Food is 5 stars. Service is super friendly but a bit slow and unpolished. Our waitress was lovely. At one point we got some food and our table was crowded with dishes so I asked the deliverer to take away some dishes and he said he could not but would get someone else to. No one else came to take them away till the near end of our meal so I found that a bit odd. The restaurant is beautiful and even has a traditional Japanese eating area where you can sit on the ground. We all enjoyed our sushi, bento boxes, fried asparagus, and grilled avocado. read more

izanami - Grilled avocado--so good!! - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Whether booking through the spa (on Ten Thousand Waves grounds) or walking in (Juan was graciously welcoming without reservations), this is a sushi spot on a hill worth visiting. Happy Hour runs twice daily with reduced prices on food & beverages from 3-5p and 9-10p. They have an extensive sake menu categorized by flavor profile designed for pairings, along with a lean but modern wine list including detailed tasting notes. Japanese whisky and exotic green tea (try the kuki cha!) round out a full beverage program, and deep booths offer private views of the lush valley below. Chef Kiko Rodriguez offers a four-course tasting menu at an exceptional value for $65 - trying this or any of Paloma's suggestions from their fresh sushi menu (only restaurant in New Mexico with fish flown in from Japan daily) will surely please. Gloriously chilled tuna sashimi was thinly sliced cut with heat from fresh wasabi and a savory ginger shoyu. Hand rolls are served in pairs, and the spicy tuna was simple, elegant, and delightful - a perfect showcase of the freshest fish. Before switching to dessert, shaved ginger is also snappy and cleansing. I was absolutely mind blown by the Sakura Pannacotta - delicate and dreamy custard textured like chawanmushi with soft aromatic cherry blossom and the most delectable shortbread accent. Three light courses that were fully nourishing, absolutely satisfying, and delightfully delicious! read more

izanami - Tuna Hand Roll - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

See all

The bar seating provided a lively yet intimate experience with two attentive bartenders. The pairing program (sake and whiskey) complemented the menu wonderfully. The flavors, textures, and freshness were consistently impressive. I would definitely return to Izanami for another culinary and sake-focused evening. Japanese Stone with steak**: A remarkable pairing; the texture and depth of flavor were exceptional. American steak with**: Rich, well-balanced, and cooked to perfection. Japanese beef**: So good, it felt like a standout in the entire meal. Sashimi plate**: Fresh, delicate, and elevated with the right sake accompaniment. read more

See all

Had the Restaurant Week prix fixe dinner. Every dish was delicious, but I especially liked the Miso Bass. I wasn't sure why Chilean sea bass (in general) was so well regarded, but I get it now. The texture is so buttery and tender, with a crispy miso glazed crust. It just melts in your mouth. It's hard to find chestnuts in the US, so I was really looking forward to the cake and it was indeed delicious! I've been to Izanami a couple times now, but I was sat in an area I'd never noticed before. It's my favorite now! It's the small area with large windows and booths that's reminiscent of a train car, and it has this lovely view of the mountains. It was comfy and sunny, and became quite cozy when the sun went down. read more

See all

The flavors were thoughtful and beautifully balanced. We chose the prix fixe menu, beginning with a beet salad that was unexpectedly refined and exceptionally well composed, followed by a delicate tuna course. The cocktails were equally impressive, and the desserts provided a delicious, memorable finish for a very special birthday celebration.... Our only suggestion would be to refine the ambience, particularly the music. We played soft Japanese music at a very low volume, and it immediately elevated the atmosphere, making the entire dining experience feel more immersive read more

Dropped by for dinner after our soak. We came in way earlier but they were able to get the table earlier to accommodate us. The space is very tranquil next to the spa. It comes with a $65ish prefix dinner. I went with sashimi to start, salmon rolls, miso bass and ended with the black sesame panna cotta. I had problem with the wine. They only do champagne by bottles. I went with a French white. It was okay. Orders two gyozas for kids. One chicken karaage, one eggplant, and each got a rice pudding. My sashimi was fresh. I think they might have hand made their wasabi. It was not as strong but fresh and flavorful. Sashimi was fresh but lacking variety. Salmon rolls were okay. I enjoyed kids egg plants. It was soaked in the sauce with nice chard around. My miso bass was interesting. The bass was nicely grilled with miso seasoning. But I found it really odd to have cooked seafood served with pickled ginger. It was a huge serving of picked ginger too. A bit unusual. Panna cotta was okay. I prefer the rice pudding from kids. Kids loved the chicken karrage. Disliked the gyoza (the texture of the filling is on the smooth side). They both enjoyed the rice pudding. Service was very friendly and attentive. We enjoyed our meal here. read more

