Santa Fe is a culinary destination that prides itself on remaining loyal to the ingredients grown and produced in the American Southwest. Fine dining does not necessarily go hand in hand with white tablecloths, but no matter the design style of the restaurant, you can rest assured that you will eat well. Here are a few of the places that we recently enjoyed.

Arroyo Vino

A 15-minute drive from downtown brings you to this establishment hidden away in the rolling hills west of the city. The restaurant sources ingredients from local farmers wherever possible, and most of the produce comes from its own two-acre garden. The seasonally changing menu serves Italian-influenced contemporary dishes. Starters may include yellowfin tuna enhanced by a whiskey barrel-aged shoyu sauce, candied jalapeño and pickled kumquat, or a rich parsnip risotto. My main course of braised beef short ribs, with crushed Yukons, charred-onion broth, spring vegetables and horseradish crust, was outstanding. Arroyo Vino also has an excellent wine shop that offers tasting workshops most Saturdays.

Arroyo Vino
218 Camino La Tierra. Tel. (505) 983-2100