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Top 10 Must-Try Restaurants in Sedona

top must-try best restaurants in sedona
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Sedona, AZ, with its vast red landscape that kisses the open sky, is a wonderful destination to unplug and reconnect with nature.

But, aside from drawing in nature lovers from all over the world, this place is also well-known for its delightful cuisine and world-class restaurants. Its thriving food scene boasts unique signature dishes you won’t taste anywhere else.

This article enumerates the top 10 best restaurants in Sedona you have to visit when you’re in this amazing city.

steak with vegetables and mushrooms in the best restaurants in sedona

Credit: Image by Carlos Davila Cepeda | Unsplash

1. Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill

Perched atop a scenic bluff, Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill is one of the best restaurants in Sedona with a view. Enjoy panoramic views of the majestic red rocks as you dine.

At the heart of the restaurant, you’ll find Chef Dahl’s wood-fired grill and wood-burning oven where unique South American-inspired cuisine is created.

Must-Try:

  1. Gringo Burger – 8 oz. Creekstone Farms black Angus beef, cooked medium. White aged cheddar, Louis remoulade, shredded romaine, and crispy onion strings on an artisan bun. All-natural USDA.
  2. Pulpo Parrilla – Wood-fired Spanish octopus, garbanzo purée, fennel slaw, and olive tapenade.
  3. Vaquero – Grilled skirt steak, charred and served over signature frijoles negros, accompanied by rosemary roasted potatoes, house chimichurri, and Pico de Gallo.

Reviews:

“Incredible food, wine, cocktails and service to match the incredible daytime views or the nighttime ambiance of the restaurant’s interior. Superb! No wonder this is Sedona’s most popular destination.”
– Nicole Nez

Restaurant Information:

grilled chicken with guacamole served in the best restaurants in sedona

Credit: Image by Md Jibon Talukder | Unsplash

2. Elote Café

The award-winning Elote Café is one of the best restaurants in Sedona AZ.

This spot serves authentic modern Mexican and Southwestern cuisine prepared with seasonal, locally grown ingredients. The handpicked cocktail menu boasts the finest tequilas and mezcal.

Must-Try:

  1. Lamb Adobo – Braised Superior Farms lamb shank served with a robust ancho chile sauce.
  2. Carne Asada – Grilled Niman Ranch Prime skirt steak with guajillo chile sauce and Point Reyes blue cheese.
  3. Pork Short Rib Carnitas – Slow-roasted Idaho pork with guacamole and salsa de arbol.

Reviews:

“When in Sedona, dine here! Authentic all the way. We had reservations and were immediately seated on a Friday night. Jose took great care of us and made sure we had a fantastic experience. The food was top notch, we started with the Nopales Salad (try it), then I had the smoked brisket enchilada (delicious) and hubs had the buffalo mole (good but rich). Both cocktails we tried were enjoyable as well. Totally understand why it is a top restaurant!”
– Sharie Rice

Restaurant Information:

bread with vegetables and sliced avocados served in the best restaurants in sedona

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3. Cress on Oak Creek

Nestled into the wooded bank of a meandering creek, Cress on Oak Creek offers a curated dining experience as you are immersed in Sedona’s natural beauty.

Offerings are infused with French techniques, European influence, and local ingredients. The restaurant also boasts an extensive cocktail and wine list.

Must-Try:

  1. Cress Country Breakfast – Organic eggs of any style, breakfast potatoes. Choice of pork sausage, chicken sausage, applewood smoked bacon, avocado.
  2. Smoked Salmon Benedict – Poached eggs, English muffin, hollandaise, dill, and shaved fennel salad.
  3. L’Omelette – Breakfast potatoes, toast. Choice of two ingredients: chicken sausage, smoked ham, bacon, spinach, mushroom, tomato, green onion, jalapeño, Havarti, sharp cheddar, Gruyère.

Reviews:

“Dining here was the most amazing dining experience that I had during my Sedona celebrations of my birthday. The staff are genuine,informed and care. The food was amazing. Assistance with menu choices and wind choices were dead on and I just can’t say enough good about this restaurant. If you have time to go here and enjoy a beautiful meal do it.”
– Darlene Paterson

Restaurant Information:

pasta with tomato and basil in the best restaurants in sedona

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4. Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano

Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano is the most awarded fine dining restaurant in Sedona. It has garnered numerous awards, including Best of Arizona’s Most Romantic Restaurant and Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence.

