Our Top Restaurant Picks
Andrew's Top Picks
Favorite Plate: Sumac Crusted Colorado Lamb Loin (Mint Labneh | Harissa | Couscous | Parsley | Green Onion | Mint)
About: Nestled in the charm and elegance of one of Santa Fe’s most beloved historical homes, Santacafé has been a restaurant icon for over 40 years. It was bought in 2019 by Santa Fe restauranteur Quinn Stephenson – the driving force behind another Santa Fe legend, Coyote Café. Boasting one of the best outdoor patio dining experiences the City Different has to offer, Santacafé combines the traditions of modern American cooking with exquisitely locally sourced ingredients.
Market Steer Steakhouse
Favorite Plate: 14 OZ. Prime New York Strip and Green Chile Mac 'n Jack
La Choza
Favorite Plate: Posole a La Mexicana (Posole served with avocado, onions, cilantro, purple cabbage, radish & fresh lime)
About: Located in the old adobe headquarters of turn of the century Mercer Ranch, La Choza’s warm, friendly atmosphere, authentic dishes, great margaritas, and colorful decor welcomes those needing to get their chile fix. Or if your taste buds aren’t up to the heat, there are plenty of other scrumptious dishes to entice you. La Choza is truly Santa Fe dining that reflects the heritage of past & present and is the sister restaurant to another locals’ favorite, The Shed.
Hannah's Top Picks
Favorite Plate: Pepperoni, green chile, and goat cheese pizza & the silver house margarita (but call ahead to make sure they are doing pizza)
About: Bar & Grill · Specialty Grocery Store · Wine, Beer & Spirits Store
Cowgirl Santa Fe
Favorite Plate: Bowl of chuckwagon chili Frito pie (Our Texas-style ground beef & brisket chili with bean, veggies, and Fritos. Served with jalapeños, red onions, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and jalapeño cornbread)
About: Late in 1987 a small group of New York City restaurateurs were poking about for the next new dining concept when a couple of gals (Sherry from Texas and Pam from Colorado) came up with the idea of promoting the culture of the American Cowgirl through the foods of the American West and Southwest. Soon enough, they’d roped in a talented chef from south Texas and started gathering family recipes as well as their favorite regional road-trip recipes. Fast forward a couple of decades later and the Cowgirl BBQ occupies almost the entire block where it started, now having added a Billiard Parlor, a commercial catering kitchen, and several private party rooms. The patio is one of the most inviting summertime venues for locals and tourists alike and the Cowgirl has become a local institution.
The Compound
Favorite Plate: The Chicken Schnitzel (This is an off-menu item that can still be ordered and we highly recommend it)
About: The Compound Restaurant has a heritage rich in history and regional influences. Before its incarnation as a restaurant, this adobe home was the centerpiece of a group of houses on Canyon Road known as the McComb Compound. In the earlier part of the 20th century, when Santa Fe was far away from the rest of the world, movie stars, industrialists, and socialites visited, where they enjoy a secluded getaway. Eventually, Will and Barbara Hooton acquired the main house and converted it into a restaurant. It was their decision to bring in designer Alexander Girard, who gave The Compound Restaurant its distinctive look. Girard is best remembered locally for The Compound Restaurant design and his generous donation of more than 106,000 pieces to Santa Fe’s International Folk Art Museum.
Jeremy's Top Picks
Dinner for Two Favorite Plate: USDA PRIME Grilled 10 oz. Rib Eye (Homemade Bar-B-Que Sauce and Frizzled Onions)
About: Dinner for Two is a locally owned restaurant in the heart of Santa Fe for the last twenty years. What defines Dinner for Two is Great food and service in a fun environment. Our Emphasis on fun and amazing cocktails made Dinner for Two a standout on the Santa Fe Restaurant scene. We are known for the finest steaks in New Mexico. Fantastic marbling, well seasoned, and charred on a white-hot grill for our signature flavor.
Geronimos
Favorite Plate: Locally Raised Center Cut Beef Tenderloin & Frites (Sautéed Organic Chard with Bacon, Hot & Spicy Hollandaise, Au Poivre Sauce, Horseradish, Caramelized Onion & Hand Cut Russet Potato Frites)
About: Warm and inviting, the elegant "Borrego House" was built by Geronimo Lopez in 1756. Thick adobe walls, kiva fireplaces and wood beams surround.
