If good food is what you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. Santa Fe offers a wide array of culinary options ranging from traditional to contemporary, local to international and street eats to James Beard nominated chefs.
One of the best parts of a visit to The City Different is that it has something for everyone. When it comes to food, these are the tried and true spots that know it best.
BREAKFAST
The Pantry
Touting itself as “Santa Fe’s Meeting Place” since 1948, The Pantry is one of the city’s most beloved hotspots and the perfect way to kick off your visit to Santa Fe. With a menu offering traditional breakfast items like oatmeal, french toast and omelettes, as well as New Mexican favorites like Blue Corn Pancakes, Huevos Rancheros and their Breakfast Burrito (smothered in chile and cheese), there’s something for everyone at The Pantry.
Some other favorites: Tia Sophia, Cafe Pasqual’s
LUNCH
The Shed
Chances are, if you’re visiting Santa Fe, you’ve heard of The Shed. One of the city’s culinary treasures since 1953, it’s developed a reputation as a local go-to for red chile and blue corn enchiladas - a truly New Mexico experience. Before dining, make sure to download the Santa Fe Margarita Trail app to receive a discount on their signature margarita, the Roca Coin.
Some other favorites: Counter Culture, Palacio Cafe
DINNER
La Fonda
The historic La Fonda on the Plaza offers three dining options, each with its own unique approach to traditional New Mexican cuisine. La Plazuela is located on the hotel’s original patio built in the 1920s and features contemporary Southwestern dishes like Huitlacoche Tamal (grilled sweet corn with pistachio-green chile cream and cashew cake) and Rellenos de La Fonda (two green chiles filled with a blend of cheeses and your choice of red, green or “Christmas” chile). For more casual options like a burrito or enchiladas, opt for La Fiesta Lounge. Afterward, head up to The Bell Tower Bar for a margarita (just make sure to download the Margarita Trail app beforehand!).
Some other favorites: Eloisa’s Georgia O’Keeffe tasting menu, The Compound, El Farol
DRINKS
Santa Fe Brewing Co.
As the state’s oldest brewery, Santa Fe Brewing Company is the perfect place to grab a cold one and listen to some live music. The facility has indoor and outdoor venues as well as a tasting room where you can sample their flagship IPAs and seasonal brews.
Some other favorites: Second Street Brewery, Rowley Farmhouse Ales, Santa Fe Spirits
BONUS
Local Culinary Tours
After spending some time tasting the best of what New Mexico has to offer, it’s time to experience the joy of eating where the locals do. With its diverse history, colorful public art and walkable neighborhoods, Santa Fe really lends itself to food tours, where visitors can experience flavors at the most popular and exclusive restaurants to those hidden gems. For a side of history with your food, check out Wander New Mexico’s Santa Fe Street Eats tour. This 2.5-hour tour throughout the historic Plaza neighborhood consists of four food tastings and discussions on how the city’s Native, Hispanic and Anglo cultures shaped the region’s food.
Some other favorites: Food Tour New Mexico, Santa Fe School of Cooking Culinary Tours
