Best Restaurants In Santa Fe, New Mexico
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.
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 because of 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 cuisine options exist, 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.
Upscale And Fine Dining
Zacatlan
Chef Eduardo Rodriguez’s Zacatlan serves creative Southwestern, Mexican, and fusion dishes. Brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and features dishes like Mole Negro Chilaquiles and Surf & Turf Eggs Benedict. Or stop by for their dinner menu, which offers an expanded variety of small plates, elegant entrees, and flavorful desserts.
Joseph’s Culinary Pub
Joseph’s Culinary Pub by Chef Joseph Wrede 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. Make sure to check out the wine list as well
Sazon Santa Fe
Sazon offers a daily Degustacion (prix fixe) menu consisting of nine courses created by Chef Olea. 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 and choose your own dishes, you can also order off the dinner menu– or stop by for dessert and after dinner drinks.
World Cuisine
Paper Dosa
For South Indian cuisine in a fun, lively atmosphere, don’t miss Paper Dosa. Ideal for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free guests, Paper Dosa’s 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.
La Boca
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.
Jambo Cafe
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 Obe 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, or opt for inventive wraps, kebabs, and salads.
Clafoutis
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.
New Mexican Comfort Food
Tortilla Flats
With a breakfast menu served until 5 p.m. and a warning on the menu 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.
Flying Tortilla
Known for its breakfast options like Huevos Rancheros, Breakfast Enchiladas, Chilaquiles, and Huevos Chimayo, the Flying Tortilla also offers family-friendly staples for lunch and dinner (like Shepherd’s Pie, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Carne Asada). The Flying Tortilla is also a great choice for catering an event at your vacation rental– check out their website for details.
Coffee and Cocktails
Iconik Coffee Roasters
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, you can order lunch (paninis, salads, and grain bowls), treat yourself to a pastry, or purchase bags of freshly-roasted coffee beans.
Tonic
Tonic Santa Fe is a chic cocktail bar that also serves as a venue for live jazz music. Their Southwestern-inspired cocktail menu is wildly creative, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. 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.
When planning your Santa Fe getaway, make sure you’re traveling in style by choosing our Santa Fe 100 Collection partner: Santa Fe Vacation Rentals by Two Casitas.
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 be able to find perfect accommodations for your group.
Amenities vary by location, but each property has a vibrant, colorful Southwestern feel, state-of-the-art sound and entertainment systems, and updated, inviting kitchens. Many of these beautiful rentals are in walkable areas, and some include hot tubs and swimming pool access. Don’t miss out on your chance to fully relax in Santa Fe by booking an elevated space for you and your guests– view the full rental collection now.
*Header Photo: Photographer Herschel Mair
