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*Restaurants listed in red are members of Canyon Road Merchants Association
Favorite Traditional New Mexican Fare
It's all about the chile. Whether you prefer Red or Green (or "Christmas") you'll want to indulge in New Mexico's famous chile over and over again. That's why we're giving you five great restaurants to choose from. Each has a slightly different take on New Mexico family cooking, but all provide excellent food at very reasonable prices, and all have a large local following. Let us know which ones you like best.
Atrisco
193 Paseo de Peralta (in DeVargas Center)
505-983-7401
www.atriscocafe.com
Guadalupe Cafe
422 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-982-9762
La Choza
905 Alarid Street
505.982-0909
www.sfshed.com
Maria's New Mexican Kitchen
555 West Cordova Road
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-983-7929
www.marias-santafe.com
Mission Cafe
239 East DeVargas Street
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-983-3033
Tia Sophia's
210 West San Francisco Street
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-983-9880
Tomasita's
500 South Guadalupe
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-983-5721
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Favorite "Old-Time Santa Fe" Restaurant
The Pink Adobe
406 Old Santa Fe Trail
505.983.7712
www.thepinkadobe.com
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This landmark restaurant has been a favorite of locals and visitors since 1944. We’re delighted to report that after a brief stint of out-of-state ownership, “The Pink” is back under the careful guidance of the Hoback family who founded the restaurant and devised its unique menu.
The Shed
113 1/2 East Palace Avenue
505.982.9030
www.sfshed.com
Another true Santa Fe institution, The Shed has been serving old-time Northern New Mexican favorites since 1953. A relaxed atmosphere, excellent service, and great food keep locals and tourists coming back time after time.
Inn at Santa Fe
Favorite Innovative Southwestern Cuisine
Coyote Cafe
132 West Water Street
Santa Fe, NM 8750
505-983-1615
www.coyotecafe.com
Created by Mark Miller, the chef who first made Southwestern cuisine famous around the country, this legendary restaurant has been brought back to life by chef Eric deStefano, formerly of Geronimo.
Lunimaria
Inn and Spa at Loretto
211 Old Santa Fe Trail
505.988.5531, 800.727.5531
www.innatloretto.com
Luminaria offers up modern American cuisine made with local ingredients and infused with southwestern flavors. Enjoy pre-dinner cocktails in the sumptuous Living Room Lounge and, in warm weather, dine on the delightful patio adjacent to the famous Loretto Chapel.
Santacafe
231 Washington Avenue
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-984-1788
www.santacafe.com
A local favorite, this restaurant is a noted for its inventive and sophisticated regional cuisine. Set in an 18th century adobe compound with a minimalist interior and a beautiful zen courtyard.
Favorite New American Cuisine
Also known as “progressive” or ‘modern” American, this cuisine emphasizes fresh local and regional ingredients prepared with traditional French and Asian techniques.
Anasazi Restaurant
Inn of the Anasazi
113 Washington Avenue
505.988.3030
www.innoftheanasazi.com
Chef Oliver Ridgeway frequently changes the menu so he can focus on the best seasonal ingredients from local farmers. The beautifully appointed dining room and bar help make Anasazi a truly memorable Santa Fe experience.
The Compound
653 Canyon Road
505.982.4353
www.compoundrestaurant.com
Chef Mark Kiffen, winner of the James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chef of the Southwest” award for 2005, bases his menus on the foods originally brought to the Southwest by the earliest Spanish settlers. A long-time Santa Fe favorite, The Compound resides in an old adobe house redesigned by legendary designer and folk-art collector, Alexander Girard.
Fuego
La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa
330 East Palace Avenue
505-986-0000
www.laposada.rockresorts.com
Fusing classical cooking traditions with local ingredients, Fuego has won AAA’s coveted Four Diamond award.
Max’s
403 ½ South Guadalupe
505.984.9104
www.maxssantafe.com
Santa Fean magazine designated Max’s the “Best New Restaurant in Santa Fe” for 2010. Chef Mark Connell’s innovative dishes are designed to bring out the clean, fresh flavors of the best locally-raised ingredients.
