The Most Romantic Restaurants in Santa Fe - Where to Eat This Valentine's Day
Spend a sunny afternoon at Gruet Santa Fe and enjoy lounging on the patio underneath the cherry blossoms
Valentine’s Day in Santa Fe
Let’s face it, Santa Fe is a pretty romantic place just about every day of the year. There are opportunities for perfect settings to woo and be wooed are around every charming corner. Though it’s hard to go wrong with love in the capital of The Land of Enchantment, here are a few of our faves for a perfectly amorous Valentines.
Make a Picnic
Like a little privacy? Whether taken alfresco in sunny spot in the mountains, or in the comfort of your home, have we got a picnic for you! Grab your backpack and start with a visit with the knowledgeable staff presiding over the only cut-to-order gourmet cheese shop in the state, Cheesemongers of Santa Fe. Let’s face it, cheese is sexy. Stock up on artisan accoutrements including charcuterie, chutneys and chocolates (oh my!) then pack up your treasure trove and walk a few blocks south to procure the perfect pairing, a bottle of award-winning bubbly at the Gruet Winery Tasting Room. As America’s third largest producer of “Methode Champagnoise” sparklers, the Gruet family also is known for some of the best. Procure a bottle of their complex, and incredibly affordable, “Blanc de Noir”, named one of Wine Spectator’s “Top 100 Wines in the World” to complete a picnic even Cupid himself couldn’t resist. Not in a hurry? Stick around for a tasting flight and choose your favorite the old fashioned way…
Treat Yourself to a Day at The Spa
Any time of day is a romantic time for a Valentines date at Ten Thousand Waves spa. Book a private soak in the fresh mountain air and a sensual couples massage performed by their expert relaxation therapists, All this sensory stimulation can really work up an appetite, so just keep on your spa robe and wander over to Izanami restaurant. Reserve a traditional Tatami table or a cozy booth for an upscale “Izakaya” dining experience where small plates designed for sharing; and are encouraged to be ordered as slowly as one’s appetite dictates and paired with a tasting flight from the restaurant’s extensive collection of sakes.
The Main Dining Room at Sazon
Head Out for Happy Hour
Is an evening out your thing? Well let’s just say happy hour is so much happier, and certainly sexier with chilled oysters. Make a stop in the sultry Parisian style bar room at 315 Restaurant & Wine Bar from 5-7 daily to get yourself in the mood with a dozen of these reputed aphrodisiacs, washed down with crisp wines or an aperitif. But we’ve only just begun.
Just around the corner on tiny Shelby Street, resides our top pick for truly indulgent and romantic dining, Sazon. Presided over by culinary alchemist Chef Fernando Olea, this venue oozes romance. I mean for goodness sake, where else can you find Olea’s magical elixir, “Sopa de Amour”, literally, The Soup of Love? Sip craft Mescals surrounded by world class art reflecting the venue’s unique marriage of modern creativity and old school Mexican heritage. Nothing exemplifies forgotten traditions more than the the tiny ottomans respectfully placed at the feet of purse carrying guests, as a lady should never have to hang her precious cargo on the back of a chair or dare we say, put it directly on the floor! You will feel wooed from start to finish at Santa Fe’s favorite fine dining adventure.
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Stay Out Late
Not ready to go home yet? Though Santa Fe is not exactly known for it’s late night scene, there is one venue in Santa Fe that keeps the romance going into the wee hours. Tucked away on Water Street is art deco inspired Tonic, named by Architectural Digest as “The Most Beautiful Bar” in the state. Unwind in the dimly lit space that gives a nod to a different era to the rhythm of live Jazz while indulging in one of proprietor Winston Greene’s every changing daily menu of inspired libations.
We could go on. No matter the time of day or style of celebration, Santa Fe is steeped in romance, welcoming amorous visitors with open arms. We know you’ll find your bliss here.
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