SANTO
Santo was envisioned as more than a restaurant—it is Chef Hosea Rosenberg's tribute to the culture, landscapes, and flavors of his hometown of Taos, New Mexico.
Our goal was to create an environment that reflects the warmth, authenticity, and artistry of Northern New Mexico. Drawing inspiration from the region's rich heritage, natural materials, handcrafted details, and earthy color palette, every element was designed to complement Chef Rosenberg's interpretation of traditional Northern New Mexican cuisine.
The restaurant's identity is deeply rooted in the tradition of the santos—hand-carved figures of saints that have been an enduring part of New Mexican culture for centuries. Throughout the space, custom sculptures by celebrated Santero Leonard Salazar serve as both works of art and cultural touchstones. Guests are welcomed by San Pascual, the patron saint of cooking and kitchens, while other santos, including San Francisco and Santa Cecilia, reinforce the restaurant's connection to history, craftsmanship, and community.
One of the restaurant's defining architectural features is the custom-designed Zia chandelier suspended above the bar. Inspired by the iconic Zia sun symbol of New Mexico, the sculptural fixture serves as a visual centerpiece, celebrating the region's heritage while creating a memorable focal point that anchors the space.
Every detail was thoughtfully considered to create a dining experience that feels genuine, welcoming, and deeply connected to place. Santo is more than a restaurant—it is a celebration of Northern New Mexico's enduring traditions, brought to life through architecture, art, and exceptional food.
Santo presented a unique opportunity to completely transform an existing restaurant in just 30 days without changing its functional layout. With the kitchen, bar, and dining areas already well organized, Maliakai focused on creating an entirely new identity inspired by the architecture, art, and culture of Northern New Mexico. The transformation included custom upholstered banquettes that introduced vibrant accent colors, new countertops, tile finishes, a dedicated wine room, a custom liquor display, and a striking Zia-inspired chandelier that serves as a focal point above the bar. Recessed wall niches were incorporated throughout the space to showcase traditional santos, reinforcing the restaurant's cultural inspiration and distinctive character. New epoxy flooring in the kitchen and bar provided durable surfaces for daily operations. The exterior patio was also redesigned, incorporating custom Zia accents into the bar railings to extend the restaurant's distinctive identity outdoors. The result was a dramatic transformation achieved through thoughtful design, targeted improvements, and an accelerated construction schedule.