Restaurant Martin
526 Galisteo Street
505.820.0919
www.restaurantmartinsantafe.com
After working his way up through Santa Fe’s high-end restaurant scene, Chef Martin Rios has won local and national awards and has been featured on Iron Chef America. Now running his own show, Chef Martin offers his culinary skills at moderate prices, already winning his new restaurant a large, loyal following.
Favorite Global Fusion Cuisine
Galisteo Bistro
227 Galisteo Street
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-982-3700
www.galisteobitro.com
Owned and operated by chefs Robert and Marge Chickering, Galisteo Bistro features eclectic, innovative international cuisine known for its open kitchen, quality menu offerings, and attentive service in a casual, comfortable downtown setting.
Geronimo
724 Canyon Road
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505.982.1500
www.geronimorestaurant.com
With its innovative dishes created from traditions around the world, Geronimo has been a mainstay of the Santa Fe restaurant scene for 18 years.
Old House
Eldorado Hotel & Spa
309 West San Francisco Street
505.988.4455
www.eldoradohotel.com
The Old House chefs emphasize the use of locally raised meats and produce in their “Contemporary Global” dishes.
Favorite Continental Cuisine
Galisteo Bistro
227 Galisteo Street
505.982.3700
www.galisteobistro.com
Traditional French and Italian bistro fare are produced in the open kitchen of this new and well-received downtown restaurant.
Amavi
221 Shelby Street
505.988.2355
www.amavirestaurant.com
Chef Megan Tucker specializes in Southern European dishes made with locally grown ingredients. Many locals consider Amavi’s dining room and bar to the most comfortable and beautiful in town.
Favorite African Cuisine
Jambo Café
2010 Cerrillos Road
505.473.1269
www.jambocafe.net
Jambo (which means “Hello” in Swahili) is Santa Fe’s new favorite restaurant. Chef Ahmed Obo grew up on an island off the coast of Kenya where he learned to skillfully mix European, Arabic, and Indian flavors. Jambo’s strip mall location doesn’t offer much atmosphere, but you’ll keep coming back for the food.
Favorite Barbeque
Cowgirl Barbeque and Western Grill
319 South Guadalupe
505.982.2565
www.cowgirlsantafe.com
Somehow, this place manages to be campy and down-home at the same time. Despite the tavern atmosphere, it’s very kid friendly with an enclosed, outdoor play area where the young ones can run while you enjoy the nightly live music.
Josh’s Barbeque
3486A Zafarano Drive
505.474.6466
www.joshsbbq.com
Proprietor Josh Baum trained with some of Santa Fe’s best chefs, more than earning his haute cuisine chops. Owning a barbeque joint might seem like a step down for Josh but, in fact, he’s used his skills to bring barbeque a step up.
Favorite Breakfast
Louie’s Corner Café
229 Galisteo St
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505.820.2253
www.louiescornercafe.com
Best known for their creative “breakfast panini,” Louie’s also serves up great breakfast burritos, omelettes, crepes, French toast, eggs and smoothies. Missed breakfast? No problem: you can even order your bacon and eggs for dinner.
Plaza Café
54 Lincoln Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501
505.982.1664,
www.thefamousplazacafe.com
This diner-style restaurant features tasty New Mexican and Anglo dishes served up in generous portions. Get there early for the fantastic blueberry muffins. The Cafe is kid-friendly and conveniently located on the west end of the Santa Fe Plaza. Expect a wait at peak meal times.
Favorite Brunch
Cafe Pasqual’s
121 Don Gaspar
505.983.9340
www.pasquals.com
Named for the patron saint of Hispanic cooks and kitchens, Pasqual’s offers a free-wheeling mix of Old and New Mexico with an emphasis on local, organic ingredients. They even make their own sausage and chorizo for their hearty brunch dishes. Despite our vote as a Sunday morning hang-out, dinner at Pasqual’s is even more inventive with fresh takes on meat, seafood and traditional Southwestern dishes.
