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Name: Galisteo Bistro
Address: 227 Galisteo St, Santa Fe, NM, 87501
Telephone: (505) 982-3700
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.10

Galisteo Bistro

227 Galisteo St, Santa Fe, NM, 87501

(505) 982-3700
Store is closed

Galisteo Bistro Menu

Insalate

Roasted Beet Carpaccio

Savory Gorgonzola Torte with Walnut Crust

Spinach Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

Mixed Seasonal Field Greens with Homemade House Dressings

Roasted Beet Carpaccio

Savory Gorgonzola Torte with Walnut Crust

Spinach Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

Mixed Seasonal Field Greens with Homemade House Dressings
Salad Entrees

Cajun-Seared Yellowfin Tuna

Crabcakes Casalinga

Shrimp in Garlic Sauce

Grilled/Pan-Roasted New Mexico

Cajun-Seared Yellowfin Tuna

Crabcakes Casalinga

Shrimp in Garlic Sauce

Grilled/Pan-Roasted New Mexico
Tapas Internacional

Chipotle Shrimp

Grilled Eggplant

House Specialty

Gambas Al Ajillo

Casalinga Crabcake on Bed of Mixed Greens and Red Pepper Aioli

Pan-Seared Risotto Cakes

Pan-Seared Yellowfin Tuna

Savory Squash Flan on a Bed of Sauteed Baby spinach and Caramelized Onions

Tuna Tartare

Housemade Baby Back BBQ Ribs

Chipotle Shrimp

Grilled Eggplant

House Specialty

Gambas Al Ajillo

Casalinga Crabcake on Bed of Mixed Greens and Red Pepper Aioli

Pan-Seared Risotto Cakes

Pan-Seared Yellowfin Tuna

Savory Squash Flan on a Bed of Sauteed Baby spinach and Caramelized Onions

Tuna Tartare

Housemade Baby Back BBQ Ribs
Cheese Flights

Gorgonzola Dolce

Aged Manchego

French Double-Cream Brie

Gorgonzola Dolce

Aged Manchego

French Double-Cream Brie
Bistro Classics

Braised Lamb Shank

Farmhouse Meatloaf

Chicken Saltimbocca

Seafood Pasta Romesco

Baby Back BBQ Ribs

Crabcakes a La Flamenca

Traditional Sicilian Smacafam or Vegetarian Smacafam

Eggplant Parmesan

Housemade Gnocchi Primavera

Braised Lamb Shank

Farmhouse Meatloaf

Chicken Saltimbocca

Seafood Pasta Romesco

Baby Back BBQ Ribs

Crabcakes a La Flamenca

Traditional Sicilian Smacafam or Vegetarian Smacafam

Eggplant Parmesan

Housemade Gnocchi Primavera
Natural Grass-Fed New Mexico Ranch Beef

New York Strip

Roberto

Bearnaise

New York Strip

Roberto

Bearnaise
Life's Little Pleasures

The Mud Puddle

Decadence

Featured Desserts

The Mud Puddle

Decadence

Featured Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Galisteo Bistro

Insalate

Roasted Beet Carpaccio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Savory Gorgonzola Torte with Walnut Crust [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mixed Seasonal Field Greens with Homemade House Dressings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Beet Carpaccio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Savory Gorgonzola Torte with Walnut Crust [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mixed Seasonal Field Greens with Homemade House Dressings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salad Entrees

Cajun-Seared Yellowfin Tuna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crabcakes Casalinga [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp in Garlic Sauce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled/Pan-Roasted New Mexico [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cajun-Seared Yellowfin Tuna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crabcakes Casalinga [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp in Garlic Sauce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled/Pan-Roasted New Mexico [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Tapas Internacional

Chipotle Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Eggplant [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

House Specialty [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gambas Al Ajillo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Casalinga Crabcake on Bed of Mixed Greens and Red Pepper Aioli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan-Seared Risotto Cakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan-Seared Yellowfin Tuna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Savory Squash Flan on a Bed of Sauteed Baby spinach and Caramelized Onions [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tuna Tartare [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Housemade Baby Back BBQ Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chipotle Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Eggplant [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

House Specialty [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gambas Al Ajillo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Casalinga Crabcake on Bed of Mixed Greens and Red Pepper Aioli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan-Seared Risotto Cakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan-Seared Yellowfin Tuna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Savory Squash Flan on a Bed of Sauteed Baby spinach and Caramelized Onions [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tuna Tartare [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Housemade Baby Back BBQ Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Cheese Flights

Gorgonzola Dolce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Aged Manchego [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Double-Cream Brie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gorgonzola Dolce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Aged Manchego [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Double-Cream Brie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Bistro Classics

Braised Lamb Shank [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Farmhouse Meatloaf [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Saltimbocca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seafood Pasta Romesco [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baby Back BBQ Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crabcakes a La Flamenca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Traditional Sicilian Smacafam or Vegetarian Smacafam [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Eggplant Parmesan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Housemade Gnocchi Primavera [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Braised Lamb Shank [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Farmhouse Meatloaf [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Saltimbocca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seafood Pasta Romesco [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baby Back BBQ Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crabcakes a La Flamenca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Traditional Sicilian Smacafam or Vegetarian Smacafam [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Eggplant Parmesan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Housemade Gnocchi Primavera [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Natural Grass-Fed New Mexico Ranch Beef

New York Strip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roberto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bearnaise [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

New York Strip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roberto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bearnaise [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Life's Little Pleasures

The Mud Puddle [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Decadence [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Featured Desserts [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Mud Puddle [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Decadence [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Featured Desserts [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Santa Fe for healthy meals suggestion.

Santa Fe Capitol Grill ( 3462 Zafarano Dr )

Subway ( 67 Ogo Wii )

Visit below restaurant in Santa Fe for healthy meals suggestion.

Subway ( 67 Ogo Wii )

Write An Anonymous Review

Bill P.

After spending a month in Northern California and eatting at many of the better restaurants in San Fran, Napa and Sonoma, we were absolutely thrilled with our experience at Galisteo Bistro. From the appetizers to the desserts the food was fantastic. Both my wife and I had the seafood with penne which is one of the best dishes we have eatten in a long time. The service matched the food as the staff worked like a well oiled machine. My only regret is that we live in Austin
(5)
Stewart A.

Sat at the chef's counter and had a fine meal by myself. Started with the Chipotle Shrimp, which were five flayed shrimp in a butter chipotle sauce. Nice flavor, not too hot and complimented the shrimp well. Then had the chicken saltimbocca, which was a special and not on the regular menu (which appears to be printed daily). Chicken was a tad dry but the saltimbocca was good: good quality prosciutto with a tasty sauce and orzo hidden underneath. I ordered one of five wines by the glass and chose the Milagro #9 Corrales Red, just because it's from New Mexico. Pretty tasty wine, sort of between a merlot (which it contains) and a pinot noir (which it doesn't). What I really liked is that the chef/owner Robert Chickering stands out front, greets the guests and seats and talks to them. Very old world and a friendly, sociable kind of guy. I recommend this place for singles and couples, maybe two couples.
(4)
Pamela M.

We visited this fabulous restaurant as a party of eight. Best meal I have had in the last 6 months. We were greeted promptly and seated at a lovely table. Our waiter was never far away and his timing perfect. The chef came to our table to describe the specials. We all had salads and then entrees. Everyone raved about the quality of the food, the ambiance and the service..
(5)
Jayne J.

This was our biggest disappointment out of the 8 or so restaurants we went to in Santa Fe over Christmas. We'd passed the place a number of times on previous visits and thought it looked so attractive from the outside, very intimate, with all the little white lights and candles. Well, it was attractive, although I've never been a big fan of the open kitchen style, and the service was attentive, but the food fell way short of expectations. Other reviewers have praised the lamb and the crab cakes, and we did NOT have those, so maybe they're the standouts, but nothing we did have was a winner. My eggplant parmesan was pleasant tasting, and I really like the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo with it, but I've had better versions of this common dish for a lot less than $19. My husband had the ribs and complained from the first bite; I had a taste, and liked it, so he gave me a whole rib, and I could see his point. While the flavor was good, they were dried out and chewy. Again, ribs are such a common restaurant offering (and for the entrees, at least, that seems to be the concept here), and are pretty good at so many places, that for $28 they ought to be pretty darn outstanding. Not the case. But undeterred for once, we shared a pumpkin mousse for dessert. It tasted good for a few bites, then got boring.
(3)
Sergei P.

The service here was excellent and timely. We ate at the chef's table (good ambience) and had a wonderful meal. Highly recommended. They gave my wife a rose at the end - nice end to a great evening out.
(5)
Wendy H.

Wonderful experience from the moment we arrived. This was our first visit. The friendly staff all made us feel appreciated. We started with the Maryland crab cake, the best I've had since moving to the west from Maryland 4 years ago. Filled with lump crab meat, no filler and a superb lemon butter sauce to complement. We had veal saltimboca and ahi tuna as entrees and they were equally delicious. The presentation was very appealing and our server, Ben, was perfect. This is a small bistro with high energy. The kitchen is open air and we sat in the window so the place feels cozy but not closed in. A real gem. Don't miss this place.
(5)
Mary L.

I've been here twice now... ...the first time the evening before running a half marathon. Though bison ribs have not been said to be great pre-race fueling, I enjoyed them at Galisteo! ...the second time this past weekend. As much as I wanted to try a new restaurant in Santa Fe, I knew that Galisteo served delicious meals. Unfortunately they didn't have the bison on the menu, but I did try a new fish (Skook) I hadn't tried before in addition to the stuffed grilled calamari appetizer. Both were delicious! The calamari came stuffed with seasonal vegetables, including morel mushrooms, which are a rare addition to any restaurant menu item. The skook was atop seasonal veggies (asparagus, brussel sprouts, & truffle dusted cauliflower) & was topped with a tomato sauce. Delicious! The customer service was attentive, kind, & very accommodating to modifications & allergies. Galisteo is a no brainer dinner choice in Santa Fe!
(5)
Tracy M.

We had dinner here our first night in Santa Fe. What a fantastic way to start a vacation. My husband had the pork belly, which he said was the best! I had the Galisteo Duck with black rice. I mention the black rice because the flavor was so unique (tea?) and was such a compliment to the duck. The house salad was excellent. We're from California and somebody told us not to bother with salads in Santa Fe. What? We had great salads wherever we went. I eat out a lot and can be a bit jaded when it comes to restaurant food...but this meal was memorable. They set the bar for all the other restaurants in Santa Fe and we talked about this meal the entire stay (and after). I gotta find out how to make that black rice.
(5)
Stacy G.

My husband and I loved this place. We were greeted so warmly when we arrived, made us feel very special. Our dinner was fabulous. We shared their special salad with the best homemade dressing and I had fish, cook to perfection. My husband had the eggplant, like nothing we (had to taste) ever had. OMG. Nice bottle of wine and homemade deserts Atmosphere perfect. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Frank O.

The food quality, atmosphere and service notes here all work like a symphony. The only thing daunting is the wine list as there are so many international selections. Even the champagne and blushed wine selections are impressive, and that is always a sign of fine dining detail and care. We ate 3 wonderful courses, and enjoyed every bite. This is a high style carnivores delight, with even a few items for vegetarians, such as eggplant parm. Hard core vegetarians, would be served better elsewhere, as the meats and fish take center stage here. Amazing presentation and course and flavor blending. wow! Thanks to Shelly she Is an amazing server.
(5)
Jesse H.

Food was fantastic! Butterfish is great choice. However, wine was overpriced, 50 dollars for four glasses of house Chardonnay.
(3)
Frank D.

Awesome experience in every capacity. Loved the stuffed calimari. Very welcoming experience
(5)
Sarah W.

Best meal in Santa Fe! I got the scallops - best I can remember ever eating. My mom had the veal, which she loved! Wine was tasty too. I was full half way through my meal, but I had to finish the scallops because they were THAT good. This two-man kitchen team is pretty incredible. We skipped dessert because we were so full from dinner, but the menu looked delicious. Great service! Super friendly! Warm atmosphere and this restaurant smells great!
(5)
K. B.

Undercooked food. My eggplant parm was crunchy and only a young inexperienced chef would allow that . My wife's chicken was also undercooked pink. Very nice menu and I was optimistic in finding this bistro. Nor worth the price.
(3)
Aaron M.

We had an excellent meal here! I was skeptical about ordering fish in New Mexico but they nailed it. Don't worry about ordering seafood here. The tuna and barramundi were both delightful, though different. I had the duck with berries and kale. Comes highly recommended. Service was great. Ask for Shelly! Be sure to make a reservation or come in early. The place really started filling up by 7:00!
(5)
Anne B.

This restaurant is a real treat. Excellent food, outstanding service and wonderful wines! Don't miss this!
(5)
Jill B.

This place was amazing! Great service and phenomenal food. Shelly was an excellent waitress- very attentive. I had the duck- yum! My husband had the Wahoo with sticky rice. Both were fantastic. You have to go here if your taste buds want to be happy :)
(5)
Mark G.

We were quite pleased w/ our meal. I had the ribeye w/ wonderful vegetables. I also started w/ the shrimp bisque, but I wouldn't order that again (it was just ok). Service was very good.
(4)
Lisa P.

We went there on a Sunday night to celebrate a 90th birthday in our group. The service was wonderful and all our entrees were great! They brought us out a complimentary glass of champagne and also comped our dessert. The dessert was absolutely delicious! A homemade vanilla ice cream, topped with chocolate mousse, topped with whipped cream and some chocolate drizzles. I can highly recommend the trout. My mother in law loved her chicken and her husband (the birthday boy) loved his veal and linguine. My husband enjoyed his fresh, homemade gazpacho. A wonderful evening and we will be back!
(5)
Doug E.

Okay, first of all, I'm so worried about this restaurant because it was empty today. The food is fantastic. Maybe not super New Mexicany, but very good. I had a delicious veal saltimbocca which was as close to perfect as it gets. Then for dessert, the sweet potato cheesecake: seriously yummy. My companion had their latest version of their mud puddle. I'm not a fan of chocolate, but I can definitely see it's appeal. The staff were also fantastic. Go there!
(4)
Mike C.

Cute place but empty mid afternoon Friday. They wanted us to sit at a table for two and reserve the better located tables of four for four. We left and went across the street to Secreto's for a killer cocktail on the patio.
(1)
Janet L.

Hubby and I wanted a change from southwest....this was it. I had pork chop he had filet. Awesome. The sauce on pork was mustard seed based made it. Must try place for one treat in SF.
(4)
Richard M.

We had dinner with a group of about 20 people. The service was very good and the food was wonderfully delicious. The tastes are pleasingly surprising. The portions are just right. The restaurant has a good atmosphere and seems to be a favorite place for couples. We enjoyed everything from calamari and squid appetizers to the salads to the perfectly done lamb chops. The restaurant put to gether for the group a special three course prix fixe menu at a very reasonable cost. The wine menu is extensive and of high quality.
(5)
Natalia M.

The food is delicious and the atmosphere is fantastic. The foie gras was perfect. We also order the filet mignon and the rabbit. The open kitchen is a plus. The service is remarkable. Not a good place to go with children! Fantastic location!
(5)
Michael D.

I really really loved this place. Intimate a little loud but you are almost sitting in the kitchen. We happened to go during restaurant week and they had a prix fixe menu. My companions and I ordered the salads and they decided to have the snapper. I elected to have an imported venison chop. It was phenomenal. The wine list was great and the by the glass selections were awesome. The french press coffee at the end of the meal was one of the best cups of coffee I have had in awhile. Really could not complain.
(4)
Kaitlin M.

We loved this place. Came here for our anniversary dinner. We enjoyed the atmosphere and set up. We started with lump crab cake which was heavenly. Continued on with filet minon and the duck as entrees. They were cooked perfectly and had great sides. It paired well with our wine from South Africa. The service was was wonderful. We were never without water, wine, or our plates cleared and new silverware. Lastly we had a creme brÃ»lÃ©e like dessert they was wonderful. We would love to come back again.
(5)
Jesse M.

This is the spot to take your lady!! The lamb was perfectly braised and our waiter recommended the a perfect wine for our meal. The chef made you feel like he was cooking the meal just for us. WOW!! you don't get that kind of treatment now a days!
(5)
Marc F.

The service was adequate and the menu was interesting. However the portions were small and the food mediocre. I had rabbit which was overcooked and thus dried out. My wife had a tiny overcooked portion of fish. My daughter had the seafood stew (they had a fancier name for it ) which was little more than 6 mussels and some clams in a tomato broth. The meal was expensive, even for Santa Fe but it wasn't worth half of what we paid.
(3)
Leslie K.

Absolutely delicious food and perfect service. Ambiance was wonderful, as was the wine. Couldn't have asked for more.
(5)
Sarah T.

Small, intimate, upscale setting with impeccable wine list and amazing seafood. It was far and away the best dining experience we had in Santa Fe.
(5)
Viola D.

The food at Galisteo was inventive, sophisticated and divine. The service was bizarre and cloying. The waiter either misunderstood my order or padded it by bringing both an appetizer that I had not intended to order and an entree. I could not finish both, so I asked the waiter to BONE the fish (Grouper Collar) and box it so that I could have it for breakfast. He "darling-ed" me non-stop (Yuck). He told me that I could either have one cheap plastic bag for my boxed entree OR for my half-finished Pelligrino. Seriously? So I have to walk back to my hotel balancing a QUART bottle of Pelligrino, a huge box of what turned out the be UNBONED FISH and my book. Having to bone the delicious Grouper Collar in my hotel room for breakfast was a NIGHTMARE.
(4)
C N.

Unexpected delight in Santa Fe. Being from East Coast we were happy to find a place that offered six fish entrees! And the two we had were delicious and expertly prepared. The waitstaff was friendly and genuinely seemed happy to be helping make our dining experience a good one. We will be sure to return on our next visit.
(4)
Nancy M.

Awesome Meal. Chicken Saltimbocca for my hubby and seafood and fish stew for me. Great appetizers too. Risotto cakes and gazpacho. Yumm. Highly recommend. And we are locals!
(5)
Anthony R.

Staff was very friendly on the phone when I had to cancel my last reservation. The time I went before that was after it was purchased by the new owner. It was a fantastic experience. They are really going the extra mile with special deals around town and that's helpful to people on a budget who like fine dining. I can't wait to schedule my next reservation.
(5)
Julie D.

