Alkemē

4.7

502 Reviews

$50 and over

Asian

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 11 times today

Experiences are available.

Innovative
Good for special occasions
Vegetarian-friendly

Welcome to Alkemē where dining is a unique culture-to-table experience. We are honored to be a 2024 James Beard Award Best New Restaurant Semifinalist!

Our food menu is Vietnamese heritage cuisine reimagined. Chef-Owner Hue-Chan Karels and Executive Chef Erica Tai are reinterpreting heirloom recipes from their culinary roots to create dishes that are innovative yet steeped in tradition and culture. We offer 3 tasting menus, a seasonal a la carte menu, dim sum brunch on Saturdays, and a full-liquor beverage menu with creative cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.

Our patio is open from Spring through Fall. Our indoor dining space has 3 dining rooms & a bar:
> Main Dining Room is vibrant and modern
> Dawn Dining Room is warm and inviting and can seat large parties from 6 to 14
> Indochine Room (aka "The Red Room") exudes passion and intimacy

Additional information

Location
227 Don Gaspar Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501-2119
Phone number
(505) 982-9704
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Asian, Vietnamese, Vegetarian / Vegan
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–8:45 pm Sat 11:00 am–2:30 pm
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef-Owner Hue-Chan Executive Chef Erica

Experiences

Alkemē & Sazón Present: Fish Sauce & Mole.
$195.00 per person
Prepaid
Apr 19, 2025 only
6:30 PM
Two culinary powerhouses unite for an extraordinary evening where tradition, innovation, and global flavors coalesce. Alkemē and Sazón present Fish Sauce & Mole, a multi-course dining experience celebrating the deep-rooted mother sauces of Vietnam and Mexico. This year’s event is made even more remarkable with the presence of Cuong Pham, Founder of Red Boat Fish Sauce, whose globally renowned brand has set the gold standard for purity and craftsmanship. As a trailblazer in Vietnamese cuisine, his presence underscores the profound impact of authentic ingredients in shaping heritage cooking. At the helm of this unforgettable evening are Chef Hue-Chan Karels of Alkemē and Chef Fernando Olea of Sazón—two culinary visionaries whose distinct backgrounds and bold creativity will transform fish sauce and mole into an unexpected and harmonious dialogue of flavors. Prepare to indulge in an exquisite multi-course menu, weaving together the soulful traditions of Vietnam and Mexico in a way never before experienced. An evening of heritage cuisines, reimagined. Tickets will sell out—secure your reservation today! $195 per person | Drink Pairings: $95 plus 20% service fee and tax (transferrable, not refundable)
Dinner - Author Viet Thanh Nguyen, The Sympathizer
$125.00 per person
Prepaid
May 16, 2025 only
7:30 PM
Alkemē Presents: Taste of Nostalgia, Loss, and Resilience A dinner celebrating the literary works of Viet Thanh Nguyen Date: May 16, 2025 Time: 7:30 PM Location: Alkemē, Santa Fe Price: $125 per person per 20% gratuity and tax (transferable, not refundable) Alkemē proudly presents Taste of Nostalgia, Loss, and Resilience – a dinner celebrating the literary works of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen, featured author at the 2025 Santa Fe Literary Festival. This exclusive event is an immersive, multi-course journey that reimagines original Vietnamese Heritage Cuisine, where every dish is a culinary tribute to the rich narratives of memory, sorrow, and strength woven throughout Nguyen’s acclaimed storytelling. Drawing inspiration from his groundbreaking work, The Sympathizer—a New York Times bestseller and Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece—this evening explores themes that resonate in his other celebrated works, including Nothing Ever Dies: Vietnam and the Memory of War, The Refugees, and The Committed. Viet Thanh Nguyen’s profound insights into identity and resilience have earned him a host of literary honors and established him as a leading voice in contemporary literature. Beyond his writing, he is a University Professor at the University of Southern California. His work continues to captivate global audiences—further immortalized by HBO’s adaptation of The Sympathizer directed by Park Chan-wook.

