I haven't had a good experience like this in awhile and honestly, I couldn't wait to get home and write about it! Based on reviews we decided to head up to Santa Fe for Thanksgiving, mostly because I tried to book too late for ABQ. I wasn't sure we were going to have traditional "Thanksgiving meal " menu options, but we were pleasantly surprised. There was a prefix menu, hor'devours was a scallop ravioli. No options here but it was excellent. The other courses had options: soup or salad, 4-5 options for main course and it included a Thanksgiving meal: Roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, green beans, baby carrots and an exquisite cranberry compote. Dessert had 3-4 choices: apple pie/Taos vanilla ice cream, butternut squash pie /Taos vanilla ice cream, chocolate torte, tres leches cake. We had the apple pie and tres leches, both were fantastic. We also ordered a couple of glasses of wine and an espresso (again one of the best I had!). Top it all off with a beautiful dining room, caring and attentive staff, this was a phenomenal experience. I'll need to go back and try the regular menu. read more

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After a long day of travel, we headed to El Rincon, in our hotel, for dinner. While the food was okay, it was very expensive for what we got. For nearly $200, we each had one glass of wine and an entree, which were enough to feel full but not large enough for the price. The service was attentive and the patio was pet-friendly, both of which bumped our score up. We recommend looking elsewhere for a meal. read more

Outstanding place. About $40 a plate with lamb, beef and fish. Food is excellent. Elegant presentation with good service. Differently coming back. read more

I really like Estevan. The food was very fresh (albeit slightly higher price point) and is very much farm to table. I had a full course meal there and loved every single dish that I would go back again. The staff was nice, polite and helpful...and the ambiance is quiet, allowing for private conversation. Overall, I would love to go back and dine there again. Note: when I was there, they didn't have liquor license yet due to them in the middle of changing legal entity's name from the previous one. Hopefully, the restaurant with the new name (but very much the same menu selection) will have liquor license so they can get many more customers, soon. read more

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Quaint restaurant. Comfortable for a small party. The young staff in the dining/bar area are cordial but need more training. They do not know proper methods of serving wine and alcohol. Bathrooms are downstairs and far away. read more

We came across this after hearing it would be an hour-and-half wait at another restaurant. We weren't super hungry and opted for appetizers to ve our dinner. The server and bartender who greeted us were very pleasant and nice. We ordered the one tamale with anchor sauce -- delicious; the pastel de guacamole, calamari and organic goat-milk flan. This was definitely high-end nouveau food as you will see in enclosed appetizer menu. Presentation was very nice and the food was very good. We were visiting from out of town and heard the owner make small talk with other clientele as they were leaving. We didn't get that and that was a little off-putting. I mean we spent about $86 (including tip) and we weren't granted the niceties that the othe customers received? Come on now. As I said, the staff were really nice. read more

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Food was amazing, service was excellent, one of the best meals we had in Santa Fe. Get the ravioli appetizer! Steak was cooked perfectly. We came here to celebrate our anniversary and are so glad we did! read more

We've been here several times now and have always found the food and service to be excellent. More choices on the menu than many other local upscale restaurants, generally adding a special or two. Wine and beer. read more

Was looking for a restaurant that was open on Thanksgiving. We were lucky enough to get an early table for the "Estevan Thanksgiving experience". It included a pre-fix 4 course meal with multiple choices for the salad, entree and dessert. Shawn our waiter was a great host and provided us a great review of the meal and recommended some wine pairings whether we were going to select a poultry or beef for our entree. First course was a scallop nacho in a roquefort cream sauce and homemade sopapilla bread. Delicious. Second course was a choice of salad or soup. The salad was perfectly dressed and felt hand picked that day from a farmers market. The red pepper and bean soup was amazing and the presentation that split the 2 flavors in half was a great way to taste one, the other or both together. We both had the pheasant which was cooked to perfection -- complex with rich and nuttier flavors. Tastes of shallots mixed in the meat made each bite the experience. For the last course, we tried the Tres Leches which is a staple on the yearly menu and the Chocolate Truffle. Both were amazing and perfect way to end the meal. We got to chat with the owner chef on a couple occasions and he was very friendly and thanked us over and over again for coming to his place. He loved hearing how much we enjoyed his meal and I wanted to ask what wine should have paired with the meals. Regardless, we loved the wine we chose. read more

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Given the prices, this place was a solid "meh". Sangria was expensive for the amount you got. Sopapilla appetizer was tasty, but small. The $50 Iberian pork was tough and/or overcooked, and the side veggies were just ok. The almond cake for dessert was good, but the desserts all seemed pricey. The service was fine, but not "$50 entree" fine. When we mentioned the meh-pork, they were half-hearted about doing anything about it. There were few other people eating here, which probably should have warned us. We won't go back. read more

