2010 Travel + Leisure Top 500 Hotel
A regional saying opines "Gusto con gusto siempre es gusto" which translates as "Pleasure with taste is always a pleasure!" And with as many restaurants as art galleries - more than 200 - Santa Fe has justly earned its international reputation as a "must" in dining destinations. The Inn's location puts it within easy walking distance of many of the best restaurants in Santa Fe, offering a range of cuisine and price levels to suit your mood and your wallet. The Inn's staff offers honest guidance in your selection, whether it be Southwestern, New Mexican, Continental, Asian, or eclectic American, and we are happy to help you decide on the ambiance to match, romantic or "happening," casual or elegant. To assist you in choosing a dining experience, we have listed some local favorites, which are organized by the primary focus of their cuisine:
WHAT'S NEW IN SANTA FE DINING?
Atrisco www.atriscocafe.com
193 Paseo de Peralta 505-983-7401
Don't let the mall location faze you, these folks know their chile! Another branch of the Tomasita's/Tia Sophia's/Diego's familia is back in business at the DeVargas Mall, serving up fresh and tasty New Mexico specialties, with lighter-size platos available. And their long-standing connection to the Farmers' Market makes this a real farm-to-table meal!
La Stazione www.lastazione.com
530 South Guadalupe 505-989-3300
The popular Railyard Restaurant and Saloon has pulled out of the station, so to speak, and the new La Stazione is there in its place. Chef/owner Louis Moskow has pulled out all the stops to revision this spot for fine Italian dining, while keeping the Railyard's lively bar scene intact and flourishing.
AMERICAN FARE
The Bullring www.santafebullring.com
150 Washington, 505-983-3328
This classic downtown steakhouse serves most items a la carte, and they're definitely big enough to share. Don't let the odd location, tucked behind a bank building, fool you - you won't leave this place hungry!
Dinner for Two
106 North Guadalupe, 505-820-2075
It really IS dinner for two, with a four-course tasting menu too! Moderately priced and family-operated, this warm and welcoming spot also invites larger parties to sample an extensive wine list over a leisurely dinner.
Ore House www.orehouseontheplaza.com
50 Lincoln Avenue, 505-983-8687
Lounge on the balcony, occasionally with live music, overlooking the Plaza at happy hour, or venture inside for an extensive menu of steaks, seafood, and New Mexican specialties.
Rio Chama Steakhouse www.riochamasteakhouse.com
414 Old Santa Fe Trail, 505-955-0765
A clubby, upscale atmosphere and a classy menu enhanced by Southwestern flourishes set this one apart from your average steakhouse, and the bar menu is one of the best in town with a classy copper bar at which to linger.
San Francisco Street Bar and Grill www.sanfranbargrill.com
50 East San Francisco Street, 505-982-2044.
This downtown pub on the Plaza offers a nice selection of brews, a classic burger and a variety of salad selections, all at affordable prices, so you can splurge on another night in Santa Fe.
Vanessie www.vanessiesantafe.com
434 West San Francisco Street, 505-982-9966.
Classic American dishes are the main attraction here, with large portions of fresh vegetables accompanying well-prepared favorites like steak, rack of lamb, and fresh grilled salmon. After dinner, the piano bar swings!
Zia Diner www.ziadiner.com
326 South Guadalupe, 505-988-7008
For comfort food with flair and classic desserts, this bright and spacious diner is the spot. Try a comfy booth or the breezy patio for a satisfying breakfast, lunch or dinner. Three squares, seven days a week, see ya at the Zia!
ASIAN
Lan's Vietnamese Cuisine
2430 Cerrillos Rd 505-986-1636
You'll have to drive to get there, but you'll be really glad you did! Fresh and affordable, this kitchen turns out some of the tastiest Asian food in Santa Fe, just as good for a tailgate take-out as it is in the restaurant.
Shohko Café www.shohkocafe.com
321 Johnson Street, 505-982-9708
Years of consistency yield a serene Asian oasis, offering perfectly prepared tempura, sushi and other Japanese classics, with the chefs-owners always close at hand to ensure quality and satisfaction.
FRENCH
Cafe Paris www.cafeparisnm.com
31 Burro Alley, 505-986-9162
A family feeling pervades this casual French cafe, tucked around the corner from the Lensic, making it an easy spot to grab a quick classic like Croque Monsieur or Chicken Cordon Bleu before a performance.
Clafoutis
402 North Guadalupe, 505-988-1809
A brunch or lunch delight, with fresh and delicious country salads, excellent sandwichs and a vast selection of pastries, which amply make up for the parking challenge. Breakfast and lunch only.
French Pastry Shop
East San Francisco Street in La Fonda Hotel, 505-983-6697
Still in the same La Fonda Hotel spot where they first opened years ago, this simple cafe is an easy daytime choice for a light lunch, a quick cappucino or chocolate croissant to pick you up for an afternoon on the Santa Fe Plaza.
Ristra www.ristrarestaurant.com
548 Agua Fria, 505-982-8608
The Southwest goes to Paris via this elegantly minimal restaurant featuring continental classics with just a hint of chile to liven things up. Choose the sleek dining room, the beautiful patio or the lively bar for a different experience each time.
