We’ve written about the Santa Fe food scene numerous times, largely because it’s just that good, and there is so much to explore here. From local eats offering the best lunch in Santa Fe to exciting Santa Fe food trucks and high-end dining at the best restaurants in town, you could spend weeks here doing nothing but eating your way around the city and still leave with so much left to explore. Santa Fe’s food culture is a celebrated blend of Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican influences.
Santa Fe’s unique flavor profile, cultural fusion, and the city’s dedication to fresh ingredients and culinary artistry make it a standout destination for food lovers. The city is renowned for its bold flavors and innovative use of regional ingredients, such as chile, a cornerstone of New Mexican cuisine. Lunch spots across the city provide a delightful sampling of local dishes; from quaint cafes offering farm-to-table fare to bustling markets where vendors serve freshly made tamales and empanadas, each meal is a delicious nod to Santa Fe’s rich culinary heritage.
There are plenty of places to enjoy a delicious lunch in Santa Fe. From the city’s top dining establishments to local food trucks and Santa Fe’s hidden gems, lunch offers a unique opportunity to eat the way the locals eat. For travelers eager to dive deep into the flavors of this historic city, there’s no better place to stay than our centrally located Bed and Breakfast. Our high-end Santa Fe Inn is near the capital and a short walk to Santa Fe’s historic plaza. We offer an authentic slice of Santa Fe and look forward to sharing the best of Santa Fe’s culinary scene with you. Book your stay at our Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe today!
Where to Find the Best Lunch in Santa Fe
Finding the best lunch in Santa Fe is sometimes an underrated part of your vacation. We take care of breakfast (in a satisfying and delicious way!) at our Bed and Breakfast, and many diners focus on some of Santa Fe’s most legendary restaurants for dinner, such as The Compound, Geronimo, La Boca, and Sazon. Lunch, then, provides a unique opportunity to visit some lesser-known Santa Fe gems, markets, and food trucks, gaining insight into the way locals truly eat.
Wherever you choose to enjoy lunch in Santa Fe, you’re bound to find a culinary tradition steeped in layers of history and flavor. The key to truly experiencing Santa Fe’s food scene is to dive into dishes that showcase local ingredients, notably the chile. Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite spots to grab a bite to eat in the middle of the day (and many of them are just as good for dinner, in case you’re interested!).
- The Shed is one of the most popular places to grab a casual bite to eat in Santa Fe. It’s a great spot for dinner, but it’s also one of our favorite spots for lunch in Santa Fe. This popular eatery is tucked away just off the Plaza and is known for its blue corn burritos and red chile enchiladas. They also have fantastic margaritas!
- Café Pasqual’s is another fantastic lunch spot in Santa Fe. The menu features organic and locally sourced ingredients served around a communal table for a truly unique experience. As a bonus, a fantastic art gallery is here to enjoy before or after you dine.
- If you’re looking for a less crowded but still delicious lunch spot, head to La Choza, a sister restaurant to The Shed. The depth of traditional dishes here is fantastic, and their outdoor patio is a lovely spot for a summer lunch in Santa Fe.
- Head to Tune-Up Cafe in Santa Fe for lunch, and you’ll encounter plenty of locals doing the same. This gem is unpretentious, delicious, and always worth a stop.
- One of our favorite spots to grab lunch, especially if you’re visiting some of our favorite local museums, is the Museum Hill Cafe. There’s outdoor dining here, and the food is delicious – offering far more than a simple break between museums!
- Another hidden gem that always makes our list for lunch or dinner is Jambo Cafe, featuring delicious African fusion cuisine that is unique and a nice change from traditional New Mexican cuisine.
- Tomasitas is considered one of the best spots for New Mexican Cuisine, and as such, it can be a very popular spot. Grabbing lunch here is sometimes less crowded than dinner and just as delicious!
- Of course, a fun and exciting take on lunch in Santa Fe is heading to local Food Trucks. From El Chile Toreado to Fusion Tacos, there are so many fantastic food trucks that we’ve featured more of them below!
The Best Food Trucks Santa Fe
Though there are plenty of fantastic places to eat in Santa Fe, don’t miss the city’s exciting food truck scene! Like local restaurants, Santa Fe food trucks offer a unique and authentic taste of The City Different. These mobile eateries dot the cityscape, too, and often are centered around lively community locales. Menus at Santa Fe food trucks are diverse and usually feature creative twists on classic dishes, all infused with local flavors and ingredients that encapsulate the vibrant spirit of Santa Fe’s food scene.
Convenient and typically more affordable, food trucks give diners the flexibility to enjoy a range of dishes in casual, often scenic outdoor settings—a perfect fit for Santa Fe’s laid-back atmosphere. We’ve listed some of our favorite spots below!
- Among the top food trucks in Santa Fe, Bang Bite Filling Station stands out for its hearty, flavor-packed burgers and fries, which have garnered a loyal following. Their menu often features bold combinations and fresh, local ingredients, making it a must-visit for burger enthusiasts – especially those searching for an iconic green chile cheeseburger.
- El Chile Toreado is another local favorite. It is headed up by a father-daughter team that was nominated as a semifinalist for the best chefs in the Southwest by the James Beard Foundation. It offers a traditional take on Mexican street food, with mouth-watering tacos and burritos, all enhanced with its signature homemade salsa.
- Fusion Tacos has several spots around town, including the original location on Airport Road (a popular spot for food trucks!). It’s the best place in town for authentic tacos!
- Sushi may not be the first thing that comes to mind from a Santa Fe food truck, but you’ll change your mind as soon as you taste the food at Jesushi Santa Fe.
- El Sabor Spanish Tapas Y Masss is another fantastic choice for a casual but delicious lunch on the go!
- Monkey’s Food Truck is one of the most popular Santa Fe food trucks and is well known for its burgers and fries. It’s also found on Airport Rd.
- Finally, don’t miss the Mas Chile food truck, which serves a fantastic selection of tacos, burritos, burgers, and more. It’s also a great place for authentic esquites!
From local restaurants to these fantastic food trucks, dining out in Santa Fe has never been more fun. We’d love to share all this and more with you this summer. Book your stay at our Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe today!
