By Nurit Burrow

The Shed

113 E Palace Ave

805-982-9030

Prices $

Food 7

Ambiance 8

Service 7

We ate lunch in the very pleasant patio at this classic Santa Fe restaurant . I had a salmon salad with a lemon & olive oil dressing. Simon had a chicken salad. Both items were very good, but the best part was their dessert. We shared a piece of the mocha cake which is served semi-frozen with a dollop of whipped cream. We were please to see other guests on the patio with their dogs. Next time we will take our dog, too. (Full bar available)

La Boca
72 E Marcy

805-982-3433
Prices $$

Food 8

Ambiance 7

Service 6

This Spanish tapas restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Tapas are small dishes that are meant to be a taste of an item or preparation.
We made reservations for dinner but still had to wait 1⁄2 hour for a table. The place is very small and tables are very close together. However, once we were seated, the service improved. We started with a glass of wine, some salted almonds and a grilled eggplant dish. We continued with a seafood stuffed cannolle, grilled asparagus, and a fantastic sliced beef tenderloin. (Beer and wine only)

Pink Adobe

406 Old Santa Fe Trail

805-983-7712

Prices $

Food 6

Ambiance 5

Service 4

We had a late lunch at this Santa Fe eclectic restaurant. We had our dog with us, so we sat in the patio. Service was very slow although the wait staff kept apologizing for it. Once we ordered it seems that our order was lost and had to be replaced. Simon had a very wonderful Gypsy Stew made with chicken, vegetables, and mild green chilies. I don’t remember what I ate. (Full bar)

Il Piatto

95 W Marcy

805-984-1091

Prices $$

Food 8

Ambiance 7

Service 8

This Northern Italian restaurant has been around for a while but has recently become very popular. The place is small with tables placed close to each other. There are also a few tables at the curb outside. We had made a reservation for dinner and were promptly seated. There was a full menu as well as a daily specials menu. Most of the dishes sounded wonderful. We shared a half bottle of Chianti and started with appetizers. I had a very nice sweet potato and sage bisque while Simon had a smallish heirloom tomato and onion salad. For our entrees we split a serving of pumpkin ravioli and a lemon roasted chicken with pine nuts. We shared a large tiramisu for dessert. Service was terrific. (Beer and wine only)

Guadalupe Café

422 Old Santa Fe Trail

805-982-9762

Prices $

Food 8

Ambiance 6

Service 5

This has become our favorite breakfast place. I love the breakfast crepe filled with fresh berries, vanilla yogurt and granola. Simon has had French toast made from the cinnamon nut bread and blueberry pancakes. Service is slow but the food is great. The place has a very nice patio, but it has either been too cold or the patio has been full when we have been at the restaurant. We tried going there for lunch but they will not allow dogs on the patio and we had Missy with us. We’ll try again.

Geronimo

724 Canyon Rd

805-982-1500

Prices $$$

Food 9

Ambiance 8

Service 9

A truly fine dining experience located on the upper part of Canyon Road.
(to be continued)