Santa Fe Restaurant Tips by VeronicaG Top 5 Page for this destination

The Pink Adobe: Dine In A 1600's Adobe

After hearing so much about The Pink Adobe from our friends, it became a #1 choice for dining upon arriving in Santa Fe.

The Pink Adobe is a favorite of locals and world travelers alike. It was voted 'Most Favorite Restaurant in 2004' and sits across the street from what is said to be the oldest church in the U.S., San Miguel Mission.

Rosalea Murphy opened the restaurant in 1944 and it came to be a meeting place for celebrities and those involved in local politics. A portion of the restaurant was constructed in the 1600's--the warm, rosey color of the adobe brick inspired its name.

I found the small stuccoed dining rooms and warm fireplaces so inviting! My husband and I ordered the Tournedos Bordelaise--a tender filet of beef on a puff pastry served with Bordelaise sauce and a browned potato. Although my husband's beef filet was a bit chewy, mine was delectable!

The Dragon Room Bar was added in 1977 and Cafe Pink in 2003. Rosaleas family continues to own and manage the establishment. The Pink Adobe Cookbook has been compiled to represent Rosalea's most popular recipes.

Favorite Dish: A wonderful dining experience--try anything

Address: 406 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Near the Capitol

Phone: 505-983-7712

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 5

Theme: Mexican

Website: http://www.thepinkadobe.com

Aqua Santa: For A Gourmet Experience

Aqua Santa was a bit difficult to find as we navigated the streets at night, but it was worth it.

This intimately sized gourmet restaurant looks like nothing special from the outside, but once inside it has subtle charm. A blazing fireplace added atmosphere to the room, which contained perhaps 10-12 tables, with the kitchen area taking up quite a bit of the space.

Quail with Risotto looked like something a gourmand would order, so I somewhat hesitantly selected that, while my husband ordered Linguine with Pheasant. Both meals were very good, even though we definitely stepped out of our comfort zone to try them.

Our fellow traveler, Janis, celebrated her birthday at Aqua Santa. They were kind enough to include a candle on a very rich looking chocolate cake to mark the event. She said it was delicious!

Hours are 12N-2pm and 5:30pm-9pm Wed.-Fri. and 5:30pm-9pm Tues. & Sat.

Favorite Dish: A gourmet's menu

Address: 451 W. Alameda St., Santa Fe, NM

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: 505-982-6297

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 5

Theme: Eclectic/International

CRUZ: Canyon Road Cafe

"constructing"

Address: Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM

Comparison: less expensive than average

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 3

Theme: Coffeehouse

La Casa Sena: Elegance Near Town Square

"constructing"

Address: 125 E. Palace Ave., Santa Fe, NM

Phone: 505-988-9232

Rating: 0

Theme: Eclectic/International

The Shed: In Old Santa Fe

"constructing"

Address: 113 1/2 E. Palace Ave., Santa Fe, NM

Phone: 505-982-9030

Rating: 0

Theme: Mexican

Eating House: Upscale Restaurant on the Road

After visiting the picturesque little chapel at Chimayo, we spied the Eating House along the highway. It was an upscale, Mexican style restaurant which had replaced a former eatery.

As I was determined to try a green chile hamburger, I looked no further on the menu when seeing that offered as a lunch item. It was covered with melted asadero cheese and accompanied by perfectly crispy apple wood bacon and house fries. Needless to say, I enjoyed my green chile burger immensely, although it cost $12.00--which was a bit high!

The executive chef, Enrique Guerrero, also oversees The Galisteo Inn's (1703) restaurant in Galisteo, New Mexico. He was quite willing to have his picture taken with my husband--we teased that they were cousins. Of course, it made no difference in our bill. Boo-hoo! Guerrero was trained at the California Culinary Institute and is known for his 'Nuevo Hacienda' style cuisine.

Favorite Dish: Green Chile Burger

Address: Pueblo Plaza, Pojoaque, New Mexico

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Off US 284, 15 miles North of Santa Fe, New Mexico

Phone: 505-455-5065

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Mexican

Tesuque Village Market: A Local Hangout

If we hadn't been in our friend Ralph's hands, a native New Mexican, we never would have found Tesuque Village Market. The outside structure is very plain, but inside you'll find a surprisingly comfy local dining spot (picture#3). Just ease past the skeletons (picture #2) and find a table (if you're lucky).