See all

We were staying at Ten Thousand Waves for our honeymoon from a Friday night through Tuesday morning and had the pleasure of dining at izanami for our lunches and dinners from Saturday lunch through Monday dinner. We were a bit unsure about how the food would be since this is the only restaurant on property however we were pleasantly surprised! We probably ate 80% of the menu to be honest because we kept going back! It's an izakaya style restaurant so family style sharing, however the portions are actually on the larger side so it was very filling! Service was really wonderful as well! All staff were really kind and service was quick. I did want to shout out to Luka though! He was our waiter for lunch on our first day and anytime we returned even though we weren't seated in his section, he came up to us to tell us hello! That was really thoughtful of him! Now for the food! Salads here are exceptional - when we read the ingredients of each dish we were a bit unsure but more so intrigued by the combinations. We tried the wasabi caesar, roasted beet salad, and apple kimchi salad. Apple kimchi salad was SO GOOD and probably one of our favorite things we ate for the entire trip! We also had wagyu ishiyaki which was a very fun experience cooking thinly sliced meat on a 500 degree stone! Their sushi is also extremely fresh, as the chriashizushi bowl was delicious along with our futomaki rolls, and I love crispy rice and this place does it GREAT. I would absolutely recommend izanami for anyone coming to Santa Fe, and it is an amazing restaurant on the property of Ten Thousand Waves! read more

See all

The food was okay this time around. However the service was very slow. The waitress in the room with the low tables brought my drink way after my partner's drink. Forgot my sugar and told me that she wasn't sure I could get the aged tofu as a side. . The whole reason for even going to eat here today was for the tofu! ‍. Anyway, the other support staff came in to save the day. Bring in the sweeteners, AND the soy sauce for the tofu that our waitress never brought. The eating area with very crowded but surprisingly super quiet. read more

See all

Such a beautiful and dreamy restaurant. I was in awe with the area it is located in lone. Such a gorgeous retreat. This restaurant is located at the top of the hill. They have parking for disabled drivers nearby the entrance so that makes it easy to access the facility. The decor is so gorgeous and makes you feel like you are in a village in Japan. The staff were very welcoming and quickly sat me at a table with a view. I was extremely satisfied. The table decor and ambiance was so calming. The restrooms have bidets and are clean. The food options were amazing. I do feel like the portions are smaller so go into it knowing you may need a few dishes. Very tasty and yummy food nonetheless. Lots of options and things for everyone. Very Japanese so if you enjoy Japanese food this is your place. I definitely will be back. read more

See all

I live in Texas and visited Santa Fe for the first time on a ski trip. While at the ski resort, someone recommended Ten Thousand Waves for a massage. I did a lot of research and was really looking forward to experiencing the spa and dining there. Unfortunately, the massages were fully booked, so I decided to stop by for happy hour at the bar and planned to order dinner there as well. I got the last seat at the bar, and at 5:00 pm I was given my bill. I asked if I could stay a bit longer to enjoy dessert and a sake flight I had been excited about. The bartender checked with the manager and I was told I couldn't stay because reservations were coming in at 5:15 pm. I only needed about 30-60 minutes. Afterward, I sat out front waiting for an Uber and noticed that not many guests were coming in. This made the situation more disappointing, as there didn't seem to be an immediate need for my seat at the bar. I was genuinely excited to be there and even shared the experience on Instagram. Unfortunately, after this visit, I won't be returning or recommending the restaurant to others. read more

izanami - Happy Hour - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

What a unique restaurant, the design and architecture is lovely. We were seated quickly at our time and quickly began ordering. Cucumber/avocado salad, wasabi Cesar, black sesame noodles, pork belly, mushroom, sea bass, smoked pork ribs, karaage, and some pieces of nigiri. Everything was fresh and tasty. The pork ribs were the table favorite and the deserts were delicious. Everyone left with happy bellies. read more