Favorite Burgers
Bobcat Bite
420 Old Las Vegas Highway
Santa Fe, NM
505.983.5319
www.bobcatbite.com
This tiny roadside joint has earned many local and national awards, including Bon Apetit magazine’s Best Burger in America. The beef is ground fresh every day on the premises and served as generous 10-ounce burgers. House-made cole slaw and home fries make excellent a la carte sides, while steaks and chops fill out the menu. Even though Bobcat bite is about 8 miles outside of town, serves no alcohol, and closes promptly at 7:50, it is always packed, so expect a wait.
Favorite Coffee Shop
Downtown Subscription
376 Garcia Street
505.983.3085
Excellent coffee, locally made pastries, and an astonishing selection of magazines and newspapers make this popular locals hangout a great place to get caffienated before walking the Canyon Road gallery district.
Canyon Hideout Café
616 Canyon Rd
505.995.1977
www.canyonhideout.com
Quirky, unassuming and local. Most any day, you’ll see a steady parade of gallery owners and staff wondering in for morning coffee.
Favorite Tea Shop
The Tea House
821 Canyon Road
505.992.0972
www.teahousesantafe.com
A study in contrasts, Teahouse has a hippy vibe that makes “informal” an understatement, yet the proprietors are as serious about tea as anyone you’ll meet.
Favorite French Cuisine
315 Restaurant and Wine Bar
315 Old Santa Fe Trail
505.986.9190
www.315santafe.com
Chef Louis Moskow combines classic French techniques with fresh, local ingredients in his popular reinterpretations of time-honored dishes.
Hangouts where Tourists Mix with Locals
Second Street Brewery
1814 Second Street
505.982.3030
1607 Paseo de Peralta #10
505.989.3278
www.secondstreetbrewery.com
A mainstay for Santa Fe beer lovers 1996, this traditional brewpub recently opened a convenient new location in the Railyard. Count on great beer, classic comfort food, and relaxed outdoor dining at the Railyard location.
Dragon Room Bar at The Pink Adobe
406 Old Santa Fe Trail
505.983.7712
www.thepinkadobe.com
The Bar at Rio Chama Steakhouse
414 Old Santa Fe Trail
505.955.0765
www.riochamasteakhouse.com
These watering holes are almost next door to each other, but offer very different experiences of Santa Fe night life. The much celebrated Dragon Room is gaudy, loud, fun, and a little rough around the edges. Despite its tourist attraction status, it’s a local favorite and a good taste of old-time Santa Fe. On the other hand, the Bar at Rio Chama is the epitome of modern Santa Fe Chic. Located next door to the Capitol, it’s a good place to hang with local professional types on Thursday and Friday evenings. Only bankers, lawyers and lobbyists wear suits in Santa Fe, so they’re easy to spot.
Favorite Italian Cuisine
Andiamo!
322 Garfield
505.995.9595
www.andiamoonline.com
This self-described “neighborhood trattoria” serves consistently excellent Italian dishes in a comfortable old bungalow in the Railyard district. A good list of wines by the glass and moderate prices make Andiamo! a favorite of locals, so you’ll need to call for reservations.
Favorite Japanese Cuisine
Shohko Café
321 Johnson Street
505.982.9708
www.shohkocafe.com
We’re skeptical about seafood in the desert, but this standout is always reliable with fresh delicious fish and beautiful presentation. The decor in this old downtown adobe is very spare and restful; a pleasing meld of Japan and Santa Fe.
Kohnami
313 South Guadalupe
505.984.2002
www.kohnamirestaurant.com
More than just sushi, Kohnami offers a great selection of Japanese dishes including several tasty offerings for those like their food raised on terra firma.
Kid-Friendly
San Francisco Street Bar & Grill
50 East San Francisco Street (second floor)
505.982.2044
www.sanfranbargrill.com
The words “casual” and “affordable” are not generally associated with downtown restaurants but here's a good one, just off the Plaza. Featuring grilled sandwiches and inventive salads, plus fish, meat and pasta entrees at dinner, there are lots of choices to satisfy both kid and adult tastes.
