Santa Fe Cafe is at 807 William Hilton Parkway, Suite 700, and it is the island’s Southwestern restaurant, in business for almost 29 years under the same owners. The menu mixes New Mexico-style dishes with traditional Mexican recipes, and the room has an adobe look that the restaurant re-freshes every year. Several reviewers say it is far more than a cafe, so treat it as a proper dinner out. This is the Hilton Head restaurant; there is a separate Santa Fe Cafe in Bluffton.

Santa Fe Cafe Hilton Head Island: What to Order

Start with the painted desert soup, a bowl of red pepper and corn soup with Mexican cream and mole that comes out decorated like a desert scene. Reviewers also name the mesquite-grilled lamb chops, filet mignon, stuffed poblano pepper and the salsa and guacamole, which are ordered separately rather than arriving free. The pork tenderloin with smoked habanero barbecue sauce and the herb-roasted chicken are other featured dishes. Use the menu button above for the current menus.

The Rooftop Cantina and Reservations

The open-air, climate-controlled rooftop cantina is the most popular spot in the restaurant, with a kiva fireplace that makes dinner feel romantic. Regulars ask for it when they book, and reviewers recommend reserving, especially at popular times. You can reserve online through OpenTable or call (843) 785-3838. Bar seating is first come, first served. There is also a loft area that suits family groups.

Hours and Getting There

Lunch runs Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner is Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m., and it is closed Sunday and Monday. Whether you call it the Santa Fe restaurant on Hilton Head Island, Santa Fe Cafe HHI or just Santa Fe, this is the one at 807 William Hilton Parkway. More places to eat are on the Hilton Head restaurants page, and the Hilton Head dining guide sorts them by meal and style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Santa Fe Cafe take reservations?

Yes. You can reserve online through OpenTable or by phone at (843) 785-3838, and reviewers recommend booking, especially for the rooftop cantina. Bar seating is first come, first served.

What is Santa Fe Cafe known for?

Southwestern and Mexican dishes, above all the painted desert soup, mesquite-grilled lamb chops and filet mignon, plus the rooftop cantina with a kiva fireplace.

What are Santa Fe Cafe’s hours?

Lunch is Tuesday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner is Tuesday to Saturday, 5 to 9 p.m. It is closed Sunday and Monday.

Is the rooftop cantina open year round?

The restaurant describes it as open-air and climate controlled, and calls it its most popular spot throughout the year.

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