Santa Fe New Mexico, USA Travel Guide
Santa Fe's cuisine, New Mexican, a distinct blend of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo-American influences. It stands apart from Tex-Mex or Mexican food, having its own culinary identity. The basis of this cooking style rests on "The Holy Trinity" of New Mexican ingredients: chile (red and green), beans, and corn. These staples nourished the region's peoples for hundreds of years.
Chile's status here is so elevated that New Mexico holds the only U.S. State with an official state question: "Red or Green?" This refers to your preferred chile sauce, a choice you will encounter frequently when ordering traditional dishes.
Family-run establishments serving time-honored recipes passed down through generations.
Modern, gourmet interpretations of classic dishes. Often incorporate locally sourced ingredients with refined presentation.
This range an opportunity to experience the cuisine from simple, hearty comfort food to sophisticated culinary artistry.
Beef patty with roasted green chile and cheese. Savory, spicy, cheesy.
Find at: The Shed, Horseman's Haven Cafe.
Hearty stew with hominy, often pork or chicken, red chile. Comforting, earthy.
Find at: Traditional New Mexican restaurants, especially cooler months.
Pork marinated, slow-cooked in rich red chile sauce. Deep, savory, pleasant heat. Served with beans, rice, or in burritos/tacos.
Find at: The Shed, Pasqual's, Cafe Pasqual's.
The City different famed for margaritas, often with local ingredients, chile infusions, specialty tequilas.
The Land of enchantment a thriving craft beer scene. Breweries in The City different a range of styles.
Geronimo (Canyon Road): Contemporary American cuisine in historic adobe. Elegant ambiance, innovative dishes. Reservations highly recommended. Sazón (Downtown): Elevated Mexican and New Mexican cuisine. Focus on sophisticated flavors and artistic presentation. Chef Fernando Olea's tasting menus highly regarded.
The Shed (Downtown): Famed for traditional New Mexican food, notably red chile. Very popular; expect a wait. Cafe Pasqual's (Downtown): Beloved for organic, locally sourced New Mexican and international breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dinner reservations a good idea.
Pantry Restaurant (Midtown): Long-standing local favorite for classic New Mexican and American diner food. Hearty portions at reasonable prices. Horseman's Haven Cafe (Southside): Legendary for its green chile cheeseburger, a no-frills, authentic diner experience.
Among the top farmers markets. Open year-round Saturdays (Tuesdays seasonally). Local produce, baked goods, artisanal products, prepared foods. Great for local flavors.
Santa Fe Railyard Park: Hosts culinary events, trucks, especially warmer months.
The City different's dining extends beyond New Mexican. Diverse international cuisines: Italian, Asian (Thai, Japanese, Chinese), Mediterranean, Indian, French, contemporary American.
Many restaurants create menus that blend international techniques made with local ingredients.
New Mexico's state cookie. Anise and cinnamon flavored shortbread.
Coffee infused with local piñon nuts, a distinct earthy and sweet aroma.
Fried dough pastry, often coated in cinnamon sugar, delicious with chocolate or coffee.
Roasted Green Chile in late summer/early fall. Posole and Tamales for holidays.
Dedicated Halal or Kosher restaurants limited. Some grocery stores may carry products with certification.
If adhering strictly, best to inquire directly with restaurants or self-prepare from supermarket ingredients.
Local supermarkets may have sections for specialty dietary products. Check larger chains for certified items.
Plan meals if specific requirements are strict.
Online review platforms like Yelp and HappyCow often mention specific dietary accommodations offered by restaurants.
Calling restaurants in advance to discuss your needs is recommended, especially for fine dining or if your dietary requirements are complex.
Santa Fe School of Cooking hands-on workshops on New Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. Food tours of saint Fe Farmers Market available. Highly recommended for learning techniques and history behind the flavors.
Explore ClassesSanta Fe Farmers Market personal contact with local food producers. Sample and purchase fresh ingredients. Some Hatch Valley chile farms (south of The City different) tour during harvest (late summer/early fall). A chance to see green chiles grown and roasted.
Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail: Unofficial self-guided culinary trail. Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta: Annual September event with culinary demos, wine tastings, chef dinners. Harvest Festival: Local Pueblos and farms host traditional food, dances, crafts.
If you enjoy spicy food, request "extra hot" chile. If cautious, ask for "mild" or "on the side" for taste control.
Start with small amounts to gauge heat tolerance.
Embark on the Santa Fe Margarita Trail, a self-guided tour. Collect stamps and earn rewards.
A fun way to sample diverse margaritas and explore the city.
Making dinner reservations, especially for popular or upscale restaurants, especially during peak season or weekends, highly recommended. Verify restaurant hours.
Consider food tours for in-depth local culinary knowledge. Explore the Santa Fe Farmers Market for local ingredients and prepared foods. Check for seasonal chile roasting events.
Be aware of spice levels when ordering traditional dishes. Stay hydrated at altitude, especially when consuming spicy foods.
Always specify clearly state your dietary needs to your server.