HOUSEMADE RICE PAPER-NORI CRACKERS WITH TRIO SAUCE FLIGHT$12.00
gochujang | dill aioli | peanut-hoisin (gluten free)
MISO SHIITAKE BISQUE$11.00
Table service of velvety miso shiitake bisque with vegetable dashi custard | braised wild mushrooms (gluten free, vegetarian)
HAWAIIAN ROASTED BEETS POKE NEST IN NDIAN-STREET FOOD PANI PURI VESSELS$18.00
Soy sauce | sesame oil | red onions |lime zest and juice (contains soy, vegan)
HAWAIIAN OFF-THE-HOOK TUNA POKE IN INDIAN-STREET FOOD PANI PURI VESSELS$24.00
Raw sashimi grade Yellowfin tuna sov sesame oil red onions lime zest and juice contains soy, dairy free)

Playful Bites

BÁNH XEO - FRENCH-INSPIRED VIETNAMESE CRÊPE$18.00
Reimagining the beloved French-inspired Vietnamese crêpes made with rice flour braised pork belly | seasonal vegetables | fresh herbs Vietnamese pesto | Vietnamese dipping sauce (dairy free, gluten free). *VEGAN VERSION: SEASONAL VEGETABLE Housemade Vietnamese vegan fish sauce (gluten free, vegan)
CÁ - CRISPY TURMERIC AND DILL COD$24.00
A twist on the Hà Nöi, Northern Vietnamese specialty | dill aïoli | turmeric oil Asian herb oil fennel-jicama-green apple slaw | pickled red onions
TAIWANESE STEAMED GUA BAO BUNS$22.00
Braised pork belly | pickled mustard greens | Gochujang aïoli
NÄM NUÓNG - TEMPURA CLUSTERS OF BEECH MUSH- ROOM WITH DUO HOISIN BOURBON AND PEANUT HOISIN SAUCE FLIGHT$20.00
(contains soy, vegan)
GÓINGÓ SEN - LOTUS STEM SALAD$20.00
Pickled lotus roots rainbow carrots and green papaya with ginger Vietnamese lime vinaigrette | fried shallots | sesame rice crackers (gluten free, dairy free)

Big Impressions

PAN FRIED BUTTERFLIED WHOLE BRANZINO WITH "CANH CHUA" VIETNAMESE SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE$42.00
Housemade fish bone broth | tamarind | pineapple | tomatoes | okra | garlic confit I fresh herbs | rice vermicelli crisps (gluten free, dairy free)
CHEUNG FUN - SILKY STEAMED RICE ROULADE WITH SHRIMP AND PORK, LOBSTER TAIL$46.00
Freshly handmade rice rolls | ginger shrimp butter | grilled squash| ginger soy sauce| fresh scallions | crisp shallots (contains soy, dairy free)
CÀ TÍM XÃO XÁ - CARAMELIZED LEMONGRASS JAPANESE EGGPLANT WITH KABOCHA SQUASH RISOTTO$34.00
Kabocha squash sweet rice risotto with coconut milk housemade vegan fish sauce | Thai basil-almond gremolata | sautéed winter greens (gluten free, vegan)
DUCK DUCK ADOBO$42.00
Seared duck breast| duck leg confit | garlic fried Jasmine rice | Filipino adobo demi-glace and adobo coconut-herb sauce atchara - FIlipino pickled green papaya and carrots (contains soy, dairy free)
TAIWANESE-INSPIRED APPLEWOOD SMOKED BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIB$46.00
Hand-pulled noodles | sesame spiced sauce | pickled mustard greens sautéed garlic bok choy (contains soy, dairy free)
BÚN CHA HÀ NÖI - NORTHERN VIETNAMESE STREET FOOD GRILLED PORK & RICE NOODLES$32.00
Grilled pork slices and pork patties in warm broth of fish sauce, lime, and garlic | rice vermicelli | pickled green papaya and carrots | lettuce and fresh herbs (gluten free, dairy free)

Sweets

UBE BIKO PUDDING $14.00
Warm Filipino sticky coconut ube rice pudding wrapped in banana leaf coconut pandan caramel | toasted coconut flakes (gluten free, vegan)
BANH FLAN CÀ PHÊ - VIETNAMESE COFFEE FLAN$14.00
Almond meringues (gluten free, vegetarian)
BÁNH NAPOLEON SÔ-CÔ-LA - VIETNAMESE NAPOLEON$14.00
Layers of crisp Vietnamese artisan rice paper chocolate avocado mousse orange brandy caramelized mango (gluten free, vegan)

What 502 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

New Mexico
Innovative
New Mexico
Healthy
Santa Fe / Mountains
Best Service
Santa Fe / Mountains
Innovative
Santa Fe / Mountains
Healthy

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Alkemē offers an inventive Asian fusion dining experience in Santa Fe. Guests rave about the "excellent, creative cuisine" and "impeccable service." The tasting menus are a highlight, providing a "unique fine dining experience" with "beautifully prepared" dishes. The "attentive, friendly staff" and "relaxed atmosphere" make it a must-visit destination.