This was the best gourmet food we've had in Santa Fe. The chef has raised Chimayó chile to a new level. The carne adobada ravioli needs to win a prize. read more

We had a good dinner tonight there not the best ever as others stated. Chef who is also the owner Estevan likes to visit patrons. Small restaurant above a bar that also serves pizza and salads. We believe it is part of the hotel. My ribeye steak was perfectly medium rare but very thin. For 40 dollars i expected more. Came with a few veggies and potatoes. My wife got the chicken with panko crumbs. It had a nice lemon flavor. Came with a small amout of rice and same veggies. Appertizer was a good argula salad and chili melana. It was decent not spicy. It was too hot in the restaurant to totally enjoy it. They only sell wine and beer no liquor license. Surprised that the had no white sweet wines except a Semi sweet Riesling from NY. 15 dollars a pour is high. Meal cost 155 which was high for what we got. No bread is served. read more

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I had friends from out of state make dinner reservations at the El Rincon Cafe. As a local I had never dined there, nor heard of the restaurant. I ordered two menu items and they were both delicious. However, it was disappointing because despite having several waiters milling around, it took forever for them to come to the table with our requests. Our waiter offered sour cream to cool the heat of one of the spicy dishes and then he never brought it. We had to ask three times. Everyone at our table had the impression that our waiter was "stoned." The menu prices are totally outrageous for the size of servings. The serving sizes were stingy to say the least and the service s l o w! read more

We came here several years ago on a visit to Santa Fe and had a wonderful meal in front of a warm fire on a cold evening. Unfortunately, the experience was not as good this time. The service was wonderful and friendly, even for us without reservations. The starter salad was very good, and then came the disappointment. My wife ordered a ribeye. We have never seen a ribeye without any fat, where much of its flavor comes from. It was a thinly cut very lean and somewhat tough piece of meat. I had a lamb steak that also was disappointing, again thin and not as flavorful as lamb normally is. Both meat servings had the right coloration on the inside, so I can only guess the meat itself is what was wrong, not necessarily how it was cooked. Everything else was good, and yet at these prices, quality ingredients make a difference. Too bad, as the people wear very nice from the front end through the waiter and support. read more

If you are reading this review you probably dined at Estevan and wanted to see if anyone else had this surreally unpleasant dining experience. The owner and chef, Estevan Garcia, is the worst part of this restaurant. The attitude of a restaurant owner and chef isn't usually known but in this case he makes it known. You will find him sipping wine at the bar, and if you are not one of the tables he chooses to fawn over, you will likely be ignored and catch some rude, angry glares from him. The staff gets points from me because I know they tried to make it a pleasant dining experience in spite of Estevan's visible displeasure of our existence. The dining area and patio are attractive enough. Don't spend too much time taking it in because then you'll start to notice the dust on the decorative ristras. The attitude of the chef can be experienced through the food. The chile relleno is bizarre. It's weird that a New Mexican restaurant would choose to serve something as laughably bland as an Anaheim pepper, then choose to fill it with a bland mushroom Duxelle, and then lay it atop the sour-tasting "demi-glaze". If you can't spell demi-glacé, you probably shouldn't try to make one out of pinto beans. I was intrigued by the bright color of the red chile but was quickly let down by the flavor. It had an artificially-sweetened taste- why tout the use of Chimayo chile when you are going to ruin the natural flavor with sugar and whatever else you add? The flan was decent but nothing special and would have benefited from more of the caramel sauce. The tres leches cake was unimpressive and needed more moisture. Perhaps I have a peasant-palate that can't appreciate the flavors Estevan is going for, but I know "refrigerator" when I taste it. read more

Great service and the lamb was delicious! Enjoyed the ambiance. Highly recommended. Calamari was great, enjoyed the butter sauce. read more

We ended up at El Rincon Cafe in Santa Fe because there wasn't much else open at 7pm. It's a small spot, and there was only one other customer when we arrived. We learned the restaurant recently changed ownership after the previous owner passed away, so they were in the process of transferring their liquor license - no alcohol available. The food was delicious, but the prices were shockingly high. $38 for a salad with chicken, and our total came to about $150 for just an entree, a salad, and quesadillas for our two kids - no drinks. While the quality was there, it just didn't feel worth the price. Giving it three stars for the flavor, but the overall experience left us a bit underwhelmed. read more