This amazing Japanese restaurant is nestled amongst the buildings and lodge at the at Ten Thousand Waves. There are a few parking spaces near the top of the property, but if you are able, I recommend parking in the lower lot and wander up along the meandering path to the spa which is lined with peaceful nature. We had mistakenly scheduled a tour at a time which made our visit to the restaurant a bit rushed, but we told our waitress and they were able to accommodate our time need. We had the snow crab and avocado nori maki, the kabocha croquettes, the smoked pork ribs, the shichimi fries and the roasted Japanese mushrooms which were extraordinary. Everything was exquisite and the service was outstanding. Do not miss this experience! read more

See all

Ive need to Santa fe many times and ive heard repeatedly to go to dinner at Izanami. This might be Santa Fe's Hidden Gem with Gorgeous Surroundings and Impeccable Service. Izanami Sushi is tucked away on truly stunning grounds, easily one of the most beautiful restaurant settings in Santa Fe or really anywhere.... The serene atmosphere and thoughtful design create the perfect backdrop for a high-end sushi experience. The food is absolutely incredible. Every bite was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. That said, the portions lean small, think elegant, not filling. If you're arriving on an empty stomach, plan accordingly. A pre-sushi snack or a post-dinner burger run might be your best bet. Service was flawless. Attentive, friendly, and perfectly paced. Not a single detail went overlooked. Would I go again? Without question. Just not when im starving! I really enjoyed my dinner here. The food is absolutely top tier. The vibe is more of a social dinner. That what I would plan for the next time. read more

See all

We ordered the wagyu steak because we love wagyu meatloaf! It was the worst steak we've ever eaten. It also came no sides. We had a "tropical" dessert that was basically only chocolate mousse, which wasn't how it was described. Atmosphere is okay but the lights over the tables, combined with the delicate and small font, made reading the menu almost impossible (and our vision is fine). Very slow service from our server (blond male with glasses). We won't go back. read more

Food, cocktails/drinks, service and atmosphere are simply exceptional. The short rib hot stone bowl was amazing, as was the miso sea bass. My daughter is obsessed with the black sesame noodle dish. Sushi offerings were fresh and creative. This place deserves a Michelin star-- it's that good. read more

I love coming here for the ambiance as it is tucked away in the hills. Portion sizes are nice and generous. the food is a nice change from NM cuisine. It's Japanese with its own flair (think bi bim bop which is a Korean dish but with red chile sauce). the prix fix menu is a great deal. Service can be a bit slow but that's not unique to this restaurant but rather more a reflection of NM culture read more

izanami - Yellowtail first course - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

See all

I've been to Izanami several times now. They are consistently phenomenal--I'd say the best dinning experience in Santa Fe. Most options are small plates designed for sharing (menu subsections: cold, fresh, hot, grilled, and fried). The have a great selection of wines, sakes, and cocktails. I ordered the Ginger Old Fashioned. It was very well balanced without being too strong or sweet. My sister got the Summer Cup (no proof). It was excellent and refreshing. I tasted it and didn't miss the alcohol . It paired perfectly with the fresh food items. All the food was phenomenal. A few highlights/must try items: -The Wasabi Caesar. Such an inventive spin on Caesar salad and one of the best renditions I've ever tasted. -Miso Lobster Croquettes. Perfect texture and flavors. It's served with a yuzu aioli and a piquillo pepper puree. Their gives a nice acidity to the fish. The plating on this (and all items) was amazing. -There's a nice selection of sashimi and sushi. This always risky in New Mexico but the sashimi we had (hamachi) tasted fresh and the cuts were great. We also ordered a salmon avocado roll. It had a toasted sesame crust which was unexpected but a great flavor pairing for this roll. -The Grilled Miso Bass is another phenomenal dish. One of the best bites of the night. -They also have a small but impressive dessert menu. We ordered "The Tropicana" (an almond biscuit with a yuzu caramel and a tropical mousse). We also got to preview other desserts. These are all gorgeous. They all looked like artifacts you'd see in an art museum! The venue it self is stunning. There are booths, table seating, a sake/cocktail bar, tatami floor seating, a cozy outdoor pavilion open year-round, and a deck. The building itself has a lot handcrafted New Mexican woodwork combined with older uprights and beams salvaged from Japan. The service here is also top notch. Everyone was very thoughtful, kind, and attentive. We felt guided through their menu and given great service throughout the night. read more

