Alkemē certainly doesn't need another 5 star review but it was just too good to not review it. First, the exterior is very unassuming but the moment you walk into the restaurant you realize you're in for an incredible experience. The hostess what just delightful and too the time to explain what we were about to experience. Granted, the food is remarkable but the delivery of the food is as much a part of the experience as is the food. The pacing of the meal was perfect and the staff allowed us to enjoy the meal, never feeling rushed. A wonderful experience and one we will repeat on our next visit Santa Fe. read more

Asked the chef what to order and she suggested Tôm Thịt Kho 'Caramelized Colossal Shrimp & Braised Pork Belly - Phú Quốc black pepper caramelized fish sauce, garlic sautéed red cabbage and bok choy, pickled mustard greens and bean sprouts, glass noodles with seasonal vegetables' OUTSTANDING. Great with a glass of Pinot. If in Santa Fe and need a break from New Mexican Cuisine, seek this place out. The excellent cuisine is based on Hue-Chan's Vietnamese heritage. read more

We were visiting from Houston, and as passionate lovers of Vietnamese cuisine, this restaurant was at the top of our list. Originally, we had a reservation for 6:30 p.m., but after spending the afternoon exploring the galleries nearby, we happened to pass the restaurant around 5:00 and thought we would simply ask if there was any chance of being seated a bit earlier. We fully understood that the answer might be no. A simple, gracious "We're unable to accommodate you before your reservation time" would have been perfectly reasonable. Instead, our interaction with the owner left us feeling genuinely unwelcome. When I asked whether she would simply prefer that we return at our reserved time, her response was something to the effect of, "Your reservation is at 6:30, but I'm trying to find you a table, so you'll have to wait, okay?" The tone was unnecessarily dismissive and condescending. It was surprising, especially considering we had approached with nothing more than a polite question. What made the experience more difficult was watching the owner interact warmly and graciously with every other party that walked through the door. As a young lesbian couple, we couldn't help but wonder whether we had been judged before we were even given the opportunity to sit down. Perhaps that wasn't the case, but perception matters, and unfortunately that was how the interaction made us feel. Once we were seated, however, the rest of the staff was wonderful. Our server and the team throughout the evening were attentive, professional, and genuinely hospitable. They provided the level of service one hopes for in a restaurant of this caliber, and they deserve recognition for making the dining experience enjoyable despite our initial interaction. The food itself was exceptional. Every dish beautifully honored traditional Vietnamese flavors while presenting them with remarkable elegance and refinement. The balance, depth of flavor, and meticulous presentation were all outstanding. From a culinary perspective alone, this is unquestionably a five-star restaurant. It is precisely because the food is so extraordinary that our initial experience with the owner was such a disappointment. Hospitality is every bit as important as cuisine. Fine dining is about creating an experience where guests feel welcomed, respected, and cared for from the moment they walk through the door. Food has an incredible ability to nourish not only the body but also the spirit, and the energy with which it is served inevitably becomes part of the meal itself. I sincerely hope the owner reflects on the way guests are welcomed. Kindness costs nothing, and we never truly know what someone else may be carrying with them that day. This restaurant has all the makings of a truly exceptional dining destination. With warmth that matches the caliber of its cuisine, it would be unforgettable. read more

Absolutely phenomenal experience at Alkeme!! We shared but the "land" and "sea" five course tasting menus, the creativity and quality of every dish was outstanding. This is a one-of-a-kind place, the Vietnamese fusion flavors are so delicious, the fresh herbs and vegetables pop with brightness alongside the perfectly prepared seafood and meats. We went for my husband's birthday and the Alkeme team made it an unforgettable evening. They gave him a free sparkling wine for his bday :) He ordered the sake pairing for the "sea" tasting menu, and wow, we've never tried sakes this innovative. You can tell the sakes were carefully selected, some more light, others more earthy, all of them excellent. I ordered the Sticky Business cocktail, and damn, it was amazing!! Their take on a tiki drink but less sweet, with a boozey foam and mango pearls. The service was wonderful. We got to talk to Chef Erica, which was very cool, and Vickie gave lovely descriptions of our dishes. They and our waitress made my husband's birthday so special. This restaurant in my opinion is James Beard and/or Michelin level dining. We loved everything about it. I highly recommend Alkeme, we'll never forget this special meal! read more