This landmark of fine dining serves signature interpretations of Italian classics meticulously crafted with organically grown produce and wild-caught seafood from sources practicing sustainability.

Must-Try:

  1. Calamari Capesante – A seafood lover’s delicacy calamari steak sautéed dore style and finished with white wine, lemon, garlic, parsley, accompanied by two New Bedford sea scallops on a bed of angel hair.
  2. Lisa’s Luscious Lasagna – Homemade lasagna layered with a signature Bolognese sauce, Italian sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan.
  3. Romeo e Juliet – Sautéed scaloppini of veal and eggplant finished al forno with their signature marinara, mozzarella, and capellini pomodoro.

Reviews:

“Came here for dinner during our anniversary trip to Sedona – great food, excellent service and very nice atmosphere. Highly recommend the house made pastas (we had the tortellini de la nonna) and the spumoni for dessert. Thanks!”
– Eyal Cimet

Restaurant Information:

a steak served in the best restaurants in sedona

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5. The Hudson

The Hudson serves up delicious American-style comfort food with a southern touch. Guests are treated with chef-driven food best paired with great cocktails and wine in this fun, welcoming atmosphere.

The industrial chic setting offers an unsurpassed view. Diners can choose to enjoy their meal in the open dining room, central bar, lounge, or the best deck in town.

Must-Try:

  1. Prime Ribeye – 22 oz bone-in prime ribeye topped with herbed butter, whipped potatoes, and vegetables.
  2. Grilled Australian Lamb Chops – Whipped potatoes, asparagus, port wine demi-glace.
  3. Blackened Swordfish – Crispy shrimp, tomato vodka sauce, whipped potatoes, and seasonal vegetables.

Reviews:

“Excellent service tonight by Alex. Elaborate menu of high-end entrées and inventive elevation of classic comfort food. Classy atmosphere of fine dining is uncompromised by a seamless intersection of casual inclusion. In short, it’s a success of a Sedona restaurant.”
– RE Cooper

Restaurant Information:

creamy pasta in a bowl in the best restaurants in sedona

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6. Creekside American Bistro

Nestled in the heart of the city, Creekside American Bistro is one of the best casual restaurants in Sedona that offers a delightfully unique dining experience that is both comforting and familiar.

The bar serves up exquisite craft cocktails, local beers, and an extensive wine selection that features local vineyard gems. The patios are dog-friendly, with a special menu for your furry companion.

Must-Try:

  1. Tarte Flambé – Chili flakes, bacon, onions, garlic oil, oregano, cheese blend, and preserved lemon.
  2. Summer Seafood Pan Roast – Light and flavorful tomato-fennel broth with chorizo (mussels, prawns, crab).
  3. Penne Pasta Carbonara with Chicken & English Peas – Bacon, onions, garlic, parmesan cheese, eggs, cream, and black pepper.

Reviews:

“We don’t come to Sedona without coming to Creekside for breakfast. The coffee is hot and fresh and the menu is well crafted and executed. Make a reservation, it’s worth planning your morning around.”
– Adam Stuart

Restaurant Information:

tacos with sauce served in the best restaurants in sedona

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7. Tamaliza

Owned and helmed by Chef Claudia Glez, who was born and raised in Mexico, Tamaliza is popular for its authentic Mexican cuisine that echoes the culinary traditions of Taxco, Guerrero, Morelos, and Michoacán states.

Everything on the menu is made from fresh, natural, organic, and non-GMO ingredients. Patrons love the large, fresh tamales served up in generous portions, enchiladas, and tacos.

Must-Try:

  1. Tacos Mexico City Style – Cilantro, onions, avocado salsa.
  2. Enchiladas – Topped with sour cream, cheese, spinach, and Pico de Gallo.
  3. Chile Relleno – Roasted poblano pepper stuffed with cotija cheese.

Reviews:

“What a hidden gem! The food was amazing and the staff was very friendly. This will be a go to place when we visit Sedona from now on!”
– Brittany Schmidt

Restaurant Information:

a serving of lasagna in the best restaurants in sedona

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8. Hideaway House

Delicious home-style country Italian cuisine and stunning views of Sedona’s Red Rocks in a casual atmosphere with cozy European vibes, this is the dining experience to look forward to at Hideaway House.