See all

The service was fantastic! The hostess seated us on time and was very pleasant, the servers all seemed happy to be there, and all had smiles on their faces. The waygu beef melted in my mouth. The food was fresh and beautifully presented. The drink was delicious! The only thing I didn't like was the amount of salt that came with the dessert. I get that salt can bring out the sweet, but it was too much. However, that is just a personal preference. The food and service were fantastic, especially for a date night! It was a bit pricey, but it was worth it. We will definitely return the next time we are in Santa Fe! read more

See all

This restaurant was amazing. We had our New Year's Day dinner here. We ordered an Otokoyama sake, which is such a delicious cold sake. The sake menu is quite extensive. For food, we ordered the ceviche appetizer. We then moved on to the assorted sashimi plate. Everything on the plate was so tasty! We also ordered the onigiri with spicy crab. This was kind of bland. I wouldn't order again. We also ordered a salmon avocado roll. Basic roll but pretty tasty. We then ordered from the hot menu. We ordered the roasted Japanese mushrooms and the grilled miso bass. The mushrooms were delicious, but the dish was served by itself, and it was a lot of mushrooms to eat without any other dish. The wild Chilean sea bass was absolutely amazing, however the miso glaze was a little too thick and sweet. I ended up taking some of the glaze off the top and it was perfect. For dessert, we ordered the sorbet of the day and the Japanese rice pudding. both were absolutely amazing! Atmosphere was great! Server was knowledgeable about the menus and friendly. I would love to go back to this restaurant! read more

See all

Outstanding food, atmosphere and, for Santa Fe, service. Some of the best pork ribs that I've ever had. The black noodles were amazing, as was the tuna ceviche. Less impressive were the croquettes, and the onigiri. Need to try the sushi. Huge sake list too. Cocktails had Japanese thematics that were exotic and delicious. Located at Ten Thousand Waves, the magic begins when you drive up. read more

We ate here once when they first opened and wasn't very impressed... so I waited a few years to try it again. I've been hearing great things, so I went with friends last night. The ambiance and staff are wonderful. The outdoor covered patio is beautiful. It is all very peaceful, in harmony with the spa. We had some delicious sakes. But the rest of the meal was hit &, mostly, miss. The highlight was the black sesame noodles that we started with. Savory and you could really taste the sesame. Delicious! We had a few rolls, salmon sashimi and a shrimp & Hamachi sushi. Unfortunately we found these to be mediocre... lacking in any up-scale features. The short ribs were seasoned well... tender & DELICIOUS... IF you didn't get any of the white sauce on them. It was supposed to be parnsnip/pear, both of which we LOVE...but it was LITERALLY flavorless. No seasoning and I didn't taste either of the main ingredients. Overall, we enjoyed the ambiance and the company but, sadly, we won't be going back. I'd consider trying happy hour, but it's OVER when I get off work... 3-5. For the price we paid, there are MUCH better meals in Santa Fe. read more

Perfect way to end an evening at the spa! Good sushi, other dishes were delicious. My husband's cocktail was good, mine was not but not a big deal. Our server seemed distracted and forgot to bring things here and there. Atmosphere is great! read more

