Paloma

Paloma, contemporary Mexican cuisine in Santa Fe

Paloma is a Mexican-inspired restaurant and bar located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Its offering combines authentic and fresh interpretations of Mexican cuisine with sustainably sourced ingredients, in a setting the company itself describes as lively and welcoming.

A menu between New Mexico and Mexico

The cuisine is presented as a creative bridge between the agricultural traditions of New Mexico and the vibrancy of Mexican gastronomy. The restaurant emphasizes handmade preparation, including the making of salsas and beans that accompany dishes such as steak fajitas. The menu includes fresh interpretations of Mexican dishes and masa snacks, such as tlayudas, sopecitos, and fresh masa quesadillas.

Local ingredients and organic blue corn

Paloma maintains relationships with farmers in the Northern New Mexico Valley to source fresh, local ingredients. For its masa preparations, it uses 100% organic, heirloom blue corn from Masienda. The company states its commitment to preserving the ancient agricultural traditions of New Mexico.

Agave bar and cocktails

The bar has an agave-focused approach, with a festive selection of freshly made cocktails and an extensive list of mezcal, tequila, sotol, and other agave spirits. The company presents this offering as a tribute to Mexico's traditional craft production and the connection between master mezcaleros or sotoleros and the land.

Private event space

The restaurant has a private event space called El Jardin. In addition, alongside Paloma operates its sister restaurant Esquina Pizza, specializing in pizza and wine.

Local art and community

The restaurant's interior includes work by local artists, such as murals and illustrations by Jessie Baca, photographs by Gay Block, and patio tables locally made by Stark Raven Fabrication. Among the artists mentioned are Alberto Zalma, Amie LeGette, Helios Fabrication, Joyce Melander, Reuben Elias, Tim Jag, Willy Bo Richardson, and Hecho a Mano. The company notes that these pieces reflect the artistic spirit of Santa Fe.

Team and background

Marja Martin is the owner and general manager. Before Paloma, she was chef and owner of Marja Custom Catering in Santa Fe for eighteen years. Her interest in food, design, and hospitality dates back to her teenage years, with frequent trips to Mexico, particularly to San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Morelia, and Oaxaca City. The team is described as a group of professionals dedicated to contemporary Mexican cuisine and service to residents and visitors.

Press recognition

The restaurant's website includes mentions in media such as Food & Wine, The New York Times, The Infatuation, and a Santa Fe bucket list guide. These include a Food & Wine article on the wild flavors of the desert in New Mexico cuisine, The New York Times' selection of the best dishes in America of 2024, and The Infatuation's list of the 15 best restaurants in Santa Fe.

Location and contact

401 South Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501 · Hours: Monday: Closed Tuesday-Sunday: 5pm-9pm