7 Sedona Restaurants to Dine At in Arizona

Sedona is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in America. With its red stone formations, canyons and spectacular sunrise and sunsets, it’s no wonder people come from all over to explore the city. The food scene is just as colourful too, with some of the best restaurants in the country as well as some of the best Mexican food. And since the city is surrounded by red rocks, many of them will also give you a great view while you dine. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before your hike or winding down from one, here are some of the best Sedona restaurants in Arizona.

1. Tii Gavo

Tii Gavo is one of the top Sedona restaurants and it’s within the Enchantment Resort. Meaning ‘gathering place’, this is indeed one of the best places to dine with family and friends. The outdoor patio also comes with quite a view to boot! Chef David Schmidt uses bold, vibrant flavors of foods indigenous to the region, creating fresh soups and salads, burgers and flatbreads, tacos and entrees. Even though it is a ‘casual’ restaurant, prices are not exactly the cheapest, but it’s totally worth it if you can get a table out on the patio.

2. Elote

For some of the best authentic Mexican food in Sedona, you can’t go wrong with Elote. Chef-owner Jeff Smedstad’s menu is a cumulation of over two decades worth of travel through Mexico and his hometown of Arizona. Make sure to try the namesake Elote, an appetizer of fire roasted corn cut off the cob with spicy mayonnaise, lime and cotija cheese crumbles. For the main course, try their smoked pork cheeks or 14-hour braised brisket enchiladas. They are very popular and often fully booked up, so make sure to reserve a table right after you confirm your Sedona trip!

3. Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill

Local celebrity chef Lisa Dahl has built an empire in Sedona over the last two decades. Mariposa is her latest fine dining restaurant inspired by her travels to Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. Using a wood-fire grill and wood-burning oven, she creates handmade empanadas, ceviches, grilled chorizos, fresh fish dishes, mole and chimichurri sauces. Not to mention the restaurant is perched atop a scenic bluff. With floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive outdoor patio, every table has panoramic views of Sedona’s majestic red rocks.

4.Cowboy Club

The Cowboy Club’s history dates back to 1946 when it was a tavern drawing in Hollywood’s Western stars such as Burt Lancaster, John Wayne, Donna Reed and Joan Crawford while they filmed in Sedona. It became the Cowboy Club in 1993 and it’s been a Sedona tradition since then. The family-run restaurant and bar at the crossroads of uptown features ‘High Desert Cuisine’ showcasing the best of the Southwest. Award-winning angus steaks, wild game, fresh seafood, and house specialties including rattlesnake and cactus, are prepared within the original wood walls adorned with authentic western memorabilia and a robust collection of cowboy art. 

5. Dahl and Di Luca Ristorante

Another Lisa Dahl restaurant, the celebrity chef serves Italian dishes from her childhood at Dahl and Di Luca Ristorante. Settle in against the backdrop of old-world artwork, silk drapery and crystal chandeliers, romantic dim lighting and live piano music. Then, take your pick from handmade dishes such as Dahl’s grandmother’s tortellini with prosciutto and green peas in an alfredo sauce, vegetarian portobello mushroom grilled in a house marinade, and salmon with a Neapolitan limoncello reduction sauce. The wine list also elicits nods of approval, rounding out the restaurant.

6. Shorebird

Shorebird is one of the newer Sedona restaurants on the list, but it’s already making a name for itself. It presents a modern take on classic Americana flavors with influences from traditional seafood and steakhouses. Featuring a wood-fire grill and rotisserie, signature dishes include Duroc Heritage Pork Chop with Brussels sprouts and brandy-poached apples, Faroe Island’s Salmon Mignon with a cauliflower purée, and Harris Ranch Prime Skirt Steak served with a red chimichurri sauce. With stunning red rock views from the patio and beautifully plated food, this makes the ideal spot for a special occasion.

7. The Hudson

This Hudson has not one, but two different dining scenes. One in a cosy industrial-chic dining room and a scenic deck overlooking the Sedona red rocks. In 2005 owners Mark and Lisa Shugrue embarked on a vision to create an upscale yet casual local neighborhood restaurant. They brought in chef Jeff Storcz, who pairs sophisticated comfort food with genuine hospitality in a relaxed urban atmosphere at an exceptional value. The menu combines the very best simple, yet hearty, dishes ranging from chopped salads to juicy burgers, and truly great fish, chicken, ribs and steak.