See all

Great experience across the board. Every dish was flavorful & exciting. Funnily enough, I didn't recognize the dessert by it's name on the menu (Coconut-Pandan Pudding), but as soon as I took a bite, the nostalgia hit! Among Filipinos, it's ginataang bilo-bilo,and I haven't had ginataang in so long! The atmosphere is very chill and intimate. The lighting is low with lamps on the tables and there's bossa nova playing in the background. It's very relaxing, and the service was quick and attentive, like a well-oiled machine. You get a surprisingly large amount of food with the tasting menu, so it's worth the cost to me. read more

See all

Food was fantastic, so unique and fresh. I highly recommend Alkeme. We did the tasting menu so we could try multiple dishes and nothing disappointed. read more

We made a reservation to dine here. After we came in and ordered drinks, I found that the signal inside the restaurant was very weak. They clearly have Wi-Fi available, but they do not provide it to customers. When I asked about it, the owner's explanation came across as dismissive and excuse-making rather than customer-focused. She even questioned whether I was sincere about dining here, instead of resolving a basic service in tourism area. I originally planned to order the $85 tasting menu and other items, but the interaction changed my dining mood before I even ordered. I paid for the drinks I had already ordered and went to another restaurant. The issue was not only the Wi-Fi itself, but the poor customer mindset behind the response. I will not let this kind of service make money from me. read more

Food was good not great. Food genre was nice for a change vs Mexican foods of Santa Fe. Id come again but not in a hurry read more

See all

I am so glad I found this restaurant. This was one of the BEST Asian fusion restaurant. I chose the seafood taster menu which comes with 5 course. From start to finish, it was amazing! By the end of the meal, I was stuffed. The service was wonderful, Michelle, waitress was very attentive, Chef Ericka was very accommodating. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. The ambiance was dimmed lit, beautifully decorated and non pretentious. The food in the restaurant is outstanding food and I can see why this place was semi finalist for James Beard award. read more

A good Asian option in Santa Fe. The MaPo-style shrimp was excellent and easily the best dish I had. I wish it were offered as an entrée. The crispy cod was well prepared and layered with flavor. The carrot soup was a little bland. The colossal shrimp and pork belly came on a bright, fresh, and somewhat messy bed of slaw and greens, but the dish needed a little more heat or sauce to bring everything together. The shrimp were also slightly overcooked. Service was slow and a bit fussy at the same time. The dining room is tight, which seems to make it difficult for servers to flow through the space efficiently, so that may explain some of the issues. read more

Incredibly delicious!! All 5 courses from the land and sea tasting menus were spectacular. If we lived in the area, we would come back every week. This is a must stop when you come to Santa Fe. read more

Such a wonderful tasting experience -- the sake pairing was spot-on and delicious, and the authentic Asian flavors instantly took me right back home. Highly recommend! read more

See all

What an amazing experience from the moment we arrived. The entire place now has designer's elegance created by the owner herself. That alone is worth the effort. However once you peruse the tasting menu, you begin to have an inkling that you have reached another universe. The food is uniquely tasty with thought given to each morsel. And then there's the service. Never a bother but always there to help create your every wish. Definitely one that demands return visits. A special hug to the owner/chef who added that magic touch to every guest's experience. read more

Alkemē - Vietnamese Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

We came here while on a brothers trip to Santa Fe. We did the tasting menus with paired sake. Two of os chose Land and the other chose Streams and Sea. We started with cocktails, Sticky Business, Jade Silk (with vodka), and one other, which I can't remember. All were terrific. The food was absolutely outstanding. Each course had many layers of flavor. We were blown away. The sake pairings were excellent and thoughtful. The level of sophistication and attention to detail in every aspect of this meal was brilliant. The service was great. The hostess was very nice. We had two attentive servers alternating for our meal. Both thoughtfully explained each dish in detail along with directions on how to eat them if necessary. It was refreshing that their descriptions did not include a single superlative. The incredible quality of the food spoke for itself. We sat in the front dining room, which was very warm and relaxed. Definitely a good vibe. Don't snooze on Alkemē. You will not be disappointed. Quite possibly the best meal I've had this year thus far. read more

This is a cute little restaurant that provided great service and ambiance. They accommodated us well with a great vegan/plant-based tasting menu as well. Great service from Hue Chan the owner, and Erica the chef. Parking was on the street. This is a great place for a special/romantic occasion, and to have Vietnamese/Asian fusion food. read more

While visiting Santa Fe indulge yourself and enjoy a meal at Alkeme. It's a nice break from the traditional New Mexican cuisine. It's flavors are those of Asia, flavors rarely found in the South West. Lychee, palmelo, calamansi are a few of the exotic tastes used brilliantly in their dishes. Recommend the tasting menus, either land or sea, or better yet, you and your dining partner order one each and share the tastes. Service is great, the chef is gracious, explaining each dish. Ambiance is intimate. Highly recommend for a fabulous dining experience, read more

