After a week in Santa Fe, New Mexico, we learned it can be quite a culinary paradise. There are not only a wide variety of restaurants, but the quality of these Santa Fe restaurants is top-notch. We’ve had probably some of the best meals in our lives in Santa Fe, and some of these Santa Fe restaurants were our top restaurants we’ve ever been to.
Below we made our list (in no particular order), of our favorites as well as ones we thought were just unique.
Paloma
An authentic, upscale Mexican restaurant right in downtown. It is beautifully decorated with rich colors. This is a great place for high-end Mexican. The nachos were plated so that every tortilla chip had a topping on it so no one got stuck with a naked chip! The menu is not large but diversified enough for everyone to find something they’d enjoy.
Palacio Cafe
It was small and intimate with the best chili sauces we’ve had. The servers were so helpful and patient in describing the menu since this was our first stop in Santa Fe. The coffee and hot cocoa were a cut above too. Our chai had heart-shaped foam. Everything was freshly prepared and delicious!
Geronimo
One of the top restaurants in town and really an experience, not just a meal. Very expensive, so I would go for a special occasion. The service and food were beyond top-of-the-line. Many restaurants outside of steakhouses usually overcook their steak. Not this place. Their presentation was amazing and really brought things to another level.
The Pantry
Open since 1948 and serving delicious breakfasts with everything made from scratch. A line out the door, so clearly this diner is popular with the locals. We liked that they had vegetarian options like vegetarian sausage. The line moves quickly though so don’t be nervous—it is worth the wait!
Verde
This place is as green as its name. Nothing unhealthy is served here and it is all delicious. Make sure you have their cold-pressed juices which is what they’re known for. Their veggie burger was great and was made from juiced pulp. Nothing goes to waste here but not only that, the burger was amazing. If you can’t stop by for a meal, definitely grab some juice!
Cowgirl Cafe
This was so amazing you’ve got to check out our YouTube video. Best barbecue we’ve had and we’ve eaten plenty all over the United States! Don’t forget to order the Baked Potato for dessert! This is not a typo, it is for dessert.
Tune Up Cafe
This was featured in Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and you can see why. It has such a unique look to it and the food also had a nice edge to it. You will definitely see many locals here. They have a variety of comfort foods on the menu. We had the Tofu Enchilada topped with Plantains and it was a great vegetarian option.
French Pastry Shop
Located in the La Fonda Hotel, it’s a great place to stop at any time of day. It has been a family-owned business for over 40 years. Everything is made from scratch and high-quality ingredients. We shared a very generous portion of spinach quiche.
Radish and Rye
A high-end, farm-to-table restaurant with tons of original and unique choices. Being farm to table, all the produce is locally grown and the meats and poultry are hormone- and antibiotic-free. Some of our favorites were the grilled pork chop and sweet corn fritters. They also have a great bourbon bar with excellent cocktails.
Annapurna’s World Vegetarian Cafe
A vegetarian restaurant that is more than just Indian food, but completely world-influenced. In fact, we had the vegan shepherd’s pie. The food is organic and delicious. The menu is an education in itself revealing the healing properties of many of the foods on the menu.
Plaza Cafe
A 1950s-styled diner right in the heart of town, looking over the plaza. In the winter, the view is gorgeous with the lights all out. It might seem like a tourist trap but it is so not. Plenty of locals eat there and the food is excellent. The burrito was top notch and our favorite coffee was their Mexican Coffee—Mexican Chocolate with a shot of espresso. This is great for any meal or even for dessert one night because all desserts are made in-house!
And along with Santa Fe restaurants, check out our stories on:
Top Sunsets in Santa Fe
Top Attraction Santa Fe
Santa Fe for Families
New Mexico Photographer Mom
is a Senior Writer with a focus on products for moms and moms on the go. Despite her background in speech therapy and communication, Margherita has developed a strong understanding of what mothers are looking for when it comes to products and services. As a proud Sicilian and mother of one, Margherita knows firsthand the demands and joys of motherhood. She's always on the lookout for new and innovative products that can make a mom's life easier and more enjoyable. Margherita loves travel writing and covering everything New York City has to offer. She enjoys exploring new destinations and cultures and bringing her readers along on her journeys. With a unique perspective and valuable insights, Margherita's writing is sure to inspire and inform moms everywhere.
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Margherita Mhttps://famadillo.com/author/margherita/
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Margherita Mhttps://famadillo.com/author/margherita/
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Margherita Mhttps://famadillo.com/author/margherita/
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Margherita Mhttps://famadillo.com/author/margherita/