We had an enjoyable dinner here on New Year's Eve. Our server was wonderful and helpful. The food was delicious - I had a chicken stew and my fiancee had a steak. Nice wine selection. Lovely and warm ambiance. My only complaint was the hostess, who seemed to loom over the place like a hawk. She called numerous times to confirm our reservation, and while I appreciate her diligence to run a tight ship, it felt a bit overbearing. Following our meal, the dessert menu arrived and as we chatted over options, the hostess circled our table and I watched her stand to the side and point to us, noting to another server that we would be leaving soon. She actually came over and pointedly requested our dessert order a few seconds after we had requested a few more minutes from our server. We decided to give up and find dessert elsewhere, as it was apparent we were being hurried out. I understand that it was a big night for them, but we paid a lot for that meal, were only there for maybe an hour, and I didn't appreciate being shuffled in and out (especially noting that there was no one else waiting at the door to be seated when we left). While the meal was delicious, because of this unwelcoming attitude, I doubt I would return or recommend this restaurant to friends. A little less imposition on the customer by the hostess would serve this restaurant well.
(4)
Connie N.

Simply Divine! Awesome food & service! Great Ambience!
(5)
Hoytt D.

I can't say enough about this place, I'm just sad I have to leave tomorrow and can't eat here again. I live in New York City and can't think of a better meal that I've had, let alone the fact that it's organic and farm to table. The service was amazing and they were super accommodating considering we came 15 minutes before they closed. The bison short ribs and tournedos were out of this world! Grilled calamari stuffed with organic veggies was amazing and closing with a mud puddle desert put the final touches on a great meal. Do yourself a favor a go!!!
(5)
Ara K.

The main issue with the food here is that it is uniformly over-salted (or at least it was on the day of my visit). Other than that, it is a decent bistro with solid (though not oh-my-god-how-imaginative) offerings. The service is excellent, with various staff members playing tag to make sure you're always satisfied.
(3)
Cassidy Z.

It's always difficult to chose a restaurant for dinner in Santa Fe because there are so many options! After much searching, my boyfriend and I were excited to try out this well-reviewed spot last night. We were immediately impressed with their customer service, as we were personally greeted by the chef upon our arrival. He even showed us to our table. The ambiance is nice, low lit and intimate, although the decor and tableware is a bit dated. Our server was great, very attentive and knowledgeable. We started with the oysters (refreshingly cold in marinara sauce) and the risotto cakes, which were delicious! They followed that with some bread and olive oil--always a treat. For dinner, my boyfriend got the steak bernaise. The steak was cooked well but he found it to be too drenched in butter sauce which pooled at the bottom of the plate. He asked the server and was assured this was the intended amount, so just a heads up that its oily. I was more happy, but underwhelmed, with my crab cake dish. The cakes were served on a piece of bacon and a rice/veggie medley. The crab was a little fishy for my taste but the bacon combo surprisingly worked. All in all, we had a nice experience. Great service, good food.
(3)
Kristi M.

Bland, bland, bland..... the service was very nice, but the food.... simply terrible
(1)
Ashley R.

I can only comment on happy hour, but spot on! Staff was super friendly even though I walked in alone declaring my happy hour intentions and advertising I wouldn't be a big spender. Great selection of wines for $8 and all apps for $8 was a great surprise. Just what I was looking for!
(5)
John P.

Great food, great service and great location!
(5)
Sherri K.

An unexpected and amazing find in Santa Fe. Everything was prepared expertly, and delicious! Everything was beautifully prepared and presented. The staff was very accommodating and friendly. It is just a few blocks off the plaza, and well worth the short walk! This will be a must for every Santa Fe trip!
(5)
Danielle Z.

The atmosphere was quaint and casual. The owner and his girlfriend are nice and available to chat throughout your meal. The food was very good. I highly recommend the gnocchi. It is served with vegetables making it unique and excellent. The best seat in the house is by the kitchen. Watching the chef prepare the meal, with his attention to detail was delightful.
(4)
Kirk L.

Not a cheap place to eat, but well worth it. Staff were extremely accomodating and did everything they could to meet our needs. The food was delicious with good portions. Will definitely eat here again when in Santa Fe.
(4)
Hal P.

We ate here 10/31/2013. Menu full of contrived dishes from miscellaneous cuisines. Tapas, steaks, random pseudovegetarian dishes. Whatever the names, it's all just very fatty food. For example, the Beet Salad consisted of a few shavings of beets slathered in oily dressing with gobs of goat cheese and some other crap. The Vegetarian Gnochi with grilled vegetables sounded very healthy, but it was just a big grease pot with some dumplings and carrots in it. The chicken saltimbocca was just a big huge helping of saturated fat and barely spiced (not even salted!) chicken. Tables for two are about 2.5' apart, so you can hear everyone else's conversations. Our waiter spilled some wine and made a joke out of it. Blech, what a horrible place.
(1)
John R.

I don't review much but this deserves my compliments. What a pleasant surprise! I live in Santa Fe and was last here when it served Italian style food. Under new ownership since June 2014, it is now a seafood and chop house. I had lamb tenderloin and my wife had duck breast. We cleaned our plates out. We both had wedge salad to start and it was excellent. Service was outstanding. I look forward to coming back soon to try their seafood. Good value and I recommend without any hesitation.
(5)
Dan P.

We went here for Valentine's Day and had a fantastic experience. We had a reservation and the host was prompt and friendly getting us to our table. The server was very knowledgable about the menu and each course was fantastic. I had the Tinga de Puebla on their specials menu and it was one of the more delicious dishes I've had at any restaurant anywhere. My partner had a New York strip and it was cooked well with great flavor. Good food, good wine, and good service... I'd recommend this place to anyone!
(5)
Jim D.

We were so happy to find Galisteo Bistro. A very stylish setting just two short blocks From the Plaza where we found the most exciting menu in Santa Fe. From the crab cakes through the beet and prosciutto salad to the entrees every step a success. The wine cellar is expansive and well curated. We found the staff warm and responsive. A must for Santa Fe visitors with sophisticated tastes.
(5)
Mary Anne P.

Lovely ambience, lovely food and great service. Luis our waiter recommended a wine not on their list which was fabulous accompaniment to wild boar ravioli with a mushroom sauce, duck breast, a Calabrese sausage Smacafam over crusted polenta and whole snapper. It's been years since I had been here, but will plan a return trip soon!
(5)
Fr D.

Excellent all around. Elk was fantastic and bison short ribs were tender. Staff was attentive.
(5)
Jeffrey M.

I had a wonderful meal with my wife and cannot say enough about how good the food and service and ambiance were and are. I was in a dreadful, dark mood and when I walked in the place was hot. The owner charmed me down off my ledge and assured me that the seating area was cool and embracing. He was perfectly right. We were initially to be seated cheek and jowl alongside another two top so close I could feel their body heat --- but the owner came to our rescue and put us at an intimate and comfortable 4-top which completely solved the problem. We had the crawfish/shrimp etouffee and the seafood penne pasta. Both were excellent. We had a lovely salad and a crab cake. The food was tasty, hot and well seasoned. The service was attentive without being cloying. I was rescued from my beastly mood by the ministrations of the Galisteo Bistro. Thank you. I will get some professional help soon. Thanks.
(5)
Will V.

Haven't eaten here... I had reservations for 8 people but had to cancel because several people in our party got sick the afternoon before our dinner... I called to cancel and the woman who answered the phone YELLED AT ME for canceling late. I told her that several people in our party were sick, and she continued to yell about how she had been turning down reservations all night. Then she hung up on me while I was trying to explain that we'd like to reschedule for the following night... Wont be getting any of our service ever again! How rude...
(1)
Jennie E.

Great atmosphere. Professional staff. I loved the beet salad and my grass fed steak was perfectly cooked. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Julie B.

Waited 20 minutes for a table despite a reservation. Tables crammed together. Restaurant was overbooked and unprepared for a busy night. Half of the entrees, the signature dishes, were sold out. Consistency and planning are key evaluation factors in determining the quality of a restaurant. Waiter was unapologetic. Very hot because the kitchen is in the dining room. Be prepared to watch everything that normally goes on behind the scenes.
(1)
Kate D.

We had a perfect meal here. One of those rare meals where you order a variety of wonderful dishes each with its own special flavors and characters but nonetheless the meal comes together with its own memorable and delicious harmony.
(5)
Raf B.

The atmosphere is great, but compared to other restaurants in Santa Fe the food while good isn't up to local standards (which are VERY high). We enjoyed it but probably won't go back, there are just too many really outstanding restaurants around.
(3)
Jen G.

I hate to be the odd man out with all these great reviews. But we really didn't like the food at all. Everything was really bland. We had a tuna dish and the tuna was flavor-less and it was a really weird texture. The service was excellent.
(1)
Christopher R.

We had an early reservation and arrived even earlier thinking we might have a drink before dinner. The bistro does not have a bar but we were immediately seated. We ordered tapas, enjoying the sauteed shrimp cocktail (the house made sauce was fab), and the pan seared risotto cakes. Excellent. Next, we had the spinach salad which they thoughtfully split for us; wonderfully dressed and very tasty. My wife enjoyed the Chicken Saltimbocca which had a lovely brown butter/Madeira sauce. I had the beef au bleu which was marvelous. We split a lemon tart for dessert and enjoyed snifters of Riesling and Madeira to wrap up the experience. Our server was truly outstanding. We were made to feel like old friends from entry to exit. We'll be back!
(5)
Helen K.

Service was excellent. My meal was just okay . My friends loved their meals. I thought the Grouper was overcooked.
(3)
Charlet P.

We love the Galisteo Bistro. Always amazing food, great wine and the service is wonderful. Robert continues to create an atmosphere that is truly of elegance and simplicity, with just the right touch of personalism. The Lamb Shank was perfect, and a very large portion. Our waiter was extremely helpful, and very knowledge about the menu and each dish, as well as the wine list. Will definitely go back again and again.
(5)
Larry D.

May be experiencing growing pains under new management. Medium/rare steak was raw and sent back. No big deal, but they never returned with the steak. When my dinner mates had finished and steak had not come yet they told me they screwed up and were making me a new one that was on the house. When we got the bill the steak was still on it. We also never received the bread we asked for. Overall food was good but nothing special.
(2)
Foodlover B.

Yeah! A nice place in Santa Fe to have dinner. We had the spinach salad (it needed more dressing but was overall very good) , the squash flan (i really loved it, the hubby not so much) and the chipotle shrimp (they were perfectly cooked but the sauce itself was not infused into the shrimp) Atmosphere is very nice. I do agree with previous reviewers that food is not bursting with flavor and a bit on bland side...... Yesterday we hiked out at Ghost Ranch and did the Chimney Rock hike, then enjoyed LA DONNA DEL LAGO at the Santa Fe opera house (cold and windy but beautiful aria, wish it was indoors!) Today I went to Ten Thosuand Waves (fun, fantastic, beautiful) and to Georgia o'keeffe museum.. Next door was the Andrew Smith gallery, full of ansel Adams photos.
(4)
Gregg L.

Decided on this last minute and luckily we got in without a reservation. Awesome grassfed NY Strip and cooked perfect. My wife had the entree salad with crab and shrimp and loved it. Our waiter, Ben, is a delightful young man, and you knew he loved the food as he closed he eyes as he described the specials! Great wine selections. There are lots of great restaurants in town, and this has to be in the top 3.
(5)
Eric H.

Sheri and I had decided on dinner here based on all the good online reviews. We were not disappointed. First off, parking is impossible in this area so arrive a little early. It was a full house for a Thursday night. The wait staff were attentive and pleasant, however, I'm not a big fan of open kitchens in such small spaces. The kitchen noise added to the already unpleasant noise level and it was difficult to carry on a normal conversation. Combine that with the heat from the kitchen and how closely tables are spaced and it subtracts one star. We ordered from the 3-course prix fixe menu and nearly everything was perfect. I had the meatloaf and Sheri had the snapper. Some dishes needed a bit more salt but otherwise the flavor was good and portions were adequate. The evening was even better because of a free wine tasting courtesy of a local distributor and our prix fixe meal included a generous glass from one of several house wines. At the end of the evening, our bill was quite reasonable and after adding tip, we paid under $100. A great value in my book.
(4)
Cristina M.

My husband and I were wandering around the Plaza in Santa Fe with time to kill, knowing that we needed to eat an early dinner. We tried another place first, but they weren't serving for another 15 minutes, so we continued on and found the Galisteo Bistro. Since it was early, not having a reservation on a Saturday night was no problem. The chef de cuisine (owner?) greeted and sat us and was very pleasant. They have a great looking menu, mostly Italian-style dishes, with the first page the daily entree and wine specials (by the bottle only, though there are standard by-the-glass wines in the back of the menu). I had the pasta al forno with veal ricotta meatballs. I'm not a big fan of veal, but this dish was very good, and it was served with sauteed carrots and zucchini, which were perfectly cooked. My husband had the Smacafam, which was calabrese sausage and mushrooms in a marinara sauce, served with polenta. The portion sizes were perfect, too. Nice ambience. Moderately low lighting and it was perfectly warm inside, which was nice since it was cold outside. I kept thinking I'd get hot in there, but I never did, even after a glass of wine. I'd like to go back, but since I don't live in Santa Fe and I like to try new places, who knows if I will. But, I will recommend this place to others. Buon appetito!
(4)
Richard F.

I returned to a favorite restaurant after an absence of 4 months whle on vacation in Santa Fe on Christmas Eve. A warm and cozy ambience pervaded the whole evening. Standouts this time were the cheese plate of double-cream brie accompanied by chardonnay-infused raisins and toasted pine nuts; the delectable gorgonzola torte and the maple BBQ lamb shank. Every bite of the lamb was as good as the last. The garlic flan that accompanied it was a perfect foil for the tangy lamb. A deep, peppery La Posta wine from Argentina was a brilliant recommendation by the solicitous owner. Of my 4 visits to the Galisteo Bistro in 2009, this was uniformly the finest for me.
(5)
Yannick R.

I loved almost everything about this place. Great food, great people. We waited near the grill for our table and it got a bit smokey
(4)
Barbara S.

Although we had reservations, we had to wait about 20 minutes for our table. Sometimes that happens; we were in no hurry so we were fine with waiting. The only difficulty is there really isn't a good place to wait except the doorway. The hostess was very apologetic and offered to bring us something to drink while we waited. The restaurant was very busy, and although it has high ceilings, the noise level was minimal. It's a fairly small space, so the tables are quite close together, but even at that we didn't feel cramped or even have the feeling that our neighbors were listening to our conversation. The kitchen area is open, part of which has a seating area so one could watch the chefs create their eclectic menu offerings up close! The selection of wines is extensive, but those offered by the glass are very limited. If you don't care for wine, there are several microbrews to choose from. Although the menu offered a number of interesting sounding options, I must admit, nothing jumped out at me. I started with the Roasted Beet Carpaccio (12) salad, which is not a salad as you might think. The beets, spring mix, & goat cheese were little bundles wrapped with prosciutto. I'm not a fan of prosciutto, so I ended up unwrapping the bundles and eating the beets, lettuce & cheese like a normal salad. The poppyseed vinaigrette was very good. The spinach salad (9) was good, but heavy on the gorgonzola. My husband ordered the Farmhouse Meatloaf (23) and I went for the squash flan tapas (9). Both were very well presented. I've never had squash in flan form before, and I can't say that I will again. Not impressed. I think the sauce had a hit of nutmeg, but the flan was pretty tasteless. I've only had dessert-type flans before, so maybe this flan was meant to be bland, but I was expecting for it to have some squash flavor. It came atop a bet of spinach & caramelized onions. The onions were very flavorful, but the spinach blah. The meatloaf had a nice texture, sweet glaze, but again, the dish itself was pretty bland. The smashed potatoes were good. Our server was very attentive and friendly; the atmosphere is cozy, welcoming, unpretentious, yet upscale. Definitely an older clientele and I don't think well-suited to children. Glad we tried Galisteo Bistro, however with the high ratings it receives, not to mention the price, we expected the food to be bursting with flavor, and it wasn't even close.
(3)
Lynn H.

We had a wonderful meal for our anniversary which included a bottle of delicious champagne for under $40/bottle. The chef cheerfully accommodated my request for gnocchi without sauce and it was delicious. My husband's meal was cooked to perfection. The only disappointment was the "chocolate decadence" dessert which was relatively ordinary and not all that decadent. But a great meal, and probably one of the best in old town Santa Fe.
(4)
Xylar A.

Among the best restaurants in Santa Fe. On the expensive side, but well worth the money.
(5)
Ted S.

My wife and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in Santa Fe during the week of January 1st 2013. On the night of our reservation at Galisteo Bistro, Jan. 4th, we found ourselves downtown after the shops had closed but before our reservation time and it was very, very cold outside. We were 30 minutes early and expected to wait but instead we were shown right to our awaiting table. The dining room is very warm and inviting and the open kitchen adds to the experience. We both ordered entrees from the special menu as well as one of the wines that the chef had chosen to compliment them. I had the duck and my wife the chicken. Both were done to perfection. This was such a good meal, one of the best we had on this visit and our treatment by the staff was nothing less than exceptional.
(5)
steve b.

We went to dinner here last week and I ordered the Seafood Pasta Romesco: scallops & shrimp in iberian romesco, finished w/feta & cream over penne. The scallops were those tiny tasteless ones (looks like mini marshmallows) that you would find at a salad bar at a fast-food restaurant. For $24 and the clientele that this restaurant seems to be focused on, this was a big mistake. We won't be coming back.
(1)
Peter C.

Really excellent addition to our food scene. A good value in the "fine dining" category. We shared a salad and cheese plate, then 3 tapas, and a desert, plus a bottle of wine. With tip it all came to about $140. Nice wine list, with some unique selections, and a seperate section of bottles and glasses that are all the same price for those looking for a bargain. Everything was deliscious. The service was excellent. Definitely one of our new favs in town.
(5)
Deb S.

On a recent weekend to Santa Fe, my pals & I decided to have dinner here. The location is within walking distance to The Plaza, a big plus. The ambience is lovely and when you enter, you can see the "open kitchen" .Great decor makes this place comfy but not intimidating. The waiter chose the wine for us since we asked him to----- and he was very gracious and chose a very good one. There were 3 of us and we had the following menu items: Gorgonzola-walnut cheese" cake"--- which is really an appetizer w/ a walnut crust. Totally fabulous. Eggplant dish--- light, very well executed served w/ fresh crisp vegetables. One of my dining partners had chicken & he really liked it. The Crab Cakes were ordered by my other friend & he said they were delicious. ALL meals were beautifully presented & carefully prepared, using fresh local ingredients and organic/local meats. Desserts were served in very large large portions and the mud-pie was to die for. Perfection. What I found to be very appealing in a restaurant of this caliber was the size of the portions-------not only did the plates come out looking lovely, but there was really enough food for an average adult. I have been to many places where I have left hungry, and that is a "no-no" when you are paying top dollar for a meal. And I might add, it was not cheap but not astronomically priced for the quality, amount of food and great service. All in all, I liked this place alot, owned and operated by a married couple---who were there to meet and greet, and come by the table to see if all was ok. That's the added touch which may separate the average places from the higher-end.
(4)
Sam E.

