Not even four months past its opening, a Santa Fe Thai/Malay restaurant already has bagged its first major honor.

Leo’s restaurant at 1200 Hickox St. has been named to the annual Best New Restaurants in America list by Esquire magazine, one of 33 eateries across the country to receive that distinction. It was the only New Mexico restaurant included on the list.

Leo’s — a joint venture of Zakary Pelaccio, Jonathan Boyd and Ian Wolff — opened Aug. 7, quickly becoming a favored destination of Santa Fe foodies. The restaurant is located in a cozy former auto garage and woodworking shop, offering innovative, homestyle Southeast Asian cuisine while specializing in Eastern European wines and a craft cocktail menu highlighting rum and whiskey.

Pelaccio, a James Beard Foundation Award-winnin

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