Late-Night Music, Food, and Drinks
El Farol
808 Canyon Road
505.983.9912
www.elfarolsf.com
Billed as “the oldest restaurant and bar in Santa Fe,” El Farol (The Lantern) has been a favorite local hangout for decades. Located in a circa 1835 adobe farmhouse, the place screams “old-time Santa Fe” even down to the murals painted by local artists (probably in exchange for drinks.) Enjoy a full meal in the intimate dining rooms or sample tapas while listening to live music in the bar. In addition to nightly entertainment which ranges from rock to blues to jazz to latin, El Farol offers occasional Flamenco dinners.
Favorite Mexican Cuisine
Mucho Gusto
839 Paseo de Peralta
505.955.8402
Authentic Chihuahuan dishes at affordable prices make this one of our favorite Mexican restaurants anywhere in the US. With plenty of free parking, it’s set back from Paseo de Peralta behind Travel Bug.
Native American-inspired
Amaya
Hotel Santa Fe
1501 Paseo de Peralta
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505.982.1200
www.hotelsantafe.com
Hotel Santa Fe and its Amaya Restaurant are owned by the Picuris Pueblo of northern New Mexico. Yes, you can order fry bread and buffalo burgers, but Amaya is a true fine dining experience featuring western wild game and other local ingredients beautifully combined in a fusion-style menu.
Favorite Pan-Asian Cuisine
Mu Du Noodles
1494 Cerrillos Road
505-983-1411
mudunoodles.com
Santa Fe Reporter named Mu Du Noodles its Restaurant of the Year for 2010-2011. Chef Mu Jing Lau’s consistently successful experimentation as well as her popular core menu make Mu Du a local favorite.
Patio Dining
La Casa Sena
125 East Palace Avenue #20
505.988.9232
www.lacasasena.com
Located just a block off the Plaza, Casa Sena's historic courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely lunch or sumptuous dinner. A gigantic cottonwood tree provides welcome relief from the New Mexico sun as you enjoy light, refreshing dishes that blend Southwestern and Asian flavors.
Piano Bar
Vanessie of Santa Fe
434 West San Francisco Street
505.982.9966
www.vanessiesantafe.com
Vanessie is another local favorite because of its sociable but relaxing atmosphere, top quality musicians, and tasty bar food every night of the week.
Favorite Pizza
Upper Crust Pizza
329 Old Santa Fe Trail
505.982.0000
www.uppercrustpizza.com
This is high-class pizza, but of the traditional type (not “designer pizza”). Located in a funky old adobe house next to “The Oldest Church,” it has a spare little dining room but you also can call for free delivery to your downtown hotel room or casita.
Favorite Sandwiches & Salads
Café des Artistes
223B Canyon Road
505.820.2535
Proprietor Jean-Jacques delivers up a wide selection of tasty sandwiches, salads, and baked goods as well as the obligatory espresso drinks. This tiny place near the foot of Canyon Road is almost literally a hole in the wall with just four small tables inside and patio seating in a shady courtyard out front.
Favorite Spanish Cuisine
La Boca
72 West Marcy Street
505.982.3433
www.labocasf.com
Authentic tapas, paella, and other Mediterranean-inspired dishes are served up by Chef James Campbell Caruso, formerly of El Farol and author of El Farol: Tapas and Spanish Cuisine.
Favorite Steak
The Bull Ring
150 Washington Ave #108
505.983.3328
www.santafebullring.com
For those who just want a stiff drink and a slab of juicy beef, this is the genuine article -- red leather booths and all. The limited menu is strictly a la carte, but the delicious aged steaks will make you forget about the extras, anyway.
Vegetarian
BODY Café
333 Cordova Road
505.986.0362
www.bodyofsantafe.com
BODY is a yoga studio, fitness center, boutique, and café (and, oh yes, offers child day care.) But we’re happy to say the food does not get lost in all that healthy activity. More than 90% of the menu’s ingredients are organic, and BODY offers an array of raw and vegan dishes, but there’s plenty of chicken, salmon, cheese and eggs for the protein junkies.
