The Food Scene in Santa Fe

Santa Fe has a vibrant food culture. New Mexican cuisine is abundant, known for red and green chiles, green chile stew, posole, chile rellenos and sopapillas. There's more to the food scene than the local traditional options. Fine dining can be found at Geronimo, Cafe Martin, the Compound and Coyote Cafe. Lots of local small restaurants feature creative options. My favorites include La Boca (spanish pinxtos or tapas) and Horno (fusion), Local breweries and wineries provide excellent opportunities to taste and nearby Joe's Tequila Bar has a beautiful patio, a simple menu and a tremendous selection of tequilas and mezcal to sample. For almost any restaurant near the house, it is recommended to get a reservation ahead of time.

Breakfast Spots

• Downtown Subscription - good espresso, some pastries, externally sourced burritos, large light indooring seating, beautiful garden
• Palacio Cafe - small family-operated quaint cafe near the Plaza, beautiful patio in back, homemade traditional New Mexican options
• Mille - great french pastries, traditional french breakfast, great espresso
• Clafouti - french bakery and cafe, a 2 mile drive, next door to Body yoga studio

Lunch

• Palacio Cafe - Best sandwiches anywhere, New Mexican plates, small family-operated quaint cafe near the Plaza, beautiful patio in back.
• The Compound - On Canyon Road, sit down dining, has parking. Excellent food, less expensive than dinner.
• The Shed - If you are downtown and want traditional New Mexican food in a 17th century building, the Shed is a Santa Fe icon. Very busy, long waits .

Favorite Dinner Places (Walking Distance)

• Horno - On Marcy street downtown. Small casual restaurant with creative food.
• La Boca - On Marcy street downtown. Modern Spanish cuisine, inspired by San Sebastian.
• The Compound - On Canyon Road with parking. Very good food. Often has seating when other restaurants are full. If their online reservation system says full, it's worth a call to check.
• Geronimo -On Canyon Road with valet parking. Highly recommend for a special occasion. The food is fantastic. It's fine dining with a very relaxing, unpretentious atmosphere.

More Within Walking Distance

• Joe's Tequila Bar - At the Inn on Alameda. Simple food with an extensive tequila and mezcal tasting menu. Very close to the house.
• Pascual's -On water street, one block from the Plaza. Very small restaurant with South American cuisine.
• The Shed- If you are downtown and want traditional New Mexican food in a 17th century building, the Shed is a Santa Fe icon. Very busy, long waits .
• Upper Crust Pizza- Pizzas, salads and sandwiches. The downtown location on Old Santa Fe Trail can do curbside pickup.