The atmosphere of this place is warm, casual and friendly. I ordered a glass of Chardonnay and was brought Cabernet instead. Honest mistake, but then it turned out they had just run out of Chardonnay, so I stuck with the Cab. The waiter suggested the lamb and the eggplant parmesan. Not being a fan of the lamb, I opted for the eggplant and a cold crab bisque for starters. The bisque was light, as one might expect for a soup served cold. It tasted freshly prepared and was okay. The eggplant tasted good, but it was served rather lukewarm (but on a very hot plate). A lot of the other entrees looked delicious, so if you go I suggest trying something different than I did. The other patrons seemed to be enjoying their meals. As for me, I'm reluctant to go back.
(3)
Erik E.

Walked by this place one evening before Christmas and made a mental note that I really needed to come back and have dinner here. Tonight, I made good on that note and was definitely not (!) disappointed. Sunday night was busy but not crowded. I got a nice seat in the corner and the chef came by to walk me through the menu (the service here was top notch!). Everything looked great! I started with a salad of leafy greens in a vinaigrette dressing. From there, it took off into the stratosphere! A whole pear was split, fanned, and dipped in balsamic vinegar. Three slices of duck pastrami, cherry tomatoes, cheese (Gorgonzola?), and toasted nuts (pecans?) finished it off (see pictures). It was every bit as good as it looked! For my entree, I had a chicken braciole. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but it was awesome! Chicken breast wrapped around a minced concoction that I'm guessing consisted of olives and mushrooms, and a bunch of other delicious stuff my tongue is not sensitive enough to identify. Some sliced mushrooms, a bunch of light-as-air gnocchi (I LOVE good gnocchi), and finished off with an herbed cream sauce, chopped chives, and Italian parsley. Thank goodness there was plenty there. I took half of it home for lunch tomorrow. --- I should mention the wine selection was good. Not huge, but I had a great pinot noir to go with this! Finally, the dessert: The Mud Puddle. A stratified sculpture of coffee ice cream, mocha mousse, chocolate crumbles, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and topped with sliced toasted almonds and a mint leaf. Whew! My taste buds were seriously fatigued by the end of that one! Next time I'll get some coffee to give myself more of a break. Speaking of which, I saw that they served a French press coffee here. Nice touch! As for the Mud Puddle, highly recommended! I'd also like to say that the atmosphere here was very nice. Twinkling lights, high ceilings, open kitchen. Very inviting. But the service was fantastic! The staff was knowledgeable and attentive. Always nice when your server actually knows her own wine list. 8*) After dinner, when the chef saw me leaving, he made a point of coming to the door, shaking my hand and thanking me for coming. Very gracious! This definitely goes on my list of favorite Santa Fe restaurants!
(5)
Steve M.

One of the best meals I have had in a long time. Great ambience and service. Their Ã©touffÃ©e and mud pie dessert were spectacular!
(5)
Ed F.

Based on reviews we walked in for an early dinner after a long day in the mountains. Staff and service were great. Had the prix fixe meal and it was perfect. Ruby trout broiled was great, a nice piece of fish. Chocolate cake was amazing with vanilla whipped cream.
(4)
Ronald B.

We went to Galistreo Bistro on 18 July 2014 with a group of about 12 people.at 8:15 PM for dinner with reservations. None of us paid attention to the time as the food was really great, the atmosphere was very conducive to conversation, enjoying each others company, not being rushed to get done by the staff, etc. and ended staying until closing time! The staff did not even ask us to leave but we knew that it was time to leave. My wife and I needed a cab to get back to the Inn and Spa at Loretto. The OWNER took it upon himself to call a cab for us, let us wait inside the restaurant and would have let us order any drinks that we would want. The cab finally came after closing hours, there is only one cab company in Santa Fe, and we were on our way. I told the owner that we would write a review on Yelp about our experience and I am a bit late BUT I got it done.. Best regards, Ron and Ginger from Seattle, WA.
(5)
Hugh G.

Good spot!!
(4)
Alison Bly S.

The Savory Gorgonzola Torte w/ Walnut Crust is as good as everyone says. The place has a lovely atmosphere and the service is extremely friendly & attentive. Really enjoyed it!
(4)
Chris I.

Service was great and ambiance was just what I was looking for, for a night on the town, but I'm giving this an "A-OK" because the food quality was not consistent. We started with a couple of items from the tapas menu -- both very good. However, the entrees did not impress. My chicken saltimbocca tasted good, but the bed of rice pilaf it was served on tasted suspiciously like Near East brand (and I'm saying this from experience ... a restaurant I used to cook at did just that). My dinner companions were not as complimentary about their entrees (NY strip and crab cakes). Bread pudding for dessert was ... meh.
(3)
David W.

Excellent hospitality,food and service
(5)
Nancy M.

We went here on a recommendation from our hotel and were not disappointed. The ambiance in this intimate restaurant is stunning in the evening and there are lots of staff personnel to serve you. We were seated at a nice table with water already poured and the candles were lit. We were then given menus and they explained the specials. Each time a different person performed each task. We ordered wine from a great list of local vineyards and brewers and were given bread. The open kitchen was enjoyable while the chefs prepared our meals. My beet salad with greens came with a slice of warm Gorgonzola cheese mixture slice on top. The crab cakes were divine and the side dishes a great compliment to the meal. I wanted a little desert but they were very limited in the chocolate department but the rose after dinner was a nice touch. Check this one out if you are in town.
(4)
Rosemarie F.

We visited Galistreo Bistro as part of the Santa Fe Cooking School's restaurant walking tour at the end of August. We had a generous sampling that included Savory Gorgonzola Torte w/ Walnut Crust, a cold bean soup and a tuna tapas along with a wine pairing. All was exceptional. Four of us were so impressed we made dinner reservations for the following evening. For starters we had the squash flan and duck liver pate. Simply delicious! Then as an entree, the braised lamb shank. OMG! Absolutely to DIE for. Chocolate Mud Puddle for dessert - wonderful. Romantic setting, outstanding service, very nice wine list. Recomment that your waiter recommend the wine to complement your meal. Walking distance from Plaza. The owner chef is a muscian and plays his recipes as one would a fine tuned instrument. Here is a quote and I could not agree more: "Chef-owned Galisteo Bistro features innovative international cuisine known for its open kitchen, quality menu offerings, and attentive service in a casual, downtown setting. Specialties include Braised Lambshanks, Seafood Pasta, Chicken Braciole and Crabcakes ala Flamenca, along with an extensive list of tapas, cheese flights, salad courses, daily specials, seasonal entrees, and homemade desserts. Whenever possible, ingredients are fresh and organic. "The owners have focused intently on all aspects of the operation. The emphasis here is on good food and conviviality in a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere." -Anne Hillerman, Journal Santa Fe "I admire a restaurateur who says, Hey, I want to cook the foods I love, like a musician who says, I want to play the music I enjoy. Chef would have made a great conductor; his orchestra of a staff is playing lovely food in perfect harmony. If music be the food of love-long may Galisteo Bistro play on." -John Vollertsen, Santa Fean"
(5)
Kristen L.

Dining room was cozy but hot. Friendly service but salad was too small for $8. Crab cakes were tasty but the feta and bacon overpowered the taste of crab. It was my birthday and they brought a brownie with a candle but didn't comp it, suprised me to see the charge?
(3)
Nikole W.

My boyfriend and I ate at this place tonight. We will never be back. We ordered a tapas crap cake, a cheese plate, the chicken and NY Strip. When the crap cake came out- I think it may have wighed around an ounze. The cheese plate had two scoops of cheese, a few pieces of bread, 4 grapes and 3 prunes - really? Very dissapointing. We complained about the cheese plate and one oz crap cake, the waiter took note but did not seem concerned. The steak and chicken were ok, but didn't warrant the price. The crab cake and cheese plate were on the bill, despite having sent them back.
(1)
Lindsay B.

This place was great! The service was fantastic and the food was delicious! I also loved the ambiance, it was cozy and I liked how you are looking into the kitchen. The spinach side salad and Pasta al Forno w/ Veal Ricotta Meatballs were yummy and I would recommend the meal if you like veal. I wish I had room for dessert! I'd go back if I ever come back in the area.
(5)
Snoop A.

Yelpers letting us DOWN! We choose Galisteo Bistro entirely because of the positive reviews. Clearly you guys were served different food than we were! My husband and I are in Santa Fe visiting family for Christmas and we decided to take advantage of the opportunity to have a rare romantic dinner out without baby. I saw Bistro Galisteo was highly reviewed both here and Trip Advisor and after several days of "New Mexican" cuisine at home we were ready for something different. What a disappointment. I ordered the lamb shank and my husband ordered the crab cakes entree. I started with a special squash and yam soup. The soup honestly tasted like they used McCormick Pumpkin Pie spice. While it was fresh and inoffensive it wasn't particularly special. My lamb shank was another story. The lamb was covered in a glaze of such staggeringly sweet and sticky proportions it would not have been out of place at Panda Express (not that I have ever actually eaten Panda Express but I digress). The savoury flan which accompanied it simply could not stand up to it. The vegetables were undercooked with carrots so hard I struggled to get them on my fork. Had I not been ravenously hungry I would not have been able to eat my meal at all. As it stood I left over half my portion untouched. My husband's crab cakes had so much sage in them they came to the table smelling of Thanksgiving turkey stuffing and the parsley hadn't been de-stemmed properly so there were a few crunches. The rice tasted like "boil in a bag" and the tomato chutney had been oversalted as well as having too much white wine in them. When the waiter asked if we enjoyed our meal we didn't comment. Normally I would tell it like it is but my husband is of the "easily embarrassed type" so I kept my mouth shut. Two seconds later he was back with a rose for me which I felt I had to refuse. The owner / chef came over after that and I did end up telling him what I thought ... or at least I started to. He wanted to argue with me and ended up throwing his arms up in the air dramatically and saying to all present LOUDLY "They hate us!" My only regret is that we paid $80 for the crappy experience. In a community of beautiful architecture and design the interior looked like "generic nice restaurant" from the 80s with cheap tapestry on the walls and an odd pain scheme which clashed with what could have been a cute tin roof and adobe walls. We had been seated in the rear most table and my husband had a wonderful view of the wine rack and bottle chiller. In my mind there should have been a small wall, even if handmade barring the view. We will most certainly not be recommending the place. With so many other wonderful restaurants at this price point in Santa Fe I would avoid! Try the Colony, Coyote Cafe, Pasquale, etc. instead.
(1)
Susan P.

We travel constantly and eat at fine dining all over the US and Europe. No better service anywhere. Food is great - especially if your palate is of the NOLA persuasion. Superb wine list. You won't leave there dying of thirst because the food is over salted. Gracious hosts/owners who are ALWAYS in the dining room when the restaurant is open. It's a don't miss in Santa Fe.
(5)
Adam S.

Lamb was some of the best I've had in sf. The squash flan was unique and quite good. The risotto cakes were very good as well. Friendly servers. I'll be back.
(5)
Melinda H.

When you are in Santa Fe and get weary of red-or-green chile and related food, do yourself a favor: go to dinner at the Galisteo Bistro. Order whatever the specials are. It will be a delightful change from standard Santa Fe fare.
(5)
Larry C.

Great dinner with great atmosphere. the meatloaf was like delicious cooked pÃ¢tÃ©. was by myself and enjoyed watching the chefs preparing all the different entres.
(5)
Jennie A.

I love this place! It is a little $$ so I don't eat there too often. When I can though I go here. It is a truly wonderful experience, from the wonderfully balanced foods to the EXCELLENt SERVICE!! I would recommend this restaurant to anyone that appreciates gourmet fine dining.
(5)
Tom M.

We went to the Bistro on our last night in Santa Fe based on a recommendation from a shop owner we met in Taos. It was a great experience: friendly, professional service; interaction with the charming owner, great food priced at a very good value and a very pleasant, cozy space. Our party of four enjoyed three different entrees - a chicken special, salmon and lamb shank. All wonderful. Desssert was special. We will talk up this restaurant and of course visit when we come back to Santa Fe.
(4)
Gregory H.

I am a local, long-term Santa Fe resident, but this evening was the first time to dine here. From the moment I walked in we felt welcomed and pampered, the food was excellent and I will be returning many more times!
(5)
Mopsie B.

Wow! We stumbled onto this place just before closing time last night and the chef himself greeted and seated us. I don't know what we expected, but it far exceeded anything we could have imagined. The risotto cakes were exquisite. The wine list was a work of art. The menu was just an amazing display of versatility and inventiveness. Semi Italian, semi Spanish, semi New Mexican- this place clearly knows what it is doing and could never be labeled as predictable! I think this could be the new La Boca for Santa Fe. Let's just hope the level of service does not drop as more people discover it (that was La Boca's problem, the last time we visited!). Check it out. You will not be disappointed. (One star removed for no bar- I kind of wanted a cocktail).
(4)
Jeff Y.

Four of us had a very enjoyable dinner tonight. Our server recommended a terrific and reasonable wine. Two of us had very nice crab cakes and the others enjoyed the eggplant Parmesan and a special sausage and pasta. Dessert was very good and our service was the best of our trip to Santa Fe.
(4)
Laura B.

My husband and I had dinner last Sunday night at Galisteo Bistro. It was OK. Nothing to write home about. He had the baby back ribs and I had the ribeye. Both were nicely done but neither was something we'd order again. Service was very good and the place has a very nice ambiance as other folks have noted. We went there generally because of yelp reviews and because other places we wanted to try were closed on Sunday night (apparently many santa fe restaurants are closed both Sun and Mon nights during nonpeak season) or were too uptight for our comfort.
(4)
Gary E.

Strictly for Texan tourists. The turducken was so undercooked the duck was "tartare" and the Alaskan cod served to replace it was raw enough to pass for sushi. Apparently they don't have gas in the kitchen. After the waiter disappeared when he realized I was local and wasn't going to accept tourist slop, the owner showed up to argue about the edibility of the food. His wife was pleasant and professional but the desserts they comped to make up for the abysmal main course were mediocre.
(1)
Tony C.

Fabulous personalized service and great food. They paid particular attention to my 12 year old who proclaimed the mac and cheese 'the best I ever had' Several reasonably priced gems in the wine list and a selection of deserts (Try the meringue) We were never rushed despite visiting on a very busy night. Check out the Russian Art galley next door :)
(5)
sylvia v.

Loved the decor with the open kitchen (although it can get a little warm if you sit directly in front of the kitchen). The service was absolutely top notch--the owner explained the menu and our waiter was helpful and attentive. The risotto cakes and the chipotle shrimp tapas were really good. The entrees are all large sized portions, so keep that in mind as you're ordering your tapas appetizers. The lobster bisque was a bit too dilute for my taste, but the gorgonzola salad was fabulous. The lamb shank is fall off the bone tender although the squash flan seemed a bit tame accompanying it. My boyfriend's seafood pasta was also quite good but heavy on the scallions. Also highly recommend the lemon semi-freddo with strawberries desert. A wonderful ending to a very nice dinner.
(4)
N V.

We tried three tapas portions and a dinner special in an effort to sample as many of the specialties of the house as we could. The duck liver pate is amazingly light in taste and texture with asmooth almost pudding-like consistency, and comes with still warm from the grill toasted slices of baguette. The spare ribs benefit from a rub and sauce which don't fit any of the standard schools of barbeque. The cheese flight was beautifully presented, and the sautÃ©ed cod Cesar salad with vegetables was perfectly cooked and ample for two. The by-the-glass wines were unusual and far above average. We paired wine with our different courses to the benefit of all. Conversation with Chef Robert was a delight, all about the intricacies of barbecue sauces. His philosophy, "If I don't care why should you?" his caring shows.
(4)
Mary L.

I've been here twice now... ...the first time the evening before running a half marathon. Though bison ribs have not been said to be great pre-race fueling, I enjoyed them at Galisteo! ...the second time this past weekend. As much as I wanted to try a new restaurant in Santa Fe, I knew that Galisteo served delicious meals. Unfortunately they didn't have the bison on the menu, but I did try a new fish (Skook) I hadn't tried before in addition to the stuffed grilled calamari appetizer. Both were delicious! The calamari came stuffed with seasonal vegetables, including morel mushrooms, which are a rare addition to any restaurant menu item. The skook was atop seasonal veggies (asparagus, brussel sprouts, & truffle dusted cauliflower) & was topped with a tomato sauce. Delicious! The customer service was attentive, kind, & very accommodating to modifications & allergies. Galisteo is a no brainer dinner choice in Santa Fe!
(5)
Stacy G.

My husband and I loved this place. We were greeted so warmly when we arrived, made us feel very special. Our dinner was fabulous. We shared their special salad with the best homemade dressing and I had fish, cook to perfection. My husband had the eggplant, like nothing we (had to taste) ever had. OMG. Nice bottle of wine and homemade deserts Atmosphere perfect. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Frank O.

The food quality, atmosphere and service notes here all work like a symphony. The only thing daunting is the wine list as there are so many international selections. Even the champagne and blushed wine selections are impressive, and that is always a sign of fine dining detail and care. We ate 3 wonderful courses, and enjoyed every bite. This is a high style carnivores delight, with even a few items for vegetarians, such as eggplant parm. Hard core vegetarians, would be served better elsewhere, as the meats and fish take center stage here. Amazing presentation and course and flavor blending. wow! Thanks to Shelly she Is an amazing server.
(5)
Jesse H.

Food was fantastic! Butterfish is great choice. However, wine was overpriced, 50 dollars for four glasses of house Chardonnay.
(3)
Frank D.

Awesome experience in every capacity. Loved the stuffed calimari. Very welcoming experience
(5)
Wendy H.

Wonderful experience from the moment we arrived. This was our first visit. The friendly staff all made us feel appreciated. We started with the Maryland crab cake, the best I've had since moving to the west from Maryland 4 years ago. Filled with lump crab meat, no filler and a superb lemon butter sauce to complement. We had veal saltimboca and ahi tuna as entrees and they were equally delicious. The presentation was very appealing and our server, Ben, was perfect. This is a small bistro with high energy. The kitchen is open air and we sat in the window so the place feels cozy but not closed in. A real gem. Don't miss this place.
(5)
K. B.

Undercooked food. My eggplant parm was crunchy and only a young inexperienced chef would allow that . My wife's chicken was also undercooked pink. Very nice menu and I was optimistic in finding this bistro. Nor worth the price.
(3)
Sarah W.

