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Santacafe, Santa Fe, NM

Santacafe

4.7
4.7
3262 Reviews
$30 and under
Unspecified
Top Tags:
Old~world elegance meets contemporary cuisine in a venue that boasts one of the best outdoor dining experiences in Santa Fe. Nestled in the charm and elegance of one of Santa Fe's most beloved historical homes, Santacafé has been a restaurant icon for over 40 years. It was bought in 2019 by Santa Fe restauranteur Quinn Stephenson - the driving force behind another Santa Fe legend, Coyote Café. Boasting one of the best outdoor patio dining experiences the City Different has to offer, Santacafé combines the traditions of modern American cooking with exquisitely locally sourced ingredients.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 40 times today
Experiences are available.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Location
    231 Washington Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501
  • Neighborhood
    Santa Fe
  • Cross street
    231 Washington/Paseo de Peralta
  • Parking details
    Large Parking lot Behind the restaurant open to the public as well as large Bank Lot available next door after 5:30pm. Metered Parking on the street is also available and free after 6pm
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • CHRISTMAS EVE

    $100.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Dec 24, 2023 only
    We are excited to offer a special three course pre fixed Christmas Eve dinner to you and your loved ones. There will be several appetizers, entrees and deserts to choose from. Once you book through Open Table the experience for food, tax and gratuity are taken care of so the only bill that will be presented to you after your meal is the beverages you choose to enjoy. We look forward to continuing this Christmas Tradition at Santacafe. We ask you respect the experience is for 90 minutes for two guests and 120 minutes for guests to three of more.
    CHRISTMAS EVE Photo

  • CHRISTMAS DAY

    $100.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Dec 25, 2023 only
    We are excited to offer a special three course pre fixed Christmas dinner to you and your loved ones. There will be several appetizers, entrees and deserts to choose from. Once you book through Open Table the experience for food, tax and gratuity are taken care of so the only bill that will be presented to you after your meal is the beverages you choose to enjoy. We look forward to continuing this Christmas Tradition at SANTACAFE. We ask you respect the experience is for 90 minutes for two guests and 120 minutes for guests to three of more.
    CHRISTMAS DAY Photo

  • NEW YEARS EVE

    $125.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Dec 31, 2023 only
    We are excited to offer a special three course pre fixed NEW YEARS EVE dinner to you and your loved ones. There will be several appetizers, entrees and deserts to choose from. Once you book through Open Table the experience for food, tax and gratuity are taken care of so the only bill that will be presented to you after your meal is the beverages you choose to enjoy. We look forward to continuing this NEW YEARS EVE Tradition at SANTACAFE. We ask you respect the experience is for 90 minutes for two guests and 120 minutes for guests to three of more.
    NEW YEARS EVE Photo

What 3,262 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • New Mexico

    Best Ambiance

  • New Mexico

    Great for brunch

  • New Mexico

    Great for outdoor dining

  • New Mexico

    Most Booked

  • Santa Fe / Mountains

    Best Ambiance

  • Santa Fe / Mountains

    Great for brunch

  • Santa Fe / Mountains

    Good for business meals

  • Santa Fe / Mountains

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Santa Fe / Mountains

    Most Booked

3,262 Reviews

  1. KimT

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was my husband’s birthday and they could not have been lovelier…champagne and comp desert (totally unexpected!)…charming waiter and excellent food, beautiful atmosphere. I mention all this because a few months back we went to The Compound (after new ownership) for a special occasion. They had always been very nice in the past but this time…absolutely NOTHING special…too bad as we are locals and will NEVER go back. Santacafe was everything I expected and more—a wonderful evening!

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  2. rubenm

    Palm Springs

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Daniel the bartender was awesome! Love this place

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  3. brubak

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The bolognese sauce had too much tomato. Tasted more like red meat sauce than bolognese. Used to be better a while back.

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    Tucson

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a great experience. We loved it! Would highly recommend Santacafé.

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  5. Marcia

    New Mexico

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had the pasta of the day - it was melt-in-your-mouth good!

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  6. SantaFeRich

    New Mexico

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Santa Cafe is a favorite and never disappoints. The service and food are reliably excellent, and the minimalist southwest decor is relaxing and elegant.

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  7. LisaOrtiz

    New Mexico

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waitress Rachel was so lovely and made a retirement celebration lunch not too sad but filled with many good memories! Especially that Lemon cake with Yuzu DELICIOUS

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Fort Lauderdale

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Manager came by and greeted us. So friendly and kind. Waitress Emily was amazing with perfect service and recommendations. Food was absolutely wonderful. Would definitely return.

