Set in the Hotel Santa Fe, the only Native American-owned hotel in the city, Amaya accents its seasonal foods from around the country with local Pueblo and northern New Mexico ingredients. The menu might feature such dishes as pomegranate-glazed tribal wild salmon or citric ancho chilli-glazed elk tenderloin. The atmosphere is casual, with a blazing fireplace in winter and a summer patio surrounded by gardens, hummingbird feeders and mountain views.

Located in the Railyard district, this has long been a Santa Fe stalwart for fine Italian dining. There's a good selection of pastas and pizzas, but where Pranza excels is in its house specialities. These can include braised lamb shank, cioppino (mixed seafood stew) or pappardelle with duck confit. There are also special wine pairing dinners. On weekend nights, pianist David Geist entertains in the Geist Cabaret.

A lovely Victorian cottage filled with contemporary art, Ristra offers a shimmering bar where guests wait for tables to enjoy such dishes as black mussels with chipotle (smoked jalapeno) and mint and achiote-grilled elk tenderloin. The menu expertly blends the flavours of France and the southwest. The atmosphere is elegant, yet also warm and inviting, and there's a delightful patio for seasonal al fresco dining.

This casual neighbourhood trattoria is set in a historic building in the Railyard District. With the Santa Fe Farmers Market on its doorstep, it is dedicated to using the finest local, seasonal ingredients to prepare delicious, classic Italian fare, such as penne with spicy lamb sausage, grilled redbird chicken or the homemade ravioli of the night. There's an award-winning wine list too and service is warm and genuine.

Crowds fill this friendly, happy eatery near the Plaza morning, noon, and night. Using ingredients that are seasonal, fresh, organic or naturally raised, the menu features New Mexican, Asian and Mediterranean dishes. Specialities include smoked chillies with beef strips and eggs, ahi tuna salad and chicken mole enchiladas. Hand-painted Mexican tiles and murals give this small café, which seats only 50, a festive air.

This family-owned restaurant has been pleasing customers for three generations with its creative cooking and northern New Mexican cuisine. The setting is delightful: it's nine cosy, colourful rooms in a 17th-century hacienda are reached through a sunny courtyard off the Plaza. The Shed's spicy chilli is processed fresh daily in its own mill. Favourite dishes include the red chilli enchilada plate and spicy carneadovada (marinated roasted pork).

More of a watering hole with bar food than a proper restaurant, Del Charro is the place to find good cheap eats in Santa Fe. Daily specials like pulled pork sliders and country fried steak are just US$6. The excellent stuffed green chilli cheeseburger is made with locally raised, grass-fed beef. Located at the Inn of the Governors hotel, it's a casual, friendly, generous-portioned place for budget-minded travellers.

Maria's is best known for its margaritas. There are over 200 on its drinks menu, all made with premium ingredients. That said, the food is also excellent at this casual, down-home cantina. Enjoy classic dishes such as sizzling fajitas or blue corn enchiladas beneath the wooden beams of the main dining room or on the patio where diners are serenaded by mariachi minstrels.

Housed in a century-old, former station house in the Railyard, Tomasita's menu is based on traditional family recipes handed down through the generations. Chilli rellenos (roasted, stuffed chillies) are a house speciality, and sopapillas (fluffy pastries with butter and honey) are served with every meal. Locals rate its red and green chilli (a paste made of red or green chillies) as some of the best in Santa Fe.