Best meal in Santa Fe! I got the scallops - best I can remember ever eating. My mom had the veal, which she loved! Wine was tasty too. I was full half way through my meal, but I had to finish the scallops because they were THAT good. This two-man kitchen team is pretty incredible. We skipped dessert because we were so full from dinner, but the menu looked delicious. Great service! Super friendly! Warm atmosphere and this restaurant smells great!
(5)
Aaron M.

We had an excellent meal here! I was skeptical about ordering fish in New Mexico but they nailed it. Don't worry about ordering seafood here. The tuna and barramundi were both delightful, though different. I had the duck with berries and kale. Comes highly recommended. Service was great. Ask for Shelly! Be sure to make a reservation or come in early. The place really started filling up by 7:00!
(5)
Anne B.

This restaurant is a real treat. Excellent food, outstanding service and wonderful wines! Don't miss this!
(5)
Jill B.

This place was amazing! Great service and phenomenal food. Shelly was an excellent waitress- very attentive. I had the duck- yum! My husband had the Wahoo with sticky rice. Both were fantastic. You have to go here if your taste buds want to be happy :)
(5)
Mark G.

We were quite pleased w/ our meal. I had the ribeye w/ wonderful vegetables. I also started w/ the shrimp bisque, but I wouldn't order that again (it was just ok). Service was very good.
(4)
Lisa P.

We went there on a Sunday night to celebrate a 90th birthday in our group. The service was wonderful and all our entrees were great! They brought us out a complimentary glass of champagne and also comped our dessert. The dessert was absolutely delicious! A homemade vanilla ice cream, topped with chocolate mousse, topped with whipped cream and some chocolate drizzles. I can highly recommend the trout. My mother in law loved her chicken and her husband (the birthday boy) loved his veal and linguine. My husband enjoyed his fresh, homemade gazpacho. A wonderful evening and we will be back!
(5)
Doug E.

Okay, first of all, I'm so worried about this restaurant because it was empty today. The food is fantastic. Maybe not super New Mexicany, but very good. I had a delicious veal saltimbocca which was as close to perfect as it gets. Then for dessert, the sweet potato cheesecake: seriously yummy. My companion had their latest version of their mud puddle. I'm not a fan of chocolate, but I can definitely see it's appeal. The staff were also fantastic. Go there!
(4)
Mike C.

Cute place but empty mid afternoon Friday. They wanted us to sit at a table for two and reserve the better located tables of four for four. We left and went across the street to Secreto's for a killer cocktail on the patio.
(1)
Janet L.

Hubby and I wanted a change from southwest....this was it. I had pork chop he had filet. Awesome. The sauce on pork was mustard seed based made it. Must try place for one treat in SF.
(4)
Richard M.

We had dinner with a group of about 20 people. The service was very good and the food was wonderfully delicious. The tastes are pleasingly surprising. The portions are just right. The restaurant has a good atmosphere and seems to be a favorite place for couples. We enjoyed everything from calamari and squid appetizers to the salads to the perfectly done lamb chops. The restaurant put to gether for the group a special three course prix fixe menu at a very reasonable cost. The wine menu is extensive and of high quality.
(5)
Natalia M.

The food is delicious and the atmosphere is fantastic. The foie gras was perfect. We also order the filet mignon and the rabbit. The open kitchen is a plus. The service is remarkable. Not a good place to go with children! Fantastic location!
(5)
Michael D.

I really really loved this place. Intimate a little loud but you are almost sitting in the kitchen. We happened to go during restaurant week and they had a prix fixe menu. My companions and I ordered the salads and they decided to have the snapper. I elected to have an imported venison chop. It was phenomenal. The wine list was great and the by the glass selections were awesome. The french press coffee at the end of the meal was one of the best cups of coffee I have had in awhile. Really could not complain.
(4)
Kaitlin M.

We loved this place. Came here for our anniversary dinner. We enjoyed the atmosphere and set up. We started with lump crab cake which was heavenly. Continued on with filet minon and the duck as entrees. They were cooked perfectly and had great sides. It paired well with our wine from South Africa. The service was was wonderful. We were never without water, wine, or our plates cleared and new silverware. Lastly we had a creme brÃ»lÃ©e like dessert they was wonderful. We would love to come back again.
(5)
Leslie K.

Absolutely delicious food and perfect service. Ambiance was wonderful, as was the wine. Couldn't have asked for more.
(5)
Jesse M.

This is the spot to take your lady!! The lamb was perfectly braised and our waiter recommended the a perfect wine for our meal. The chef made you feel like he was cooking the meal just for us. WOW!! you don't get that kind of treatment now a days!
(5)
Marc F.

The service was adequate and the menu was interesting. However the portions were small and the food mediocre. I had rabbit which was overcooked and thus dried out. My wife had a tiny overcooked portion of fish. My daughter had the seafood stew (they had a fancier name for it ) which was little more than 6 mussels and some clams in a tomato broth. The meal was expensive, even for Santa Fe but it wasn't worth half of what we paid.
(3)
Sarah T.

Small, intimate, upscale setting with impeccable wine list and amazing seafood. It was far and away the best dining experience we had in Santa Fe.
(5)
Viola D.

The food at Galisteo was inventive, sophisticated and divine. The service was bizarre and cloying. The waiter either misunderstood my order or padded it by bringing both an appetizer that I had not intended to order and an entree. I could not finish both, so I asked the waiter to BONE the fish (Grouper Collar) and box it so that I could have it for breakfast. He "darling-ed" me non-stop (Yuck). He told me that I could either have one cheap plastic bag for my boxed entree OR for my half-finished Pelligrino. Seriously? So I have to walk back to my hotel balancing a QUART bottle of Pelligrino, a huge box of what turned out the be UNBONED FISH and my book. Having to bone the delicious Grouper Collar in my hotel room for breakfast was a NIGHTMARE.
(4)
C N.

Unexpected delight in Santa Fe. Being from East Coast we were happy to find a place that offered six fish entrees! And the two we had were delicious and expertly prepared. The waitstaff was friendly and genuinely seemed happy to be helping make our dining experience a good one. We will be sure to return on our next visit.
(4)
Nancy M.

Awesome Meal. Chicken Saltimbocca for my hubby and seafood and fish stew for me. Great appetizers too. Risotto cakes and gazpacho. Yumm. Highly recommend. And we are locals!
(5)
Anthony R.

Staff was very friendly on the phone when I had to cancel my last reservation. The time I went before that was after it was purchased by the new owner. It was a fantastic experience. They are really going the extra mile with special deals around town and that's helpful to people on a budget who like fine dining. I can't wait to schedule my next reservation.
(5)
Julie D.

We had an enjoyable dinner here on New Year's Eve. Our server was wonderful and helpful. The food was delicious - I had a chicken stew and my fiancee had a steak. Nice wine selection. Lovely and warm ambiance. My only complaint was the hostess, who seemed to loom over the place like a hawk. She called numerous times to confirm our reservation, and while I appreciate her diligence to run a tight ship, it felt a bit overbearing. Following our meal, the dessert menu arrived and as we chatted over options, the hostess circled our table and I watched her stand to the side and point to us, noting to another server that we would be leaving soon. She actually came over and pointedly requested our dessert order a few seconds after we had requested a few more minutes from our server. We decided to give up and find dessert elsewhere, as it was apparent we were being hurried out. I understand that it was a big night for them, but we paid a lot for that meal, were only there for maybe an hour, and I didn't appreciate being shuffled in and out (especially noting that there was no one else waiting at the door to be seated when we left). While the meal was delicious, because of this unwelcoming attitude, I doubt I would return or recommend this restaurant to friends. A little less imposition on the customer by the hostess would serve this restaurant well.
(4)
Connie N.

Simply Divine! Awesome food & service! Great Ambience!
(5)
Hoytt D.

I can't say enough about this place, I'm just sad I have to leave tomorrow and can't eat here again. I live in New York City and can't think of a better meal that I've had, let alone the fact that it's organic and farm to table. The service was amazing and they were super accommodating considering we came 15 minutes before they closed. The bison short ribs and tournedos were out of this world! Grilled calamari stuffed with organic veggies was amazing and closing with a mud puddle desert put the final touches on a great meal. Do yourself a favor a go!!!
(5)
Ara K.

The main issue with the food here is that it is uniformly over-salted (or at least it was on the day of my visit). Other than that, it is a decent bistro with solid (though not oh-my-god-how-imaginative) offerings. The service is excellent, with various staff members playing tag to make sure you're always satisfied.
(3)
Kristi M.

Bland, bland, bland..... the service was very nice, but the food.... simply terrible
(1)
Ashley R.

I can only comment on happy hour, but spot on! Staff was super friendly even though I walked in alone declaring my happy hour intentions and advertising I wouldn't be a big spender. Great selection of wines for $8 and all apps for $8 was a great surprise. Just what I was looking for!
(5)
Cassidy Z.

It's always difficult to chose a restaurant for dinner in Santa Fe because there are so many options! After much searching, my boyfriend and I were excited to try out this well-reviewed spot last night. We were immediately impressed with their customer service, as we were personally greeted by the chef upon our arrival. He even showed us to our table. The ambiance is nice, low lit and intimate, although the decor and tableware is a bit dated. Our server was great, very attentive and knowledgeable. We started with the oysters (refreshingly cold in marinara sauce) and the risotto cakes, which were delicious! They followed that with some bread and olive oil--always a treat. For dinner, my boyfriend got the steak bernaise. The steak was cooked well but he found it to be too drenched in butter sauce which pooled at the bottom of the plate. He asked the server and was assured this was the intended amount, so just a heads up that its oily. I was more happy, but underwhelmed, with my crab cake dish. The cakes were served on a piece of bacon and a rice/veggie medley. The crab was a little fishy for my taste but the bacon combo surprisingly worked. All in all, we had a nice experience. Great service, good food.
(3)
John P.

Great food, great service and great location!
(5)
Sherri K.

An unexpected and amazing find in Santa Fe. Everything was prepared expertly, and delicious! Everything was beautifully prepared and presented. The staff was very accommodating and friendly. It is just a few blocks off the plaza, and well worth the short walk! This will be a must for every Santa Fe trip!
(5)
Danielle Z.

The atmosphere was quaint and casual. The owner and his girlfriend are nice and available to chat throughout your meal. The food was very good. I highly recommend the gnocchi. It is served with vegetables making it unique and excellent. The best seat in the house is by the kitchen. Watching the chef prepare the meal, with his attention to detail was delightful.
(4)
Kirk L.

Not a cheap place to eat, but well worth it. Staff were extremely accomodating and did everything they could to meet our needs. The food was delicious with good portions. Will definitely eat here again when in Santa Fe.
(4)
Hal P.

We ate here 10/31/2013. Menu full of contrived dishes from miscellaneous cuisines. Tapas, steaks, random pseudovegetarian dishes. Whatever the names, it's all just very fatty food. For example, the Beet Salad consisted of a few shavings of beets slathered in oily dressing with gobs of goat cheese and some other crap. The Vegetarian Gnochi with grilled vegetables sounded very healthy, but it was just a big grease pot with some dumplings and carrots in it. The chicken saltimbocca was just a big huge helping of saturated fat and barely spiced (not even salted!) chicken. Tables for two are about 2.5' apart, so you can hear everyone else's conversations. Our waiter spilled some wine and made a joke out of it. Blech, what a horrible place.
(1)
Fr D.

Excellent all around. Elk was fantastic and bison short ribs were tender. Staff was attentive.
(5)
Yannick R.

I loved almost everything about this place. Great food, great people. We waited near the grill for our table and it got a bit smokey
(4)
John R.

I don't review much but this deserves my compliments. What a pleasant surprise! I live in Santa Fe and was last here when it served Italian style food. Under new ownership since June 2014, it is now a seafood and chop house. I had lamb tenderloin and my wife had duck breast. We cleaned our plates out. We both had wedge salad to start and it was excellent. Service was outstanding. I look forward to coming back soon to try their seafood. Good value and I recommend without any hesitation.
(5)
Dan P.

We went here for Valentine's Day and had a fantastic experience. We had a reservation and the host was prompt and friendly getting us to our table. The server was very knowledgable about the menu and each course was fantastic. I had the Tinga de Puebla on their specials menu and it was one of the more delicious dishes I've had at any restaurant anywhere. My partner had a New York strip and it was cooked well with great flavor. Good food, good wine, and good service... I'd recommend this place to anyone!
(5)
Jim D.

We were so happy to find Galisteo Bistro. A very stylish setting just two short blocks From the Plaza where we found the most exciting menu in Santa Fe. From the crab cakes through the beet and prosciutto salad to the entrees every step a success. The wine cellar is expansive and well curated. We found the staff warm and responsive. A must for Santa Fe visitors with sophisticated tastes.
(5)
Mary Anne P.

Lovely ambience, lovely food and great service. Luis our waiter recommended a wine not on their list which was fabulous accompaniment to wild boar ravioli with a mushroom sauce, duck breast, a Calabrese sausage Smacafam over crusted polenta and whole snapper. It's been years since I had been here, but will plan a return trip soon!
(5)
Jeffrey M.

I had a wonderful meal with my wife and cannot say enough about how good the food and service and ambiance were and are. I was in a dreadful, dark mood and when I walked in the place was hot. The owner charmed me down off my ledge and assured me that the seating area was cool and embracing. He was perfectly right. We were initially to be seated cheek and jowl alongside another two top so close I could feel their body heat --- but the owner came to our rescue and put us at an intimate and comfortable 4-top which completely solved the problem. We had the crawfish/shrimp etouffee and the seafood penne pasta. Both were excellent. We had a lovely salad and a crab cake. The food was tasty, hot and well seasoned. The service was attentive without being cloying. I was rescued from my beastly mood by the ministrations of the Galisteo Bistro. Thank you. I will get some professional help soon. Thanks.
(5)
Will V.

Haven't eaten here... I had reservations for 8 people but had to cancel because several people in our party got sick the afternoon before our dinner... I called to cancel and the woman who answered the phone YELLED AT ME for canceling late. I told her that several people in our party were sick, and she continued to yell about how she had been turning down reservations all night. Then she hung up on me while I was trying to explain that we'd like to reschedule for the following night... Wont be getting any of our service ever again! How rude...
(1)
Jennie E.

Great atmosphere. Professional staff. I loved the beet salad and my grass fed steak was perfectly cooked. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Julie B.

Waited 20 minutes for a table despite a reservation. Tables crammed together. Restaurant was overbooked and unprepared for a busy night. Half of the entrees, the signature dishes, were sold out. Consistency and planning are key evaluation factors in determining the quality of a restaurant. Waiter was unapologetic. Very hot because the kitchen is in the dining room. Be prepared to watch everything that normally goes on behind the scenes.
(1)
Kate D.

We had a perfect meal here. One of those rare meals where you order a variety of wonderful dishes each with its own special flavors and characters but nonetheless the meal comes together with its own memorable and delicious harmony.
(5)
Raf B.

The atmosphere is great, but compared to other restaurants in Santa Fe the food while good isn't up to local standards (which are VERY high). We enjoyed it but probably won't go back, there are just too many really outstanding restaurants around.
(3)
Larry C.

Great dinner with great atmosphere. the meatloaf was like delicious cooked pÃ¢tÃ©. was by myself and enjoyed watching the chefs preparing all the different entres.
(5)
Jennie A.

I love this place! It is a little $$ so I don't eat there too often. When I can though I go here. It is a truly wonderful experience, from the wonderfully balanced foods to the EXCELLENt SERVICE!! I would recommend this restaurant to anyone that appreciates gourmet fine dining.
(5)
Christopher R.

We had an early reservation and arrived even earlier thinking we might have a drink before dinner. The bistro does not have a bar but we were immediately seated. We ordered tapas, enjoying the sauteed shrimp cocktail (the house made sauce was fab), and the pan seared risotto cakes. Excellent. Next, we had the spinach salad which they thoughtfully split for us; wonderfully dressed and very tasty. My wife enjoyed the Chicken Saltimbocca which had a lovely brown butter/Madeira sauce. I had the beef au bleu which was marvelous. We split a lemon tart for dessert and enjoyed snifters of Riesling and Madeira to wrap up the experience. Our server was truly outstanding. We were made to feel like old friends from entry to exit. We'll be back!
(5)
Jen G.

I hate to be the odd man out with all these great reviews. But we really didn't like the food at all. Everything was really bland. We had a tuna dish and the tuna was flavor-less and it was a really weird texture. The service was excellent.
(1)
Helen K.

Service was excellent. My meal was just okay . My friends loved their meals. I thought the Grouper was overcooked.
(3)
Charlet P.

We love the Galisteo Bistro. Always amazing food, great wine and the service is wonderful. Robert continues to create an atmosphere that is truly of elegance and simplicity, with just the right touch of personalism. The Lamb Shank was perfect, and a very large portion. Our waiter was extremely helpful, and very knowledge about the menu and each dish, as well as the wine list. Will definitely go back again and again.
(5)
Larry D.

May be experiencing growing pains under new management. Medium/rare steak was raw and sent back. No big deal, but they never returned with the steak. When my dinner mates had finished and steak had not come yet they told me they screwed up and were making me a new one that was on the house. When we got the bill the steak was still on it. We also never received the bread we asked for. Overall food was good but nothing special.
(2)
Foodlover B.

Yeah! A nice place in Santa Fe to have dinner. We had the spinach salad (it needed more dressing but was overall very good) , the squash flan (i really loved it, the hubby not so much) and the chipotle shrimp (they were perfectly cooked but the sauce itself was not infused into the shrimp) Atmosphere is very nice. I do agree with previous reviewers that food is not bursting with flavor and a bit on bland side...... Yesterday we hiked out at Ghost Ranch and did the Chimney Rock hike, then enjoyed LA DONNA DEL LAGO at the Santa Fe opera house (cold and windy but beautiful aria, wish it was indoors!) Today I went to Ten Thosuand Waves (fun, fantastic, beautiful) and to Georgia o'keeffe museum.. Next door was the Andrew Smith gallery, full of ansel Adams photos.
(4)
Eric H.

Sheri and I had decided on dinner here based on all the good online reviews. We were not disappointed. First off, parking is impossible in this area so arrive a little early. It was a full house for a Thursday night. The wait staff were attentive and pleasant, however, I'm not a big fan of open kitchens in such small spaces. The kitchen noise added to the already unpleasant noise level and it was difficult to carry on a normal conversation. Combine that with the heat from the kitchen and how closely tables are spaced and it subtracts one star. We ordered from the 3-course prix fixe menu and nearly everything was perfect. I had the meatloaf and Sheri had the snapper. Some dishes needed a bit more salt but otherwise the flavor was good and portions were adequate. The evening was even better because of a free wine tasting courtesy of a local distributor and our prix fixe meal included a generous glass from one of several house wines. At the end of the evening, our bill was quite reasonable and after adding tip, we paid under $100. A great value in my book.
(4)
Cristina M.