La Casa Sena
Favorite Plate: Pan Seared Ruby Trout (Arborio rice, sauteed spinach, lemon vinaigrette)
About: Tucked away in a historic building with an enchanting garden courtyard, La Casa Sena feels like a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Santa Fe Plaza. Featuring Mediterranean cuisine, an award-winning wine list, and a spectacular patio we hope to provide a magical experience to locals and visitors alike. By sourcing regional ingredients and creating beautiful dishes, Chef José Rodriguez has a deep appreciation for cultivating a local clientele.
Kayla's Top Picks
AndiamoFavorite Plate: Fettuccine with Portabella and Cremini Mushrooms (Spinach, tomato, fried artichokes, truffle oil, and parmesan)
About: Andiamo grew out of the relationship Joan Gillcrist has with food. The Gillcrist family came together around the table. From an early age, Gillcrist took food seriously. “Food was very central to our social lives. It was a way for us to bring people together, especially those who didn’t have a place to go.”
El Farol
Favorite Plate: Patatas Bravas (Marble potatoes, garlic aioli, spicy tomato sauce) & Gambas al ajillo (shrimp, garlic, chili, olive oil) & Coles de Bruselas (brussels sprouts, bacon, balsamic reduction) They often have live flamenco
About: El Farol has provided locals and visitors with over a century of memorable experiences since 1835. We feature traditional Spanish tapas, small plates that pack big flavors, as well as paella, steaks, and daily specials. Patrons enjoy our dinner shows featuring the musicians and dancers of the renowned National Institute of Flamenco. Our bar, once referred to as, "...one of the best bars on earth!" by The New York Times, features classic margaritas, sangria, signature cocktails, and live music. Our walls are graced with murals painted by famous artists, including Alfred Morang.
Izmi Sushi Bar
Favorite Plate: Miso soup, Kelly Salad (Cucumber, Crab, Spicy Mayo & Masago), Shogun Roll (Shrimp Tempura, Cucumber, on top Spicy Tuna & Unagi Sauce)
About: Small bistro with an easygoing vibe plating Japanese classics such as sushi rolls, ramen & tempura.
Samantha's Top Picks
Rooftop Pizzeria & Draft Station
Favorite Plate: #3 Santa Fe Chicken Pizza (Roasted chicken, green chile, toasted pinon nuts, cotija cheese, asadero, alfredo sauce)
About: Take the elevator or climb the stairs to the Rooftop of the Santa Fe Arcade shopping center. From the first bite of our gourmet pizza, you will be one step closer in your quest for pizza perfection. Sit in one of our dining rooms or on either of our rooftop decks with seating overlooking the Plaza on the north side and the spectacular Santa Fe sunset on the south side. We’ve got pizza, antipasti, pasta and sandwiches, cold brews from our family breweries, a full bar, pool tables, shuffleboard, and more. See you on the Rooftop!
Marias New Mexico Kitchen
Favorite Plate: Tacos Chiquitos with Carne Adovada (6 shells filled with Carne Adovada, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa)
About: Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen is a Santa Fe institution. A favorite of generations of locals and visitors alike, we’ve been serving the distinctive cuisine of New Mexico and unparalleled margaritas since 1950. Maria and Gilbert Lopez started Maria’s as a small take-out space serving traditional New Mexican foods during the Santa Fe Fiestas. The Lopez family sold Maria’s to Don Hammond, the chief of the New Mexico State Police, who in turn sold to his bartender, Charlie Lopez, who then sold to Peter Gould and Pricilla Hoback. Al and Laurie Lucero purchased the restaurant from Gould and Hoback in 1985 and owned it for 27 years.
Terra Cotta Wine Bistro
Favorite Plate: French Onion Soup (Topped with melting Jarlsberg and Provolone) & Our famous onion rings
About: TerraCotta Wine Bistro is a smart casual food and wine restaurant located in the historic district of downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico, in a charming 19th-century adobe building located just down the block from the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, a short stroll from the plaza and Lensic Theater and a quick drive to the Santa Fe Opera. In addition to the cozy interior, Terracotta offers a popular outdoor garden and dog-friendly front portal in season.
