Our History

The Plaza Café Southside is the offspring of the legendary Plaza Café, a Santa Fe institution since 1947, owned by the Razatos family. Southside owner Leonard Razatos opened his restaurant in 2003 on Cerrillos Road, and in the summer of 2009 moved to a new home near the Regal Stadium 14 movie theaters in San Isidro Plaza.

“I grew up downtown at the Plaza Café, but Santa Fe has changed so much—I opened my restaurant because I wanted to bring a little of the old Santa Fe to the new Santa Fe.”
-Leonard Razatos, owner

The Plaza Café, (on the plaza) Santa Fe’s oldest restaurant, has been serving highly acclaimed, authentic traditional dishes since 1918. In 1947, Dionysi Razatos, a Greek immigrant with an American dream, took over the Plaza Café and his family has been feeding Santa Fe ever since. Danny (his Americanized name) married a local girl named Beneranda and together they ran the Plaza and raised six children. As their children grew they all worked at the Plaza and helped to create what the restaurant is today.

The Razatos family kept the traditional cooking methods and flavor combinations of New Mexico and added some recipes from Greece, all the while keeping with the classic American diner experience.

Located on the historic Santa Fe Plaza you won’t find a better view or atmosphere while you enjoy an authentic New Mexican experience. A favorite among locals and movie stars alike, everyone finds what they’re looking for at the Plaza Café! While you're there don’t hesitate to ask for Andy. He’s back in the kitchen but enjoys meeting his customers and getting their feedback. You can also reach him at andy@thefamousplazacafe.com. Thank you and enjoy!