Our Story
Casa del Sol, nestled in the heart of Santa Fe's historic district at 123 Old Town Plaza, has been a beacon of authentic Southwestern cuisine for over three decades. Our story began in 1990 with Abuela Elena, a passionate cook with a deep love for New Mexican flavors. Elena dreamed of sharing her family's time-honored recipes with the world, and Casa del Sol was born from that dream.
Elena's journey started in a small adobe kitchen, where she meticulously crafted each dish using locally sourced ingredients and traditional techniques. Her red chile, made from sun-dried chiles grown in her own garden, became legendary. The aroma of roasting chiles and simmering posole filled the air, drawing in neighbors and visitors alike.
As word spread about Elena's exceptional cooking, Casa del Sol quickly outgrew its humble beginnings. With the help of her family, she expanded the restaurant while staying true to her original vision. The cozy interior, inspired by traditional adobe architecture, was designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of a family home.
Today, Casa del Sol continues to be a family affair, with Elena's grandson, Chef Ricardo Martinez, at the helm. Ricardo, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Scottsdale, Arizona, brings a modern sensibility to traditional Southwestern cooking. He honors his grandmother's legacy by preserving her classic recipes while also introducing innovative new creations that showcase the diverse flavors of the region.
From our signature red chile enchiladas to our hearty posole and warm sopapillas, every dish at Casa del Sol tells a story. We are committed to providing an exceptional dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of New Mexico and creates lasting memories for our guests.
Our Team
Ricardo Martinez
Head Chef
Chef Ricardo Martinez is the driving force behind Casa del Sol's culinary excellence. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, Ricardo infuses his grandmother's traditional recipes with his own innovative flair. He is passionate about using locally sourced ingredients and creating dishes that reflect the vibrant flavors of New Mexico.
The Casa del Sol Team
Dedicated to Excellence
Our team is a family, bound together by a shared passion for hospitality and a commitment to providing exceptional service. From our friendly servers to our skilled kitchen staff, every member of the Casa del Sol team is dedicated to ensuring that our guests have a memorable dining experience.
Isabella Rodriguez
General Manager
Isabella is the General Manager at Casa del Sol. With over 10 years of experience in restaurant management, she ensures the seamless operation of the restaurant, focusing on customer satisfaction and team development. Isabella brings a warm and welcoming presence, making every guest feel at home.
Carlos Chavez
Sous Chef
Carlos works closely with Chef Ricardo in the kitchen to prepare the delicious meals served at Casa del Sol. His attention to detail and dedication to culinary arts ensure that every dish meets the highest standards of quality. His expertise is integral to the success of our kitchen team.
Our Values
- Authenticity: We are committed to preserving the traditional flavors of Southwestern cuisine, using time-honored recipes and locally sourced ingredients.
- Family: We treat our guests and our team like family, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home.
- Quality: We are dedicated to providing exceptional food and service, using only the freshest ingredients and employing skilled professionals.
- Community: We are proud to be a part of the Santa Fe community, and we support local farmers, artisans, and organizations.
- Sustainability: We strive to minimize our environmental impact by using sustainable practices and reducing waste.
- Innovation: While respecting tradition, we embrace innovation and creativity, constantly seeking new ways to enhance our menu and improve our guest experience.
- Integrity: We operate with honesty, transparency, and ethical business practices in all aspects of our restaurant.
At Casa del Sol, we believe that food is more than just sustenance; it's a connection to our heritage, a celebration of our community, and an expression of our love. We are honored to share our passion for Southwestern cuisine with you and look forward to welcoming you to our table.