Santa Fe’s dining scene is as vibrant as this multicultural city itself. From the essential green chile to authentic Indian curry, you’ll find delicious food all over town. To help visitors find the best places to eat in Santa Fe, we’ve rounded up eight of our favorite eating places. Buena comida!
Eight of the Best Restaurants in Santa Fe, New Mexico
These eight restaurants are listed in random order starting with our favorite spots for breakfast and ending with fabulous places for dinner, whether you prefer casual or fine dining.
1. The Famous Plaza Cafe
Santa Fe is home to the breakfast burrito and no place does them better than the Famous Plaza Cafe. If you’ve ever wondered where locals eat in Santa Fe, this is a favorite, offering handheld burritos if you’re eager to start experiencing everything Santa Fe has to offer. If you prefer a sit-down breakfast, order your breakfast burrito smothered with your choice of red or green chile. By the way, did you know that if you specify “Christmas,” you’ll get both red and green chile?
2. Cafe Pasqual’s
Enjoy the ambiance of a colorful fiesta while feasting on delicious specialties like smoked trout hash at Cafe Pasqual’s. This small restaurant serves up the big, bold flavors of New Mexico and Old Mexico, along with a few Mediterranean and Asian dishes.
3. Dolina Bakery and Cafe
What do you get when you combine a bakery, modern American brunch, and Eastern European flavors? You get Dolina Bakery and Cafe, where you can enjoy everything from brunch favorites to chicken paprikash, borscht, and Hungarian goulash. The bakery is equally diverse with a variety of quiches, coconut cream or banana cream pies, cakes, strudel, a Hungarian specialty called Makos Dio, and more!
4. Kakawa Chocolate House
This may be the most unique chocolate shop in the world. Kakawa Chocolate House’s beverages run the gamut from authentic Mesoamerican through historic European to contemporary American. It isn’t just about drinking chocolate at Kakawa Chocolate House, either. They also offer exquisitely crafted truffles and caramels as well as small-batch ice creams.
5. The Pantry
This home-style restaurant has been satisfying locals with its hearty comfort food, relaxed atmosphere, and friendly service since 1948. The Pantry prides itself on its fresh-from-scratch food, generous portions, and quick service.
6. Tesuque Village Market
The menu at Tesuque Villiage Market is best described as straightforward with a local Santa Fe twist! That is, pizza, hamburgers, enchiladas, and more all incorporating a Santa Fe favorite: green chile. If you come in the morning, the menu will feature multiple breakfast options and fantastic pastries. This could be the perfect place to eat in Santa Fe during the weekend, filled with Southwestern décor and a full bar!
7. Arroyo Vino
This upscale Santa Fe dining spot might be a bit off the beaten path (it’s 8 miles from the town center) but it is definitely worth the drive! The seasonal menu features locally sourced meat, sustainably harvested fish, and local produce, much of it from Arroyo Vino’s own two-acre garden. They also offer a carefully curated selection of excellent wines.
8. The Compound
If you’d rather stay in town, The Compound is located just over a mile from the historic Plaza. This popular place to eat in Santa Fe features contemporary American cuisine accented by flavors brought to this country by 16th-century Spanish settlers. Owner/chef Mark Kiffin was named Best Chef of the Southwest by the James Beard Awards in 2005.
Santa Fe is a city of many flavors
This vibrant city offers more than just wonderful food. History, art, architecture, and a wonderful multicultural atmosphere help give Santa Fe a unique ‘flavor’ of its own. Stay at Aqui Santa Fe’s luxury vacation rental properties while you enjoy everything Santa Fe offers. Our contact form will help you find the perfect location for your stay in this unique city.