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+1 505-954-1272
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1577 Bishops Lodge Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87506, United States
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Welcome to El Nido
El Nido, located at 1577 Bishops Lodge Rd in Santa Fe, NM, is a beloved dining establishment renowned for its inviting atmosphere and exceptional Italian-inspired cuisine. With over two decades of service, it seamlessly marries cozy interiors with a vibrant, wood-fired kitchen aroma. Guests rave about dishes like the succulent scallops with gnocchi and the enticing Cacio e Pepe, while the Burrata and Butternut Squash Soup consistently impress. The restaurant also caters to special occasions, ensuring memorable experiences with attentive service and beautifully plated dishes. El Nido promises a delightful culinary journey that resonates with both locals and visitors alike.
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About
El Nido
Welcome to El Nido, a culinary jewel nestled in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Located at 1577 Bishops Lodge Rd, this restaurant has been a beloved institution for over 20 years, delighting locals and visitors alike with its inviting ambiance and exquisite cuisine. With a focus on Italian-inspired dishes, El Nido harmoniously blends traditional flavors with modern interpretations, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
As soon as you step inside, you're wrapped in warmth — the inviting main dining room, especially cozy during the winter months with a crackling fire, beckons you to unwind. For those seeking a more relaxed vibe, the bar booths and lively long bar offer a more casual setting. During pleasant weather, the spacious back portal, complete with heaters for cooler nights, provides an ideal outdoor dining experience.
What truly sets El Nido apart is its commitment to culinary excellence. The open kitchen, featuring a wood-burning grill, fills the air with enticing aromas of smoke and grilled perfection. Customers rave about the wood-fired dishes; the Cacio e Pepe and selections from the Embers & Ash section are particularly noteworthy. One enthusiastic patron recalled their unforgettable scallop and gnocchi dish, claiming it to be “one of the best meals of my life.” Such sentiments resonate throughout patron reviews, affirming not only the high quality of ingredients but also the expert craftsmanship behind each plate.
The menu at El Nido is a testament to thoughtful creativity. From sumptuous appetizers, like the Stuffed Artichoke Hearts and Burrata, to standout entrees such as Filet Mignon and Lobster Pasta, every dish is thoughtfully prepared and beautifully plated. The desserts, such as the Honey Lavender Crème Brûlée, leave a lasting impression and are the perfect cherry on top of a stellar dining experience. One diner noted, “There were no leftovers!” — a true indication of the irresistible quality that characterizes El Nido’s offerings.
Service at El Nido is just as remarkable as the food. Attentive and friendly staff enhance the dining experience, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and valued. Reservations are highly recommended; the popularity of El Nido speaks volumes about its esteemed reputation in the Santa Fe dining scene.
For those looking to celebrate special occasions or enjoy an unforgettable evening with friends and family, El Nido is an outstanding choice. Its blend of exquisite food, charming atmosphere, and impeccable service creates not just a meal, but a delightful experience that stays with you long after the last plate is cleared. Whether you're a local or just passing through, a visit to El Nido is sure to leave a mark on your culinary journey.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ We started with the stuffed artichoke hearts which are delicious! I had the scallops with gnocchi and it was one of the best meals of my life! We finished with dessert a chocolate cake, and cream brulee both were done to perfection. I will definitely be back. ”
“ This Santa Fe institution has been one of our local go-tos for well over 20 years. We loved it before its hiatus several years ago and we love it even more in its reincarnation. The main dining room has always been inviting and cozy, especially in the winter with a fire burning, but we prefer one of the bar booths or the long bar itself. But in nice weather we usually enjoy the spacious back portal (that’s Santa Fe speak for covered patio), which, yes, has heaters for cool nights. The open kitchen has a wood burning grill that I would love to have at home, so the air smelled wonderfully of woodsmoke and grilling food as we cruised past the bar to the a 4-top on the portal. The food (which leans toward Italian) and service are always excellent. I especially like the Cacio e Pepe and dishes from the wood-fired grill, which you can find on the Embers & Ash part of the menu. (Suggestion: add a wood-fired steak to the menu, maybe rotating cuts, in addition to the tenderloin, as a nightly special). We like to take out-of-town visitors here so they get a taste of Santa Fe away from downtown. We’ll be back soon. ”
“ We went with the pre-opera menu and loved everything. Service was phenomenal, drinks were perfectly crafted and the food was great. Parking was a little weird but it all worked out. Highly recommend reservations. ”
“ El Nido deserves 5 stars! (IGNORE THE 4.4!) We had an AMAZING dinner from cocktails to appetizers to entrees, shareables and dessert - we thoroughly enjoyed it all! We had a reservation for four, were seated promptly and had excellent servers. Our table shared the Burrata and Artichoke appetizers. Both very good. The Butternut Squash Soup was delicious! For entrees we had the Sirloin special, Filet Mignon, Lobster Pasta and Limoncello Chicken. Everyone loved their meals and happily shared the Sauteed Spinach, Cowboy Mac and Cheese and extra side of Asparagus. We regretted not asking for more beets that came with the filet because they were that good. There were no leftovers! For dessert we all split the Honey Lavender Creme Brulee. If you love lavender, you’ll really enjoy the flavor. Highly recommend this restaurant. It was fantastic! ”
“ El Nido is a local gem. We recently celebrated my mom’s 80th birthday in this lovely space. Twenty guests had an amazing evening, thanks to John Paul. We had a special menu with an appetizer, 3 first course options, 4 second course options to include: beef, chicken, fish and vegetarian, and we were allowed to bring in a birthday cake. The food was delicious and beautifully plated, and the drinks were fabulous. The waitstaff was very kind and attentive, and the food was served in a perfectly timely manner. They were there to meet all the needs of our guests. The ambiance was perfect, and John Paul even provided flowers for the table. It was a memorable celebration. El Nido is a premier dinning experience. ”
“ Great experience here. Food was stellar and service was top notch. Our server, Miguel, was attentive, kind, and knowledgeable. To be honest I thought the whole “open flame fire-grilled” concept was a bit of a gimmick, but to be honest, it showed in the food, and was a huge addition to the wonderful flavor profiles. The artichokes were a must. The cocktails were also great. The ribeye was one of the best I’ve ever had. Perfect fat rendering, and the char on the meat was absolutely superb. My only note is that the Caesar Salad was a bit bland, could use more seasoning in the dressing, and perhaps would recommend a dash of black pepper upon serving. Big recommend. ”
“ I didn’t know exactly what to expect from El Nido, but even if I had set expectations, they surely would have been exceeded thanks to the genuine interactions, chef’s efforts and spot-on wine pairings. The dining space is historic - warm, light and authentic. And we loved the attention paid to our overall experience - shout out to their manager, John Paul. Wishing them continued success! ”
“ Had a wonderful dinner on Mother’s Day. Fresh , delicious and creative food. Our server was knowledgeable and delightful. Friendly atmosphere, looking forward to returning! ”