My husband and I were wandering around the Plaza in Santa Fe with time to kill, knowing that we needed to eat an early dinner. We tried another place first, but they weren't serving for another 15 minutes, so we continued on and found the Galisteo Bistro. Since it was early, not having a reservation on a Saturday night was no problem. The chef de cuisine (owner?) greeted and sat us and was very pleasant. They have a great looking menu, mostly Italian-style dishes, with the first page the daily entree and wine specials (by the bottle only, though there are standard by-the-glass wines in the back of the menu). I had the pasta al forno with veal ricotta meatballs. I'm not a big fan of veal, but this dish was very good, and it was served with sauteed carrots and zucchini, which were perfectly cooked. My husband had the Smacafam, which was calabrese sausage and mushrooms in a marinara sauce, served with polenta. The portion sizes were perfect, too. Nice ambience. Moderately low lighting and it was perfectly warm inside, which was nice since it was cold outside. I kept thinking I'd get hot in there, but I never did, even after a glass of wine. I'd like to go back, but since I don't live in Santa Fe and I like to try new places, who knows if I will. But, I will recommend this place to others. Buon appetito!
(4)
Gregg L.

Decided on this last minute and luckily we got in without a reservation. Awesome grassfed NY Strip and cooked perfect. My wife had the entree salad with crab and shrimp and loved it. Our waiter, Ben, is a delightful young man, and you knew he loved the food as he closed he eyes as he described the specials! Great wine selections. There are lots of great restaurants in town, and this has to be in the top 3.
(5)
Richard F.

I returned to a favorite restaurant after an absence of 4 months whle on vacation in Santa Fe on Christmas Eve. A warm and cozy ambience pervaded the whole evening. Standouts this time were the cheese plate of double-cream brie accompanied by chardonnay-infused raisins and toasted pine nuts; the delectable gorgonzola torte and the maple BBQ lamb shank. Every bite of the lamb was as good as the last. The garlic flan that accompanied it was a perfect foil for the tangy lamb. A deep, peppery La Posta wine from Argentina was a brilliant recommendation by the solicitous owner. Of my 4 visits to the Galisteo Bistro in 2009, this was uniformly the finest for me.
(5)
Barbara S.

Although we had reservations, we had to wait about 20 minutes for our table. Sometimes that happens; we were in no hurry so we were fine with waiting. The only difficulty is there really isn't a good place to wait except the doorway. The hostess was very apologetic and offered to bring us something to drink while we waited. The restaurant was very busy, and although it has high ceilings, the noise level was minimal. It's a fairly small space, so the tables are quite close together, but even at that we didn't feel cramped or even have the feeling that our neighbors were listening to our conversation. The kitchen area is open, part of which has a seating area so one could watch the chefs create their eclectic menu offerings up close! The selection of wines is extensive, but those offered by the glass are very limited. If you don't care for wine, there are several microbrews to choose from. Although the menu offered a number of interesting sounding options, I must admit, nothing jumped out at me. I started with the Roasted Beet Carpaccio (12) salad, which is not a salad as you might think. The beets, spring mix, & goat cheese were little bundles wrapped with prosciutto. I'm not a fan of prosciutto, so I ended up unwrapping the bundles and eating the beets, lettuce & cheese like a normal salad. The poppyseed vinaigrette was very good. The spinach salad (9) was good, but heavy on the gorgonzola. My husband ordered the Farmhouse Meatloaf (23) and I went for the squash flan tapas (9). Both were very well presented. I've never had squash in flan form before, and I can't say that I will again. Not impressed. I think the sauce had a hit of nutmeg, but the flan was pretty tasteless. I've only had dessert-type flans before, so maybe this flan was meant to be bland, but I was expecting for it to have some squash flavor. It came atop a bet of spinach & caramelized onions. The onions were very flavorful, but the spinach blah. The meatloaf had a nice texture, sweet glaze, but again, the dish itself was pretty bland. The smashed potatoes were good. Our server was very attentive and friendly; the atmosphere is cozy, welcoming, unpretentious, yet upscale. Definitely an older clientele and I don't think well-suited to children. Glad we tried Galisteo Bistro, however with the high ratings it receives, not to mention the price, we expected the food to be bursting with flavor, and it wasn't even close.
(3)
Lynn H.

We had a wonderful meal for our anniversary which included a bottle of delicious champagne for under $40/bottle. The chef cheerfully accommodated my request for gnocchi without sauce and it was delicious. My husband's meal was cooked to perfection. The only disappointment was the "chocolate decadence" dessert which was relatively ordinary and not all that decadent. But a great meal, and probably one of the best in old town Santa Fe.
(4)
Xylar A.

Among the best restaurants in Santa Fe. On the expensive side, but well worth the money.
(5)
Ted S.

My wife and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in Santa Fe during the week of January 1st 2013. On the night of our reservation at Galisteo Bistro, Jan. 4th, we found ourselves downtown after the shops had closed but before our reservation time and it was very, very cold outside. We were 30 minutes early and expected to wait but instead we were shown right to our awaiting table. The dining room is very warm and inviting and the open kitchen adds to the experience. We both ordered entrees from the special menu as well as one of the wines that the chef had chosen to compliment them. I had the duck and my wife the chicken. Both were done to perfection. This was such a good meal, one of the best we had on this visit and our treatment by the staff was nothing less than exceptional.
(5)
steve b.

We went to dinner here last week and I ordered the Seafood Pasta Romesco: scallops & shrimp in iberian romesco, finished w/feta & cream over penne. The scallops were those tiny tasteless ones (looks like mini marshmallows) that you would find at a salad bar at a fast-food restaurant. For $24 and the clientele that this restaurant seems to be focused on, this was a big mistake. We won't be coming back.
(1)
Peter C.

Really excellent addition to our food scene. A good value in the "fine dining" category. We shared a salad and cheese plate, then 3 tapas, and a desert, plus a bottle of wine. With tip it all came to about $140. Nice wine list, with some unique selections, and a seperate section of bottles and glasses that are all the same price for those looking for a bargain. Everything was deliscious. The service was excellent. Definitely one of our new favs in town.
(5)
Deb S.

On a recent weekend to Santa Fe, my pals & I decided to have dinner here. The location is within walking distance to The Plaza, a big plus. The ambience is lovely and when you enter, you can see the "open kitchen" .Great decor makes this place comfy but not intimidating. The waiter chose the wine for us since we asked him to----- and he was very gracious and chose a very good one. There were 3 of us and we had the following menu items: Gorgonzola-walnut cheese" cake"--- which is really an appetizer w/ a walnut crust. Totally fabulous. Eggplant dish--- light, very well executed served w/ fresh crisp vegetables. One of my dining partners had chicken & he really liked it. The Crab Cakes were ordered by my other friend & he said they were delicious. ALL meals were beautifully presented & carefully prepared, using fresh local ingredients and organic/local meats. Desserts were served in very large large portions and the mud-pie was to die for. Perfection. What I found to be very appealing in a restaurant of this caliber was the size of the portions-------not only did the plates come out looking lovely, but there was really enough food for an average adult. I have been to many places where I have left hungry, and that is a "no-no" when you are paying top dollar for a meal. And I might add, it was not cheap but not astronomically priced for the quality, amount of food and great service. All in all, I liked this place alot, owned and operated by a married couple---who were there to meet and greet, and come by the table to see if all was ok. That's the added touch which may separate the average places from the higher-end.
(4)
Sam E.

The atmosphere of this place is warm, casual and friendly. I ordered a glass of Chardonnay and was brought Cabernet instead. Honest mistake, but then it turned out they had just run out of Chardonnay, so I stuck with the Cab. The waiter suggested the lamb and the eggplant parmesan. Not being a fan of the lamb, I opted for the eggplant and a cold crab bisque for starters. The bisque was light, as one might expect for a soup served cold. It tasted freshly prepared and was okay. The eggplant tasted good, but it was served rather lukewarm (but on a very hot plate). A lot of the other entrees looked delicious, so if you go I suggest trying something different than I did. The other patrons seemed to be enjoying their meals. As for me, I'm reluctant to go back.
(3)
Erik E.

Walked by this place one evening before Christmas and made a mental note that I really needed to come back and have dinner here. Tonight, I made good on that note and was definitely not (!) disappointed. Sunday night was busy but not crowded. I got a nice seat in the corner and the chef came by to walk me through the menu (the service here was top notch!). Everything looked great! I started with a salad of leafy greens in a vinaigrette dressing. From there, it took off into the stratosphere! A whole pear was split, fanned, and dipped in balsamic vinegar. Three slices of duck pastrami, cherry tomatoes, cheese (Gorgonzola?), and toasted nuts (pecans?) finished it off (see pictures). It was every bit as good as it looked! For my entree, I had a chicken braciole. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but it was awesome! Chicken breast wrapped around a minced concoction that I'm guessing consisted of olives and mushrooms, and a bunch of other delicious stuff my tongue is not sensitive enough to identify. Some sliced mushrooms, a bunch of light-as-air gnocchi (I LOVE good gnocchi), and finished off with an herbed cream sauce, chopped chives, and Italian parsley. Thank goodness there was plenty there. I took half of it home for lunch tomorrow. --- I should mention the wine selection was good. Not huge, but I had a great pinot noir to go with this! Finally, the dessert: The Mud Puddle. A stratified sculpture of coffee ice cream, mocha mousse, chocolate crumbles, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and topped with sliced toasted almonds and a mint leaf. Whew! My taste buds were seriously fatigued by the end of that one! Next time I'll get some coffee to give myself more of a break. Speaking of which, I saw that they served a French press coffee here. Nice touch! As for the Mud Puddle, highly recommended! I'd also like to say that the atmosphere here was very nice. Twinkling lights, high ceilings, open kitchen. Very inviting. But the service was fantastic! The staff was knowledgeable and attentive. Always nice when your server actually knows her own wine list. 8*) After dinner, when the chef saw me leaving, he made a point of coming to the door, shaking my hand and thanking me for coming. Very gracious! This definitely goes on my list of favorite Santa Fe restaurants!
(5)
Steve M.

One of the best meals I have had in a long time. Great ambience and service. Their Ã©touffÃ©e and mud pie dessert were spectacular!
(5)
Ronald B.

We went to Galistreo Bistro on 18 July 2014 with a group of about 12 people.at 8:15 PM for dinner with reservations. None of us paid attention to the time as the food was really great, the atmosphere was very conducive to conversation, enjoying each others company, not being rushed to get done by the staff, etc. and ended staying until closing time! The staff did not even ask us to leave but we knew that it was time to leave. My wife and I needed a cab to get back to the Inn and Spa at Loretto. The OWNER took it upon himself to call a cab for us, let us wait inside the restaurant and would have let us order any drinks that we would want. The cab finally came after closing hours, there is only one cab company in Santa Fe, and we were on our way. I told the owner that we would write a review on Yelp about our experience and I am a bit late BUT I got it done.. Best regards, Ron and Ginger from Seattle, WA.
(5)
Ed F.

Based on reviews we walked in for an early dinner after a long day in the mountains. Staff and service were great. Had the prix fixe meal and it was perfect. Ruby trout broiled was great, a nice piece of fish. Chocolate cake was amazing with vanilla whipped cream.
(4)
Hugh G.

Good spot!!
(4)
Alison Bly S.

The Savory Gorgonzola Torte w/ Walnut Crust is as good as everyone says. The place has a lovely atmosphere and the service is extremely friendly & attentive. Really enjoyed it!
(4)
Chris I.

Service was great and ambiance was just what I was looking for, for a night on the town, but I'm giving this an "A-OK" because the food quality was not consistent. We started with a couple of items from the tapas menu -- both very good. However, the entrees did not impress. My chicken saltimbocca tasted good, but the bed of rice pilaf it was served on tasted suspiciously like Near East brand (and I'm saying this from experience ... a restaurant I used to cook at did just that). My dinner companions were not as complimentary about their entrees (NY strip and crab cakes). Bread pudding for dessert was ... meh.
(3)
David W.

Excellent hospitality,food and service
(5)
Nancy M.

We went here on a recommendation from our hotel and were not disappointed. The ambiance in this intimate restaurant is stunning in the evening and there are lots of staff personnel to serve you. We were seated at a nice table with water already poured and the candles were lit. We were then given menus and they explained the specials. Each time a different person performed each task. We ordered wine from a great list of local vineyards and brewers and were given bread. The open kitchen was enjoyable while the chefs prepared our meals. My beet salad with greens came with a slice of warm Gorgonzola cheese mixture slice on top. The crab cakes were divine and the side dishes a great compliment to the meal. I wanted a little desert but they were very limited in the chocolate department but the rose after dinner was a nice touch. Check this one out if you are in town.
(4)
Rosemarie F.

We visited Galistreo Bistro as part of the Santa Fe Cooking School's restaurant walking tour at the end of August. We had a generous sampling that included Savory Gorgonzola Torte w/ Walnut Crust, a cold bean soup and a tuna tapas along with a wine pairing. All was exceptional. Four of us were so impressed we made dinner reservations for the following evening. For starters we had the squash flan and duck liver pate. Simply delicious! Then as an entree, the braised lamb shank. OMG! Absolutely to DIE for. Chocolate Mud Puddle for dessert - wonderful. Romantic setting, outstanding service, very nice wine list. Recomment that your waiter recommend the wine to complement your meal. Walking distance from Plaza. The owner chef is a muscian and plays his recipes as one would a fine tuned instrument. Here is a quote and I could not agree more: "Chef-owned Galisteo Bistro features innovative international cuisine known for its open kitchen, quality menu offerings, and attentive service in a casual, downtown setting. Specialties include Braised Lambshanks, Seafood Pasta, Chicken Braciole and Crabcakes ala Flamenca, along with an extensive list of tapas, cheese flights, salad courses, daily specials, seasonal entrees, and homemade desserts. Whenever possible, ingredients are fresh and organic. "The owners have focused intently on all aspects of the operation. The emphasis here is on good food and conviviality in a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere." -Anne Hillerman, Journal Santa Fe "I admire a restaurateur who says, Hey, I want to cook the foods I love, like a musician who says, I want to play the music I enjoy. Chef would have made a great conductor; his orchestra of a staff is playing lovely food in perfect harmony. If music be the food of love-long may Galisteo Bistro play on." -John Vollertsen, Santa Fean"
(5)
Kristen L.

Dining room was cozy but hot. Friendly service but salad was too small for $8. Crab cakes were tasty but the feta and bacon overpowered the taste of crab. It was my birthday and they brought a brownie with a candle but didn't comp it, suprised me to see the charge?
(3)
Nikole W.

My boyfriend and I ate at this place tonight. We will never be back. We ordered a tapas crap cake, a cheese plate, the chicken and NY Strip. When the crap cake came out- I think it may have wighed around an ounze. The cheese plate had two scoops of cheese, a few pieces of bread, 4 grapes and 3 prunes - really? Very dissapointing. We complained about the cheese plate and one oz crap cake, the waiter took note but did not seem concerned. The steak and chicken were ok, but didn't warrant the price. The crab cake and cheese plate were on the bill, despite having sent them back.
(1)
Lindsay B.

This place was great! The service was fantastic and the food was delicious! I also loved the ambiance, it was cozy and I liked how you are looking into the kitchen. The spinach side salad and Pasta al Forno w/ Veal Ricotta Meatballs were yummy and I would recommend the meal if you like veal. I wish I had room for dessert! I'd go back if I ever come back in the area.
(5)
Snoop A.

Yelpers letting us DOWN! We choose Galisteo Bistro entirely because of the positive reviews. Clearly you guys were served different food than we were! My husband and I are in Santa Fe visiting family for Christmas and we decided to take advantage of the opportunity to have a rare romantic dinner out without baby. I saw Bistro Galisteo was highly reviewed both here and Trip Advisor and after several days of "New Mexican" cuisine at home we were ready for something different. What a disappointment. I ordered the lamb shank and my husband ordered the crab cakes entree. I started with a special squash and yam soup. The soup honestly tasted like they used McCormick Pumpkin Pie spice. While it was fresh and inoffensive it wasn't particularly special. My lamb shank was another story. The lamb was covered in a glaze of such staggeringly sweet and sticky proportions it would not have been out of place at Panda Express (not that I have ever actually eaten Panda Express but I digress). The savoury flan which accompanied it simply could not stand up to it. The vegetables were undercooked with carrots so hard I struggled to get them on my fork. Had I not been ravenously hungry I would not have been able to eat my meal at all. As it stood I left over half my portion untouched. My husband's crab cakes had so much sage in them they came to the table smelling of Thanksgiving turkey stuffing and the parsley hadn't been de-stemmed properly so there were a few crunches. The rice tasted like "boil in a bag" and the tomato chutney had been oversalted as well as having too much white wine in them. When the waiter asked if we enjoyed our meal we didn't comment. Normally I would tell it like it is but my husband is of the "easily embarrassed type" so I kept my mouth shut. Two seconds later he was back with a rose for me which I felt I had to refuse. The owner / chef came over after that and I did end up telling him what I thought ... or at least I started to. He wanted to argue with me and ended up throwing his arms up in the air dramatically and saying to all present LOUDLY "They hate us!" My only regret is that we paid $80 for the crappy experience. In a community of beautiful architecture and design the interior looked like "generic nice restaurant" from the 80s with cheap tapestry on the walls and an odd pain scheme which clashed with what could have been a cute tin roof and adobe walls. We had been seated in the rear most table and my husband had a wonderful view of the wine rack and bottle chiller. In my mind there should have been a small wall, even if handmade barring the view. We will most certainly not be recommending the place. With so many other wonderful restaurants at this price point in Santa Fe I would avoid! Try the Colony, Coyote Cafe, Pasquale, etc. instead.
(1)
Susan P.

We travel constantly and eat at fine dining all over the US and Europe. No better service anywhere. Food is great - especially if your palate is of the NOLA persuasion. Superb wine list. You won't leave there dying of thirst because the food is over salted. Gracious hosts/owners who are ALWAYS in the dining room when the restaurant is open. It's a don't miss in Santa Fe.
(5)
Adam S.

Lamb was some of the best I've had in sf. The squash flan was unique and quite good. The risotto cakes were very good as well. Friendly servers. I'll be back.
(5)
Melinda H.

When you are in Santa Fe and get weary of red-or-green chile and related food, do yourself a favor: go to dinner at the Galisteo Bistro. Order whatever the specials are. It will be a delightful change from standard Santa Fe fare.
(5)
Tom M.