Izanami sadly turned out to be a completely underwhelming experience. First off, we love Ten Thousand Waves spa and after living in the area for years we finally decided we needed to give Izanami a try. We were aware of the price point so upon arrival were surprised by the uncomfortable plastic chairs and a pavilion with no ambiance whatsoever. Do not book a table in the pavilion. The best part of our meal was the server. He was pleasant and really tried to create a positive experience. The food, well it just never got better. We started with three different raw dishes and all of them just tasted off. Thought maybe fish hundreds of miles from the ocean was our error so we tried some other things...all just mediocre. The price though, definitely not mediocre. The two different types of beef on a hot stone, the presentation was nice but it didn't help the boring taste of the beef. Making wagyu beef boring is just kinda a bummer. It wasn't bad, but "fine" is just wasn't what was expected for the cost of the meal. Sea bass was ok. Again, just ok. Forgettable. The pea-sized serving of wasabi was laughable. I feel like you can offer two peas worth...so odd. We travel regularly (including Japan) and eat at many of the high-end restaurants in Santa Fe. This is not one we'd recommend to anyone visiting the area. $280 total cost for two people WAY overpriced for what we experienced. Go spend that $280 at Geronimo, Radish & Rye, Restaurant Martin, or MANY other Santa Fe Restaurants you'll actually feel like you spent your money well. Izanami, we tried to love you. We really tried. read more

Once again another outstanding dining experience. The food is consistently prepared and presented meticulously. The flavors and textures are all spot on. This would rival any izakaya type food in the U.S. Such a wonderful and worthwhile dining experience. read more

Amazing as always. The addition of sashimi and nigiri along with their other amazing dishes clinches it for me. Short ribs, tuna belly sashimi, and some outstanding sake choices were my favorites this time. This is one of my favorite places to eat, period. read more

Fun ambiance, tasty food and good service. All reasons to return and try other menu offerings. Just the parking seems to be something left to be desired. read more

See all

This place is so beautiful and lovely within the Santa Fe Mountain area. We decided to eat here after my wife's spa visit. This place is so unique, they even have kotatsu within the place, an outdoor eating area, and amazing views. We had a few rolls as an appetizer, and it was absolutely amazing. The salmon tasted like something we never have had before. The flavor and freshness was top notch. For drinks, we had a sake flight, and we had three amazing sake. The way everything went, was just incredible. For our meal, we had the bento box with chicken. This was plenty for two people, but I mean the veggies, sprouts, and slaws. So delicious. I really No dessert here, but this place is just outstanding. Also, their sake menu is so big, I mean two pages dedicated toward it? Wow read more

Had an amazing experience here! The food and drinks were absolutely perfect, the service was phenomenal - shout out to Kunja, Raul, and Julian - and the ambiance, interior design, overall vibe is immaculate. Couldn't say enough great things about this place I will definitely be back. read more

izanami - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

See all

This restaurant is striking, set amidst an Asian serene retreat in the Hills of Santa Fe at the Ten thousand waves spa. From the lovely decor to the flower beds, they certainly set the scene. The food was also wonderful. We went with the Prix fixe menu, and enjoyed a wasabi Caesar salad, the bento box, and a Japanese lemon sorbet that capped it all off. Our only complaint was the service. While extremely attentive, a lunch that probably would've been delightful at one hour, and enjoyable at 90 minutes, took over two hours and 20 minutes. Not sure if it was the kitchen or the service that took so long, but even those that were relaxed from spa treatments earlier in the day were frustrated. read more

See all

Great service, amazing food, and beautiful surroundings. A truly memorable experience! read more

See all

I came here with some friends after we spent the morning at Ten Thousand Waves, and boy am I glad we did! Not only was the backdrop beautiful, but service was super and the food was excellent. You start with bottles of both flat and sparkling water. Nice touch. Drink service was slow, but I think the bar was inundated with orders when we were there. No problem, we were eating in the meantime. I have a hard and fast rule against eating fish in landlocked states, but I make an exception when they tell me they fly it in daily from the largest fish market in Tokyo. The yellowtail practically melted in my mouth and the tuna and salmon were similarly excellent. The shrimp with mango sauce was divine. The crispy rice with spicy tuna was top notch. The salads were super (kale and beet was a personal favorite, but they were all great). I'm not sure we had a single item we didn't love. And with 9 foodies, that's high praise! I would recommend, and I would return if I find myself in Santa Fe again. read more