502 Reviews

G
George VIP
New Mexico14 reviews
5.0
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had yet another amazing meal at Alkemē at Open Kitchen this evening. I had the meat forward tasting menu and Gordon had the fish forward tasting menu. The braised short rib and tumeric cod were stand out delicious. Each dish seemed to be better than the last. Finished it off with a Vietnamese coffee flan! OMG, I think I died and went to heaven. Shout out to our server, Krista, who is one of the best in Santa Fe and of course Hue-Chan was so gracious. An absolutely perfect evening.
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M
Mack VIP
San Antonio27 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service, ambience and cuisine! Always a treat.
AlkemēResponded 5 days ago
We are so happy to hear that we hit all the marks for you, Mack! Thank you for taking the time to leave such a nice review. We appreciate it and look forward to seeing you again soon. Very best wishes, the Alkeme team
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J
JoAnn Ruppert
Hawaii5 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Creative, delicious choices, beautifully presented. It may be the best restaurant in Santa Fe. I live here and eat out frequently-both high end and reasonable cuisines - so I have a very good sense for what's available in town
AlkemēResponded 5 days ago
We are delighted to hear how much you enjoy your meals at Alkeme, JoAnn. Thank you so much for this kind review. We will spread your lovely words among our staff who will be pleased to know that you count us among your top favorites! We hope to see you again soon; stay tuned for our upcoming spring menu, which will have some exciting new items. Very best, the Alkeme team
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver1 review
5.0
Dined on March 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We took my mom here for her 75th and everyone was just so kind and delightful. The food was absolutely incredible and it didn’t feel stuffy or pretentious. Can’t wait to visit again when we are in town again. Thank you for a lovely experience!
AlkemēResponded 5 days ago
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review! We so appreciate it. We are delighted to hear that your mother's 75th birthday was made extra special by our food, ambiance and service. Please say happy birthday, again, to your mom for us! We hope to see you on your next visit to Santa Fe. Yours sincerely, the Alkeme team
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B
Benjamin
New Mexico3 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had an extraordinary experience sitting at a beautiful table in a stunning room designed in red and black, that created a very passionate vibe. Service, food, experience was just over the top. What an exciting place to spend time in.. Hue Chen has curated something very special, with Chef Erica as one of her many secret weapons.LOVE.
AlkemēResponded on March 3, 2025
We are so pleased to hear that you felt Alkeme's passion for creating a memorable dining experience during your recent visit, Benjamin! We hope to see you again soon and appreciate the time you took to share your positive feelings on Open Table. With best wishes, the Alkeme team
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K
Kristi
New Mexico5 reviews
4.0
Dined on February 27, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My husband and I each had a different tasting menu as part of restaurant week. The pacing of service was perfect with just the right amount of attention. We enjoyed the quiet music that was playing. The food was quite good but not perfect. There were 5 courses and several of the courses were similar to each other. My husband got the fish menu and had two courses with dill aioli. I had two courses with meat and noodles. My husband said everything was good but not quite wow. Overall we thought this was a nice meal.
AlkemēResponded on March 3, 2025
Thank you, Kristi, for taking the time to leave a review. We are glad that you noticed that we try hard to pace our dishes appropriately and that our servers were able to provide just the right amount of attention to you and your husband. We hope to see you again! With very best wishes, the Alkeme team
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D
David
New Mexico9 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I had the vegan tasting menu. Although everything tasted great, I’m not certain this met all my nutritional needs: a reasonable amount of protein, low levels of saturated fat and more. (I’m on the Ornish lifestyle.) I’ll find out before my next visit.
AlkemēResponded on February 27, 2025
Thank you for trying the vegan tasting menu at Alkeme, David, and for taking the time to leave us a review. We are glad to hear that everything tasted great! Very best wishes, the Alkeme team
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D
Donald
New Mexico16 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Another fantastic dining experience at Alkeme. We took advantage of the restaurant week special tasting menu and it did not disappoint. Everything was delicious and the service was impeccable. IMHO it is the best restaurant in town. Highly recommended!
AlkemēResponded on February 27, 2025
It is wonderful to hear that your dining experience at Alkeme was everything you wanted it to be, Donald! We are grateful that you took the time to leave this lovely review. In a town of many great restaurants it is delightful to read that you would rate us Number One! We hope to welcome you back again soon for another memorable meal. With very best wishes, the Alkeme team
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CT
CharleenT VIP
New Mexico5 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 23, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our dinner at Alkemē was wonderful in every way. Beautiful ambience, delicious food that is unique and a multilayered experience of amazing tastes and unexpected combinations of different herbs and spices expertly prepared. The service was impeccable, gracious and warm from the hostess Lizette to our excellent waiter Crystof and busser Vanity. The owner Chef Hue-Chan Karels was welcoming and lovely and made sure that our culinary experience was excellent and memorable. Their excellent mixologist created a great selection of drinks that were delicious as well as unexpected and surprising in their interesting combination of liqueurs and tastes. We were celebrating my birthday, and Alkemē made it very special and celebratory. Kudos to Chef Hue-Chan Karels, Chef Erica Tai and their excellent team. It truly was a night to remember.
AlkemēResponded on February 25, 2025
We are delighted to hear that your birthday celebration was made extra-special by Alkeme's food, drink and team, Charleen! We are very grateful that you took the time to write such a lovely review. It makes us feel very proud that you felt so warmly welcomed and that our flavors and aesthetics pleased you so. Thanks for coming in. We hope to welcome you again soon! With best wishes, the Alkeme team
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B
Byron VIP
Orlando8 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 23, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Alkemē should be a MUST on your Santa Fe dining circuit. A blend of Asian flavors with traditional beef and fish selections are sure to please.
AlkemēResponded on February 25, 2025
We are so glad that you enjoyed your visit to Alkeme, Byron! And that you took the time to share your enthusiasm, especially about our modern Asian protein dishes. Thank you! We hope to see you again soon. Very best, the Alkeme team
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FAQs