We went to the Bistro on our last night in Santa Fe based on a recommendation from a shop owner we met in Taos. It was a great experience: friendly, professional service; interaction with the charming owner, great food priced at a very good value and a very pleasant, cozy space. Our party of four enjoyed three different entrees - a chicken special, salmon and lamb shank. All wonderful. Desssert was special. We will talk up this restaurant and of course visit when we come back to Santa Fe.
(4)
Gregory H.

I am a local, long-term Santa Fe resident, but this evening was the first time to dine here. From the moment I walked in we felt welcomed and pampered, the food was excellent and I will be returning many more times!
(5)
Mopsie B.

Wow! We stumbled onto this place just before closing time last night and the chef himself greeted and seated us. I don't know what we expected, but it far exceeded anything we could have imagined. The risotto cakes were exquisite. The wine list was a work of art. The menu was just an amazing display of versatility and inventiveness. Semi Italian, semi Spanish, semi New Mexican- this place clearly knows what it is doing and could never be labeled as predictable! I think this could be the new La Boca for Santa Fe. Let's just hope the level of service does not drop as more people discover it (that was La Boca's problem, the last time we visited!). Check it out. You will not be disappointed. (One star removed for no bar- I kind of wanted a cocktail).
(4)
Jeff Y.

Four of us had a very enjoyable dinner tonight. Our server recommended a terrific and reasonable wine. Two of us had very nice crab cakes and the others enjoyed the eggplant Parmesan and a special sausage and pasta. Dessert was very good and our service was the best of our trip to Santa Fe.
(4)
Gary E.

Strictly for Texan tourists. The turducken was so undercooked the duck was "tartare" and the Alaskan cod served to replace it was raw enough to pass for sushi. Apparently they don't have gas in the kitchen. After the waiter disappeared when he realized I was local and wasn't going to accept tourist slop, the owner showed up to argue about the edibility of the food. His wife was pleasant and professional but the desserts they comped to make up for the abysmal main course were mediocre.
(1)
Laura B.

My husband and I had dinner last Sunday night at Galisteo Bistro. It was OK. Nothing to write home about. He had the baby back ribs and I had the ribeye. Both were nicely done but neither was something we'd order again. Service was very good and the place has a very nice ambiance as other folks have noted. We went there generally because of yelp reviews and because other places we wanted to try were closed on Sunday night (apparently many santa fe restaurants are closed both Sun and Mon nights during nonpeak season) or were too uptight for our comfort.
(4)
Tony C.

Fabulous personalized service and great food. They paid particular attention to my 12 year old who proclaimed the mac and cheese 'the best I ever had' Several reasonably priced gems in the wine list and a selection of deserts (Try the meringue) We were never rushed despite visiting on a very busy night. Check out the Russian Art galley next door :)
(5)
sylvia v.

Loved the decor with the open kitchen (although it can get a little warm if you sit directly in front of the kitchen). The service was absolutely top notch--the owner explained the menu and our waiter was helpful and attentive. The risotto cakes and the chipotle shrimp tapas were really good. The entrees are all large sized portions, so keep that in mind as you're ordering your tapas appetizers. The lobster bisque was a bit too dilute for my taste, but the gorgonzola salad was fabulous. The lamb shank is fall off the bone tender although the squash flan seemed a bit tame accompanying it. My boyfriend's seafood pasta was also quite good but heavy on the scallions. Also highly recommend the lemon semi-freddo with strawberries desert. A wonderful ending to a very nice dinner.
(4)
N V.

We tried three tapas portions and a dinner special in an effort to sample as many of the specialties of the house as we could. The duck liver pate is amazingly light in taste and texture with asmooth almost pudding-like consistency, and comes with still warm from the grill toasted slices of baguette. The spare ribs benefit from a rub and sauce which don't fit any of the standard schools of barbeque. The cheese flight was beautifully presented, and the sautÃ©ed cod Cesar salad with vegetables was perfectly cooked and ample for two. The by-the-glass wines were unusual and far above average. We paired wine with our different courses to the benefit of all. Conversation with Chef Robert was a delight, all about the intricacies of barbecue sauces. His philosophy, "If I don't care why should you?" his caring shows.
(4)
Bill P.

After spending a month in Northern California and eatting at many of the better restaurants in San Fran, Napa and Sonoma, we were absolutely thrilled with our experience at Galisteo Bistro. From the appetizers to the desserts the food was fantastic. Both my wife and I had the seafood with penne which is one of the best dishes we have eatten in a long time. The service matched the food as the staff worked like a well oiled machine. My only regret is that we live in Austin
(5)
Stewart A.

Sat at the chef's counter and had a fine meal by myself. Started with the Chipotle Shrimp, which were five flayed shrimp in a butter chipotle sauce. Nice flavor, not too hot and complimented the shrimp well. Then had the chicken saltimbocca, which was a special and not on the regular menu (which appears to be printed daily). Chicken was a tad dry but the saltimbocca was good: good quality prosciutto with a tasty sauce and orzo hidden underneath. I ordered one of five wines by the glass and chose the Milagro #9 Corrales Red, just because it's from New Mexico. Pretty tasty wine, sort of between a merlot (which it contains) and a pinot noir (which it doesn't). What I really liked is that the chef/owner Robert Chickering stands out front, greets the guests and seats and talks to them. Very old world and a friendly, sociable kind of guy. I recommend this place for singles and couples, maybe two couples.
(4)
Pamela M.

We visited this fabulous restaurant as a party of eight. Best meal I have had in the last 6 months. We were greeted promptly and seated at a lovely table. Our waiter was never far away and his timing perfect. The chef came to our table to describe the specials. We all had salads and then entrees. Everyone raved about the quality of the food, the ambiance and the service..
(5)
Jayne J.

This was our biggest disappointment out of the 8 or so restaurants we went to in Santa Fe over Christmas. We'd passed the place a number of times on previous visits and thought it looked so attractive from the outside, very intimate, with all the little white lights and candles. Well, it was attractive, although I've never been a big fan of the open kitchen style, and the service was attentive, but the food fell way short of expectations. Other reviewers have praised the lamb and the crab cakes, and we did NOT have those, so maybe they're the standouts, but nothing we did have was a winner. My eggplant parmesan was pleasant tasting, and I really like the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo with it, but I've had better versions of this common dish for a lot less than $19. My husband had the ribs and complained from the first bite; I had a taste, and liked it, so he gave me a whole rib, and I could see his point. While the flavor was good, they were dried out and chewy. Again, ribs are such a common restaurant offering (and for the entrees, at least, that seems to be the concept here), and are pretty good at so many places, that for $28 they ought to be pretty darn outstanding. Not the case. But undeterred for once, we shared a pumpkin mousse for dessert. It tasted good for a few bites, then got boring.
(3)
Sergei P.

The service here was excellent and timely. We ate at the chef's table (good ambience) and had a wonderful meal. Highly recommended. They gave my wife a rose at the end - nice end to a great evening out.
(5)
Sam E.

The atmosphere of this place is warm, casual and friendly. I ordered a glass of Chardonnay and was brought Cabernet instead. Honest mistake, but then it turned out they had just run out of Chardonnay, so I stuck with the Cab. The waiter suggested the lamb and the eggplant parmesan. Not being a fan of the lamb, I opted for the eggplant and a cold crab bisque for starters. The bisque was light, as one might expect for a soup served cold. It tasted freshly prepared and was okay. The eggplant tasted good, but it was served rather lukewarm (but on a very hot plate). A lot of the other entrees looked delicious, so if you go I suggest trying something different than I did. The other patrons seemed to be enjoying their meals. As for me, I'm reluctant to go back.
(3)
Erik E.

Walked by this place one evening before Christmas and made a mental note that I really needed to come back and have dinner here. Tonight, I made good on that note and was definitely not (!) disappointed. Sunday night was busy but not crowded. I got a nice seat in the corner and the chef came by to walk me through the menu (the service here was top notch!). Everything looked great! I started with a salad of leafy greens in a vinaigrette dressing. From there, it took off into the stratosphere! A whole pear was split, fanned, and dipped in balsamic vinegar. Three slices of duck pastrami, cherry tomatoes, cheese (Gorgonzola?), and toasted nuts (pecans?) finished it off (see pictures). It was every bit as good as it looked! For my entree, I had a chicken braciole. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but it was awesome! Chicken breast wrapped around a minced concoction that I'm guessing consisted of olives and mushrooms, and a bunch of other delicious stuff my tongue is not sensitive enough to identify. Some sliced mushrooms, a bunch of light-as-air gnocchi (I LOVE good gnocchi), and finished off with an herbed cream sauce, chopped chives, and Italian parsley. Thank goodness there was plenty there. I took half of it home for lunch tomorrow. --- I should mention the wine selection was good. Not huge, but I had a great pinot noir to go with this! Finally, the dessert: The Mud Puddle. A stratified sculpture of coffee ice cream, mocha mousse, chocolate crumbles, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and topped with sliced toasted almonds and a mint leaf. Whew! My taste buds were seriously fatigued by the end of that one! Next time I'll get some coffee to give myself more of a break. Speaking of which, I saw that they served a French press coffee here. Nice touch! As for the Mud Puddle, highly recommended! I'd also like to say that the atmosphere here was very nice. Twinkling lights, high ceilings, open kitchen. Very inviting. But the service was fantastic! The staff was knowledgeable and attentive. Always nice when your server actually knows her own wine list. 8*) After dinner, when the chef saw me leaving, he made a point of coming to the door, shaking my hand and thanking me for coming. Very gracious! This definitely goes on my list of favorite Santa Fe restaurants!
(5)
Steve M.

One of the best meals I have had in a long time. Great ambience and service. Their Ã©touffÃ©e and mud pie dessert were spectacular!
(5)
Wendy H.

Wonderful experience from the moment we arrived. This was our first visit. The friendly staff all made us feel appreciated. We started with the Maryland crab cake, the best I've had since moving to the west from Maryland 4 years ago. Filled with lump crab meat, no filler and a superb lemon butter sauce to complement. We had veal saltimboca and ahi tuna as entrees and they were equally delicious. The presentation was very appealing and our server, Ben, was perfect. This is a small bistro with high energy. The kitchen is open air and we sat in the window so the place feels cozy but not closed in. A real gem. Don't miss this place.
(5)
Mary L.

I've been here twice now... ...the first time the evening before running a half marathon. Though bison ribs have not been said to be great pre-race fueling, I enjoyed them at Galisteo! ...the second time this past weekend. As much as I wanted to try a new restaurant in Santa Fe, I knew that Galisteo served delicious meals. Unfortunately they didn't have the bison on the menu, but I did try a new fish (Skook) I hadn't tried before in addition to the stuffed grilled calamari appetizer. Both were delicious! The calamari came stuffed with seasonal vegetables, including morel mushrooms, which are a rare addition to any restaurant menu item. The skook was atop seasonal veggies (asparagus, brussel sprouts, & truffle dusted cauliflower) & was topped with a tomato sauce. Delicious! The customer service was attentive, kind, & very accommodating to modifications & allergies. Galisteo is a no brainer dinner choice in Santa Fe!
(5)
Tracy M.

We had dinner here our first night in Santa Fe. What a fantastic way to start a vacation. My husband had the pork belly, which he said was the best! I had the Galisteo Duck with black rice. I mention the black rice because the flavor was so unique (tea?) and was such a compliment to the duck. The house salad was excellent. We're from California and somebody told us not to bother with salads in Santa Fe. What? We had great salads wherever we went. I eat out a lot and can be a bit jaded when it comes to restaurant food...but this meal was memorable. They set the bar for all the other restaurants in Santa Fe and we talked about this meal the entire stay (and after). I gotta find out how to make that black rice.
(5)
Stacy G.

My husband and I loved this place. We were greeted so warmly when we arrived, made us feel very special. Our dinner was fabulous. We shared their special salad with the best homemade dressing and I had fish, cook to perfection. My husband had the eggplant, like nothing we (had to taste) ever had. OMG. Nice bottle of wine and homemade deserts Atmosphere perfect. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Frank O.

The food quality, atmosphere and service notes here all work like a symphony. The only thing daunting is the wine list as there are so many international selections. Even the champagne and blushed wine selections are impressive, and that is always a sign of fine dining detail and care. We ate 3 wonderful courses, and enjoyed every bite. This is a high style carnivores delight, with even a few items for vegetarians, such as eggplant parm. Hard core vegetarians, would be served better elsewhere, as the meats and fish take center stage here. Amazing presentation and course and flavor blending. wow! Thanks to Shelly she Is an amazing server.
(5)
Jesse H.

Food was fantastic! Butterfish is great choice. However, wine was overpriced, 50 dollars for four glasses of house Chardonnay.
(3)
Frank D.

Awesome experience in every capacity. Loved the stuffed calimari. Very welcoming experience
(5)
Janet L.

Hubby and I wanted a change from southwest....this was it. I had pork chop he had filet. Awesome. The sauce on pork was mustard seed based made it. Must try place for one treat in SF.
(4)
Richard M.

We had dinner with a group of about 20 people. The service was very good and the food was wonderfully delicious. The tastes are pleasingly surprising. The portions are just right. The restaurant has a good atmosphere and seems to be a favorite place for couples. We enjoyed everything from calamari and squid appetizers to the salads to the perfectly done lamb chops. The restaurant put to gether for the group a special three course prix fixe menu at a very reasonable cost. The wine menu is extensive and of high quality.
(5)
Natalia M.

The food is delicious and the atmosphere is fantastic. The foie gras was perfect. We also order the filet mignon and the rabbit. The open kitchen is a plus. The service is remarkable. Not a good place to go with children! Fantastic location!
(5)
Michael D.

I really really loved this place. Intimate a little loud but you are almost sitting in the kitchen. We happened to go during restaurant week and they had a prix fixe menu. My companions and I ordered the salads and they decided to have the snapper. I elected to have an imported venison chop. It was phenomenal. The wine list was great and the by the glass selections were awesome. The french press coffee at the end of the meal was one of the best cups of coffee I have had in awhile. Really could not complain.
(4)
Kaitlin M.

We loved this place. Came here for our anniversary dinner. We enjoyed the atmosphere and set up. We started with lump crab cake which was heavenly. Continued on with filet minon and the duck as entrees. They were cooked perfectly and had great sides. It paired well with our wine from South Africa. The service was was wonderful. We were never without water, wine, or our plates cleared and new silverware. Lastly we had a creme brÃ»lÃ©e like dessert they was wonderful. We would love to come back again.
(5)
Jesse M.

This is the spot to take your lady!! The lamb was perfectly braised and our waiter recommended the a perfect wine for our meal. The chef made you feel like he was cooking the meal just for us. WOW!! you don't get that kind of treatment now a days!
(5)
Marc F.

The service was adequate and the menu was interesting. However the portions were small and the food mediocre. I had rabbit which was overcooked and thus dried out. My wife had a tiny overcooked portion of fish. My daughter had the seafood stew (they had a fancier name for it ) which was little more than 6 mussels and some clams in a tomato broth. The meal was expensive, even for Santa Fe but it wasn't worth half of what we paid.
(3)
Leslie K.

Absolutely delicious food and perfect service. Ambiance was wonderful, as was the wine. Couldn't have asked for more.
(5)
Sarah T.

Small, intimate, upscale setting with impeccable wine list and amazing seafood. It was far and away the best dining experience we had in Santa Fe.
(5)
Viola D.

The food at Galisteo was inventive, sophisticated and divine. The service was bizarre and cloying. The waiter either misunderstood my order or padded it by bringing both an appetizer that I had not intended to order and an entree. I could not finish both, so I asked the waiter to BONE the fish (Grouper Collar) and box it so that I could have it for breakfast. He "darling-ed" me non-stop (Yuck). He told me that I could either have one cheap plastic bag for my boxed entree OR for my half-finished Pelligrino. Seriously? So I have to walk back to my hotel balancing a QUART bottle of Pelligrino, a huge box of what turned out the be UNBONED FISH and my book. Having to bone the delicious Grouper Collar in my hotel room for breakfast was a NIGHTMARE.
(4)
C N.

Unexpected delight in Santa Fe. Being from East Coast we were happy to find a place that offered six fish entrees! And the two we had were delicious and expertly prepared. The waitstaff was friendly and genuinely seemed happy to be helping make our dining experience a good one. We will be sure to return on our next visit.
(4)
Nancy M.

Awesome Meal. Chicken Saltimbocca for my hubby and seafood and fish stew for me. Great appetizers too. Risotto cakes and gazpacho. Yumm. Highly recommend. And we are locals!
(5)
Anthony R.

Staff was very friendly on the phone when I had to cancel my last reservation. The time I went before that was after it was purchased by the new owner. It was a fantastic experience. They are really going the extra mile with special deals around town and that's helpful to people on a budget who like fine dining. I can't wait to schedule my next reservation.
(5)
Julie D.

We had an enjoyable dinner here on New Year's Eve. Our server was wonderful and helpful. The food was delicious - I had a chicken stew and my fiancee had a steak. Nice wine selection. Lovely and warm ambiance. My only complaint was the hostess, who seemed to loom over the place like a hawk. She called numerous times to confirm our reservation, and while I appreciate her diligence to run a tight ship, it felt a bit overbearing. Following our meal, the dessert menu arrived and as we chatted over options, the hostess circled our table and I watched her stand to the side and point to us, noting to another server that we would be leaving soon. She actually came over and pointedly requested our dessert order a few seconds after we had requested a few more minutes from our server. We decided to give up and find dessert elsewhere, as it was apparent we were being hurried out. I understand that it was a big night for them, but we paid a lot for that meal, were only there for maybe an hour, and I didn't appreciate being shuffled in and out (especially noting that there was no one else waiting at the door to be seated when we left). While the meal was delicious, because of this unwelcoming attitude, I doubt I would return or recommend this restaurant to friends. A little less imposition on the customer by the hostess would serve this restaurant well.
(4)
Connie N.

Simply Divine! Awesome food & service! Great Ambience!
(5)
Hoytt D.

I can't say enough about this place, I'm just sad I have to leave tomorrow and can't eat here again. I live in New York City and can't think of a better meal that I've had, let alone the fact that it's organic and farm to table. The service was amazing and they were super accommodating considering we came 15 minutes before they closed. The bison short ribs and tournedos were out of this world! Grilled calamari stuffed with organic veggies was amazing and closing with a mud puddle desert put the final touches on a great meal. Do yourself a favor a go!!!
(5)
Ara K.

The main issue with the food here is that it is uniformly over-salted (or at least it was on the day of my visit). Other than that, it is a decent bistro with solid (though not oh-my-god-how-imaginative) offerings. The service is excellent, with various staff members playing tag to make sure you're always satisfied.
(3)
Cassidy Z.