This is the third time we've been here and it just gets better every time! We ordered the Bronzino in a fabulous sauce- we ordered a Beet appetizer that was excellent I was drinking ginger beer with tequila and my wife had Sake The people were terrific and we had a great young man Matt who was extremely attentive It's a great place and I am going to save up to go back read more

We tried Alkeme for Valentine's dinner. The restaurant is in the plaza area of Santa Fe, which means parking can be difficult. However, if you spend time in this part of Santa Fe, you probably have a parking strategy. The restaurant is very large with lots of seating in multiple rooms. This creates a more intimate environment since you are not dinning in a large open space. The lights are dim and the rooms are well put together. The service was very friendly from the moment we walked in the door. This is a higher price and smaller portion type of restaurant, but the food is delicious. Everything was very cooked perfectly and tasted wonderful. The restaurant is in the plaza area which means you can stroll the area after dinner and maybe find a place for drinks. I would recommend this restaurant for special occasions. read more

See all

I was in Santa Fe for just a few days and was so glad to get to try Alkeme on the day it wasn't so busy as it usually does! I was able to grab a seat at a bar at a pretty last minute and really appreciate the genuine conversations and great hospitality skills that Krista, a very friendly and knowledgeable bartender/main service person, brought to Alkeme! I liked that Alkeme brought Santa Fe (and New Mexico) a chance for people (tourists and locals) to come try more diverse/different types of food than what people usually eat here. Wonderful staff, service and food! Thank you for opening this little gem Alkeme here! read more

See all

A superb meal! Every bite was a deliciously complex surprise. A beautiful fusion meal. The outdoor patio at sunset in Santa Fe made for a great ambiance! We started the meal with a delicious miso bisque which was deliciously creamy. Followed by a light rice-based vegetarian crepe (gluten free). Our entrees were equally delicious, light, tasty and a complexity of tastes - risotto of squash and Japanese eggplant, and a superb whole trout lightly fried. Our dessert knocked our socks off - a tangy lemon sorbet with candied basil leaf (!) and berries. It was haute cuisine with no pretension. The service was quick, perceptive and very polite. The staff are professional and explain the highlights of each dish as they serve you. Lily was our server and she was outstanding! I highly recommend Alkeme!!! read more

Alkemē - Lemon sorbet with candied basil leaf and berries! - Vietnamese Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

I'm visiting NM from Philadelphia and had the pleasure of treating my hosts to an incredible dinner at Alkemē, and it was truly one of the best meals I've ever had! Everything was on point: delicious food, fantastic service, and a beautiful setting. I'm gluten-free and was thrilled that most of the menu was accessible, including two of the three tasting menus. You could really taste the care that went into each dish. The flavor, texture, balance, and presentation were all outstanding. The service was impeccable, attentive but not overbearing, and both the owner and chef came by our table to check in. It was such a lovely, unforgettable experience. Some of my favorite moments: * The host was warm and welcoming (and coincidentally from near my home!) * Delicious and very creative cocktails and mocktails * I was able to do the tasting menu, and my friends were able to order à la carte. * Each plate was beautifully presented, and the garnishes and accompaniments were so fresh and balanced * When our server delivered each plate, they briefly described each dish again. Such a nice touch with complex courses * We never had to look for our server; they seemed to be right there when we needed them but never in the way. * Vegan/plant-based options sounded amazing, and I'll definitely do that next time I return * Surprise palate cleanser at the end of the meal was pure perfection * Tasting menu had sized-down dishes, but I still came home with leftovers. Confit chicken was melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness! read more

What a wonderful dining experience from start to finish. There were four of us, two couples, and we each did the tasting menu. Between the four Of us we had all three (veggie/fish/meat). Everything tasted exceptional and looked decadent. The service was top notch, one of the owners was at the hostess stand and greeted/sat us. I can not wait to go back! read more

Wowza! What a tasting menu...or two! I had the meat forward tasting menu and hubby had the seafood forward tasting menu. Both excelled at taste and presentation. I have no doubt the vegetarian/vegan tasting menu would have left us wanting for anything. The timing of the delivery of each course was perfect. The flavors were on point. You could tell that the chef truly cared about the guests' experience. Service was exceptional. My lemongrass skirt steak literally melted in my mouth which shows the chef's skill with understanding the cut of the meat and how it should be prepared and sliced. Hubby said his trout was one of the best he has had. Their website says the dress code is business casual and we dressed for the occasion. We did, though, see many patrons coming in wearing hiking/workout clothes or casual attire, so don't let the dress code stop you from trying to get a table. They were very accommodating to all. Highly recommend! read more