315 Restaurant and Wine Bar www.315santafe.com
315 Old Santa Fe Trail, 505-986-9190
Provençal cuisine paired with terrific wine is always a winner, and this place serves them in a warmly congenial setting with a patio designed for lingering. Check out the wine bar for an extensive list of wines by the glass and daily specials.
ITALIAN/MEDITERRANEAN
Amavi www.amavirestaurant.com
221 Shelby Street, 505-988-2355
Tucked on a quiet downtown side street, an elegant and romantic interior reminiscent of Tuscany and a menu of fresh, seasonal Mediterranean fare are the big draw here, as is the intimate and cozy bar.
Andiamo www.AndiamoOnline.com
322 Garfield Street, 505-995-9595
This neighborhood trattoria is usually packed with locals who come for the congenial atmosphere, Italian-inspired menu and thoughtful wine list, all at reasonable prices.
Café Café www.cafecafesantafe.com
500 Sandoval Street, 505-466-1391
The modest exterior and simple decor belie the complexity of flavors emerging from the kitchen; the inventive Italian-style menu also features pizzas and salads. Ask for specific directions so you don't pass it by!
Il Piatto www.ilpiattosantafe.com
95 West Marcy Street, 505-984-1091
Well-priced, creative Italian dishes in a lively setting are the highlight at this trattoria-style restaurant, located right in the heart of downtown, making it simple to stroll down to the Plaza after dinner.
Osteria d'Assisi www.osteriadassisi.net
58 South Federal Place, 505-986-5858
One of Santa Fe's most authentic Italian kitchens and a fine wine list draw regulars to this casually elegant spot, where freshly made pasta and stone-baked pizzas top the list of favorites.
Pranzo Italian Grill www.pranzosantafe.com
540 Montezuma Street, 505-984-2645
One of the few establishments in town that stays open past 10 p.m., this moderately priced mainstay features an award-winning wine list, an extensive menu of Italian favorites and gourmet thin-crust pizza.
Rooftop Pizzeria
60 E San Francisco St # 301, 505-984-0008
You just might score a rooftop table overlooking a slice of Santa Fe, but either way, the slice you're eating will be delicious! Artisanal pizza choices, salads and microbrew selections make this a pleasant option for casual dining downtown.
NEW MEXICAN
Bumblebee's Baja Grill
301 Jefferson St 505-820-2862
3777 Cerrillos Rd 505-988-3278
If you're tired of eating it New Mexican-style, try it Mexican-style, with soft corn tortillas making for a great fish taco and some mighty big burritos. With two locations, Bumblebee Bob's "bee-stro" is as popular with locals as it is with visitors!
El Tesoro Cafe
500 Montezuma Street, 505-988-3886
Tucked inside the eclectic Sanbusco Market center, El Tesoro Cafe is the real deal for fast and tasty New Mexican and Central American fare. Open 7 days a week, the Cafe's cheerful staff and the daily specials make it easy to grab a delicious meal while browsing in the many unusual specialty shops in the Market Center.
Guadalupe Café
422 Old Santa Fe Trail, 505-982-9762
This popular hangout serves up authentic New Mexican fare as well as less-fiery cuisine in a charming adobe with patio seating in season. No reservations accepted, so go early to avoid a wait.
Maria's New Mexican Kitchen www.marias-santafe.com
555 West Cordova Road, 505-983-7929
Classic northern New Mexican specialties and an unblievably extensive margarita menu make this casual eatery a local favorite. It can be noisy, but it's always fun!
Mucho Gusto
839 Paseo de Peralta, 505-955-8402
Tucked away next door to the Inn, this casual, family-owned spot serves up classic cuisine from Old Mexico. along with the best of New Mexican fare.
The Pink Adobe www.thepinkadobe.com
406 Old Santa Fe Trail, 505-983-7712
This one's a Santa Fe tradition, featuring New Mexican specialties and continental favorites in a historic adobe. The Dragon Bar is a popular watering hole where locals revive themselves with a stiff drink and a bowl of the Pink's chile-laced Gypsy stew.
The Shed www.sfshed.com
113½ East Palace, 505-982-9030
The quintessential Santa Fe eatery occupies a centuries-old building and serves up classic chile-infused New Mexican fare. Wash it down with a pitcher of sangria, and you'll think you're back in the days when New Mexico was the northern capital of New Spain.
Tia Sophia
210 West San Francisco Street, 505-983-5721
Start the day like a local! Join the downtown business people for breakfast burritos, or sample chiles rellenos and other New Mexican fare at lunch at this old-time hangout.
Tomasita's
500 South Guadalupe, 505-983-5721
Housed in a former train depot, this popular spot serves plentiful and wallet-friendly New Mexican dishes to the crowds of locals and travelers who line up for their chile fix. No reservations, but the line moves along quickly, and so does the kitchen!
SOUTHWESTERN CONTEMPORARY
Aqua Santa
451 West Alameda, 505-982-6297
Off the beaten path, but master-minded by Slow Food chef Brian Knox, this dining establishment ensures thoughfully-prepared and locally-grown choices, sometimes along with a celebrity sighting or two.
