Santa Fe's rich history is deeply intertwined with Spanish culture, a connection that beautifully seasons its vibrant culinary landscape. While famous for New Mexican staples, the city also offers authentic tastes of Spain, and few dishes are as iconic or celebratory as paella. This saffron-infused rice dish, brimming with delicious ingredients, is a treat to find prepared well. While several establishments offer tapas and Spanish wines, finding truly exceptional paella requires a little insider knowledge. Look no further – we're highlighting two Santa Fe restaurants that stand out for their commitment to Spanish flavors and their must-try paella.
La Boca
Opened in 2006 by Chef James Campbell Caruso, La Boca quickly established itself as a cornerstone of Santa Fe's dining scene, bringing the lively spirit of a European wine bar to the heart of the city. It focuses on modern interpretations of Spanish tapas and cuisine, driven by fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. Chef Caruso's vision was to blend the exuberance of Spanish cooking with New Mexican elements, creating a unique and influential culinary voice—Pasatiempo Magazine once called La Boca "the most influential restaurant in Santa Fe." His success is underscored by being an eight-time James Beard Award nominee.
For those seeking authentic Spanish flavors, La Boca is a must-visit. It's particularly known for its dedication to Spanish sherry culture – they pride themselves on being ambassadors of Spanish sherry, offering a wide selection to transport guests' palates. The vibrant tapas selection is perfect for sharing, but for paella lovers, the restaurant offers both a classic Paella Classica (with chicken, chorizo, mussels, and shrimp) and a flavorful Vegetable Paella. A unique offering is their catering service, which specializes not only in tapas but also in hosting paella parties. Adding to the freshness, the menu changes seasonally to reflect the best local New Mexican ingredients available. Furthermore, they offer live music in their Taberna dining room most nights they are open, enhancing the lively atmosphere.
- Details:
- Address: 72 West Marcy Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501
- Website: labocasantafe.com
El Farol
Steeped in atmosphere and claiming roots stretching back to 1835, El Farol is undeniably one of Santa Fe's most historic and iconic establishments. Located directly on the famous Canyon Road art strip, it has served generations of locals and visitors within its classic adobe walls. More than just a restaurant, El Farol functions as a cultural hub, known for its live music and deep connection to the city's artistic spirit. Its walls are graced with murals painted by renowned artists, including Alfred Morang, adding layers of visual history to the dining experience.
El Farol offers a quintessential Santa Fe experience, blending flavorful Spanish tapas and entrees with vibrant live entertainment. It's particularly famous for its intimate flamenco dinner shows featuring performers from the National Institute of Flamenco. While the tapas are a highlight, El Farol reliably serves paella, including the Paella El Farol (chicken, Spanish chorizo, shrimp, mussels) and a Paella de Verduras, making it a prime destination for this dish. The bar itself is legendary – The New York Times once lauded it as "...one of the best bars on earth!" It's a place to soak in nearly two centuries of Santa Fe history while enjoying authentic Spanish flavors. Keep in mind that this historic building has provided memorable experiences since 1835, offering a truly unique backdrop for your meal.
- Details:
- Address: 808 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501
- Website: elfarolsantafe.com
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