Must-see restaurants in Santa Fe

  • Cafe Pasqual's

    Santa Fe

    Whatever time you visit this exuberantly colorful, utterly unpretentious place, the food, most of which has a definite south-of-the-border flavor, is…

  • La Choza

    Santa Fe

    Blue-corn burritos, a festive interior and an extensive margarita list make La Choza a perennial (and colorful) favorite among Santa Fe's discerning…

  • Jambo Cafe

    Santa Fe

    Hidden within a shopping center, this African-flavored cafe is hard to spot from the road; once inside, though, it’s a lovely spot, always busy with…

  • La Plazuela

    Santa Fe

    One of Santa Fe’s greatest pleasures is a meal in the Fonda’s irresistible see-and-be-seen central atrium, with its excited bustle, colorful decor and…

  • El Nido

    Santa Fe

    Helmed by chef Enrique Guerrero, the culinary action at this beautiful old steakhouse revolves around the open flame, with a wood-burning grill,…

  • Clafoutis

    Santa Fe

    As Oscar Wilde once quipped, the only way to get rid of temptation is to give in, and that sums up the approach you should take at this super bon French…

  • Harry's Roadhouse

    Santa Fe

    This casual longtime favorite on the southern edge of town feels like a rambling cottage with its various rooms and patio garden – and there’s also a full…

  • Tesuque Village Market

    Santa Fe

    Hole-in-the-wall turned country-hip, this is a weekend hot spot for folks heading to or from Tesuque Flea Market. If you’re hungry and in a hurry, grab a…

  • Tia Sophia's

    Santa Fe

    Local artists and visiting celebrities outnumber tourists at this long-standing and always packed Santa Fe favorite. Breakfast is the meal of choice, with…

  • La Paloma

    Santa Fe

    This exposed-brick newcomer is where you come in your fancy clothes to eat the fancy tacos. You know, the ones with hand-pressed tortillas, pepper-almond…

  • La Casa Sena

    Santa Fe

    Several downtown restaurants have outdoor seating but this is the prettiest, in the flower-filled garden of an old adobe that also has a snug interior…

  • Joseph’s Culinary Pub

    Santa Fe

    This romantic old adobe, open for dinner only, is best seen as a fine-dining restaurant rather than a pub. Order from the shorter, cheaper bar menu if you…

  • Cowgirl BBQ

    Santa Fe

    With its juicy barbecue, awesome margaritas, outside patio, billiard room and live music – and its exuberant celebration of the women who made the West –…

  • Dr Field Goods

    Santa Fe

    This locavore deli is a top pick for a casual bite out on Cerrillos Rd. Diners can choose between free-range buffalo enchiladas, goat tortas with honey…

  • Horseman's Haven

    Santa Fe

    Let's talk about the green chile. We were warned it was hot, and we like hot, but whoo, that fiery elixir darn near ripped apart our stomach lining, not…

  • La Boca

    Santa Fe

    A casual offshoot of the all-but-identical La Boca restaurant in the courtyard off Lincoln Ave, this relaxed central tapas bar offers a changing but…

  • Compound

    Santa Fe

    A longtime foodie favorite, featuring the contemporary American creations of much-lauded chef and owner Mark Kiffin. Ingredients are always fresh, and…

  • Tune-Up Cafe

    Santa Fe

    Casual neighborhood hangout, west of the Railyard, where the chef, from El Salvador, adds his own twists to classic New Mexican and American brunch…

  • State Capital Kitchen

    Santa Fe

    Small plates and seasonal cuisine make this gourmet destination something of an anomaly in Santa Fe. You won't find much chile on the menu – instead…

  • Il Piatto

    Santa Fe

    This classy but welcoming Italian place, on one of the sleepier blocks north of the Plaza, is a good spot for a romantic dinner. The light, zestful…

  • Geronimo

    Santa Fe

    Housed in a 1756 adobe, Geronimo is among the finest and most romantic restaurants in town. Highlights on the short but diverse menu include honey-grilled…

  • Rooftop Pizzeria

    Santa Fe

    Up on the 3rd floor of the Santa Fe Arcade, the namesake terrace isn't the only attraction at this gourmet pizzeria – think blue-corn crusts that are thin…

  • Burger Stand at Burro Alley

    Santa Fe

    This hip burger joint and brewery is good for an easy meal in the Old Town – think cheeseburgers with habanero jam, fish and chips with Hatch green chile…

  • Los Potrillos

    Santa Fe

    This upbeat Mexican restaurant with a hefty menu is another local favorite – choose between shrimp fajitas, chiles en nogada (stuffed with beef, pecans…

  • Milad Persian Bistro

    Santa Fe

    The delicately seasoned kabobs and bountiful salads are made for lingering at this pleasant bistro on Canyon Rd. The cozy patio is particularly well…

  • Tomasita's

    Santa Fe

    Sure this raucous, cavernous, Railyard landmark is always packed with tourists, and most likely you’ll have to wait, but it’s good – even great – for…

  • Cleopatra's Cafe

    Santa Fe

    This simple cafe makes up for a slight deficit in ambience with taste and value: big platters of delicious kebabs, hummus, falafel and other Greek and…