Favorite Wine List
O’Keeffe Café
217 Johnson Street
505.946.1065
www.okeeffemuseum.org
The small but top notch wine list (including ultra-premium wines by the glass) is carefully chosen to complement the excellent southwest-inspired menu. O’Keeffe Cafe also hosts wine tastings, wine maker dinners, and other events throughout the year.
Looking for an affordable lunch?
So, you really hadn’t planned to spend $50 for lunch at a world-class restaurant? Santa Fe does have other options -- if you know where to look. The following eateries range from sandwich shops to gourmet restaurants, but all have excellent value on their lunch menus, offering great food for the price.
Canyon Road Gallery District
Café des Artistes
223B Canyon Road
505.820.2535
Deli sandwiches made with fresh ingredients, hearty salads, and house-made baked goods.
The Compound
653 Canyon Road
505.982.4353
www.compoundrestaurant.com
This legendary restaurant offers a lunchtime bar menu that’s hard to beat. It’s a great way to sample the fare of one of Santa Fe’s award winning chefs, Mark Kiffin.
Downtown
Bumble Bee’s Baja Grill
301 Jefferson St
505-820-2862
bumblebeesbajagrill.com
Freshly grilled steak, chicken, and fish in classic Mexican dishes, plus a chips & salsa bar.
The Burrito Company
111 Washington Ave
505-982-4452
santafeburritocompany.com
Traditional Mexican and New Mexican dishes just steps from the Plaza
Del Charro Saloon
101 West Alameda
505-954-0320
www.innofthegovernors.com
Good pub food that makes one of the least expensive lunches in town
Il Vicino
321 West San Francisco Street
505-986-8700
ilvicino.com
An impressive array of personal-size designer pizzas and generous salads plus regional craft brews
Mangiamo Pronto
228 Old Santa Fe Trail
505-989-1904
www.mangiamopronto.com
A great little collection of Tuscan-inspired salads, sandwiches and pizza
Santacafe
231 Washington Avenue
505.984.1788
www.santacafe.com
This is widely considered one of Santa Fe’s best restaurants and dinner is priced accordingly. Lunch, however, offers the same quality with a surprisingly reasonable price tag.
Thai Café
329 West San Francisco Street
505.982.3886
www.thaicafesantafenm.com
Quality entrees at “lunch special” prices make for one of the best values in town
Tia Sophia’s
210 West San Francisco Street
505.983.9880
Traditional northern New Mexican fare that has a big following among local residents.
Guadalupe District
Carlos’ Gosp’l Café
418 Cerrillos Road in the Design Center
505.983.1841
A wide selection of deli sandwiches, soups and salads from a long-time locals’ favorite.
Clafoutis
402 North Guadalupe
505.988.1809
A classic French bakery offering crepes, quiches, omelettes, and sandwiches in addition to traditional
French pastries.
Cleopatra’s Café
418 Cerrillos Road in the Design Center
505.820.7381
www.designcentersantafe.com
Middle Eastern dishes and snacks including excellent hommous.
El Tesoro
500 Montezuma Avenue in Sanbusco Center
505.988.3886
sanbusco.com/stores/food/el-tesoro
Authentic Mexican and Central American dishes, and a great spot for people watching.
Tomasita’s
500 South Guadalupe
505.983.5721
A Santa Fe favorite featuring traditional New Mexico dishes, located in the old Rio Grande Western Railway depot.
Tune Up Café
1115 Hickox Street
505.983.7060
tuneupcafe.com
A recent and very welcome addition, Tune Up serves New Mexican dishes with a Central American twist that even the most jaded locals are finding irresistible.
“Oldest Church” Neighborhood (Barrio de Analco)
Dish n’ Spoon Café and Gifts
620 Old Santa Fe Trail
505.983.7676
www.dishnspoon.com
Specializing in sandwiches, salads and fabulous pie, this hideaway also sells kitchen-related gifts and antiques.
Guadalupe Café
422 Old Santa Fe Trail
505.982.9767
Northern New Mexico fare with some of the best (and hottest) red sauce in town, plus burgers and American breakfast for the chile-averse.
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