EAT & DRINK
Every place on this list is somewhere we actually go — for breakfast meetings, slow lunches between hikes, and the dinners we book months in advance. No filler.
THE BIG PICTURE
Santa Fe runs on its food. Chile is the local religion, the question of red or green is the first thing a server will ask you, and 'Christmas' means both. The good news for any visitor: this is a city that takes a 700-year-old culinary tradition seriously and refuses to dumb it down. The harder news: this is a 'reservation town' in the truest sense — the restaurants that everyone tells you to eat at book up two to four weeks out, and showing up at 7 PM hoping for a table at The Shed is how you end up at a hotel bar instead.
We've sorted the list below the way you'll actually use it. Breakfast that sets the day. Casual lunches we grab between a morning trail and an afternoon at the Plaza. Dinners we book before our family even flies in. And the two or three restaurants we save for an anniversary or a birthday. If a place the city is hyping isn't on this list, it's because we either haven't been yet or we didn't think it earned the table.
THE ONE PLACE WE'D BOOK FIRST
On the Plaza
If you only do one traditional New Mexican dinner in Santa Fe, do this one. The chicken enchilada plate Christmas-style is the order. The gold coin margaritas are the second order. Reservations are by phone — call a week ahead, two if you're traveling on a weekend.
The first meal sets the day. These are the places we send guests on a quiet morning.
On the Plaza
Our favorite breakfast and brunch spot in town. Expect a 15–30 minute wait, but it's always worth it. Try the gluten-free seed and nut bread as a side or appetizer — we love getting an entire loaf (it's not cheap, but delicious), especially as a healthy snack for the hike later.
While you wait for a table, walk across to Doodlet's — a quirky toy store the kids love.
Galisteo, near the Plaza
An easy and fun spot with minimal wait and a great patio. The Chili Relleno Omelette with green chili is incredible — that's the order.
Off Cordova Road
A wonderful French bakery — perfect for breakfast pastries or sit-down brunch. The kids love the baked goods at the take-out counter.
Order online — sells out quickly
100% gluten-free bakery with amazing donuts and cinnamon rolls. A great option if you need to cater to dietary restrictions.
Old Las Vegas Hwy (close to the houses)
Casual counter-service for breakfast, coffee, and baked goods. Quick and convenient with a kid-friendly patio and small playground.
Cerrillos Road
Fantastic healthy brunch with great juices, avocado toast, coffee, and gluten-free options. Don't miss their Acai Teffcakes.
San Francisco St, near the Plaza
Casual café — great for breakfast, smoothies, salads, sandwiches, and excellent coffee.
On the Plaza
A unique breakfast and lunch spot with health-conscious food, an oxygen bar, and cacao coffee drinks. A great spot for a detox or nutritious start to your day.
What we eat on the go between a morning hike and an afternoon at the Plaza.
Canyon Road
Our absolute favorite lunch spot in Santa Fe. Known for great teas, coffee, sandwiches, and salads. There's usually a short wait — put your name down and browse the art galleries nearby while you wait.
Near the Plaza
Casual Mexican dining with rooftop views of downtown. The spot is lively (the music is energetic!) and the quesadillas are kid-approved.
On the Plaza
Casual all-day breakfast plus lunch and dinner. The food is simple but reliable, and the location makes for a great experience.
Cerrillos Road (and other locations)
Hands down, the best tacos in Santa Fe — possibly in the world. Primarily a pickup spot with limited seating. Try the chicken tacos or shredded beef.
Their salsa packs serious heat. We grab tacos to go and eat at El Rey Court's courtyard near the Cerrillos location, the Aspen Vista Picnic Site after a hike, or back at the house.
Old Las Vegas Hwy (close to both houses)
Casual counter-service for breakfast or lunch, coffee, and baked goods. Kid-friendly patio with a playground.
On the road to the Ski Basin
Japanese cuisine and sushi in a beautiful mountain setting. Great for lunch after hiking the nearby trails.
Where we book a table when family comes to town.
Book dinner before you fly. The tables worth having go two to four weeks out, especially on weekends.
On the Plaza
Hands-down our favorite traditional New Mexican restaurant — full write-up above. Add the green chile stew to the order, and remember reservations are by phone only.