Alkemē is rated 4.7 stars by 502 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 11 times today

Experiences are available.

227 Don Gaspar Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501-2119

Additional information

Phone number
(505) 982-9704
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Asian, Vietnamese, Vegetarian / Vegan
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–8:45 pm Sat 11:00 am–2:30 pm
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef-Owner Hue-Chan Executive Chef Erica

Alkemē

Make a reservation

Additional information

Experiences

Alkemē & Sazón Present: Fish Sauce & Mole.

Dinner - Author Viet Thanh Nguyen, The Sympathizer

Menu

Amuse

HOUSEMADE RICE PAPER-NORI CRACKERS WITH TRIO SAUCE FLIGHT$12.00

MISO SHIITAKE BISQUE$11.00

HAWAIIAN ROASTED BEETS POKE NEST IN NDIAN-STREET FOOD PANI PURI VESSELS$18.00

HAWAIIAN OFF-THE-HOOK TUNA POKE IN INDIAN-STREET FOOD PANI PURI VESSELS$24.00

Playful Bites

BÁNH XEO - FRENCH-INSPIRED VIETNAMESE CRÊPE$18.00

CÁ - CRISPY TURMERIC AND DILL COD$24.00

TAIWANESE STEAMED GUA BAO BUNS$22.00

NÄM NUÓNG - TEMPURA CLUSTERS OF BEECH MUSH- ROOM WITH DUO HOISIN BOURBON AND PEANUT HOISIN SAUCE FLIGHT$20.00

GÓINGÓ SEN - LOTUS STEM SALAD$20.00

Big Impressions

PAN FRIED BUTTERFLIED WHOLE BRANZINO WITH "CANH CHUA" VIETNAMESE SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE$42.00

CHEUNG FUN - SILKY STEAMED RICE ROULADE WITH SHRIMP AND PORK, LOBSTER TAIL$46.00

CÀ TÍM XÃO XÁ - CARAMELIZED LEMONGRASS JAPANESE EGGPLANT WITH KABOCHA SQUASH RISOTTO$34.00

DUCK DUCK ADOBO$42.00

TAIWANESE-INSPIRED APPLEWOOD SMOKED BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIB$46.00

BÚN CHA HÀ NÖI - NORTHERN VIETNAMESE STREET FOOD GRILLED PORK & RICE NOODLES$32.00

Sweets

UBE BIKO PUDDING $14.00

BANH FLAN CÀ PHÊ - VIETNAMESE COFFEE FLAN$14.00

BÁNH NAPOLEON SÔ-CÔ-LA - VIETNAMESE NAPOLEON$14.00

What 502 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is Alkemē restaurant rated?

Is Alkemē currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information