Santa Fe Restaurant Week: Your Perfect Excuse for an Unforgettable Dinner Date
Imagine a friend so passionate about food that she saves every penny—even those found on the sidewalk—for dining out. Her vacations revolve around exceptional cuisine, and she devours every food magazine for inspiration. When I invited her back to Santa Fe, timing it with Restaurant Week, she was astonished: "You have a Restaurant Week?" If you've missed this annual event, here's your guide to New Mexico's premier culinary celebration.
An Appetizing Affair Awaits
Organized by the New Mexico Restaurant Association, Santa Fe Restaurant Week transforms the Land of Enchantment into a food lover's paradise each year. Santa Fe's lineup stands out, offering exceptional value and world-class flavors. As a local, I'll focus on our city's vibrant scene, drawing from personal dining experiences at these trusted establishments.
Cheers to shared plates and cherished memories at Terra Cotta Wine Bistro! (Photo credit: Terra Cotta Wine Bistro)
Appetizers often steal the show, tempting diners to make them the main event. At Terra Cotta Wine Bistro, helmed by catering experts Catherine O’Brien and Glenda Griswold, the "shared plates" menu is ideal for two. Pair bites with wine and great company for an intimate evening—perfect with a food-savvy companion.
Primed for Pasta Perfection
Reserve a night for Primi at Il Piatto Italian Farmhouse Kitchen, where "Mangia Italiana" shines through handmade pasta. Available as appetizers or entrées, options like pappardelle satisfy any craving. While their roast chicken is legendary, the pasta steals my heart. Farm-fresh ingredients from local Farmer Matt Romero ensure seasonal excellence, complemented by a prix-fixe late-night menu (previously $20.14 for easy value).
Pasta dreams come true at Il Piatto. (Photo credit: Il Piatto Santa Fe)
The Main Event: Spotlight on Santa Fe Capitol Grill
Selecting entrées is a delight with Santa Fe's options—named one of livability.com's 2013 Top Ten Foodie Cities for good reason. Start southside at Santa Fe Capitol Grill, a local favorite far from any capitol building, showcasing neighborhood gems. Their happy hour fish and chips deliver crispy perfection, ideal anytime.
Settle in with the buzz of Santa Fe locals at the Santa Fe Capitol Grill.
Near the Plaza, Dinner for Two offers value-packed meals like El Rito lamb, paired with award-winning wines (Wine Spectator recipient for 9 years). Then, the iconic Bull Ring, a 26-year staple for locals including legislators, serves prime rib and steakhouse classics—no chains needed. Share sides, but claim your own rib eye.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth in Santa Fe
Cap meals with dessert: Santacafe's gluten-free chocolate mousse with blood-orange coulis is sublime amid elegant plating. Or dedicate a night to sweets, ending at Geronimo with Meyer lemon crepe and Limoncello syrup—a digestif-worthy Italian liqueur. A Canyon Road stroll follows perfectly, embodying Santa Fe's dining allure.
Chocolate mousse with blood-orange coulis at Santacafe—the coulis counts as fruit!
There’s a seat for you by the fireplace at Geronimo. (Photo credit: Geronimo)
Plan, Dine, Repeat
With 50+ restaurants participating annually, Santa Fe Restaurant Week delivers unmatched value. Book a hotel, rally a foodie friend, and explore. This is just a taste—new menus may join late, but every bite promises delight, from lunch to dinner.