It's always difficult to chose a restaurant for dinner in Santa Fe because there are so many options! After much searching, my boyfriend and I were excited to try out this well-reviewed spot last night. We were immediately impressed with their customer service, as we were personally greeted by the chef upon our arrival. He even showed us to our table. The ambiance is nice, low lit and intimate, although the decor and tableware is a bit dated. Our server was great, very attentive and knowledgeable. We started with the oysters (refreshingly cold in marinara sauce) and the risotto cakes, which were delicious! They followed that with some bread and olive oil--always a treat. For dinner, my boyfriend got the steak bernaise. The steak was cooked well but he found it to be too drenched in butter sauce which pooled at the bottom of the plate. He asked the server and was assured this was the intended amount, so just a heads up that its oily. I was more happy, but underwhelmed, with my crab cake dish. The cakes were served on a piece of bacon and a rice/veggie medley. The crab was a little fishy for my taste but the bacon combo surprisingly worked. All in all, we had a nice experience. Great service, good food.
(3)
Kristi M.

Bland, bland, bland..... the service was very nice, but the food.... simply terrible
(1)
Ashley R.

I can only comment on happy hour, but spot on! Staff was super friendly even though I walked in alone declaring my happy hour intentions and advertising I wouldn't be a big spender. Great selection of wines for $8 and all apps for $8 was a great surprise. Just what I was looking for!
(5)
John P.

Great food, great service and great location!
(5)
Sherri K.

An unexpected and amazing find in Santa Fe. Everything was prepared expertly, and delicious! Everything was beautifully prepared and presented. The staff was very accommodating and friendly. It is just a few blocks off the plaza, and well worth the short walk! This will be a must for every Santa Fe trip!
(5)
Danielle Z.

The atmosphere was quaint and casual. The owner and his girlfriend are nice and available to chat throughout your meal. The food was very good. I highly recommend the gnocchi. It is served with vegetables making it unique and excellent. The best seat in the house is by the kitchen. Watching the chef prepare the meal, with his attention to detail was delightful.
(4)
Kirk L.

Not a cheap place to eat, but well worth it. Staff were extremely accomodating and did everything they could to meet our needs. The food was delicious with good portions. Will definitely eat here again when in Santa Fe.
(4)
Sarah W.

Best meal in Santa Fe! I got the scallops - best I can remember ever eating. My mom had the veal, which she loved! Wine was tasty too. I was full half way through my meal, but I had to finish the scallops because they were THAT good. This two-man kitchen team is pretty incredible. We skipped dessert because we were so full from dinner, but the menu looked delicious. Great service! Super friendly! Warm atmosphere and this restaurant smells great!
(5)
K. B.

Undercooked food. My eggplant parm was crunchy and only a young inexperienced chef would allow that . My wife's chicken was also undercooked pink. Very nice menu and I was optimistic in finding this bistro. Nor worth the price.
(3)
Aaron M.

We had an excellent meal here! I was skeptical about ordering fish in New Mexico but they nailed it. Don't worry about ordering seafood here. The tuna and barramundi were both delightful, though different. I had the duck with berries and kale. Comes highly recommended. Service was great. Ask for Shelly! Be sure to make a reservation or come in early. The place really started filling up by 7:00!
(5)
Anne B.

This restaurant is a real treat. Excellent food, outstanding service and wonderful wines! Don't miss this!
(5)
Jill B.

This place was amazing! Great service and phenomenal food. Shelly was an excellent waitress- very attentive. I had the duck- yum! My husband had the Wahoo with sticky rice. Both were fantastic. You have to go here if your taste buds want to be happy :)
(5)
Mark G.

We were quite pleased w/ our meal. I had the ribeye w/ wonderful vegetables. I also started w/ the shrimp bisque, but I wouldn't order that again (it was just ok). Service was very good.
(4)
Lisa P.

We went there on a Sunday night to celebrate a 90th birthday in our group. The service was wonderful and all our entrees were great! They brought us out a complimentary glass of champagne and also comped our dessert. The dessert was absolutely delicious! A homemade vanilla ice cream, topped with chocolate mousse, topped with whipped cream and some chocolate drizzles. I can highly recommend the trout. My mother in law loved her chicken and her husband (the birthday boy) loved his veal and linguine. My husband enjoyed his fresh, homemade gazpacho. A wonderful evening and we will be back!
(5)
Doug E.

Okay, first of all, I'm so worried about this restaurant because it was empty today. The food is fantastic. Maybe not super New Mexicany, but very good. I had a delicious veal saltimbocca which was as close to perfect as it gets. Then for dessert, the sweet potato cheesecake: seriously yummy. My companion had their latest version of their mud puddle. I'm not a fan of chocolate, but I can definitely see it's appeal. The staff were also fantastic. Go there!
(4)
Mike C.

Cute place but empty mid afternoon Friday. They wanted us to sit at a table for two and reserve the better located tables of four for four. We left and went across the street to Secreto's for a killer cocktail on the patio.
(1)
Hal P.

We ate here 10/31/2013. Menu full of contrived dishes from miscellaneous cuisines. Tapas, steaks, random pseudovegetarian dishes. Whatever the names, it's all just very fatty food. For example, the Beet Salad consisted of a few shavings of beets slathered in oily dressing with gobs of goat cheese and some other crap. The Vegetarian Gnochi with grilled vegetables sounded very healthy, but it was just a big grease pot with some dumplings and carrots in it. The chicken saltimbocca was just a big huge helping of saturated fat and barely spiced (not even salted!) chicken. Tables for two are about 2.5' apart, so you can hear everyone else's conversations. Our waiter spilled some wine and made a joke out of it. Blech, what a horrible place.
(1)
John R.

I don't review much but this deserves my compliments. What a pleasant surprise! I live in Santa Fe and was last here when it served Italian style food. Under new ownership since June 2014, it is now a seafood and chop house. I had lamb tenderloin and my wife had duck breast. We cleaned our plates out. We both had wedge salad to start and it was excellent. Service was outstanding. I look forward to coming back soon to try their seafood. Good value and I recommend without any hesitation.
(5)
Dan P.

We went here for Valentine's Day and had a fantastic experience. We had a reservation and the host was prompt and friendly getting us to our table. The server was very knowledgable about the menu and each course was fantastic. I had the Tinga de Puebla on their specials menu and it was one of the more delicious dishes I've had at any restaurant anywhere. My partner had a New York strip and it was cooked well with great flavor. Good food, good wine, and good service... I'd recommend this place to anyone!
(5)
Jim D.

We were so happy to find Galisteo Bistro. A very stylish setting just two short blocks From the Plaza where we found the most exciting menu in Santa Fe. From the crab cakes through the beet and prosciutto salad to the entrees every step a success. The wine cellar is expansive and well curated. We found the staff warm and responsive. A must for Santa Fe visitors with sophisticated tastes.
(5)
Mary Anne P.

Lovely ambience, lovely food and great service. Luis our waiter recommended a wine not on their list which was fabulous accompaniment to wild boar ravioli with a mushroom sauce, duck breast, a Calabrese sausage Smacafam over crusted polenta and whole snapper. It's been years since I had been here, but will plan a return trip soon!
(5)
Fr D.

Excellent all around. Elk was fantastic and bison short ribs were tender. Staff was attentive.
(5)
Jeffrey M.

I had a wonderful meal with my wife and cannot say enough about how good the food and service and ambiance were and are. I was in a dreadful, dark mood and when I walked in the place was hot. The owner charmed me down off my ledge and assured me that the seating area was cool and embracing. He was perfectly right. We were initially to be seated cheek and jowl alongside another two top so close I could feel their body heat --- but the owner came to our rescue and put us at an intimate and comfortable 4-top which completely solved the problem. We had the crawfish/shrimp etouffee and the seafood penne pasta. Both were excellent. We had a lovely salad and a crab cake. The food was tasty, hot and well seasoned. The service was attentive without being cloying. I was rescued from my beastly mood by the ministrations of the Galisteo Bistro. Thank you. I will get some professional help soon. Thanks.
(5)
Will V.

Haven't eaten here... I had reservations for 8 people but had to cancel because several people in our party got sick the afternoon before our dinner... I called to cancel and the woman who answered the phone YELLED AT ME for canceling late. I told her that several people in our party were sick, and she continued to yell about how she had been turning down reservations all night. Then she hung up on me while I was trying to explain that we'd like to reschedule for the following night... Wont be getting any of our service ever again! How rude...
(1)
Jennie E.

Great atmosphere. Professional staff. I loved the beet salad and my grass fed steak was perfectly cooked. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Julie B.

Waited 20 minutes for a table despite a reservation. Tables crammed together. Restaurant was overbooked and unprepared for a busy night. Half of the entrees, the signature dishes, were sold out. Consistency and planning are key evaluation factors in determining the quality of a restaurant. Waiter was unapologetic. Very hot because the kitchen is in the dining room. Be prepared to watch everything that normally goes on behind the scenes.
(1)
Kate D.

We had a perfect meal here. One of those rare meals where you order a variety of wonderful dishes each with its own special flavors and characters but nonetheless the meal comes together with its own memorable and delicious harmony.
(5)
Raf B.

The atmosphere is great, but compared to other restaurants in Santa Fe the food while good isn't up to local standards (which are VERY high). We enjoyed it but probably won't go back, there are just too many really outstanding restaurants around.
(3)
Jen G.

I hate to be the odd man out with all these great reviews. But we really didn't like the food at all. Everything was really bland. We had a tuna dish and the tuna was flavor-less and it was a really weird texture. The service was excellent.
(1)
Christopher R.

We had an early reservation and arrived even earlier thinking we might have a drink before dinner. The bistro does not have a bar but we were immediately seated. We ordered tapas, enjoying the sauteed shrimp cocktail (the house made sauce was fab), and the pan seared risotto cakes. Excellent. Next, we had the spinach salad which they thoughtfully split for us; wonderfully dressed and very tasty. My wife enjoyed the Chicken Saltimbocca which had a lovely brown butter/Madeira sauce. I had the beef au bleu which was marvelous. We split a lemon tart for dessert and enjoyed snifters of Riesling and Madeira to wrap up the experience. Our server was truly outstanding. We were made to feel like old friends from entry to exit. We'll be back!
(5)
Helen K.

Service was excellent. My meal was just okay . My friends loved their meals. I thought the Grouper was overcooked.
(3)
Charlet P.

We love the Galisteo Bistro. Always amazing food, great wine and the service is wonderful. Robert continues to create an atmosphere that is truly of elegance and simplicity, with just the right touch of personalism. The Lamb Shank was perfect, and a very large portion. Our waiter was extremely helpful, and very knowledge about the menu and each dish, as well as the wine list. Will definitely go back again and again.
(5)
Larry D.

May be experiencing growing pains under new management. Medium/rare steak was raw and sent back. No big deal, but they never returned with the steak. When my dinner mates had finished and steak had not come yet they told me they screwed up and were making me a new one that was on the house. When we got the bill the steak was still on it. We also never received the bread we asked for. Overall food was good but nothing special.
(2)
Foodlover B.

Yeah! A nice place in Santa Fe to have dinner. We had the spinach salad (it needed more dressing but was overall very good) , the squash flan (i really loved it, the hubby not so much) and the chipotle shrimp (they were perfectly cooked but the sauce itself was not infused into the shrimp) Atmosphere is very nice. I do agree with previous reviewers that food is not bursting with flavor and a bit on bland side...... Yesterday we hiked out at Ghost Ranch and did the Chimney Rock hike, then enjoyed LA DONNA DEL LAGO at the Santa Fe opera house (cold and windy but beautiful aria, wish it was indoors!) Today I went to Ten Thosuand Waves (fun, fantastic, beautiful) and to Georgia o'keeffe museum.. Next door was the Andrew Smith gallery, full of ansel Adams photos.
(4)
Gregg L.

Decided on this last minute and luckily we got in without a reservation. Awesome grassfed NY Strip and cooked perfect. My wife had the entree salad with crab and shrimp and loved it. Our waiter, Ben, is a delightful young man, and you knew he loved the food as he closed he eyes as he described the specials! Great wine selections. There are lots of great restaurants in town, and this has to be in the top 3.
(5)
Eric H.

Sheri and I had decided on dinner here based on all the good online reviews. We were not disappointed. First off, parking is impossible in this area so arrive a little early. It was a full house for a Thursday night. The wait staff were attentive and pleasant, however, I'm not a big fan of open kitchens in such small spaces. The kitchen noise added to the already unpleasant noise level and it was difficult to carry on a normal conversation. Combine that with the heat from the kitchen and how closely tables are spaced and it subtracts one star. We ordered from the 3-course prix fixe menu and nearly everything was perfect. I had the meatloaf and Sheri had the snapper. Some dishes needed a bit more salt but otherwise the flavor was good and portions were adequate. The evening was even better because of a free wine tasting courtesy of a local distributor and our prix fixe meal included a generous glass from one of several house wines. At the end of the evening, our bill was quite reasonable and after adding tip, we paid under $100. A great value in my book.
(4)
Cristina M.

My husband and I were wandering around the Plaza in Santa Fe with time to kill, knowing that we needed to eat an early dinner. We tried another place first, but they weren't serving for another 15 minutes, so we continued on and found the Galisteo Bistro. Since it was early, not having a reservation on a Saturday night was no problem. The chef de cuisine (owner?) greeted and sat us and was very pleasant. They have a great looking menu, mostly Italian-style dishes, with the first page the daily entree and wine specials (by the bottle only, though there are standard by-the-glass wines in the back of the menu). I had the pasta al forno with veal ricotta meatballs. I'm not a big fan of veal, but this dish was very good, and it was served with sauteed carrots and zucchini, which were perfectly cooked. My husband had the Smacafam, which was calabrese sausage and mushrooms in a marinara sauce, served with polenta. The portion sizes were perfect, too. Nice ambience. Moderately low lighting and it was perfectly warm inside, which was nice since it was cold outside. I kept thinking I'd get hot in there, but I never did, even after a glass of wine. I'd like to go back, but since I don't live in Santa Fe and I like to try new places, who knows if I will. But, I will recommend this place to others. Buon appetito!
(4)
Barbara S.

Although we had reservations, we had to wait about 20 minutes for our table. Sometimes that happens; we were in no hurry so we were fine with waiting. The only difficulty is there really isn't a good place to wait except the doorway. The hostess was very apologetic and offered to bring us something to drink while we waited. The restaurant was very busy, and although it has high ceilings, the noise level was minimal. It's a fairly small space, so the tables are quite close together, but even at that we didn't feel cramped or even have the feeling that our neighbors were listening to our conversation. The kitchen area is open, part of which has a seating area so one could watch the chefs create their eclectic menu offerings up close! The selection of wines is extensive, but those offered by the glass are very limited. If you don't care for wine, there are several microbrews to choose from. Although the menu offered a number of interesting sounding options, I must admit, nothing jumped out at me. I started with the Roasted Beet Carpaccio (12) salad, which is not a salad as you might think. The beets, spring mix, & goat cheese were little bundles wrapped with prosciutto. I'm not a fan of prosciutto, so I ended up unwrapping the bundles and eating the beets, lettuce & cheese like a normal salad. The poppyseed vinaigrette was very good. The spinach salad (9) was good, but heavy on the gorgonzola. My husband ordered the Farmhouse Meatloaf (23) and I went for the squash flan tapas (9). Both were very well presented. I've never had squash in flan form before, and I can't say that I will again. Not impressed. I think the sauce had a hit of nutmeg, but the flan was pretty tasteless. I've only had dessert-type flans before, so maybe this flan was meant to be bland, but I was expecting for it to have some squash flavor. It came atop a bet of spinach & caramelized onions. The onions were very flavorful, but the spinach blah. The meatloaf had a nice texture, sweet glaze, but again, the dish itself was pretty bland. The smashed potatoes were good. Our server was very attentive and friendly; the atmosphere is cozy, welcoming, unpretentious, yet upscale. Definitely an older clientele and I don't think well-suited to children. Glad we tried Galisteo Bistro, however with the high ratings it receives, not to mention the price, we expected the food to be bursting with flavor, and it wasn't even close.
(3)
Lynn H.

We had a wonderful meal for our anniversary which included a bottle of delicious champagne for under $40/bottle. The chef cheerfully accommodated my request for gnocchi without sauce and it was delicious. My husband's meal was cooked to perfection. The only disappointment was the "chocolate decadence" dessert which was relatively ordinary and not all that decadent. But a great meal, and probably one of the best in old town Santa Fe.
(4)
Xylar A.

Among the best restaurants in Santa Fe. On the expensive side, but well worth the money.
(5)
Ted S.

My wife and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in Santa Fe during the week of January 1st 2013. On the night of our reservation at Galisteo Bistro, Jan. 4th, we found ourselves downtown after the shops had closed but before our reservation time and it was very, very cold outside. We were 30 minutes early and expected to wait but instead we were shown right to our awaiting table. The dining room is very warm and inviting and the open kitchen adds to the experience. We both ordered entrees from the special menu as well as one of the wines that the chef had chosen to compliment them. I had the duck and my wife the chicken. Both were done to perfection. This was such a good meal, one of the best we had on this visit and our treatment by the staff was nothing less than exceptional.
(5)
steve b.

We went to dinner here last week and I ordered the Seafood Pasta Romesco: scallops & shrimp in iberian romesco, finished w/feta & cream over penne. The scallops were those tiny tasteless ones (looks like mini marshmallows) that you would find at a salad bar at a fast-food restaurant. For $24 and the clientele that this restaurant seems to be focused on, this was a big mistake. We won't be coming back.
(1)
Peter C.

Really excellent addition to our food scene. A good value in the "fine dining" category. We shared a salad and cheese plate, then 3 tapas, and a desert, plus a bottle of wine. With tip it all came to about $140. Nice wine list, with some unique selections, and a seperate section of bottles and glasses that are all the same price for those looking for a bargain. Everything was deliscious. The service was excellent. Definitely one of our new favs in town.
(5)
Deb S.

On a recent weekend to Santa Fe, my pals & I decided to have dinner here. The location is within walking distance to The Plaza, a big plus. The ambience is lovely and when you enter, you can see the "open kitchen" .Great decor makes this place comfy but not intimidating. The waiter chose the wine for us since we asked him to----- and he was very gracious and chose a very good one. There were 3 of us and we had the following menu items: Gorgonzola-walnut cheese" cake"--- which is really an appetizer w/ a walnut crust. Totally fabulous. Eggplant dish--- light, very well executed served w/ fresh crisp vegetables. One of my dining partners had chicken & he really liked it. The Crab Cakes were ordered by my other friend & he said they were delicious. ALL meals were beautifully presented & carefully prepared, using fresh local ingredients and organic/local meats. Desserts were served in very large large portions and the mud-pie was to die for. Perfection. What I found to be very appealing in a restaurant of this caliber was the size of the portions-------not only did the plates come out looking lovely, but there was really enough food for an average adult. I have been to many places where I have left hungry, and that is a "no-no" when you are paying top dollar for a meal. And I might add, it was not cheap but not astronomically priced for the quality, amount of food and great service. All in all, I liked this place alot, owned and operated by a married couple---who were there to meet and greet, and come by the table to see if all was ok. That's the added touch which may separate the average places from the higher-end.
(4)
David W.