This restaurant is one of the best places to enjoy Italian food in Sedona, from soups and salads to gourmet pizzas and country-style pasta.

Must-Try:

  1. Shrimp & Gnocchi – Tomato basil sauce, sauteed shrimp, and gnocchi.
  2. Brick Chicken – Slow-roasted chicken, finished on the grill with crispy onions, roasted potatoes, and sauteed vegetables. White wine lemon butter sauce.
  3. Lasagna Rollatini Di Vegetali – Stuffed with eggplant, spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella. Layered with house made marinara.

Reviews:

“When you visit Sedona you might be overwhelm of the amount of tourist…it is ok. come to this place hideaway house is located in the best location in Sedona. the views of the red rock mountains couldn’t be better. Great atmosphere! Troy will give you over the top attention. This is my favorite spot in Sedona.”
– LM

Restaurant Information:

a pizza served in the best restaurants in sedona

Credit: Image by Paul Espinoza | Pexels

9. ChocolaTree Organic Oasis

The first thing locals think of when you ask about vegetarian or vegan restaurants in Sedona. ChocolaTree Organic Oasis is famous for its purely organic vegetarian cuisine made using freshly selected produce free of gluten and processed sugar.

Their menu includes breakfast, soups, salads, wraps, entrées, smoothies, and raw chocolates made on-site.

Must-Try:

  1. Sedona 2012 Enchilada – Spicy tomato wrap, stewed corn, basmati rice, tomato sauce, guacamole, vegan cheddar crumble, hot sauce.
  2. Margherita Pizza – Homemade gluten-free pizza crust topped with sharp cheddar, basil pesto, and fresh tomato slices.
  3. Baked Samosa Fritter – Baked samosa fritter with spinach, potato, peas, onion, garlic, ayurvedic spices. Served on bed of greens, topped with spicy red pepper chutney, and coconut oil.

Reviews:

“The best place in Sedona for a healthy drink or lunch. The vibe is super high and relaxing. They have beautiful pieces of art for sale and a lot of other neat items in their shop. They also put at customer’s disposal some oracle card decks and books. Love this place. I come back every time I am in Sedona.”
– Priscilla Stanley

Restaurant Information:

a serving of garlic butter shrimp in the best restaurants in sedona

Credit: Image by Durenne Loris | Unsplash

10. Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits

A family-owned restaurant and bar that has been a Sedona tradition since 1993, the Cowboy Club features scratch ‘High Desert Cuisine’ and offers an experience that will have you returning time and again.

It’s an Arizona destination dining at its finest, showcasing the best of the Southwest. The menu features a wide variety of roasted meats served family-style with two sides, seafood dishes, and vegetarian options.

Must-Try:

  1. Garlic Butter Shrimp – Shell-on butterflied shrimp, garlic herb butter, jasmine rice vegetable medley, sherry-honey vinaigrette.
  2. Roasted Bone Marrow – Six-inch split, ash salt, fresh parsley, toasted baguette.
  3. Bison Chili – Ground bison, corn, black & kidney beans, poblanos, Colby longhorn cheese, and cornbread crumbles.

Reviews:

“Great stop in Sedona for food and drinks. Try the sampler with a unique variety of rattlesnake/rabbit sausage, cactus fries and bison.”
– Tim Hannah

Restaurant Information:

top must-try best restaurants in sedona

Note: This image may include elements generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

Wrap Up

There you have it — Sedona’s top 10 restaurants you have to try when you’re in the city.

Would you like to know more about the area? Give me a call today at 928-963-4855 for any questions. You may also email me at victoria@sedonaluxuryhomes.com to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, ChocolaTree Organic Oasis is one of the best vegan-friendly restaurants in Sedona. They offer 100% organic vegetarian cuisine made using freshly selected produce free of gluten and processed sugar.

There are several restaurants that offer stunning views of Sedona, such as Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill. This upscale restaurant and bar boasts panoramic views of the majestic red rocks from every table.

Sedona is known for its delightful Southwestern food, grilled steaks, high desert cuisine, healthy plant-based meals, and unique wild game meats like bison, elk, and rattlesnake.