Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Santa Fe
Santa Fe eats New Mexican first. Order your chile “Christmas” — both red and green — at least once, ideally over enchiladas at a Plaza-area classic like The Shed or La Choza. From there the food runs from green chile cheeseburgers to tasting menus. Below are the tables we send people to, curated by locals since 2011.
These are our featured picks. Browse the full, vetted list on our Santa Fe restaurants directory.
Our favorite Santa Fe restaurants
La Choza
The locals' choice for red and green chile, a few blocks off the Plaza by the Railyard tracks. Order the enchiladas "Christmas" and settle in — the line moves faster than at the Plaza classics.
Palace
A Plaza institution reborn: modern American cooking with prime steaks, market seafood, and handmade pasta. The pick when you want a dressed-up night out downtown.
The Shed
Since 1953, a block off the Plaza and famous for its red chile enchiladas and margaritas. If you eat one New Mexican meal downtown, make it here — and reserve ahead in summer.
Boxcar Restaurant + Sports Bar
An easygoing brunch-to-dinner spot near the Plaza with craft cocktails and sports on the screens. The choice when your group wants range over ceremony.
35 N Coffee
A favorite Plaza café for a well-pulled latte and a pastry between gallery and shop stops. Morning fuel, not a sit-down dinner.
Del Charro Saloon
The "watering hole of Santa Fe" — an indoor-outdoor saloon near the Plaza known for a burger locals rate highly, green chile included. Casual, late, and reliable.
Cowgirl BBQ
A Railyard institution on Guadalupe since 1993 — barbecue, a patio, and live music most nights. The pick when dinner and a show are the same plan.
Bella's Casa Chimayo
Traditional and modern Northern New Mexican cooking at a warm, family-run table — a good place to dig into the regional canon.
Santa Fe dining questions, answered
What is the best restaurant in Santa Fe?
There's no single answer, but for classic New Mexican food locals point to The Shed and La Choza near the Plaza and Railyard. Palace is the pick for a modern, dressed-up dinner downtown. Whatever you choose, order your chile "Christmas" — both red and green — at least once.
What does "red or green" mean in Santa Fe?
It's New Mexico's official state question, and your server is asking which chile sauce you want on your food — earthy red or sharper green. Answer "Christmas" to get both.
Where do you get the best green chile cheeseburger in Santa Fe?
The green chile cheeseburger is a New Mexico institution, and locals argue about the best one endlessly. Del Charro near the Plaza is a reliable, casual pick, and you'll find good versions on menus all over town.
Do you need reservations to eat in Santa Fe?
For dinner in summer and on market weekends, yes — the Plaza-area classics fill up. Book a few days ahead or plan to eat early. Casual spots and lunch are usually fine as walk-ins.
Want a table plan for your trip?
Request our free Mini Guide Map, or book a trip consultation and we’ll build the itinerary — dinners included — around you.