail menu is wildly creative, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and house infusions like their own Sotol.
In addition to fresh takes on classic cocktails, check out their Low and No menu full of low-alcohol and zero-proof options, perfect for designated drivers, non-drinkers, and anyone who wants to enjoy the ambiance of a cocktail bar without the buzz. This intimate 21+ room stays open late Monday through Saturday, making it the ideal nightcap after dinner downtown.
When planning your Santa Fe getaway, make sure you're traveling in style with a 100 Collection™ vacation rental in Santa Fe. From cozy 1 and 2 bedroom homes perfect for couples' trips to expansive 3-5 bedroom haciendas ideal for retreats or family reunions, you'll find the perfect accommodations for your group. Many rentals are in walkable areas near the restaurants on this list, with vibrant Southwestern style, inviting kitchens, and amenities like hot tubs and pool access. View the full rental collection now and book an elevated space for you and your guests.
