13 Best Santa Fe Restaurants for Foodies and Families Alike

Delicious food combined with casual, relaxed atmospheres makes these 13 spots some of the best Santa Fe restaurants for foodies and families alike. American cuisine, New Mexican food, Mexican eats, Spanish meals and Native American delicacies too are on offer in Santa Fe. The real question is: Which one will you try first?

The writer was hosted.

There’s a reason New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment. This place is stunning! The red clay, rolling hills and beautiful sunsets will take your breath away. Not to be outdone, chefs in Santa Fe pride themselves on their uniqueness, authenticity and ability to use red chilies and green chilies in just about anything.

My 12-year-old son and I visited for the first time this summer and we found plenty of fun things to do in Santa Fe. We ate so well. You can find French, Italian, Caribbean, Japanese and Asian food here, in addition to New Mexican cuisine.

Check out the list of the best Santa Fe restaurants for families next time you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Northern New Mexico!

Read More: The 15 best New Mexico resorts for families.

1. Rooftop Pizza and Draft Station 

60 E San Francisco Street
Santa Fe

This restaurant is located right in the middle of everything in the historic downtown Santa Fe plaza. It has a beautiful balcony overlooking the plaza for people-watching and a delicious pizza.

Try the blue corn pizza crusts for specialty New Mexican-style pizzas!

2. Plaza Café

54 Lincoln Ave.
Santa Fe

This casual eatery is one of the best Santa Fe restaurants because it serves a mix of New Mexican food, diner-style options and delicious desserts made in-house.  It has been owned and operated by the same family and is celebrating 75 years in business in 2022! It is a popular place, so be prepared for a wait. (Though the arcade downstairs might be a good place to hang out with kids!)

3.  Amaya at Hotel Santa Fe, The Hacienda & Spa

1501 Paseo de Peralta
Santa Fe

Amaya is located within the Hotel Santa Fe in the Railyard District. The hotel is southwestern-styled elegance with a very laid-back feel.

Amaya has a similar vibe. It is a Santa Fe version of fine dining. The atmosphere reminds you you’re in the southwest, (there’s a teepee in the courtyard) yet still upscale.

The tapas, or small plates, are a great way to sample different foods at this indoor/outdoor restaurant. My son loved the spicy red chile sauce on his enchilada at our dinner. If you like things hot, go for it! In addition to a variety of margaritas, Amaya also has an extensive wine list.

4. Tomasita’s Santa Fe

500 S. Guadalupe St.
Santa Fe

This restaurant is both a New Mexican and Mexican restaurant offering tasty entrees at very reasonable prices. The casual atmosphere at this family-owned cantina is perfect for families, even those with little ones.  Look for enchiladas, tacos and burritos but be sure to ask about the spice level before adding any spice on top. Go for the Nachos Grande if you are looking for a tasty treat!

5. Shake Foundation

631 Cerrillos Road
Santa Fe

This is a New Mexican version of the All-American casual burger stand. When the weather is nice (which is most of the year) opt for outdoor seating. Be prepared for a wait during prime meal time. 

It is one of the best Santa Fe restaurants for a truly New Mexican green chile cheeseburger and an Adobe Mud milkshake.

6. Iconik Lupe

314 S Guadalupe St.
Santa Fe

Whether you are looking to grab a coffee, eat a full breakfast or linger over brunch,Iconik is the most adorable cafe to visit. They have tons of outdoor seating in quaint courtyards with an almost Mediterranean feel.

I enjoyed the fantastic art and authentically cheerful employees. The giant homemade waffle was delicious! Also, try the breakfast burritos with corn tortillas, huevos rancheros and freshly-made pastries.

7. Cowgirl BBQ

319 S Guadalupe St.
Santa Fe

Cowgirl BBQ is famous for its live music happy hours, delicious BBQ and well-crafted margaritas. It is everything you would think a homey restaurant in the southwest would be.

Look for yummy entrees like quesadillas, fish tacos with sea bass and carne asada. Families will enjoy the courtyard with a small play structure to keep little ones entertained. If you want a steakhouse with a slightly country slant, Cowgirl will be one of the best Santa Fe restaurants for you.

8. Santa Fe Farmer’s Market

1607 Paseo de Peralta
Santa Fe

If you are visiting on a Tuesday or Saturday, take some time in the morning to visit the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market.

In addition to locally grown fruit and vegetables, there are also homemade gifts, sauces and baked goods. You can also find a covered cafe with communal seating for coffee, hot breakfast items like tamales and various pastries. Open from 8am to 1pm, the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market is walkable from Hotel Santa Fe.

My son and I thought it was simply a great place to hang out and soak up the culture, in addition to the good eats.

9. La Lecheria

101 West Marcy St.
Santa Fe

La Lecheria is the place for local craft ice cream. Skip your usual chain dessert shop when visiting Santa Fe. The ice creamery just opened a new scoop shop in the Railyard district in addition to a location near the historic Plaza on Marcy Street.

I walked by this location and the line was impressive as the offerings. Have you ever tried Sweet Corn ice cream? Or Avocado Habanero Vanilla? You can get these unique flavors and more right here.

10. Kakawa Chocolate House

1300 Rufina Circle
Santa Fe

This local chocolate shop is located near Meow Wolf with a second location in the Railyard. It is the perfect place for a treat after visiting the art museums, experiencing Meow Wolf or checking out the historical sites dating back over 400 years. The shop is known for recreating Mesoamerican and Colonial recipes and the results are delicious.

A must-try are the handmade caramels.  

11. La Choza

905 Alarid St.
Santa Fe

La Choza is the sister restaurant to the well-known The Shed. It is fine dining (especially since it’s near Canyon Road) but without the pretense. It was perfectly reasonable to bring my son here. He loved the “grown-up” vibe.

If you are a foodie, the focus on local ingredients here will be right up your alley. A must-try is the sopapillas that come as an option with dinner. Drizzle honey on these puffed-up tortillas for a bit of sweetness with your meal. So good!

Be aware that they do not take reservations. The wait can be long during peak meal times.

12. Sirphey at Bandelier

Bandelier National Monument
15 Entrance Road
Los Alamos

When visiting the 1000-year-old cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument, you will get hungry. Good thing there is a full-service restaurant that is open daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM near the park visitor center.

The menu includes green chile cheeseburgers, salads and breakfast burritos. My favorite thing was the surprisingly delicious veggie burger while my son raved about the Mexican Coca-Cola in the glass bottle!

13. Float Cafe & Bar in Meow Wolf

1352 Rufina Circle
Santa Fe

You will find Float inside the “multiverse“ at Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return, which is a mind-bending, explorable art experience for people of all ages.

After your wild trip, take some time to debrief at this wine bar and snack stand. They have craft-inspired spirits, coffees, teas and cocoas with a rotating menu of experiential options. There are snack and treat options available too!

Other Restaurants to Consider in Santa Fe

There were only so many restaurants I could check out during my recent visit to Santa Fe. However, there are many more to try! Other travelingmoms and locals alike have claimed the following as some of the best Santa Fe restaurants. I guess I’ll have to go back to try them!

• Coyote Cafe
• Jambo Cafe
• Radish & Rye
• Ten Thousand Waves
• Tune-up Cafe
• Pantry Restaurant
• Tia Sophia