WHO WE ARE
Paloma is a place of warmth, creativity, and boldness
Paloma is made possible by the people who work here. We are a team of passionate individuals committed to our crafts. We strive for full sustainability in our business practices and in how we approach food. Driven by the creativity and inspiration that comes from our own community and that of our neighbors across the border, we strive to bring you a fresh perspective via Mexican-inspired cuisine.
We are pleased to receive Edible Magazine’s Local Hero Award for Best Restaurant in Santa Fe, 2022
Marja Martin
Owner & General Manager
Marja has been in love with food, cooking, and design since she was seventeen. Growing up in Dallas offered many chances to visit Mexico, particularly San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Morelia, and Oaxaca City. Marja was chef and owner of Marja Custom Catering here in Santa Fe for eighteen years. She brings her genuine love for people, enthusiasm for entertaining, and respect for Mexican food, design and hospitality to Paloma.
Marcos Canacio
Executive Chef
Marcos’ passion for food and cooking has taken him on a remarkable culinary journey through Santa Fe's esteemed kitchens. His insatiable curiosity led him to spend countless days off observing, learning, and absorbing various techniques and culinary approaches. In November 2023, after ten months of training under our founding chef, Nathan Mayes, Marcos was promoted to Executive Chef. We are honored to have him on our team.
Nicolás Garcia
Floor Manager
As an Española native and raised along the Rio Grande in an agricultural community, Nicolás has a deep appreciation for the land and the bountiful yields of the Española valley. He loves Paloma’s ties to local resources and the artful preparation of New Mexican ingredients for Mexican cuisine. Nicolás has proudly been with Paloma for five years.
Keeping it local
Paloma has relationships with various farmers in the Northern New Mexico Valley where we source fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. Chef Nathan Mayes received Edible Magazine’s Best Chef Local Hero Award in 2020 for making and continuing to make a positive impact on New Mexico’s food systems. Paloma is committed to preserving the ancient agricultural traditions of New Mexico. It’s good for flavor, it’s good for the environment, and it’s good for our local farmers.
Community in view
When you dine at Paloma, you’ll find yourself surrounded by local art - murals and illustrations by Jessie Abrams Baca, striking photographs by Gay Block, and patio tabletops that are hand-crafted locally by Stark Raven Fabrication. Each piece is a reflection of the Santa Fe art community, evoking a sense of place and local spirit.
Artists: Alberto Zalma, Amie LeGette, Gay Block, Helios Fabrication, Jessie Abrams Baca, Joyce Smith, Reuben Elias, Stark Raven Fabrication, Tim Jag, Willy Bo Richardson
Mexican Heart
Mexico is the source of our inspiration for everything we do at Paloma. It’s in the food, the vibe, and the folk art. We frequently take trips down to the heart of Mexico—Oaxaca—to take in the ingredients, cuisine, art, crafts, people, places, and of course mezcal! We always come back to our table with renewed creativity and commitment to the warmth and welcoming hospitality of Mexico.