Excellent hospitality,food and service
(5)
Richard F.

I returned to a favorite restaurant after an absence of 4 months whle on vacation in Santa Fe on Christmas Eve. A warm and cozy ambience pervaded the whole evening. Standouts this time were the cheese plate of double-cream brie accompanied by chardonnay-infused raisins and toasted pine nuts; the delectable gorgonzola torte and the maple BBQ lamb shank. Every bite of the lamb was as good as the last. The garlic flan that accompanied it was a perfect foil for the tangy lamb. A deep, peppery La Posta wine from Argentina was a brilliant recommendation by the solicitous owner. Of my 4 visits to the Galisteo Bistro in 2009, this was uniformly the finest for me.
(5)
Yannick R.

I loved almost everything about this place. Great food, great people. We waited near the grill for our table and it got a bit smokey
(4)
Ed F.

Based on reviews we walked in for an early dinner after a long day in the mountains. Staff and service were great. Had the prix fixe meal and it was perfect. Ruby trout broiled was great, a nice piece of fish. Chocolate cake was amazing with vanilla whipped cream.
(4)
Ronald B.

We went to Galistreo Bistro on 18 July 2014 with a group of about 12 people.at 8:15 PM for dinner with reservations. None of us paid attention to the time as the food was really great, the atmosphere was very conducive to conversation, enjoying each others company, not being rushed to get done by the staff, etc. and ended staying until closing time! The staff did not even ask us to leave but we knew that it was time to leave. My wife and I needed a cab to get back to the Inn and Spa at Loretto. The OWNER took it upon himself to call a cab for us, let us wait inside the restaurant and would have let us order any drinks that we would want. The cab finally came after closing hours, there is only one cab company in Santa Fe, and we were on our way. I told the owner that we would write a review on Yelp about our experience and I am a bit late BUT I got it done.. Best regards, Ron and Ginger from Seattle, WA.
(5)
Hugh G.

Good spot!!
(4)
Alison Bly S.

The Savory Gorgonzola Torte w/ Walnut Crust is as good as everyone says. The place has a lovely atmosphere and the service is extremely friendly & attentive. Really enjoyed it!
(4)
Chris I.

Service was great and ambiance was just what I was looking for, for a night on the town, but I'm giving this an "A-OK" because the food quality was not consistent. We started with a couple of items from the tapas menu -- both very good. However, the entrees did not impress. My chicken saltimbocca tasted good, but the bed of rice pilaf it was served on tasted suspiciously like Near East brand (and I'm saying this from experience ... a restaurant I used to cook at did just that). My dinner companions were not as complimentary about their entrees (NY strip and crab cakes). Bread pudding for dessert was ... meh.
(3)
Nancy M.

We went here on a recommendation from our hotel and were not disappointed. The ambiance in this intimate restaurant is stunning in the evening and there are lots of staff personnel to serve you. We were seated at a nice table with water already poured and the candles were lit. We were then given menus and they explained the specials. Each time a different person performed each task. We ordered wine from a great list of local vineyards and brewers and were given bread. The open kitchen was enjoyable while the chefs prepared our meals. My beet salad with greens came with a slice of warm Gorgonzola cheese mixture slice on top. The crab cakes were divine and the side dishes a great compliment to the meal. I wanted a little desert but they were very limited in the chocolate department but the rose after dinner was a nice touch. Check this one out if you are in town.
(4)
Rosemarie F.

We visited Galistreo Bistro as part of the Santa Fe Cooking School's restaurant walking tour at the end of August. We had a generous sampling that included Savory Gorgonzola Torte w/ Walnut Crust, a cold bean soup and a tuna tapas along with a wine pairing. All was exceptional. Four of us were so impressed we made dinner reservations for the following evening. For starters we had the squash flan and duck liver pate. Simply delicious! Then as an entree, the braised lamb shank. OMG! Absolutely to DIE for. Chocolate Mud Puddle for dessert - wonderful. Romantic setting, outstanding service, very nice wine list. Recomment that your waiter recommend the wine to complement your meal. Walking distance from Plaza. The owner chef is a muscian and plays his recipes as one would a fine tuned instrument. Here is a quote and I could not agree more: "Chef-owned Galisteo Bistro features innovative international cuisine known for its open kitchen, quality menu offerings, and attentive service in a casual, downtown setting. Specialties include Braised Lambshanks, Seafood Pasta, Chicken Braciole and Crabcakes ala Flamenca, along with an extensive list of tapas, cheese flights, salad courses, daily specials, seasonal entrees, and homemade desserts. Whenever possible, ingredients are fresh and organic. "The owners have focused intently on all aspects of the operation. The emphasis here is on good food and conviviality in a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere." -Anne Hillerman, Journal Santa Fe "I admire a restaurateur who says, Hey, I want to cook the foods I love, like a musician who says, I want to play the music I enjoy. Chef would have made a great conductor; his orchestra of a staff is playing lovely food in perfect harmony. If music be the food of love-long may Galisteo Bistro play on." -John Vollertsen, Santa Fean"
(5)
Kristen L.

Dining room was cozy but hot. Friendly service but salad was too small for $8. Crab cakes were tasty but the feta and bacon overpowered the taste of crab. It was my birthday and they brought a brownie with a candle but didn't comp it, suprised me to see the charge?
(3)
Nikole W.

My boyfriend and I ate at this place tonight. We will never be back. We ordered a tapas crap cake, a cheese plate, the chicken and NY Strip. When the crap cake came out- I think it may have wighed around an ounze. The cheese plate had two scoops of cheese, a few pieces of bread, 4 grapes and 3 prunes - really? Very dissapointing. We complained about the cheese plate and one oz crap cake, the waiter took note but did not seem concerned. The steak and chicken were ok, but didn't warrant the price. The crab cake and cheese plate were on the bill, despite having sent them back.
(1)
Lindsay B.

This place was great! The service was fantastic and the food was delicious! I also loved the ambiance, it was cozy and I liked how you are looking into the kitchen. The spinach side salad and Pasta al Forno w/ Veal Ricotta Meatballs were yummy and I would recommend the meal if you like veal. I wish I had room for dessert! I'd go back if I ever come back in the area.
(5)
Melinda H.

When you are in Santa Fe and get weary of red-or-green chile and related food, do yourself a favor: go to dinner at the Galisteo Bistro. Order whatever the specials are. It will be a delightful change from standard Santa Fe fare.
(5)
Larry C.

Great dinner with great atmosphere. the meatloaf was like delicious cooked pÃ¢tÃ©. was by myself and enjoyed watching the chefs preparing all the different entres.
(5)
Jennie A.

I love this place! It is a little $$ so I don't eat there too often. When I can though I go here. It is a truly wonderful experience, from the wonderfully balanced foods to the EXCELLENt SERVICE!! I would recommend this restaurant to anyone that appreciates gourmet fine dining.
(5)
Tom M.

We went to the Bistro on our last night in Santa Fe based on a recommendation from a shop owner we met in Taos. It was a great experience: friendly, professional service; interaction with the charming owner, great food priced at a very good value and a very pleasant, cozy space. Our party of four enjoyed three different entrees - a chicken special, salmon and lamb shank. All wonderful. Desssert was special. We will talk up this restaurant and of course visit when we come back to Santa Fe.
(4)
Gregory H.

I am a local, long-term Santa Fe resident, but this evening was the first time to dine here. From the moment I walked in we felt welcomed and pampered, the food was excellent and I will be returning many more times!
(5)
Snoop A.

Yelpers letting us DOWN! We choose Galisteo Bistro entirely because of the positive reviews. Clearly you guys were served different food than we were! My husband and I are in Santa Fe visiting family for Christmas and we decided to take advantage of the opportunity to have a rare romantic dinner out without baby. I saw Bistro Galisteo was highly reviewed both here and Trip Advisor and after several days of "New Mexican" cuisine at home we were ready for something different. What a disappointment. I ordered the lamb shank and my husband ordered the crab cakes entree. I started with a special squash and yam soup. The soup honestly tasted like they used McCormick Pumpkin Pie spice. While it was fresh and inoffensive it wasn't particularly special. My lamb shank was another story. The lamb was covered in a glaze of such staggeringly sweet and sticky proportions it would not have been out of place at Panda Express (not that I have ever actually eaten Panda Express but I digress). The savoury flan which accompanied it simply could not stand up to it. The vegetables were undercooked with carrots so hard I struggled to get them on my fork. Had I not been ravenously hungry I would not have been able to eat my meal at all. As it stood I left over half my portion untouched. My husband's crab cakes had so much sage in them they came to the table smelling of Thanksgiving turkey stuffing and the parsley hadn't been de-stemmed properly so there were a few crunches. The rice tasted like "boil in a bag" and the tomato chutney had been oversalted as well as having too much white wine in them. When the waiter asked if we enjoyed our meal we didn't comment. Normally I would tell it like it is but my husband is of the "easily embarrassed type" so I kept my mouth shut. Two seconds later he was back with a rose for me which I felt I had to refuse. The owner / chef came over after that and I did end up telling him what I thought ... or at least I started to. He wanted to argue with me and ended up throwing his arms up in the air dramatically and saying to all present LOUDLY "They hate us!" My only regret is that we paid $80 for the crappy experience. In a community of beautiful architecture and design the interior looked like "generic nice restaurant" from the 80s with cheap tapestry on the walls and an odd pain scheme which clashed with what could have been a cute tin roof and adobe walls. We had been seated in the rear most table and my husband had a wonderful view of the wine rack and bottle chiller. In my mind there should have been a small wall, even if handmade barring the view. We will most certainly not be recommending the place. With so many other wonderful restaurants at this price point in Santa Fe I would avoid! Try the Colony, Coyote Cafe, Pasquale, etc. instead.
(1)
Susan P.

We travel constantly and eat at fine dining all over the US and Europe. No better service anywhere. Food is great - especially if your palate is of the NOLA persuasion. Superb wine list. You won't leave there dying of thirst because the food is over salted. Gracious hosts/owners who are ALWAYS in the dining room when the restaurant is open. It's a don't miss in Santa Fe.
(5)
Adam S.

Lamb was some of the best I've had in sf. The squash flan was unique and quite good. The risotto cakes were very good as well. Friendly servers. I'll be back.
(5)
Mopsie B.

Wow! We stumbled onto this place just before closing time last night and the chef himself greeted and seated us. I don't know what we expected, but it far exceeded anything we could have imagined. The risotto cakes were exquisite. The wine list was a work of art. The menu was just an amazing display of versatility and inventiveness. Semi Italian, semi Spanish, semi New Mexican- this place clearly knows what it is doing and could never be labeled as predictable! I think this could be the new La Boca for Santa Fe. Let's just hope the level of service does not drop as more people discover it (that was La Boca's problem, the last time we visited!). Check it out. You will not be disappointed. (One star removed for no bar- I kind of wanted a cocktail).
(4)
Jeff Y.

Four of us had a very enjoyable dinner tonight. Our server recommended a terrific and reasonable wine. Two of us had very nice crab cakes and the others enjoyed the eggplant Parmesan and a special sausage and pasta. Dessert was very good and our service was the best of our trip to Santa Fe.
(4)
Laura B.

My husband and I had dinner last Sunday night at Galisteo Bistro. It was OK. Nothing to write home about. He had the baby back ribs and I had the ribeye. Both were nicely done but neither was something we'd order again. Service was very good and the place has a very nice ambiance as other folks have noted. We went there generally because of yelp reviews and because other places we wanted to try were closed on Sunday night (apparently many santa fe restaurants are closed both Sun and Mon nights during nonpeak season) or were too uptight for our comfort.
(4)
Gary E.

Strictly for Texan tourists. The turducken was so undercooked the duck was "tartare" and the Alaskan cod served to replace it was raw enough to pass for sushi. Apparently they don't have gas in the kitchen. After the waiter disappeared when he realized I was local and wasn't going to accept tourist slop, the owner showed up to argue about the edibility of the food. His wife was pleasant and professional but the desserts they comped to make up for the abysmal main course were mediocre.
(1)
Tony C.

Fabulous personalized service and great food. They paid particular attention to my 12 year old who proclaimed the mac and cheese 'the best I ever had' Several reasonably priced gems in the wine list and a selection of deserts (Try the meringue) We were never rushed despite visiting on a very busy night. Check out the Russian Art galley next door :)
(5)
sylvia v.

Loved the decor with the open kitchen (although it can get a little warm if you sit directly in front of the kitchen). The service was absolutely top notch--the owner explained the menu and our waiter was helpful and attentive. The risotto cakes and the chipotle shrimp tapas were really good. The entrees are all large sized portions, so keep that in mind as you're ordering your tapas appetizers. The lobster bisque was a bit too dilute for my taste, but the gorgonzola salad was fabulous. The lamb shank is fall off the bone tender although the squash flan seemed a bit tame accompanying it. My boyfriend's seafood pasta was also quite good but heavy on the scallions. Also highly recommend the lemon semi-freddo with strawberries desert. A wonderful ending to a very nice dinner.
(4)
N V.

We tried three tapas portions and a dinner special in an effort to sample as many of the specialties of the house as we could. The duck liver pate is amazingly light in taste and texture with asmooth almost pudding-like consistency, and comes with still warm from the grill toasted slices of baguette. The spare ribs benefit from a rub and sauce which don't fit any of the standard schools of barbeque. The cheese flight was beautifully presented, and the sautÃ©ed cod Cesar salad with vegetables was perfectly cooked and ample for two. The by-the-glass wines were unusual and far above average. We paired wine with our different courses to the benefit of all. Conversation with Chef Robert was a delight, all about the intricacies of barbecue sauces. His philosophy, "If I don't care why should you?" his caring shows.
(4)
Bill P.

After spending a month in Northern California and eatting at many of the better restaurants in San Fran, Napa and Sonoma, we were absolutely thrilled with our experience at Galisteo Bistro. From the appetizers to the desserts the food was fantastic. Both my wife and I had the seafood with penne which is one of the best dishes we have eatten in a long time. The service matched the food as the staff worked like a well oiled machine. My only regret is that we live in Austin
(5)
Stewart A.

Sat at the chef's counter and had a fine meal by myself. Started with the Chipotle Shrimp, which were five flayed shrimp in a butter chipotle sauce. Nice flavor, not too hot and complimented the shrimp well. Then had the chicken saltimbocca, which was a special and not on the regular menu (which appears to be printed daily). Chicken was a tad dry but the saltimbocca was good: good quality prosciutto with a tasty sauce and orzo hidden underneath. I ordered one of five wines by the glass and chose the Milagro #9 Corrales Red, just because it's from New Mexico. Pretty tasty wine, sort of between a merlot (which it contains) and a pinot noir (which it doesn't). What I really liked is that the chef/owner Robert Chickering stands out front, greets the guests and seats and talks to them. Very old world and a friendly, sociable kind of guy. I recommend this place for singles and couples, maybe two couples.
(4)
Pamela M.

We visited this fabulous restaurant as a party of eight. Best meal I have had in the last 6 months. We were greeted promptly and seated at a lovely table. Our waiter was never far away and his timing perfect. The chef came to our table to describe the specials. We all had salads and then entrees. Everyone raved about the quality of the food, the ambiance and the service..
(5)
Jayne J.

This was our biggest disappointment out of the 8 or so restaurants we went to in Santa Fe over Christmas. We'd passed the place a number of times on previous visits and thought it looked so attractive from the outside, very intimate, with all the little white lights and candles. Well, it was attractive, although I've never been a big fan of the open kitchen style, and the service was attentive, but the food fell way short of expectations. Other reviewers have praised the lamb and the crab cakes, and we did NOT have those, so maybe they're the standouts, but nothing we did have was a winner. My eggplant parmesan was pleasant tasting, and I really like the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo with it, but I've had better versions of this common dish for a lot less than $19. My husband had the ribs and complained from the first bite; I had a taste, and liked it, so he gave me a whole rib, and I could see his point. While the flavor was good, they were dried out and chewy. Again, ribs are such a common restaurant offering (and for the entrees, at least, that seems to be the concept here), and are pretty good at so many places, that for $28 they ought to be pretty darn outstanding. Not the case. But undeterred for once, we shared a pumpkin mousse for dessert. It tasted good for a few bites, then got boring.
(3)
Sergei P.

The service here was excellent and timely. We ate at the chef's table (good ambience) and had a wonderful meal. Highly recommended. They gave my wife a rose at the end - nice end to a great evening out.
(5)

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Address : 227 Galisteo St
Santa Fe, NM, 87501
Phone (505) 982-3700
Website https://www.galisteobistro.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Upscale
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Galisteo Bistro

227 Galisteo St, Santa Fe, NM, 87501

Galisteo Bistro Menu

Insalate

Salad Entrees

Tapas Internacional

Cheese Flights

Bistro Classics

Natural Grass-Fed New Mexico Ranch Beef

Life's Little Pleasures

Healthy Meal suggestions for Galisteo Bistro

Insalate

Salad Entrees

Tapas Internacional

Cheese Flights

Bistro Classics

Natural Grass-Fed New Mexico Ranch Beef

Life's Little Pleasures

Bill P.

Stewart A.

Pamela M.

Jayne J.

Sergei P.

Wendy H.

Mary L.

Tracy M.

Stacy G.

Frank O.

Jesse H.

Frank D.

Sarah W.

K. B.

Aaron M.

Anne B.

Jill B.

Mark G.

Lisa P.

Doug E.

Mike C.

Janet L.

Richard M.

Natalia M.

Michael D.

Kaitlin M.

Jesse M.

Marc F.

Leslie K.

Sarah T.

Viola D.

C N.

Nancy M.

Anthony R.

Julie D.

Connie N.

Hoytt D.

Ara K.

Cassidy Z.

Kristi M.

Ashley R.

John P.

Sherri K.

Danielle Z.

Kirk L.

Hal P.

John R.

Dan P.

Jim D.

Mary Anne P.

Fr D.

Jeffrey M.

Will V.

Jennie E.

Julie B.

Kate D.

Raf B.

Jen G.

Christopher R.

Helen K.

Charlet P.