I dined at Estevan for dinner on 12/29/21 while visiting Santa Fe, and must say it was probably the best dining experience of the trip! The ambiance of the restaurant was lovely, the service completely exceeded our expectations, and the food was amazing. I would highly recommend making a reservation at Estevan if you are planning a trip to the area - or if you already live here! Our server was Sean, and he took the time to learn our names and used them throughout the evening. When asking him about different bottles of wines, he offered to let us taste several before making a decision, even offering his own suggestions we had not considered. Toward the end of our meal, Chef Estevan came out and asked how everything was, which was nice. I noticed him chatting with lots of other guests as well. We opted for the specials for almost all of our food selections, so they may not be available when you dine here, but we had: *Arugula salad *Red cabbage salad (on regular menu) *Boar *Arctic char *Tres leches (on regular menu) We really enjoyed all of the food. I am gluten free and the server was knowledgeable in this and was able to communicate with the chef to make the necessary adjustments to accommodate. read more

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The carne adobada raviolis were excellent! I would go back just for those. Heirloom tomato salad was great! As was the Bibb lettuce salad. Entrees we had were the house enchiladas, one beef and one chicken, Christmas (red & green chili) And the special of 2 lamb chops with a cheese enchilada. Both were very very good. Dessert was the goat flan , served warm.. one of the best flans I've ever had. Our sever Zac did a very efficient job along with his team. Saw chef and he was very nice , ( and I do not have a problem with a chef owner hanging out at his restaurant) Only negative was they only had beer and wine.. would of liked to have a cocktail to start. read more

Dined at/around 6pm on a Thursday. Food was very good (corn chowder appetizer, trout main dish w/tomato salad), service was exceptional, and atmosphere (dined inside) was a tad crowded yet acceptable. Found a few bones in my trout, made me a little cautious. read more

What a disappointment. It was our last night in Santa Fe and we wanted to end it in a high note, but it was not to be. For starters, the restaurant is a bit tricky to find. There's a sign out front but once you get inside there is little indication that it's upstairs. No biggie, but something they should rectify. Our waiter, Zack, was not the most professional nor friendly waiter we've encountered, by any stretch. He started out ok, but he seemed to be a little put out out that we didn't order dessert and just dropped the check at our table without so much as a thank you or 'have a nice evening', something most servers would do, even at greasy spoons. We had shared the Chile Relleno which was very good, but thought perhaps two small plates should have been brought to the table rather than make it awkward for us. It comes with a lot of sauce and it was difficult to keep the table neat without a lot of effort. For entrees, I had the trout and my husband had the loin chops. Both dishes were quite disappointing, mine being flavorless and hubby's being dry. The atmosphere is cozy and warm, and one of the reasons I'm giving two stars rather than one. (The other reason is the Chile Relleno).) We had wanted to go to Geronimos but they were booked. Sorry we didn't look elsewhere for our last night. read more

This wad our best dining experience in Santa Fe. The food was so delicious and the service impeccable. read more

El Rincon Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Excellent dinner with friends. Poblano chili was excellent. Try the agave margarita... it is smooth and perfectly balanced. The best part of the evening? Chef Estevan visited our table and gave us his personal recommendations. I will be coming back.....don't miss the lava cake! read more

El Rincon Cafe - Chef Estevan - Mexican Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

A disappointing dinner at Estevan Restaurant. The quail was moist but bland, the Poblano Chili was tasty but not spicy, and the salmon appetizer predictable, the only thing missing were the bagels. The staff were efficient & working hard on a weekend evening. We're not returning. read more

Had the most delicious dinner tonight. Every course was perfectly prepared and staff was engaging and attentive. Chef/Owner has perfected his craft and it showed in each dish that arrived at the table. A wonderful blend of French techniques with Santa Fe flavors. Highly recommend! read more

Dinner for Four. We came to celebrate my mothers birthday. No options for nonalcoholic drinks. They don't care accommodate either. I asked for lemonade and the waiter said the bar can make from scratch but it takes a long time. In other words, you can have a water. We started off with the calamari which was absolutely delicious, really enjoyed the sauce its plated with. For our entrees my mother had the lamb medallion feature, my brother had the quail and i had the ribeye. My mother enjoyed the lamb, she did express it was a bit tough but managed to enjoy the entree. My brother had nothing but good things to say about the quail and i thought the ribeye was exquisite. For desert we did bring my mother a cake because she wanted a specific kind. The waiter didn't offer coffee or any desert options. I was curious to know what they had to offer. Overall, the food here is worth the price and the chief knows how to prepare a meal. I don't agree with the service, the waiter was not friendly, didn't care to engage with any recommendations or willing to accommodate. I noticed it was like that with most the staff, i think the only friendly wait staff was the food runner. I don't recommend coming to celebrate any type of holiday. They don't make it special, its just another table. I gave them the benefit of doubt because my mother was wanting lamb on her birthday. My father would usually prepare it for her but unfortunately he passed away two weeks prior to her birthday. I understand most restaurants don't feel obligated to make an experience for their guest. At the same time, isn't that the reason we go out to eat. For experience, joy and celebration. Great food, not a great experience. read more