See all

My wife and I had dinner last night at Alkemē and it was nothing short of spectacular. We started the evening with cocktails (I had the Violet Crown which was really tasty) and a few small bites/appetizers: Pani Poori Poke- this was tasty, but I was hoping for some more liquid (to mimic the Indian pani poori) Crepes- amazing flavor and very satisfying Salad- really bright and balanced. Excellent start to our meal And then we split one entree: Northern Vietnamese street noodles with pork- definitely the star of the meal. This was so flavorful and had so many textures that it kept me coming back for more. The other aspect of our meal that I have to share and compliment the staff on was how attentive and helpful they were with my wife (who broke her leg). Everyone (especially the owner) went out of their way to make sure she was comfortable and able to enjoy such a lovely meal. read more

It was our anniversary trip to Santa Fe, and this restaurant made the trip extra special. Was the best meal I ever ate. We did the land and the sea tasting menu and shared. Each taste was better than the one before. And the entire crew was like family making the experience exceptional. This is a must visit. We live in Sedona and there is no lack of amazing food that is organic here, but this restaurant deserved the Jame Beard award it received because the entire meal was exceptional from beginning to end. And they gave a new meaning to customer service, which could not have been better from the chef to the others who explained each course and who made sure our ever wish was taken care of. read more

In a town of stunning food options, this meal stood head and shoulders above the rest. If you are vegan or vegetarian, there is a dedicated tasting menu! The food is extraordinary. The tastes were divine and the service was impeccable. My wife and I both described this meal as one of the best we have had. read more

What a fantastic new find in little 'ole Santa Fe, NM. About three blocks from the plaza, this innovative new Vietnamese, Thai, Hawaiian fusion restaurant which opened about 3 months ago. I concur with all my fellow Elite Yelpers, a solid 5-star place. If you love this kind of food, or are just looking for a break from the plentiful New Mexican cuisine for one meal, give this one a try. The atmosphere is awesome, very cool vibe. The service was outstanding, attentive but not over-bearing. The dishes were served quickly. They also have a decent wine, beer, drink list. Seating inside and out, and the rear of the restaurant opens up into additional beautiful dining areas. We started out with the chicken liver pate, presented with an Asian flair. Delicious! The accompanying Vietnamese pickles and olives were quite tasty. We then moved on to the crispy turmeric cod. The fish was cooked (fried) perfectly, and the green apple salad, veggies and dill aioli were terrific! We finished up with the caramelized lemongrass eggplant. The eggplant was expertly prepared, and the flavors of the dish were well-balanced. Alkeme is definitely not your typical Santa Fe, NM, restaurant, but that's why you need to give it a try. Highly recommend this one! read more

See all

First, be aware that the restaurant fronts on Alameda rather than Don Gaspar. It is a small venue, but has outside dining available. We were welcomed by the owner soon after arrival, and it was apparent that she was actively involved in assuring that her diners would have a good experience. I learned that this cuisine might not be my cup of tea, but I did like the menu format. On offer were three "sampler" menus at three price points ranging up to $85. This would be an excellent way to have a full review of their skills, but our intake capacity didn't allow it. I added an extra star for their potential to grow their expertise, but in truth, we didn't relish this cooking. I wish them luck. read more

Alkemē - Tasting Menu - Vietnamese Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

See all

With each new dish they brought out for us it elicited audible gasps from my dad and I, perfect sized portions for a truly spectacular dining experience. As a gluten free gal I also highly appreciated that almost everything on the menu was gluten free or friendly. This restaurant serves true art not only in presentation but in flavor. Absolutely incredible! Service and ambience were also wonderful - this is a must try spot if you're visiting Santa Fe. read more

See all

Fabulous restaurant that exquisitely blends Vietnamese cuisine with influences from India, Mexico, and more. We ordered all vegetarian and fish dishes and each one was spectacular. Warm welcome from the chef / owner. Highly recommend. read more