Favorite Plate: #3 Santa Fe Chicken Pizza (Roasted chicken, green chile, toasted pinon nuts, cotija cheese, asadero, alfredo sauce)
About: Take the elevator or climb the stairs to the Rooftop of the Santa Fe Arcade shopping center. From the first bite of our gourmet pizza, you will be one step closer in your quest for pizza perfection. Sit in one of our dining rooms or on either of our rooftop decks with seating overlooking the Plaza on the north side and the spectacular Santa Fe sunset on the south side. We’ve got pizza, antipasti, pasta and sandwiches, cold brews from our family breweries, a full bar, pool tables, shuffleboard, and more. See you on the Rooftop!
Marias New Mexico Kitchen
Favorite Plate: Tacos Chiquitos with Carne Adovada (6 shells filled with Carne Adovada, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa)
About: Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen is a Santa Fe institution. A favorite of generations of locals and visitors alike, we’ve been serving the distinctive cuisine of New Mexico and unparalleled margaritas since 1950. Maria and Gilbert Lopez started Maria’s as a small take-out space serving traditional New Mexican foods during the Santa Fe Fiestas. The Lopez family sold Maria’s to Don Hammond, the chief of the New Mexico State Police, who in turn sold to his bartender, Charlie Lopez, who then sold to Peter Gould and Pricilla Hoback. Al and Laurie Lucero purchased the restaurant from Gould and Hoback in 1985 and owned it for 27 years.
Terra Cotta Wine Bistro
Favorite Plate: French Onion Soup (Topped with melting Jarlsberg and Provolone) & Our famous onion rings
About: TerraCotta Wine Bistro is a smart casual food and wine restaurant located in the historic district of downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico, in a charming 19th-century adobe building located just down the block from the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, a short stroll from the plaza and Lensic Theater and a quick drive to the Santa Fe Opera. In addition to the cozy interior, Terracotta offers a popular outdoor garden and dog-friendly front portal in season.
Sydney's Top Picks
Favorite Plate: The Pantry Club (Turkey, ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo)
About: The Pantry was founded in 1948 by George Myers, he set the standard of quality and excellence that has been associated with the Pantry for over sixty years now. With such storied roots in Santa Fe, it is impossible to say how many business deals, political decisions, and relationships have been started in the dining rooms at the Pantry. Since its inception, there have been seven different owner-operators or stewards of the Pantry, who have nurtured it and brought it to where it is today, including its current owner the Singley Family who plans to continue the Pantry tradition for many years to come.
The Bull Ring Steakhouse
Favorite Plate: Rib Eye (16oz) Beautiful marbling & Potatoes Au Gratin (in a Cream Sauce, topped with Melted Sharp Cheddar)
About: The Bull Ring features indoor and outdoor dining areas and a bar separated from the main dining area that gives a variety of light and surroundings similar to the original classic adobe. The Santa Fe hospitality that made patrons feel they’d been specially invited is more than preserved, it’s enhanced by the convenience and continuing attention of the servers.
Kohnami
Favorite Plate: Rainbow Roll (California roll topped with 5 kinds of fish, avocado) & Santa Fe Roll (Shrimp and green chile tempura, cucumber, avocado, smelt egg, kaiware, eel sauce)
About: Laid-back nook providing sushi, Japanese dishes & hot/cold sake, plus & outdoor seating.
Zane's Top Picks
The ShedFavorite Plate: Cold Raspberry Soup (Raspberries, Sour Cream, Rosé, Lime)
About: The Shed, a dining institution since 1953 is located on Palace Avenue just east of the plaza. Look for the small, vividly colored wooden sign that marks the entrance. The restaurant occupies nine quiet rooms behind Prince Patio, a sunny brick and flagstone courtyard shaded by trumpet vines and adorned with roses in the summer. Customers can downshift a couple of centuries and have one of the more satisfying experiences Santa Fe has to offer --
Blakes Lotaburger
Favorite Plate: Lotaburger combo with green chile, cheese, and seasoned fries
About: There’s a lot to love about Blake’s Lotaburger … and people have been loving our LOTA Burgers, and more, since 1952. In fact, ask anyone who has ever tried a LOTA Burger what makes it so special … and you’re sure to get a LOTA excited descriptions of our juicy, seared to perfection burgers, our expertly seasoned fries, our always-hitting-the-spot shakes and, of course, our world-famous, drive-for-miles just-to-get, Green Chile Cheeseburgers featuring our special Hatch Green Chile, packaged just for us … and just for you.