See all

We were underwhelmed by our meal. The chicken was overcooked, the salmon sashimi paper thin, the roasted vegetables were good but our server didn't inform us that our dishes already included the vegetables, crunchy spicy tuna rolls were fine but lacked spice.... It just wasn't worth the price and we would rather have eaten something delicious in Santa Fe. I love the spa here and if you do eat would recommend the unfiltered unpasteurized sake for something unique! read more

izanami - Unpasteurized sake flight - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Is Izanami heaven? Yes. It is. We reserved a traditional washitsu (floor table seating, must remove shoes). The ambiance is beautiful. The staff could be heard laughing together, great teamwork & were outstanding with both service & recommendations. We had sake flights which were amazing, when we ordered a full glass we were got sosogi-koboshi (traditional overpour for celebration) and grilled our own meat on the Ishiyaki (Grilling Stone) which were fun! Everything pictured was amazing but I could eat the black sesame noodles every day & crispy spicy tuna is the most perfect single bite. The wagyu is the finest quality. read more

See all

A friend and I had an amazing experience here. We sat at the bar and our server could not have been more helpful (I wish I remembered his name). My friend kept asking about the sake and he was very accommodating. He helped us select drinks based on our taste. We also really enjoyed our food and decor. I will definitely come back! read more

See all

***I would give them a 3.5 if possible. Went to this adorable restaurant for dinner with a friend after exploring Old Towne. We sat outside in their heated patio and were very comfortable. They even offered blankets! Our server was pleasant and helpful. We tried the 4 course dinner ($65/person) which included two appetizers, main entree and dessert. We also got nigiri (Wagyu and tuna)! Our favorite was the yellow tail sashimi (the sauce is to die for). Here's where my reduction of stars came from: If you have a pine/tree nut allergy (like I do), the 2nd course doesn't have an option that is nut free OR free of cross contamination. So, I asked to switch for something else and was told no. I politely mentioned this to the manager and informed them that it was frustrating. They did not offer to comp me or another item, they simply told me that they "sometimes" make exceptions (not in my case). Given the food prices and level of service, I am disappointed in their lack of ability to accommodate food allergies. However- my waiter was very knowledgeable and informed me of what to eat/stay away from. Overall- we enjoyed the fun ambiance, flavor of the dishes and experience but I would not order the 4 course meal again as someone with a nut allergy. read more

See all

After a delightful spa experience at Ten Thousand Waves, we worked up an appetite and thankfully Izanami was right there to welcome us. From the gorgeous wildflower landscape to the high-ceiling interior (with some surprising artwork), Izanami thrilled the senses. There were a few vegan options including the shichimi dusted fries and Agedashi tofu. But the stellar item was an appetizer noodle dish that was unctuously rich and ethereally light on the palate. I could've eaten the entire bowl by myself! But, alas, I had to share with my dining companion. Our waiter was exceptionally knowledgeable and presented each dish with flair. The busboy, however, kept trying to take our dishes before we ate every last bite. Lol. All in all, a wonderful dining experience in Santa Fe and one I would love to repeat! read more

See all

The best restaurant in Santa Fe. Fresh, delicious and beautiful hilltop location. Every dish is fantastic. Making a reservation is a good idea, it can get busy. read more

izanami - Mocktail - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

See all

Food is fine. Service is appalling. Management clearly hates locals/Hispanics and turns them away in favor of transplant/tourist dollars. They opened with some high-falutin' moral schtick about not serving fish because they care about the ocean. Now they have a massive sushi menu. I guess that moral high ground went out the window with all those tourist dollars they're hoarding. Try treating the locals as well as you treat the tourists. Try some basic human decency. Try not being money-hungry racists. Just try. read more

Avoid Izanami at all costs. We spent 2.5 hours here for a holiday dinner and it was a disaster from start to finish. We sent back every single course. The Wasabi Caesar was flavorless, the Smoked Tuna Croquettes were served cold (twice!), and the "A5 Wagyu" was tougher than a Choice steak from Walmart--served with ice-cold gravy. The service was equally horrific. Every time there was an issue, we waited 20 minutes for a manager to even show up. To top it off, they had the audacity to bring the full bill at the end as if nothing happened. When confronted, management's attitude was essentially "too bad." Truly the most arrogant and incompetent dining experience I've had in Santa Fe. Overpriced, cold food and zero accountability. Never going back. Save yourself the ridiculous cost and the aggravation. read more

Amazing food and amazing service! Our waitress was really attentive and landscape was absolutely perfect. read more

izanami - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico