The 19 Best Restaurants In Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona is known for its breathtaking red rocks, reputed spiritual vortex energy, and incredible hiking. This charming and spiritual town prioritizes health and wellness, and while the restaurant options were limited for a while, its culinary scene continues to grow and expand. From fine dining by the creek to classic Mexican food that competes with the likes of Southern California, Sedona has a surprising amount of solid eateries and restaurants despite its incredibly small size.
Whether you're looking for a new happy hour spot that boasts some of the best views at sunset or an Italian gem that transports you to Tuscany, Sedona has it all. Since most travel to Sedona to experience the great outdoors, many restaurants also offer stunning patios and terraces. That said, if you visit during the summer, be sure to hydrate and cool off with a prickly pear margarita to beat the heat. Without further ado, here's our list of the best restaurants in Sedona for both locals and visitors alike.
Cress on Oak Creek
Located at the upscale L'Auberge de Sedona, Cress on Oak Creek offers an upscale dining experience with creek views and a connection to nature. If the weather is right, guests can sit outside on the restaurant's wooden deck and enjoy watching ducks and other wildlife swin and trot by. Since Cress on Oak Creek has windows all across the restaurant walls, even sitting inside gives you a great view.
The innovative cocktails here use modern techniques to create special concoctions that you can't find anywhere else in Sedona. That said, the European-inspired cuisine pairs wonderfully with a glass of vino. For a fine dining experience, embark on the chef's tasting and add the artful wine pairing. There is also a vegetarian tasting menu for plant-based patrons.
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill has some of the best red rock views in all of Sedona. The snazzy restaurant sits perched on the edge of a lookout that is completely unimpeded. The cocktails are consistent and the cuisine is tasty, but the views are what truly round out the experience at Mariposa, with one section of the restaurant boasting large windows that look toward the rocks. However, if you're unable to snag that spot, you can simply spend some time admiring the scene outside before walking in.
From the house-made sangria to the signature Mariposa cocktail, the drink options here are abundant. When it comes to appetizers, don't miss out on the yuca fries and handmade beef empanadas. Though you can come for a full, sit-down dinner, Mariposa is just as great for drinks and apps at sunset.
Elote Cafe
This award-winning fusion of modern Mexican and Southwestern cuisine features locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients at the forefront of its dishes and cocktails. Unsurprisingly, the first item featured on its menu is elote. Following his 20 years of travel throughout Mexico, chef Jeff Smedstad has practically perfected the fire-roasted corn topped with spicy mayo, lime, and cotija.
Another standout dish is the sweet corn bisque, made with huitlacoche and white truffle crema. Though Elote Cafe has an incredible selection of vegetarian dishes, the meats are not to be missed. The lamb adobo is served alongside ancho chile sauce, rice, and refried black beans. Blue cheese and guajillo chile sauce add an unexpected zing to classic carne asada. Meanwhile, smoked pork cheeks are the center of a hearty meal, served with cascabel chile sauce, grandma's corn cake, and buttermilk cumin drizzle.
Tamaliza
An afternoon at Tamaliza feels like an afternoon in a friend's dining room. Artwork, instruments, and hats decorate the walls, and chef Claudia Gonzalez brings the unforgettable recipes of her childhood spent in Morelos and Michoacan to each dish served at Tamaliza. The ingredients are always fresh — the menu changes daily depending on the produce purchased that day.
Tamaliza's tamale supremo is not to be missed. Diners choose the filling: vegan (poblano peppers with corn), vegetarian (poblano peppers with corn and cheese), or meat (pork in guajillo pepper sauce, chicken in tomatillo sauce, chicken in mole, or beef and onions in guajillo). The tamale is served with a fresh spread of toppings, including black beans, spinach, cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and house-pickled radishes. Wash it down with a refreshing glass of homemade vegan horchata, or fermented pineapple tepache.
Pisa Lisa
Pisa Lisa's winning combination of locally-sourced ingredients, a lively bar, and artisan gelato have cemented it as a staple of the Sedona community. That said, its wood-fired pizzas are its true claim to fame. The restaurant dishes up an impressive variety of unique pizzas, but one of the most popular pies is Da Dorothy Pizza, which is topped with mother sauce, a provolone-mozzarella cheese blend, fennel sausage, picante peppers, and parmigiano-reggiano.
Da Bambini, Pisa Lisa's signature pepperoni pizza, is another favorite. The restaurant even dishes up a vegan pie — the Deluxe Semplice — which features a mouthwatering combination of mother sauce, olive tapenade, grilled eggplant, artichoke hearts, arugula, and pine nuts. If you can spare some room, Lisa's famous tomato bisque soup is the perfect bowl to keep you warm during Sedona's crisp, cool winter days.
Hideaway House
If you're searching for a great dinner with an incredible view, head to The Hideaway House. The restaurant's three open-air patios are tucked into the trees, and diners are treated to breathtaking views of Sedona's famous red rocks. This restaurant is one of the most romantic date spots in Arizona and it offers a menu to match. Start with caramelized onion soup — the classic French onion soup topped with provolone and crispy onions is a house favorite.
The Hideaway House's brick chicken is another classic that's slow-roasted, finished on the grill, and topped with crispy onions, roasted vegetables, and white wine lemon butter sauce. Round out your meal with the restaurant's peach cobbler, served a la mode with butter pecan ice cream, candied pecans, and caramel drizzle.
Gerardo's Italian Kitchen
With a wood-burning pizza oven in the center of Gerardo's Italian Kitchen, the family restaurant is dedicated to creating great food while cultivating a transparent space in which guests can learn about cooking and sustainable food practices. Its pasta, bread, and pizza dough are made fresh daily, using local ingredients. The restaurant is also a member of the Arizona Sustainability Alliance and sources its meat, flour, and produce from intentional producers. On top of that, the restaurant has implemented composting and recycling systems for its food and product waste.
Gerardo's combination of thoughtfully-sourced ingredients and lovingly-prepared dishes make for some delicious meals. You can't go wrong while ordering at Gerardo's, but the fresh, bright shrimp scampi, the crisp Caesar salad, and the hearty chicken parm are among the restaurant's most popular dishes.
Shorebird
Shorebird brings fresh coastal flavors to the high desert, serving up its dishes among stunning views. Its sister location is in Newport Beach, California, so the chefs at Shorebird have a direct line to the Southern Californian culinary scene. Its open, airy dining room is perfectly suited to lunch with friends or an upscale dinner date. Plus, the restaurant's enormous windows allow all of the guests to take in desert views.
The gorgeous scenery is perfectly paired with Shorebird's selection of house cocktails, such as the refreshing scratch margarita, topped off with a cilantro-lime salted rim, or the smoked blueberry sour with bourbon, smashed blueberries, and lime juice. The restaurant also features both a wood-fired grill and a rotisserie, so get ready to chow down on some truly delicious meat and seafood.
Butterfly Burger
This "couture burger lounge" seeks to wow guests with next-level burgers, unexpected sides, hearty salads, and boozy milkshakes. Butterfly Burger rejects the stereotype of the casual burger diner. Instead, the low-lit dining room is dusky and cool, framed by a warmly-lit, well-stocked bar that serves up an impressive craft beer and bourbon selection. Most importantly, the burger menu also pushes the envelope.
It offers chef Lisa Dahl's Gringo Burger, which won the people's choice award at the 2016 Scottsdale Burger Battle. The award-winning burger is topped with Tillamook white aged cheddar, remoulade, shredded romaine, and crispy onion strings. Another award-winning burger featured on the Butterfly Burger menu is the Funghi Sublime, which won the Scottsdale Burger Battle Judge's Choice Award in 2018. The burger is smothered in sautéed mushrooms and topped with imported truffle gouda and special dijonnaise.
Coffee Pot Restaurant
With breakfast offerings ranging from eggs Benedict to a choice of 101 different omelets, it's no wonder that the Coffee Pot is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The restaurant is named for the local Coffee Pot rock formation, and like the red rocks, it is a verifiable Sedona institution, with a storied history.
In the era of Western films, stars like Elvis Presley frequented the Coffee Pot, and the diner has been family-owned and operated for over 30 years. The Coffee Pot's legacy is large, but its portions may be larger — the restaurant has consistently taken the prize for "Best Overall Bargain" and "Best Breakfast" in Sedona. And with an enormous menu to match, there's something to satisfy everyone at the Coffee Pot.
Dahl & Di Luca
White tablecloths, live jazz, and classic Italian dishes combine to create Dahl & Di Luca's unforgettable ambiance. Chef Lisa Dahl has shaped the restaurant's menu around her favorite Italian recipes from her childhood, including tortellini primavera topped with lemon cream sauce, fresh vegetables, and pine nuts. The gnocchi Paradiso with Dahl & Di Luca's signature bolognese is another favorite, as is the salmon al limoncello, which is a fresh Steelhead filet finished with a Neapolitan limoncello reduction.
Dahl & Di Luca also boasts an extensive selection of wines and was a winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 15 consecutive years. Save room for the luscious lemon cheesecake, the coveted creme brulee, or the classic tiramisu (or all three) to round out your meal with a touch of sweetness.
Rene Restaurant
René at Tlaquepaque's Mediterranean flavors are a staple of Sedona's fine dining scene. The menu is built around fresh, organic, local ingredients, and features high-quality imported goods from around the world. But the dining courtyard at René is a world unto its own, complete with gardens, a sycamore grove, and stunning views of Sedona's famous red rock formations.
A trip to René wouldn't be complete without its signature pan-roasted Colorado rack of lamb, served tableside with Kalamata olive yogurt, couscous with dates and figs, and charred eggplant puree. Lighter fare is also available, such as the burrata, a wide array of salads, and, of course, fresh pasta. Meanwhile, guests are sure to remain refreshed throughout the meal thanks to René's extensive wine list.
Golden Goose American Grill
If you're going to the Golden Goose, go hungry. This American grill dishes up scrumptious seafood, steaks, and burgers in its lively and inviting dining room, where the walls are covered in vibrant artwork. During cooler days, diners can also enjoy the Golden Goose's patio, which is shaded by brightly colored umbrellas and framed by Sedona's red rocks.
If you're stumped on what to order, the red rock bacon cheeseburger or the house specialties, such as the sesame-encrusted salmon, are a great place to start. Whether you're going for lunch or dinner, don't skip out on drinks, either. The Golden Goose serves up a delicious house margarita, and if you're feeling tropical, the Sedona Paradise is a refreshing mix of rum, pineapple, and cranberry juice.
Tortas de Fuego
This brightly colored Mexican eatery offers generous portions of Southwestern staples. From nachos to burritos, and more, Tortas de Fuego has it all. But, unsurprisingly, the restaurant is best known for its tortas. Its menu hosts a wide selection of signature tortas, though guests can build their own. Each sandwich comes chock-full of lettuce, tomato, beans, jalapeños, and avocado alongside the protein of the diner's choosing.
Beef, pork, shrimp, beans, and nopales are all options to fill your torta. The salsa bar offers plenty of sauces, including fresh pico de gallo. If you're craving a classic soda, the refrigerator is always well-stocked, and in true Sedona fashion, Tortas de Fuego can whip up a mean margarita. Make sure to save room for the restaurant's renowned dessert—the decadent churros and ice cream are not to be missed.
89Agave Cantina
From the Jarritos-lined wall to the renowned margaritas, 89Agave Cantina is one of the best places for comforting Mexican cuisine in Sedona. Though the patio is great for people-watching, you'll want to sit inside next to the Instagram-worthy rainbow wall of Jarritos. Once you're ready to order, start with tableside guacamole and hearty asada fries. For the main course, you can't go wrong with the shrimp fajitas. The enchiladas with green sauce are also a major hit.
While the food at 89Agave Cantina is great, there's no denying that the margaritas are the stars of the show. The Mercado Margarita is both fruity and spicy. Jalapeño-infused tequila gives it smooth heat while the passionfruit juice and hibiscus-rosemary foam balances it out.
Creekside American Bistro
With one of the most beautiful red rock views in Sedona, two patios where diners can enjoy the scenery, and delicious, seasonally-driven food, Creekside American Bistro is a true crowd-pleaser. The restaurant overlooks Oak Creek, which offers a striking combination of lush greenery and stunning rock formations. Guests enjoy the view alongside classic comfort foods such as shrimp and grits, chicken wings, nachos, and short ribs. If you enjoy seafood, the crab cake is a must-order.
If you can swing it, try to make it for Creekside's breakfast. Its traditional French toast is the perfect post-hike treat. The Sonoran breakfast burrito is a delicious combination of classic ingredients like eggs, bacon, and potatoes, and refreshing additions, like green chilies, guacamole, and pico de gallo, all wrapped into a tomato-basil tortilla.
The Hudson
The Hudson serves up elevated American cuisine and a beautiful view overlooking red rocks. The restaurant's dining room is spacious and airy, with high ceilings and enormous windows that let in the desert sun. It also features a prominent bar that shakes up thirst-quenching cocktails like Pattie's prickly pear margarita, the fig & ginger mule, and smoke signals, a desert-inspired blend of mezcal, jalapeño-infused silver tequila, Aperol, agave nectar, and lime.
These drinks are perfectly paired with the Hudson's wide selection of bruschetta, which includes toasts topped with brie, fig jam, mushroom, roasted garlic, ricotta, and fresh herbs. The blackened shrimp served with avocado, pico, cilantro, and cotija is another crowd-pleaser. The restaurant also has a great selection of main courses, including classic chicken pot pie, the decadent mushroom burger, and chef Jeff's famous corn chowder.
Mesa Grill
Mesa Grill is a laid-back restaurant that utilizes fresh and local ingredients. From breakfast to dinner, Mesa Grill serves up comforting fare that locals have come to love and rely on. Several items on the menu change based on the season, highlighting the establishment's commitment to sourcing the freshest produce possible. Year-round favorites include the blistered shishito peppers, Baja shrimp ceviche, and crispy calamari.
If you're looking for a show-stopping appetizer, go for guacamole that is prepared tableside. For the main course, Mesa Grill has hearty sandwiches, elevated seafood, and a few steak options ranging from a petite filet to tasty surf and turf. You can also pop in for Mesa Grill's awesome happy hour that takes place every single day from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Colt Grill BBQ & Spirits
When it comes to brisket and ribs, Colt Grill BBQ & Spirits is the premier spot in Sedona. The use of real hardwood in the large steel smokers ensures that each cut of meat has bold flavor. Start with a pint of a local craft beer to get a true taste of the Arizona brewery scene or go for a zesty Colt Margarita. The prickly pear lemonade spritz is a non-alcoholic option that uses prickly pear nectar to create a fruity and stunning hot pink drink that both kids and adults will love.
In addition to standard BBQ classics like pulled pork and brisket, Colt Grill also serves up a mean burger. From the peppery Santa Fe Burger to the light veggie burger, there's something for every kind of diner.