BLACK FRIDAY: Save up to $1,322 on our trips! Limited spots. Book Now.

Elegant historic charm meets culinary innovation in the oldest city in New Mexico, Santa Fe. And its buzzing restaurant scene comes into its own for that most treasured weekend tradition, the laid-back brunch. We revisit our guide to brunch in the city, to bring you some more must-visit spots.

Canyon Road in Santa Fe

Café Pasqual

Cafe, Restaurant, Mexican

Café Pasqual’s, named after the patron saint of cooking according to Mexican and New Mexican folklore, is a colourful, vibrant and historic pueblo-style restaurant positioned conveniently close to the plaza. The small interior, adorned with hand-painted Mexican tiles and murals belies the sheer volume of food produced over the course of a day.

The Chocolate Maven

Bakery, Restaurant, Deli, French, Belgian, American

World-class pastries, delicious silky chocolate and richly blended cappuccinos await at The Chocolate Maven. The quality of the organic baked breakfast goods exceeds even the very highest expectations, promising warm, oozy apricot French toast and a tempting variety of Belgian waffles, crepes and pancakes all generously spread with fresh fruit, sugary compote and Chantilly cream.

El Chile Toreado

El Chile Toreado, the understated roadside spot catering to tourists and locals alike, promises authentic Mexican food produced to the very highest standard. Founder and head chef Luis prepares unusual breakfast treats with a defiant hit of spice, the Tex-Mex-inspired breakfast burrito loaded with tangy chorizo being the morning pick-me-up of choice for Santa Fe locals.

Kakawa Chocolate House

A triumphant show of decadence, Kakawa Chocolate House offers something unique for a weekend brunch. Kakawa channels the medicinal history of drinking chocolate. Start the day with an Aztec brownie flavoured with chillies or enjoy a selection of chocolates created from the highest quality 80% dark chocolate.

Palacio Café

Cafe, Restaurant, American, Tea , Vegetarian

Palacio Café has a truly New Mexican feel, with its traditional exterior enhanced by the leaning branches of surrounding trees. Take a seat under the umbrellas to soak up the early morning sunshine or head inside, to the cheering red and yellow restaurant, complete with sweeping ceiling beams.

The Pantry

Diner, Restaurant, Mexican, American

The Pantry, Santa Fe
© The Pantry Restaurant
The Pantry has been a Santa Fe staple since 1948, serving delicious comfort food in a fun-loving, family atmosphere for over 60 years. Amongst locals, The Pantry is considered an ideal spot for a weekend brunch, offering familiar flavours plated with unparalleled panache.

Plaza Café Southside

Restaurant, American

Serving breakfast throughout the day and into the evening, the Plaza Café Southside fully understands the desire to live by your own rules. Allow the freedom of the weekend to wash over you with an indulgently late start, waking up slowly with a pile of freshly made buttermilk pancakes or the comprehensive fresh fruit plate. Relax on the terrace under the wide umbrellas or head inside to the colourful, neon restaurant, the high, exposed ceilings lending a contemporary urban café vibe.

Santa Fe Baking Co & Café

Cafe, American

The cheerful awning and glittering windows greeting diners on the approach to The Santa Fe Baking Company and Café are an indication of the exuberance within. This particular venue is one of the only spots in the city where you can expect to experience live music over breakfast. If feeling a little less adventurous first thing, traditional omelettes and bagels can be spiced up in moderation with the addition of a Sinful Side, such as smothered fries or rich chilli con carne. A signature breakfast at TIA Sophia’s | Courtesy TIA Sophia’s

TIA Sophia

Diner, Restaurant, Mexican

A signature breakfast at Zia Diner
Courtesy Zia Diner
TIA Sophia’s is an extremely popular, family orientated restaurant in the heart of Santa Fe, promising full flavor and comforting classics. Behind the sand-washed exterior accented with eggshell blue window frames, Mexican flavours permeate the space to create a truly authentic Latin American vibe.

Zia Diner

Diner, Restaurant, American

Serving upscale home-cooking since 1986, the Zia Diner promises an eclectic Southwestern and international menu served in its high-energy, art deco restaurant renovated from a former 19th century coal warehouse. Zia’s brunch kicks off the weekend in style, offering refreshing Mimosas, Bloody Marys and silky Irish coffees to bring a spring to the step.
If you click on a link in this story, we may earn affiliate revenue. All recommendations have been independently sourced by Culture Trip.
close-ad