Where I Send Friends
[Placeholder introduction — Dale may replace with his own.] Earlier this month I put this list together for a friend coming to Santa Fe with a group. These are my favorites — which leave out some well-known places because of my experience there.
Upscale
These are the top dining spots in town in my opinion.
- Geronimo — Top of the line and a world-class restaurant in my view.
724 Canyon Rd · website - Restaurant Martín — Love this place, particularly the patio in summer. Chef has been a finalist for James Beard awards numerous times.
526 Galisteo St · website - Compound — A real classic, which also serves lunch that includes a spectacular burger and some of the best onion rings of my life. Love their classic chicken schnitzel.
653 Canyon Rd · website - Coyote Café — Great food with innovation chef and pastry chef. But it can be loud if that bothers you.
132 W Water St · website - Santacafe — Iconic Santa Fe patio that's great for lunch or dinner. Some lunch items would put it in the mid-range.
231 Washington Ave · website - Zacatlán — Love, love this upscale Mexican place. Ceviche is great, as is everything I've had there. Serves brunch Thursday through Sunday so lots of options for dining and a potential breakfast place with reservations.
317 Aztec St · website - Izanami — Japanese food at Ten Thousand Waves resort about 15 minutes' drive outside Santa Fe. Some unusual and delicious dishes.
21 Ten Thousand Waves Way, off Hyde Park Rd · website
Mid-range
These are the more casual places.
- La Boca — Spanish tapas that never disappoint. Great for lunch or dinner. Love the Basque cake for dessert (I could eat it weekly and never tire).
72 W Marcy St · website - Plaza Café — On the downtown plaza — another iconic place for New Mexican food but also has many other menu items. Great key lime pie and an unusual coconut cream pie worth having. Also good for breakfast. Line usually moves fast.
54 Lincoln Ave, on the Plaza · website - Horno — Good variety of dishes and very popular with locals.
95 W Marcy St · website - Escondido — Mexican restaurant getting lots of raves from locals. I've really enjoyed it. Don't pass up the corn soup.
1101 Paseo Corazon, Ste 100 · website - Harry's Roadhouse — Another classic SF spot. Good for breakfast, lunch or dinner. If you go for breakfast, the lemon ricotta pancakes are divine, and you don't have to have the three that come with the order. Ask for one or two.
96B Old Las Vegas Hwy · website
Breakfast
No reservations at these places.
- Clafoutis — A French bakery with incredible pastries and a great array of breakfast items. Often a wait in summer.
333 W Cordova Rd · website - Dolina — Bakery with an Eastern European twist. I often get soup there for breakfast, and the pastries (including the pies) are outstanding.
402 N Guadalupe St · website - Mille — Another French bakery with wonderful food and a likely wait for a table.
451 W Alameda St · website - Tia Sophia's — Classic New Mexican breakfast, usually with a line.
210 W San Francisco St - Counter Culture Café — Diverse options for breakfast or lunch. A classic SF place.
930 Baca St · website
Coffee
- Churro Bar — Small out-of-the-way downtown spot with churros, coffee and wonderful hot chocolate. Perfect for an afternoon respite.
102 E Water St · website
Wine tasting and relaxing
- Gruet tasting room — In the Hotel St. Francis and perfect for an afternoon rest. Nibbles and some very good wine from New Mexico's top winery.
210 Don Gaspar Ave, in the Hotel St. Francis · website
Note: Addresses and links verified July 2026 — call ahead for hours and reservations. Photos from Dale's own visits will join the guide as they surface from his archives.