Galisteo Bistro - Santa Fe

Table ready at reservation time. Ambience/décor typical of first rate bistro. Wine by the glass expensive. Tapas were not well cooked (rice base was cool). classic Caesar salad was not classic! Few croutons even less dressing. Never has hanger steak before. Tasty, but tough plus ordered medium and got well done. Overall the restaurant is highly overrated!

We felt like the wait staff was rushing us out. My meal was so-so, but my friend enjoyed her meal.

Very disappointed in Galisteo Bistro. We went because it is their last week, and we have enjoyed the restaurant so much. However, the staff was not friendly. They seemed anxious to get us out. The owners never came over to our table to even say hello, although they were going around to other tables talking and checking that the orders were ok. Our Cesear salad was the worst ever- the romaine was brown on the edges. I don't care if you are leaving, let your customers leave with positive memories. We are really sorry that we went. We had many choices, but wanted to eat here one last time. I know this review will mean nothing because this restaurant is closing, but I felt it was important to share my thoughts.

We actually ate at Galisteo Bistro twice, once on our anniversary, and a couple of days later just for dinner. We were in Santa Fe on vacation, and we picked Galisteo for our anniversary based on the reviews. The restaurant was excellent both times. On the first occasion, we decided to order several tapas: a shrimp with garlic sauce, a steak bruschetta and an artichoke latke. All were wonderful. We ordered light because we wanted to try the deserts. Again: excellent. In addition, our server made a great recommendation of a sparkling wine from New Mexico that made our anniversary festive. A few nights later, we went back for a dinner. We ordered a traditional Smacafam which my husband loved and a seafood pasta Romescu. Both were excellent. Unfortunately, the restaurant is closing after this week because the owners want to retire. If you are in Santa Fe until Sunday June 25, 2017 go and enjoy a great meal. If not, find out where the chef is going and go there.

This restaurant has changed hands twice in the 4 years we've lived here. The original owners/chef are back and after some remodeling that now offers a dramatic open kitchen, we visited again. My first impression was their concern for food sensitivities. I can't eat bell peppers and my 1st choice (Smacafam...which I've never had) did have bells. And, my 2nd choice (the Puttanesca special) normally would also, but instead of a mix of veggies (including bells) they accommodated me and added tomatoe pieces. Nice size. Big but not too big. Excellent overall, with a lot of heat from pepper flakes. Big menu which had quite a few options I could have ordered, including a nice selection of tapas. Very knowledgeable waiter. We had an oenophile in our group and the two of them had a long and deep discussion. I'm easy...any Italian red works for me. The rest of the service was perfect...there when needed and not intrusive The space is OK. It's comfortable enough. It has a farm-house feel. Tables are big enough and the chairs were comfortable. But, with lots of servers, the kitchen along the side, it does feel a tad cramped. No question that we'll be back