Santa Fe’s Innovative Mexican Cuisine with a Chinese-Friendly Twist!

During my three days in Santa Fe, I tried five different Mexican restaurants. What sets Sazón apart is its creative reinvention of traditional Mexican flavors—many dishes taste surprisingly close to Chinese cuisine! 🇲🇽🥢 As a big fan of Mexican food (it’s in my top 3!), I often find some versions too heavy and acidic, but here the ingredients are fresh, the flavors are clean, and I had no issues at all. This is now my favorite fine-dining Mexican experience—beautiful ambiance, exceptional food, and impeccable service. 🍽️❤️ 🥢 Name: Sazón 🇲🇽 Cuisine: Creative Mexican ⏰ Hours: 5 PM–9 PM ☎️ Reservation required 💰 Price range varies widely—we’re big eaters and skipped wine, but still spent around $200 per person. The chef and restaurant have won prestigious awards, and it shows! Nearly 5-star ratings across review sites, and ranked #2 on TripAdvisor this year. They’re fully booked every night—open only 4 hours a day! We reserved a week ahead online but found no availability. Luckily, my partner persisted 🍀—we showed up an hour before opening, met the manager, and got seated thanks to a last-minute cancellation! The century-old adobe building feels historic yet stylish, with cowboy-inspired decor that’s a visual feast. 🏜️🤠 Their reserve wine list offers bottles from 350–775 (with a ~50% markup from retail—not outrageous), but they also have affordable options. Cocktails are around $20. 🍸 Food: We ordered 8 dishes—7 were delicious! 🎉 • Duck Skin Tacos: Creative, crispy, and not greasy—I usually avoid skin, but this was a game-changer! 🦆🔥 • Avocado Ice Cream: Sweet and spicy—unexpectedly amazing! 🥑🍦 • Only the Halibut main was a bit dry. Cocktails were all winners—no disappointments! 🍹 Service: Professionally trained staff who truly elevate the experience. Unlike many California spots where service feels rushed, here they present the bill in a elegant wooden box 📦💼, with no suggested tip amount (though great service makes you want to tip more!). At one point, my napkin fell—a server quietly picked it up with a tray and replaced it seamlessly. Every detail felt polished and respectful. 👏🌈 A unforgettable dining experience—highly recommend! #NewMexicoTravel #SantaFeEats #MexicanCuisine #FineDining #CreativeFood #TravelFoodie #ServiceExcellence #FoodAwards #CulturalBlend #HistoricAmbience #WineLovers #FoodReview #MustTry #UpscaleDining #SantaFeFoodScene