Christmas-style is spicy — fair warning.
Old Santa Fe Trail
Our second-favorite spot for traditional New Mexican cuisine, with a charming patio and cozy indoor fireplaces. Easier to book than The Shed — reservations still recommended. Favorites include Clams Lucifer, Plato Mexicano, seafood enchiladas, and the Pink Dragon margaritas.
Old Las Vegas Hwy (very close to both houses)
A beloved local favorite — American comfort food and Southwest-inspired dishes in a casual atmosphere. Eclectic, rotating menu running from enchiladas to pizzas. Great pies — try the lemon meringue or coconut cream. Request seating on the back patio.
Canyon Road
Historic Spanish tapas and New Mexican cuisine in a 100-year-old building. Often features live music and a weekly flamenco dance show (tickets in advance). Great tapas, Spanish wines, and margaritas.
Near the Plaza, plus an El Dorado location near the houses
Casual spot serving amazing pizzas — including great gluten-free options — and hearty salads. Easy to order at the counter, grab a seat on the patio, or take pizza home.
Tesuque (north of town)
Casual and family-friendly spot serving sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and more. A relaxed, local vibe.
Tesuque (north of town)
Creative American cuisine with wood-fired dishes including pizzas, chicken, and steaks. Upscale atmosphere with a great ambiance.
FROM OUR FAMILY ALBUM
Real photos. Our trips.
"The question of red or green is the first thing a server will ask you — and 'Christmas' means both."
— From the Ice Family Guide
When the occasion calls for it.
Shelby St, near the Plaza
Our absolute favorite upscale restaurant in Santa Fe — elevated New Mexican cuisine. Incredible food and a sophisticated atmosphere. Order the Sopa De Amor and the signature dessert, Dulce Sinfonia. Reservations fill quickly — book months in advance.
Perfect for date night — not a kid-friendly room.
Canyon Road
Renowned contemporary American cuisine with excellent food and an upscale ambiance. Arrive early and enjoy a drink at the charming bar before your meal — they also offer a less formal bar menu. Reservations strongly recommended.
Bishop's Lodge Road
Stunning views and beautiful outdoor areas. Ideal for dinner — or our favorite happy hour for excellent chips, guac, and queso. The property has a large open field that's great for kids to run.
Four Seasons Resort
An elegant setting with a beautiful patio, perfect for dinner or sunset drinks. Heaters are available for cooler evenings. Even if you're dining elsewhere, stop by afterward for dessert and s'mores around the firepit. Reservations recommended.
Hyde Park Road
Sophisticated Japanese cuisine and sushi in a beautiful mountain setting. Ideal for lunch or dinner, especially after a mountain hike. Our favorites: Chirashizushi, the Bento Box, and their famous fried chicken (tori no karaage).
Canyon Road
Upscale contemporary American cuisine offering a refined dining experience. Reservations recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends.
Where we land for the sweet ending.
Paseo de Peralta
An artisanal hot chocolate house — perfect for a sweet afternoon treat. Kids and adults alike love sampling their unique and creative hot chocolate flavors.
Four Seasons Resort
The firepit area is ideal for relaxing with dessert, drinks, and watching the sunset.
Request their S'mores Kit — a Santa Fe rite of passage for our kids.
Old Las Vegas Hwy (very close to both houses)
Famous for incredible homemade pies. Don't miss the lemon meringue or coconut cream.
The deeper bench — places we rotate through when we're in town for a while.
The Railyard
The casual sister to The Shed, serving similarly fantastic New Mexican food in an inviting atmosphere.
Downtown
A long-standing Italian restaurant in downtown Santa Fe.
Near the Plaza
Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a wonderful outdoor patio — a great spot for happy hour margaritas and chips with guac on a nice day. Inside, servers often perform live show tunes.
Near the Railyard
Upmarket Mexican cuisine with exceptional craft cocktails in a vibrant setting.
Old Las Vegas Trail (close to both houses)
Casual spot known for outstanding burgers and sandwiches — and especially their famous Green Chili Cheeseburger with truffle fries. Relaxed vibe with a pleasant outdoor patio.
KEEP EXPLORING
Restaurants, hikes, galleries, spas — every category has the family's full take.