I ordered a braided sweet roll that was wonderfully moist and tasty. Janis ordered a cappuchino that was soooo smooth and full of flavor! The store sold bagels, pastry, rolls, breads, some canned, grocery and deli items.

Our waiter, Greg, thrilled our friends (who are divers) with his tips on great diving places around Mexico.

It seemed the market was sitting in the middle of nowhere along a quiet mountain road, but plenty of people found it and were enjoying a satisfying breakfast there. An outdoor dining area shielded by plastic sheeting and warmed by heaters might be a nice place to enjoy a meal when its not the season for snow . Hours are 7am-9pm summer; 7am-10pm winter.

Favorite Dish: Breads and pastries would be an excellent choice!

Address: 3348 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Comparison: least expensive

Phone: 505-988-8848

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Rancho de Chimayo: A Special Occasion Place In A Restored Adobe

After touring the 1813 sanctuary and grounds of Chimayo, we found our throats were parched and our stomachs were grumbling. Rancho de Chimayo appeared just in time!

Colorful ristras were dangling from the roof and a charming folk art angel welcomed us to this lovely country spot (picture #3).

Rancho de Chimayo is an old adobe home repurposed as a restaurant which is very popular in the summer, when it's difficult to get a table. However, this was winter so we walked right in.

We had read that it was an excellent special occasion place, so we knew it had to be something special. A friendly waiter led us to a sunny table by the window, but once he realized we were just ordering something to drink and a snack, he suggested a snug spot by the sherpherd style fireplace. It was a cozy nook indeed (see picture#2)!

This is where I sampled my first sopaipilla--a soft pillow of fried dough often used to soak up gravy or juices, but also tasty with honey drizzled over it or with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar. It was absolutely fantastic! We also discovered the tangy sweetness of PRICKLY PEAR LEMONADE.

We highly recommend this restaurant! Rancho de Chimayo also includes a hacienda which is open to the public for lodging on another part of the property. If it has as much ambience as the restaurant, it should be a fine place to stay.

Hours areTue.-Sun 11:30am-9pm from Nov. to April; 11:30 pm-9:30 pm May-Oct.

Favorite Dish: Sopiapillas--flaky and delicious;' prickly pear lemonade--so good

Address: County Road 98, Chimayo, New Mexico

Comparison: about average

Directions: Near Sanctuario de Chimayo

Phone: 505-351-4444

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Mexican

The Inn Of The Anasazi: A Gourmet's Delight

The Inn of the Anasazi has an excellent restaurant called appropriately 'Anasazi'. A wonderfully light french toast topped with fruit and a sweet, flavorful syrup started my day beautifully, while a hearty pork tenderloin dinner at the end of our visit seemed to melt in my mouth! Highly acclaimed chef, Martin Rios, specializes in 'Southwest/Asian cuisine with a French influence'.

The Inn was located directly next to the Hotel Plaza Real, where we lodged. Our hotel did not have a dining area, so we found it extremely convenient to dine at the Anasazi. Especially one evening, when it had snowed all day and we did not want to drive anywhere on icy roads.

The restaurant was dimly lit by beautiful wrought iron sconces, the tables covered in sparkling white linen, the room cozied up by thick beamed ceilings and warm wood floors. The service was courteous and very attentive.

The Inn of the Anasazi is a four star hotel located a block or so from the central plaza.

Address: 113 Washington Ave., Santa Fe, New Mexico

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: 505-988-3236

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Eclectic/International

The French Pastry Shop: Delightful Pastry and Breads

It's not often or EVER I see bread baked in the shapes of alligators, turtles or frogs, but at the French Pastry Shop it happens every day (picture #2)!

Delicious pastry, desserts, crepes and sandwiches can be sampled at the French Pastry Shop. It's a cozy little restaurant/bakery, accessible off E.San Francisco Street or from the lobby of the historic La Fonda Inn.

We tasted an especially creamy Montmartre (picture#3)for dessert one evening--luscious! and a raspberry crepe early one morning--disappointingly dry. The service was fine, the wait staff friendly and the atmosphere warm and inviting. Hours are until 5pm.

Favorite Dish: Pastry

Address: 100 E. San Francisco St., Santa Fe, NM.

Comparison: about average

Phone: 505-983-6697

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: French