Updated 2026
Santa Fe is a culinary hotspot, known for both local treasures and refined dining experiences. Visitors in town for holiday events in Santa Fe — or those simply here to explore — often find themselves asking the same question: where should you eat this winter?
These are the best cozy restaurants in Santa Fe to check out during the colder months. Authentic green chile and more elegant dishes alike can be found at these go-to cozy Santa Fe restaurants for winter dining.
Classic Cozy Lunch: Palacio
A winter day doesn’t feel complete without a hearty meal at Palacio. The restaurant sits inside an authentic adobe building painted in warm reds and oranges. Old wood beams frame the ceilings, adding to the inviting atmosphere.
The menu features burritos, served handheld or smothered, alongside sandwiches, soups, and other comforting options. House-made tortillas, salsa, and guacamole round out the experience. Palacio is open Thursday through Monday from 7–8pm and remains closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Authentic Santa Fe Chile: Café Castro
Craving red or green chile today? Café Castro is known among locals for its Chalupa Dinner, served with a blend of green herbaceous chile and sweet, smoky red chile. That combination delivers bold flavor and comforting warmth on colder nights.
Family-owned and operated, the restaurant has served authentic northern New Mexican cuisine since 1990. Popular dishes include pork pozole, sopaipillas, and rolled enchiladas. Draft beers from Santa Fe Brewing pair well with tamales, tacos, and chiles rellenos.
Fine Dining: Ten Thousand Waves’ Izanami Restaurant
A plate of gyoza or grilled kushiyaki pairs perfectly with hot Japanese sake on a cool winter night. Izanami Restaurant, owned by Ten Thousand Waves Spa, blends Mexican and Japanese influences in a distinctive dining experience. Menu highlights include esquites with Japanese yuzu mayo and grilled avocado served with wasabi sauce.
Additional offerings feature futo maki rolls, temaki hand rolls, and a well-curated raw bar. The ambiance feels especially inviting, featuring soft lantern lighting, private booths, and a garden patio surrounded by wooded acreage just north of downtown Santa Fe.
Fine Wine: TerraCotta Wine Bistro
TerraCotta Wine Bistro stands out as one of the coziest restaurants in Santa Fe. A Wine Spectator–approved list features hundreds of distinctive bottles sourced from around the world. Whites, reds, and sweet wines offer something for every palate.
The interior reflects classic French elegance, accented by vintage posters, leather seating, warm yellow lighting, and gold metallic countertops. Popular dishes include octopus, crab cakes, lamb tagine, ravioli, and salmon. Olives, onion soup, and cheesy bruschetta make ideal pairings while relaxing in this winter-ready spot.
Mediterranean Flare: La Boca
Live music and performances set the scene alongside Spanish tapas at La Boca. Classic dishes include patatas bravas, grilled eggplant, jamón serrano, paella, Idiazabal cheese, and mussels. Many ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible.
An entirely Spanish wine list showcases a wide range of varietals and highlights the full spectrum of Spanish sherries, a fitting choice for dining.
A Cozy Stay Makes It a Winter Getaway
A comforting glass of wine adds warmth to winter dining in Santa Fe. Knowing where to eat this season makes it easier to plan a memorable stay at Inn of the Turquoise Bear. Outdoor and indoor winter activities round out the experience and help create a well-balanced getaway. Book your stay.
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