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  9. Lisa

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Santacafe continues to be consistently outstanding. The service can’t be beat. Everything is lovely and gracious with excellent cuisine. We had calamari frito for a shared appetizer, then Caesar salads. Our entrees were the filet mignon, pork tenderloin, and a bolognese pasta, followed by a lemon cake dessert and cappuccino. The authentic old adobe building’s territorial style architecture with its white interior walls and subtle lighting creates an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere of serenity and sophistication. Tasteful art, tableware, and white tablecloths complement and further contribute. Dinner came with a small complimentary white winter sangria , delicious and not too sweet. I loved the tiny bubble shaped glass it came in. There is background music, but it is soft enough that it is easy to hear tablemates’ conversation. We’ve dined at Santacafe four times this year and will definitely be back.

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  10. FooDie

    San Antonio

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Sunday lunch experience: reservation for 11:30am and host tries to give you the worst table in the restaurant (high traffic squeezed to wall in walkway) despite only two other guests seated. Got a better one after we disagreed. Outstanding apple walnut salad. Smoked Salmon with potato cakes: never seen such a small portion. Burger for main dish and fries were perfect. “Maggies pasta”: four tortellini looking lost on the plate. Really? I know Restaurants need to make profits, but this and the salmon portion were just ridiculous. Our server was not seen for extended times and could have been more attentive.

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  11. NancyK

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We sat at the bar for dinner and drinks. The bartender was busy with server orders but took great care of us.

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  12. JohnMarkY

    New Mexico

    61 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Another fine dinner at Santa Cafe We dined and drank

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  13. TroyH

    New Orleans

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food as well as outstanding service!!!!!!!

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  14. GC2825

    Houston

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellant lunch with 10 friends. We were able to make a last minute reservation for 10 people and were seated in a quiet, cozy room. The food was excellent and the service was outstanding. Thank you.

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The first child’s were great. Loved the wine and the service was wonderful.

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  16. txcomo

    Denver

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    We were there on Thanksgiving 2023. We had to pay in advance the cost for two including 20% gratuity. When I made the reservation, there was only outside dining available but I asked for inside. When I got there, they accommodated us and seated us inside. We were grateful for that for a nighttime reservation. Our server was not very personable. Everyone else, the greeter, busser, food deliverer and manager were all friendly and accommodating. The pumpkin ravioli was exceptional however the potato gnocchi was less than exciting. On the website, the vegetarian option was cauliflower but was replaced by the gnocchi. No explanation was given. The lemon cake was very good. Overall, the cost exceeded the quality of food and service.

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  17. AnaS

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    The pumpkin ravioli as part of the Thanksgiving menu were excellent. We had the lamb and the pork tenderloin and everything was cook to perfection and the flavors were great.

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  18. CindyH

    New Mexico

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic meal ❤️ great service! Highly recommend!!

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  19. PVGirl

    New Mexico

    20 reviews

    3.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience1
    The cooking and wait staff seemed to only be going through the motions-no joy, no creativity, no holiday feeling or decor with a robotic feel. The food quality compromised-dry overcooked salmon, tasteless side dishes, ordinary turkey Roulade and side dishes. The pumpkin pie was over spiced and the pecan pie had a slightly burned taste.

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  20. kathye

    New Mexico

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food3service4ambience3
    Usually a great spot. We were disappointed in our meal last night. the turkey roll was tough and flavorless. We will not be going back for Thanksgiving again.

    1 person found this helpful

  21. SFdiner

    New Mexico

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience2
    I requested seating in outside tent. Restaurant didn’t have that note, they did manage to accommodate us. Service was off to a slow start. Finally got water and after many requests, the outside heater was finally lit. Service seemed to reflect that we had prepaid and tip was guaranteed. Food was good.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience at SantaCafe for our Thanksgiving meal. Great service.

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  23. SusanB

    Dallas

    32 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We came for Thanksgiving dinner. My husbands turkey was not cooked through (it was very pink), so he didn't eat it. His desert, Panna Cotta, was liquid and had not set up. We have dined here the past 3 Thanksgivings and this was the first time we had issues. The rest of the meal was delicious. Very accommodating for gluten-free and vegetarian diners.

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  24. AlanM

    Houston

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful Thanksgiving experience. We brought the family in from Houston for Thanksgiving and were truly impressed. We had filet, lamb chops and pork medallions. We shared a taste among the family members and couldn't decide on a favorite. We will be back.