Alkeme is a hidden gem in Santa Fe. From the outside, it looks like a small store front, but as you enter, you begin to see how magically expansive it is. Each room has its own vibe and feeling. The ambiance was part of what made this dining experience so lovely and enjoyable. We sat in the red room at the very back of the restaurant. I felt as if I was being led into a back room in New Orleans, with the long lace curtains. Each table had touch lighting and there was beautiful wooden hanging lights with soft Edison lightbulbs. This restaurant is seriously sexy! Our waitress Kristy (sorry if I didn't spell your name right) was so sweet and attentive. She did such a great job introducing each creative and delicious dish. It was my friend's birthday and she is vegan. She ordered the vegan tasting menu. First course was this beautifully well-balanced pickled vegetables on these homemade rice crackers that were perfect to scoop up the pickled veggies. Seriously so delicious and a great way to start the meal with something so good for your gut. Did I mention that Erica, the Executive Chef has a background in nutrition? Yep, she does and she came to our table twice to check on our meals. You can see how much pleasure she derives from cooking for others. I had the miso mushroom soup (vegan) which was unbelievable and unforgettable. The bottom of the soup was a creamy lush custard and the soup which was poured over top was chocked full of mushroom umaminess. Each bite hit the pleasure center of my brain and felt like winning the jackpot. I also enjoyed the tempura mushrooms which were a meal in itself. The sauces were amazing and the little salad was a delightful treat. The greens were so fresh and the radish complimented the dish. It was the yin to my yang. The beets inside the chickpea puff was another win. Those beets were so flavorful and packed full of beety perfection and the delicate crunch of the chickpea egg was so delicate and so tasty. I really loved how beautiful this dish was too. Next time, I will have the tasting menu too. She had one dish after the other and she was so happy with each one of them. Did you know that you get your choice of a cocktail or dessert for your birthday? It's true. Every dish was unbelievable and delicious. The desserts were sublime. I am still dreaming of the warm ube pudding that was wrapped in a banana leaf and came with this yummy toasted coconut sauce. Oh my God, thank you Jesus and Buddha and all enlightens one's. This was my kind of dessert-not too sweet but just perfectly sweet enough. Mind-blowing delicious. They will be switching their menu in May and I can't wait to see what Chef Erica will come up with next. This is a great place to take your friends or your lover. If you are Vegan, you will be delightfully spoiled as you should. There is no place like this and we are so lucky to have it in Santa Fe. read more

See all

I was visiting Santa Fe for a long weekend and Alkeme was definitely a highlight of my trip. The food was so amazing that I had dinner here two nights in a row. Fresh, well seasoned and everything cooked perfectly. Also, the staff were just lovely, warm and did everything to make my dinners special. This is such a special place! read more

Tommy searched vegan options on our way into Sante Fe yesterday, and so happy he found Alkeme. We were disappointed it was closed last night but we arrived around 6:45 PM and didn't feel like going out. Glad we did today. They have so many amazing vegan food options and I chose the vegan tasting menu option, #3. Five amazing courses. Tommy had the tasting menu option 2, which was seafood. He tasted each of mine and loved them. The service team were awesome. The restaurant was beautiful with more quiet dining in the front part, and open kitchen bar with music in the back part. Chef/Owner Hue-Chan Karels came out and greeted us and all the guests. She is a sweetheart and does annual tours to Vietnam. We might join her in the future. Highly recommend if you're in Sante Fe. read more

See all

Everything here was perfect. Food, service, attention to detail, friendliness. Amazing place.

When you're ready for something other than New Mexican food, this is the place! I'm so glad we found this gem on our third day visiting and couldn't deal with any more Green Chile. The space is lovely, warm and comfortable. The service is outstanding. We didn't have a reservation on a busy night and they managed to squeeze us in. Everything was delicious and extremely creative. Our favorite dish was the Bahn Zeo - a French inspired Vietnamese crepe but everything we had was outstanding. I don't drink but the drinks and wine list looked impressive. read more

Amazing creative food. Indochine wine dinner with fantastic French wine pairings. The chef here does an unbelievable job at interpreting Vietnamese.cuisine. This was one of the best wine dinner sthat we have ever attended. This place is a "must try" place n Santa Fe. We will be back. Many firms. read more

We had the meat and fish samplers. First three (of five) dishes were great. Went down hill from there. Branzino and short ribs lacked flavor and deserts bland. Wine selection limited. Server was great. read more

Took my wife here for our anniversary. Enjoyed a flight from the menu. Outstanding. We will be back. Great service. Wonderful flavors. Nice environment. read more

Beautiful patio area, great service, and excellent food. Everyone was nice and attentive. The kimchi fries and short rib were fantastic! Will definitely be back again! read more

Alkemē - Vietnamese Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

The service was wonderful and the food so special! We were treated like royalty. The ambiance was perfect!