Coyote Cafe, the Most Famous Restaurant in Santa Fe

Santa Fe stands as a top luxury travel destination with exceptional dining options. The city is adorned with remarkable restaurants, offering everything from charming truck stops to exquisite gourmet eateries.

Coyote Cafe is one of these unforgettable dining establishments, providing a benchmark experience that elevates every subsequent restaurant visit.

Coyote Cafe Has Been Famous for Three Decades

Since its grand opening in 1987, Coyote Cafe has remained Santa Fe’s most renowned restaurant. Its founding chef, Mark Miller, is often credited with creating the distinctive Southwestern cuisine that defines Santa Fe today.

Coyote Cafe’s Fearless Chef, Eric DiStefano

Since 2008, Coyote Cafe has been under the ownership and leadership of Chef Eric DiStefano. Originally from Hershey, Pennsylvania, Chef Eric has dedicated most of his culinary career to Santa Fe.

Before joining Coyote Cafe, he spent twelve years at the esteemed Geronimo restaurant. Now, Chef Eric co-owns both Geronimo and Coyote Cafe, featuring some overlap in their menus.

The Food and Menu of Coyote Cafe Chef Eric DiStefano

Chef Eric DiStefano has stepped into significant shoes at Coyote Cafe, following the legacy of Mark Miller, who revolutionized Southwestern cuisine. Chef Eric continues to serve the famous Cowboy Cut Steak, renowned for its unforgettable taste.

Acknowledged for his innovative menu, Chef Eric’s dishes reflect a unique blend of global influences. His bistro-style creations utilize Italian inspirations, Asian seasonings, and local New Mexico ingredients, providing diners with an exciting array of flavors.

Hungry Yet? Check Out Some Appetizers at Coyote Cafe

Chef Eric’s appetizers exhibit remarkable creativity, often resembling artistic masterpieces when presented. Regardless of their inventive nature, they are deliciously satisfying. Some highlighted appetizers include:

• Creamy Cognac Crustacean Bisque: Rich and savory, featuring generous lobster pieces.
• Surf and Turf Tartare: A delightful combination of Wild-Caught Sockeye Salmon, Avocado, and Beef Tartare.
• Coyote Caesar Salad with Eric’s Futomaki Twist: A playful take on the classic salad, rolled like futomaki.
• Softshell Maryland Blue Crab Tempura accompanied by a Bacon, Onion, Watercress, and Tomato Salad.
• Asian Seared Hawaiian Ahi Tuna & Foie Gras.

Main Courses at Coyote Cafe

The entrees at Coyote Cafe are generously sized and packed with distinctive flavors without being overly complicated. Every dish is cooked to perfection. For vegetarian diners, there is a specially crafted tasting menu. Entrée examples include:

• Mesquite-Grilled Atlantic Salmon or Lobster Tails.
• Colorado Lamb with Green Chiles sourced from Hatch, New Mexico.
• Sea Bass with White Miso, Wasabi Mashed Potatoes, Boy Choy, and Truffles.
• Naturally Raised Pork Tenderloin filled with Italian Sausage, Apples, and Walnuts.

Desserts at Coyote Cafe

Pastry chef Ericka Rodriguez crafts delectable desserts at Coyote Cafe. Highlights include:

• House-made ice creams and sorbets in imaginative flavors like fig, pomegranate-grape, and lemon basil.
• Indulgent options such as Flourless Chocolate Raspberry Cake and Banana Crème Pie.
• A selection of Port or dessert wines, including Late-Harvest Torrontés from Argentina, for those who wish to indulge further.

Drink Up and Howl!

Sommelier Quinn Mark Stephenson ensures that Coyote Cafe’s wine list is both extensive and elite, featuring exquisite choices like Super-Tuscans, Opus One, Sassicaia, and Sine Qua Non, along with moderately priced Zinfandels and Pinot Noirs.

Start your dining experience with a glass of New Mexico’s excellent méthode Champenoise sparkling wine from Gruet Winery in Albuquerque.

Coyote Cafe’s Elegant Wild West Dining Room

Conveniently located in the heart of Santa Fe, the restaurant welcomes guests up a half-circular staircase leading to the vibrant second-floor dining area.

The 68-seat dining room strikes a balance between festivity and elegance, all while maintaining a casual atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for both locals and travelers.

Coyote Cafe’s Top-Notch Service

Guests enjoy charming and efficient service at Coyote Cafe, known for attracting the finest talent in Santa Fe’s hospitality scene. For example, longtime server Brooks not only excels as a waiter but also pursues a successful career as a screenwriter.

Where to Sit at Coyote Cafe

With each table offering a fine view, semi-circular booths near the open kitchen are particularly sought after. Intimate dining options, like the secluded table 22 beside a glowing kiva fireplace, provide a romantic setting.

Solo diners and adventurous foodies can seize seats along the bustling bar counter, engaging with the kitchen crew during their visit.

Coyote Rooftop Cantina: a Casual Coyote Experience

From April through October, Coyote Cafe operates the open-air Coyote Rooftop Cantina next door, featuring a more casual menu with items like meaty tacos, burgers, and a margarita-centric cocktail selection.

Dinner at Coyote Cafe has become a defining experience for Santa Fe visitors, and it’s easy to see why.

Keep Up with Coyote Cafe

• Coyote Cafe website
• By phone: 505.983.1615
• On Facebook
132 West Water St.
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501

Disclosure: The restaurant hosted a complimentary meal for review purposes. For more information, please see our site’s Ethics Policy.

Eric DiStefano graces the cover of Local Flavor magazine, serving Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Courtesy of Local Flavor/photo by Kate Russell.