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  25. KimberlyR

    New Mexico

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    We were on the patio, which was expected, but the table was directly in the bright sunlight, which made it very uncomfortable. My husband's turkey roulade was simply a turkey roll, but the dressing was excellent. My filet minon was rare, and not medium rare as I ordered. No, I didn't send it back. I have dined here many times, but this was way off from the usual fantastic experience I have come to expect.

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  26. PattyC

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our server was professional and knowledgeable. He continued to check on us without be intrusive. The salmon and calamari came out perfect.

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  27. janb

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first holiday meal at SantaCafe and it will be a tradition for us now. We made reservations for the Christmas Day meal on our way out. SantaCafe has wonderful staff, lovely ambience and the food is excellent.

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  28. BruceV

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent experience again at Santacafe. The selection for Thanksgiving meals was varied and very interesting. The food was great, and the service was what you expect from a first class restaurant. It is not cheap, but very enjoyable.

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    We went to SantaCafé in Santa Fe for a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving. The turkey roulade was marginal at best. It was like eating turkey mush in the middle. The other items on the turkey dinner were OK, not great, but the pumpkin pie was delicious. We did make our reservation fairly late and so we ended up eating outdoors in a heated area which was OK. In hindsight, I definitely would order something else other than the turkey dinner that they offered.

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  30. Chaz

    Los Angeles

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We asked for a quiet table and got a whole room to ourselves. I worried about the service there, but it was very attentive. We split the hanger steak and it was superb. Fries were drenched with the steak sauce; you might want to have it on the side. Superb drinks and wine. First time eating inside. We will return.

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  31. HARV

    Dallas

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I’ve eaten at Santa Cafe for many years ! Consistently excellent ! We eat there so often we call it “the club”

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  32. TonyG

    San Antonio

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding dining experience! Food was delicious and service was excellent.

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  33. GeorgeM

    New Mexico

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    There is so much to enjoy at Santacafe. You enter a lovely setting, the staff is friendly and responsive, the food is outstanding, and you leave wanting to return soon.

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  34. JaneN

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely setting and convenient parking. Highly recommended.

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  35. Jake

    Cork

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    I asked for a romantic table and was seated between two large groups! Needless to say, they were both loud! There were romantic tables, but I didn't get one. The appetizers (oysters) were over-priced at $22 for three! The lobster salad was amazing. The main dishes, (salmon, and beef bourguignon) were excellent! The drinks were lovely, albeit, a bit pricy and weak. The dessert, no flour-chocolate torte, was lovely. The service was great!

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We ate early. Weight staff was attentive, and the food was delicious.

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  37. Lagniappe

    Houston

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall4food4service2ambience1
    Food was great as usual. Trying to cram too many tables into a small place makes for a stuffy and overheated restaurant. Sat at bar while waiting for our table and the bartender never even acknowledged our presence.

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  38. Horatio

    New Mexico

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed a fabulous dinner. We all had different main courses and everyone was happy. The restaurant is quiet enough to encourage good conversation. The waiter and staff were excellent.

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  39. Rich

    New Mexico

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience3
    My wife and I out on our anniversary lunch. Ordered Calamari to start. Cooked well but tasted like they were cooked in yesterday's oil. Entrees were the Mussels and Flank Steak The mussels were so salty they were inedible. I'm not talking just salty, well beyond that. I hate sending anything back and reluctantly did so. The waiter apologized and offered me a different entree, I tried their pasta special which was a tortellini with spinach and cream sauce. The texture of the filling was like wet chalk. Sauce was had a citrus element to it that didn't fit the flavor and had the consistency of alfredo sauce left out too long and was also quite salty. Also inedible. The Flank Steak was cooked perfectly but was also so heavy with salt it was difficult to finish. Not sure where the disconnect is in creating such salty dishes but everything we ate was a failure to the pallette. I have not been to SantaCafe in years and it used to be fantastic. I had hoped they would still be that way. Quite surprised it was this bad. We both walked out very dissappointed. I really hope they sort this out, its such a lovely space.

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  40. bonnies

    Los Angeles

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Has become one of our go to spots for a quietly elegant dinner. Great food, service and ambiance. Love their flexibility for my gluten free diet.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Santacafe is rated 4.7 stars by 3262 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 40 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Santacafe

231 Washington Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    231 Washington/Paseo de Peralta
  • Neighborhood
    Santa Fe
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Sat 11:30 am–2:30 pm Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Unspecified, American, Cocktail Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Large Parking lot Behind the restaurant open to the public as well as large Bank Lot available next door after 5:30pm. Metered Parking on the street is also available and free after 6pm
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    DALE KESTER
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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