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A lovely restaurant tucked upstairs in a building in the Plaza area, Estevan soothes diners with the sound of a crackling fireplace and charming music. Add to all of this a top-notch restaurant staff and meals cooked to perfection. Do yourself a favor and eat here! read more

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We shared calamari for an appetizer and it was rubbery and dry. We also shared the ravioli appetizer and that was pretty good. I had the cabbage salad which was small and way over priced. We had enchiladas which were ok but expensive and the tomato salad which was good. All in all, just ok but way over priced. Staff was very friendly though. read more

Once again, Estevan's proved why you should dine here. My son and I couldn't wait to get back to Estevan's now that there is some dining inside. Estevan's is a dining treat. As you walk up the stairs, you are immediately greeted by Estevan himself. We were seated in a private room; decorated with the look of Santa Fe. Our appetizer was simple, just smoked salmon but the Entree's were amazing. Two specials, from Artic Char tot he Filet. AMAZING FOOD! AMAZING PRESENTATION! AMAZING SERVICE! Estevan's is a treat; so treat yourself! read more

My hubby and I ate here for our first anniversary dinner. The food here is spectacular! It was quiet and the fireplace was very inviting. It was also really nice that the chef came out to say hello just before the meal. It's a welcome break from most of the touristy areas that are quite loud and busy. It's a smaller and quieter restaurant which gives a wonderful and romantic vibe. read more

Would give zero stars if I could. Made a reservation for dinner a few days ago. Checked into the hotel and getting ready for dinner and double checked my email for the reservation time. To my surprise, I had an email that my reservation was canceled by the restaurant. Called and spoke with the manager. Said she called me to confirm my reservation. Funny not one single missed call or voicemail on my phone. I mentioned to her of no missed calls on my phone. Just one excuse after another. She offered bar seating. Are you kidding me, bar seating on a special occasion! Seriously? Way to totally ruin a special evening and dinner with my wife. Do not recommend this restaurant. ZERO stars! read more

I had made a reservation with this restaurant about 10 days in advance so my family could enjoy over the holidays and without them contacting me first, they had canceled my reservation I had made on opentable. Big lack of customer service or consideration. read more

Looking for a great place for dinner with no wait time? My husband and I stumbled on Esteban after trying for an outdooring seat at several other restaurants. Wonderful food and gray ambiance! read more

El Rincon Cafe - Bar area. - Mexican Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

This spot was delightful. The service was bright and professional. The food offerings were well-thought out. I would not have know there was a pandemic. Though the staff was appropriately masked. And the guests were separated. It was such a treat! To be sure the meal was wonderful! read more

Excellent service with phenomenal tasting food. No complaints just all around exceeded our expectations! read more

El Rincon Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Awesome night fabulous food fantastic service ! This is a must go to place when in Santa Fe . Every aspect if this meal was perfect. Ever go to a place with expectations ? This is that place ! Guacamole Appetizer outstanding , wine selection-outstanding , service outstanding !!! read more

El Rincon Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Fantastic food, super-charming and romantic atmosphere, terrific service, and an extensive wine list. We enjoyed every aspect of our dinner here. Chef Estevan walked around and talked to us and other guests-- wanting to make sure everything was wonderful. It certainly was! We will be back! read more

Came here during COVID, so I'm sure it feels differently at other time. Italian dishes (ravioli and Bolognese pasta) were very strong, but service was a bit off and the lava cake looked like it collapsed and was cold in the middle (pointed that out and got a "sorry" but no credit). Pretty good experience, but not for this price point. read more

Poor service but that's to be expected in Santa Fe. Chef keep walking around eyeing the staff and patrons. He did stop and talk to the people that looked like they had money. No music not much atmosphere kinda boring. As far as food goes...I ordered the green Chile cheeseburger but couldn't find the green Chile. The fries weren't cooked all the way. My partner ordered chicken enchiladas with green Chile and the sauce tasted canned and super bland. The waiter came by and was like how's the food not too spicy I hope. What bc we are gringos? Seriously. Most toddlers can handle more heat than anything on the menu here. It's a cheap restaurant with stuffy atmosphere, you'd be better off elsewhere. Also...just beer and wine. No tequila! read more

We are at Estevan several times this week. The service is incredible and the food is unmatched. The Chile sauces are amazing and Estevan himself is a world class chef and amazing host. The enchiladas are to die for. Highly recommended read more