Chris H.
Yelp
Food-
Tucked inside the classic Hotel Santa Fe is Amaya, a restaurant that offers a taste of authentic Southwest cuisine. I would highly recommend sticking to the Southwest options, as these are where the kitchen truly shines. Having grown up in the region, I can attest to the authenticity of dishes like the green chili enchilada and the huevos rancheros, which they absolutely nail. For a great start to your meal, we ordered the chips, salsa, and guacamole trio. We also ordered the chicharrones separately, but they were not seasoned as described on the menu. While the food is a highlight, the bar could use some improvement. The drink prices are amazing, but the drinks themselves aren't mixed very well. My Old-Fashioned was served in a copper tin cup (better suited for a mule), and in another instance, a bartender put a spilled olive from my martini, which had fallen on the bar mat, back into the drink.
Ambiance -
The ambiance at Amaya is a breath of fresh air. It features open seating with an airy, light, and refreshing feel. The combination of skylights and open doors creates a very well-lit and inviting space that perfectly complements a sunny Santa Fe day. It's a comfortable and relaxing environment to enjoy a meal.
Service -
The wait staff is very friendly and attentive, adding to the pleasant dining experience. They were quick to seat us and made sure we were taken care of throughout our meal. While there was a minor hiccup with the bartender's service, the wait staff's professionalism and attentiveness were stellar.