Dr. Field Goods
Favorite Plate: The Skinny Burger (Three skinny 2oz. house ground New Mexico beef patties stacked in a fluffy bun topped with American cheese, field good’s sauce, fresh tomatoes, shaved red onions, and lettuce. Served with field good potatoes)
About: Dr. Field Goods is a farm-to-table restaurant concept designed by Chef Josh Gerwin in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. We source the finest ingredients from small, New Mexico family farms to create comfort food classics infused with the flavors of South America, Europe, and Asia. This is rockin’ fresh New Mexico fusion at its finest.
A few more that we couldn't leave out. . . .
Shake Foundation: We use only the sirloin and chuck for our special Beef Blend. No Hormones. No Antibiotics. Ever. Burgers are cooked to medium unless otherwise requested. Let us know if you want tomato, lettuce, onions, or green chile. And yes, we butter every bun!
The Burger Stand: What sets The Burger Stand apart? Burgers cooked to order, exceptional scratch-made condiments like Chipotle-Cocoa Ketchup and Marshmallow Cream Sauce, and our selection of French fries tossed in Parmesan and Truffle butter, or Duck Fat. Even our pickles are housemade.
Clafoutis: Everything at Clafoutis is fresh…the food, the delightful ambiance, and the crisp aromas that waft through the newly designed restaurant. Friendliness is another hallmark of Clafoutis. From the warm “Bonjour” greeting from Anne Lauer as she serves up pastries, to the attentiveness of Charlotte and the occasional magic smile of Philippe as he pops out of the bakery area, the scent of friendliness mixes warmly with the remarkable tasty delights. The ultimate compliment that one can make about Clafoutis though, is that, while there is always green chile in something (which is de rigueur in Santa Fe) and the tasty Cuban sandwich on the menu, rest assured Monsieur and Madame Croque, Clafoutis is French, very, very French. A table!
Coyote Cantina: The Coyote Cantina is considered one of the best rooftop venues in the City Different. Situated atop the Coyote Cafe, the Cantina offers Southwestern dining complete with the signature Coyote flavors and flare, plus all the mixology. The atmosphere is casual, relaxed, and is open all year round. Great for happy hour as you watch the sunset bounce off the historic adobe walls of downtown Santa Fe.
Posa's: Tamales are 100% handmade in our factory using an old family recipe. Considered a local favorite (Posa’s) Tamale Factory & Restaurant has been featured in both the NY Times and the Santa Fe New Mexican. (Posa’s) Tamale Factory & Restaurant continues to offer its products to local restaurants and markets throughout Northern New Mexico and has customers in surrounding states.
Los Amigos Restaurant: You won't find better value in lunch specials anywhere else. We let you know everything about our menu and when the customer is informed you always get the best deal possible. Customers expect nothing less than the best and we always deliver on that promise. It's our mission to provide complete customer satisfaction in steak enchiladas. Just let us know what you want and we'll serve it. You won't find a better family restaurant in Santa Fe, NM. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Tomasita's: Tomasita’s is distinctly Northern New Mexican. Our recipes have been handed down for generations, and still stand as witness to the melding of cultures that together once depended on the corn, chile, beans, and fruit of the area. Since 1974 the Maryol/Gundry family has maintained a commitment to the recipes and ingredients of New Mexico, making Tomasita’s the local’s favorite for almost 40 years.
Coffee House Recommendations
Downtown Subscription: Chai latte and a breakfast burrito
Agapao Coffee: Lavender Oatmilk Latte
Iconik Coffee: Horchata Latte (often comes with a side biscochito cookie too!)