Café Pasqual's www.pasquals.com
121 Don Gaspar, 505-983-9340
The menu of organic and sustainably grown dishes spiced with Asian and Latin American flavors is one of the most imaginative in town. The decor is festive and the fun is contagious - and if you ask to be seated at the community table, you're sure to meet some interesting dinner companions. Cafe Pasqual was the only New Mexico restaurant recently named on a list of "Restaurants Worth the Money" in the October 2009 issue of Gourmet Magazine.
The Compound www.compoundrestaurant.com
653 Canyon Road, 505-982-4353
One of Santa Fe's original fine dining choices, the Compound offers fresh seasonal choices by a James Beard award-winning chef, a dining room wisely maintained in the original design by Alexander Girard, creator of the Folk Art Museum, and the best parking on Canyon Road.
Coyote Café www.coyotecafe.com
131 West Water Street, 505-983-1615
This is the place that first put upscale Southwestern cuisine on the map, and it's still a winner! For a lighter meal in a lively atmosphere, try the open-air, rooftop Coyote Cantina next door, but note that the Cantina does not take reservations.
Galisteo Bistro and Wine Bar www.galisteobistro.com
227 Galisteo Street 505-982-3700
In a nutshell, Galisteo Bistro is a chef-owned operation where the food is made by hand, with the owners on the floor each night assuring that the food is good and their guests are happy. Featuring hearty home cooking in the blended spirits of Italy, Spain, New Orleans, and the New England coast, you'll find a good rendition of the cuisine of several cultures and regions.
Geronimo www.geronimorestaurant.com
724 Canyon Road, 505-982-1500
Housed in a historic building and considered one of Santa Fe's finest restaurants, Geronimo gets consistent raves for its tasteful decor, professional service and outstanding menu of Continental cuisine updated with Asian influences and Southwestern flair.
La Casa Sena www.lacasasena.com
125 East Palace Avenue, 505-988-9232
This warmly elegant restaurant in a historic compound is known for its exciting wine list and Southwestern-tinged menu of classics brought up to date with flourishes of local flavors. In warmer weather, opt for outdoor seting in one of the city's lushest patios. For more casual dining, the adjacent Casa Sena Cantina offers lighter dishes delivered by singing waiters!
Milagro 139 www.milagro139.com
139 West San Francisco, 505-995-0139
Perched in the newly-renovated walkway space in-between West San Francisco Street and Palace Avenue, this space is a pleasant surprise! And the ample portions and fresh ingredients flowing out of chef Frenando Ruiz' kitchen are sure to delight. Lunch and dinner, sometimes live music, a bright airy skylight ambiance, all the ingredients for a great new dining option! Stacy Pearl, executive chef of Walter Burke Catering and Santa Fe's KSFR Radio on-air foodie personality http://www.mouthofwonder.com/ gives this spot a four-bagel rating!
O'Keeffe Café www.okeeffecafe.com
217 Johnson Street, 505-992-1065
Subtle flavors and fine wines are the specialty at this local favorite next door to the O'Keeffe museum. The patio is one of Santa Fe's loveliest, great for a relaxing lunch or an elegant dinner after a day of museum-hopping.
The Old House www.eldoradohotel.com/restaurants
309 West San Francisco Street, 505-995-4530
No need to avoid hotel fare at this venerable spot, and the award-winning wine list and haute cuisine with a Southwestern accent distinguish it admirably.Restaurant Martin www.restaurantmartinsantafe.com
Restaurant Martin www.restaurantmartin.com
526 Galisteo Street 505-820-0919
Martin Rios is back! This James Beard award-winner is finally back in the kitchen at his new location to bring his mouth-watering and tummy-warming fare to his fans. Look to see fresh seasonal ingredients in sophisticated presentations, lunch and dinner with brunch on weekends.
Santacafé www.santacafe.com
231 Washington Avenue, 505-984-1788
One of the earliest proponents of fusion fare, this pan-Asian-cum-Southwestern favorite occupies a historic building with a central courtyard for al fresco dining in clement seasons.
SPANISH
El Farol www.elfarolsf.com
808 Canyon Road, 505-983-9912
Santa Fe's oldest bar and restaurant, this historic spot on Canyon Road offers the some of the best people-watching in town, a happening bar with live music and a sophisticated menu of tapas and other Spanish specialties. This one's a must!
El Mesón www.elmeson-santafe.com
213 Washington Avenue, 505-983-6756
Another exciting tapas restaurant, this congenial spot would be as at home in Madrid as it is in downtown Santa Fe. Wash down the tapas and paella with a Spanish wine or an oloroso sherry, or drop by their Chispa bar for live music and a nitecap.
La Boca www.labocasf.com
72 West Marcy Street, 505-982-3433
The newest entry in the tapas derby, this one adds in touches of the Middle East to spice up its creative, ever-changing menu. The small tables and lively buzz are part of the convivial vibe, so save that intimate tête-a-tête for later, and go for the fun.
