The countdown to ten days of dining bliss has commenced. Santa Fe Restaurant Week 2024 is less than two weeks away and the festivities run February 19-29th with approximately 36 restaurants participating this year. When I first moved to Santa Fe, I was on a frenzied mission to try as many new places as I could and find the spots that would be like Cheers to me (based on all the photos of cocktails, it has been a valiant attempt to find my Cheers), I have been to 23 of the 36 participating restaurants. All the restaurants I’ve dined at have made the repeat dining list and a few have made the monthly rotation list.
My favorite spots for this year’s restaurant week are:
Izanami – Izanami is one of my favorite restaurants in Santa Fe and is located at Ten Thousand Waves Resort near the ski basin. This restaurant is worth the drive and if you’re feeling indulgent the perfect evening starts with dinner at Izanami followed by a soak and massage at the spa. You will sleep like a baby and will have no recollection of any stress you arrived with. This is hands down my favorite spot for sushi in Santa Fe and they just opened a new addition with an actual sushi bar you can dine at. The restaurant features Japanese inspired cuisine with an occasional New Mexico twist. They have great events with sake tasting classes, cookbook authors, etc. -21 Ten Thousand Waves Way, Santa Fe, NM 87501/(505) 982-9304/https://tenthousandwaves.com/food
Pink Adobe – Classic, tried and true Santa Fe cuisine. Pink Adobe and sister Dragon Bar had a refresh this past year and have re-opened. Pink Adobe is one of my favorite spots to take out of town guests to. The service is top notch, the food always meets expectations, and who doesn’t love a haunted restaurant. 406 Old Santa Fe Trl, Santa Fe, NM 87501/(505) 983-2979/https://pinkadobe.com
Palace Prime – This is old school Las Vegas Steakhouse meets Santa Fe. This is on frequent rotation for after work or gala drinks and dinner. The lounge is my favorite spot to dine, intimate and lively. The main dining room is perfect for special occasion dining or larger groups. This is the only place in Santa Fe I’ll order oysters – they are always fresh and they bring in a great selection. The bar has a great mixology program, excellent wine by the glass/bottle selection that doesn’t break the bank. I’ve tried most of the menu and haven’t been disappointed yet. 142 W Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501/(505) 919-9935/https://www.palaceprime.com
Sazon – I’ve only been to this restaurant one time. Loved the ambiance, the server was fantastic, I don’t have much recollection about the food which is why it is on my try again during restaurant week list. It’s one of the more costly dining options in Santa Fe and reservations are a must. 221 Shelby St, Santa Fe, NM 87501/(505) 983-8604/https://sazonsantafe.com
Santacafe – Santacafe is on constant repeat. This the go to lunch spot for business lunches, ladies’ lunches and business dinners. The sophisticated ambiance and top-notch service sets the tone for an exceptional dining experience. The branzino is zucchini noodles is my go-to lunch selection. The steak frites with Calabrian chiles and bleu cheese also is that sort of sinful indulgence you crave at least once a month. Exceptional wine list and cocktail list, the patio is one of the best in Santa Fe when the weather permits. 231 Washington Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501 /(505) 984-1788/https://santacafe.com
Zacatlan – Chef Eduardo Rodriguez is nominated for James Beard 2024 Best Chef of the Southwest and having dined at Zacatlan numerous times for dinner, lunch, and brunch I can testify to the worthiness of this nomination. The food is heavenly, the presentation of each dish a thoughtful piece of art. They recently received their beer and wine license, so you can also imbibe in the perfect sip to accompany your meal. 317 Aztec St, Santa Fe, NM 87501/(505) 780-5174/https://zacatlanrestaurant.com
El Nido-Su Sushi – This is a locals place, they either love or hate it. I lean towards loving it. It has a clean, Santa Fe aesthetic with a great fireplace in the main dining room. The menu is limited, but what I’ve had has been excellent. There is a separate sushi bar in the back that is my second favorite spot for sushi in Santa Fe. It’s a few doors down from Tesuque Village Market so unless you are starting out in Tesuque a little effort needs to be made to get there, but I think it is worth the drive – which by the way is spectacular in spring, summer and fall. It’s also near the opera so a popular pre-opera dining destination. 1577 Bishops Lodge Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87506/(505) 954-1272/https://elnidosantafe.com
Joseph’s Culinary Pub – Admittedly, I’ve only been once and it was for a wine dinner and there was a lamb entree which I gave to a friend since lamb is a no-go for me, and the reason why I have it on my restaurant week to try again list. I loved the ambiance – felt very European Bistro’ish, and the other items on the menu were delicious. The primary reason I haven’t returned is reservations are pretty much a must, and since moving to Santa Fe my dining habits have been more spur of the moment than planned weeks in advance. 428 Agua Fria St, Santa Fe, NM 87501/(505) 982-1272/https://www.josephsculinarypub.com
Notable mention for lunch:
The Teahouse Santa Fe – There’s no better way to spend a weekend than a walk down Canyon Road popping in and out of galleries and boutiques, followed by a stop at The Teahouse Santa Fe. They have an extensive menu with options for everyone – breakfast, brunch and lunch. The specialty tea drinks almost make you think your having a tea cocktail, but if you want an actual libation they have a great wine list and mimosas. The patio is especially lovely for al fresco dining when the weather permits. 821 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501/(505) 992-0972/https://teahousesantafe.com
Chocolate Maven Bakery & Cafe – Located in Midtown, more of a destination than happenstance, but worth the trip. Order a mimosa, and try to get a table where you can view the kitchen where are the bread and baked goods are made. Don’t forget to take something home – the bakery counter has a plethora of options sure to delight family, co-workers and friends. 821 W San Mateo, Santa Fe, NM 87505/(505) 984-1980/https://www.chocolatemaven.com
Skyfire – Skyfire is located at The Bishop’s Lodge, one of my favorite hotel properties to have a drink at and admire the view. Whether dining al fresco, or inside the restaurant, the offerings are good (the Baja fish tacos are my favorite in Santa Fe). The wine and cocktail list is excellent, and because it is a hotel property the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Sometimes it is fun to be a tourist in your own town, and this definitely feels like an escape. 1297 Bishops Lodge Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87506 /(505) 390-2323/https://aubergeresorts.com/bishopslodge/dine/skyfire
