Santa Fe is New Mexico’s stunning capital and is located in the Sangre de Cristo foothills – the southernmost part of our Rocky Mountains. Not only is it known for its beautiful mountain views, but Santa Fe is widely considered one of the best art cities in the world. With it’s pueblo architecture and rich, deep-rooted culture, Santa Fe is a wonderful wedding destination for both art and nature lovers alike, and even a destination for the foodie couple (especially if you like green hatch chiles)! We’ve put together a list of 12 of our favorite spots for delicious rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, brunches, and quick bites to make your wedding weekend in Santa Fe go smoother than the white sands of New Mexico.
1. El Farol 808 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501
El Farol is a great option to give your guests an authentic Santa Fe dining experience. Known as Santa Fe’s most historic and iconic restaurant and bar, El Farol serves traditional Spanish tapas and features dinner shows with Flamenco dancers. The restaurant can accommodate parties of 20-150 guests, so it’s an ideal spot to host a rehearsal dinner that truly feels like Santa Fe.
James Beard Award Winning Chef Fernando Olea of Sazon has been wowing diners in Santa Fe since 1991 with his unique interpretation of contemporary and traditional Mexican dishes. He was also voted the “Best Chef of the Southwest”, and has even gotten Sazon featured in TV shows. The restaurant is also a tequileria and mezcaleria with gorgeous works of art from different Mexican artists lining the walls, so this spot would make for a fun and aesthetic group event of a tequila tasting!
“La Boca” is Spanish for “the mouth” and this savory spot is definitely making our mouths water. Opened in 2006 by 8 time James Beard Award Nominee, Chef James Campbell Caruso, La Boca has the feel of a lively European wine bar, featuring an extensive selection of carefully chosen Sherries and Spanish wines. For your wedding weekend, the restaurant contains the beautiful Taberna dining room complete with stage and patio to rent for private lunches and events.
4. Terra at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado 198 NM-592, Santa Fe, NM 87506
At the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, Terra features flavors and recipes from northern New Mexico. The Piñon Room seats up to 30 for an intimate rehearsal dinner or meal with the wedding party, while the Lower Patio could be a great option for welcome cocktails – giving up to 40 guests a magical view of the Jemez Mountains during sunset.
5. Herve 139 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Located a block west of the historic Santa Fe Plaza, Herve Wine Bar has a luxurious lounge, bar, and dining area as well as outdoor patios. Come by with your guests for a glass of wine to welcome them to Santa Fe and enjoy the unique french-inspired interior.
6. Rio Chama Prime Steakhouse 414 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Rio Chama is just off the Santa Fe Plaza and serves American cuisine with New Mexican influences. There are five private dining areas available for wedding parties – the President’s Room would be great for a larger rehearsal dinner and the Patio would be great for an outdoor brunch the day after the wedding. The restaurant combines excellent steak, wine and cocktails with great service, making Rio Chama perfect for a larger wedding weekend meal/event!
7. La Plazuela at La Fonda 100 E San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Located inside La Fonda on the Plaza, La Plazuela is a fresh take on New Mexican cuisine, serving traditional meals with a twist. Reserve the restaurant for a Southwest rehearsal dinner and then walk around this historic part of Santa Fe for some sight seeing with your favorite people!
8. Inn and Spa at Loretto 211 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501
The Inn and Spa at Loretto has space for up to 200 guests outside in the Sculpture Garden – perfect for a larger rehearsal dinner. The venue gives guests the unique experience of dinner under the stars, and the chance to really take in art of Santa Fe. Or host a wedding weekend dinner, welcome party, or brunch in the Penthouse Suite, which can seat up to 75 guests. No matter the location within this beautiful resort, your guests meals will be from the kitchen of Luminaria Restaurant, which serves Southwestern fare and signature custom-crafted cocktails.
9. Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi 113 Washington Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501
The Anasazi Restaurant fuses Old World techniques with modern recipes for a one-of-a-kind menu for your guests. Have an intimate dining experience in the Wine Cellar with your 10 closest family and friends, or reserve the Library, which can hold up to 50 guests to have a wedding weekend party rich with Santa Fe culture and culinary history (and great wine!).
10. La Posada de Santa Fe 330 E Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501
While known as a great wedding venue in Santa Fe, boutique hotel La Posada also has smaller spaces on property ideal for an event like a rehearsal dinner or brunch. Envision your day-after brunch looking bright and airy against the traditional New Mexican pueblo architecture like the set up below!
11. Clafoutis 333 W Cordova Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507
Voted “best pastries in New Mexico” this is a cafe you should definitely stop by for a quick bite while in Santa Fe. Pack some pastries up for the road on your way out to share with anyone who couldn’t make the trip!
12. The Shed 113 1/2 E Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501
The Shed is a family owned restaurant located in historic downtown Santa Fe, just half a block from the famous Plaza. The restaurant has been around since 1953 and is world renowned for its red chile enchiladas and other blue corn specialties. They’re also known for their delicious margaritas, so stop by here with your bridesmaids to have some Chile & tequila to brag to the groomsmen about later.
