15 Fantastic Restaurants to Check out in Sedona, Arizona
As Sedona is becoming a prime Southwestern vacation destination nowadays, it’s no surprise that more and more restaurants are beginning to pop up around town. What once started as a simple one stoplight town has now become a thriving tourist hotspot. Despite the small year-round population of just under 10,000, Sedona boasts an impressive number of unique local dining establishments.
While some Sedona restaurants are highly regarded for their unique Southwestern dishes, others are more well-known for offering fabulous views of the red rocks, and a few even feature a winning combination of both! While visiting this red rock wonderland, here are 15 fabulous restaurants you will want to keep in mind.
1. Indian Gardens
Indian Gardens, located in picturesque Oak Creek Canyon, is Sedona’s winning choice for both breakfast and lunch. With a health conscious menu, expertly crafted espresso drinks, friendly service, a relaxed shady garden patio, affordable prices, and early opening hours, there really is nothing not to like about this local gem. Whether you are in the mood for pancakes topped with berry compote & macadamia nuts, a homemade moist pumpkin muffin, or a filling breakfast burrito, you will find it all at Indian Gardens.
Additional Info
What to try: Grains and Greens Bowl, Breakfast burrito, Garden Pita, Dan the Man sandwich, a homemade muffin or slice of coffee cake, any espresso drink
Why it’s great: Scenic Oak Creek Canyon location, early opening hours so you can enjoy a quick meal pre-hike, the best espresso drinks in town, a focus on healthy ingredients, plenty of allergy friendly options including GF and vegan substitutions
Location: 3951 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
Full review of Indian Gardens
2. Cucina Rustica
Cucina is one of just a handful of Italian establishments in this region. Sadly, Northern Arizona is not known for being home to many decent authentic Italian restaurants. Cucina is owned by renowned Chef Lisa Dahl, who operates a number of other highly regarded Sedona dining favorites such as Dahl and Diluca and Mariposa, although Cucina is by far the best of the bunch. After a long day out exploring Sedona’s amazing trails, a nice hearty Italian meal is definitely the way to go!
Cucina is the best Italian restaurant in town due to the wonderful setting, service, and cuisine. Although Dahl and Diluca is more popular with tourists, Cucina offers more rustic charm, along with friendlier service and a more welcoming laid-back vibe. The Primavera Al Pesto is a wonderful creamy pasta treat with the most delicious pesto sauce ever. Also – do not leave without trying out the wonderful dessert sampler!
Additional Info
What to try: Fettuccine Primavera Al Pesto, Tortelloni con Funghi Tartufo, Dessert sampler
Why it’s great: Delicious authentic Italian fare, a beautiful dining room and outdoor patio, works with local companies and uses organic ingredients when available
Location: 7000 AZ-179 #126A, Sedona, AZ 86351
Full review of Cucina Rustica
3. Hideaway House
Hideaway is a popular summer hangout in Sedona due to a winning combination of top notch views, hearty entrees (which are just perfect for refueling post-hike), and a laid-back tropical vibe. This local gem specializes in what they call “curious Italian cuisine,” and it is the place to go if you are looking to indulge in some tasty snacks and appetizers like homemade pizza, garlic cheese bread, and grilled cheese. Everything at Hideaway is made fresh in house, so you will find no frozen or canned ingredients here. Even the soup stock and bread are even made in house!
Additional Info
What to try: Homemade cheese pizza, minestrone soup with mini grilled cheese, garlic cheese blossom
Why it’s great:Â Features a diverse menu of comfort style Italian foods with several vegetarian options, unique design and layout, a gorgeous outdoor patio featuring great red rock views, patio is shady and breezy for the hot summer season
Location:Â 231 AZ-179, Sedona, AZ 86336
Full review of Hideaway HouseÂ
4. The Hudson
As one of Sedona’s newcomers to the restaurant scene, The Hudson does not disappoint whatsoever in the food or ambiance department. Both the cuisine and views here are fabulous: a rare treat in a touristy area like Sedona. The Hudson offers both tourists and locals a nice classy dining experience with an upscale casual feel, without the stuffy air of most fine dining establishments. The menu at Hudson is amongst the most creative in town, with an abundance of interesting choices sure to please even the pickiest diners.
Additional Info
What to try: Butternut Squash Ravioli, Four Cheese Spinach Artichoke dip, Parmesan Chicken Sacloppini
Why it’s great: Delicious creative cuisine at affordable prices, great happy hour deals, a gorgeous dining room overlooking the red rocks, a nice outdoor patio with great scenery, attentive service, upscale without a stuffy vibe
Location: 671 AZ-179 D, Sedona, AZ 86336
Full review of The Hudson
5. Che-Ah-Chi
Che-Ah-Chi is the main restaurant at the beautiful Enchantment Resort, an amazing Sedona property which often books out months in advance due to its’ gorgeous setting and wonderful amenities. At Che-Ah-Chi, you will be able to treat yourself to chef inspired cuisine while gazing out at the towering red rocks via the floor-to-ceiling windows. If weather permits, you can enjoy even more tremendous views via the best outdoor patio in Sedona. Everything is perfect at this restaurant, including the service, decor, and food. Che-Ah-Chi is hands down the best place for a relaxed, scenic breakfast in Sedona. While dinner is also great, breakfast is a much better value as you can enjoy the same views without the insane upcharge.
Additional Info
What to try: Mocha French toast, Smiling Skillet
Why it’s great: Features the best views of Sedona’s red rocks in a romantic setting, exquisite food and service, great house coffee
Location: 525 Boynton Canyon Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336
6. Bella Vita
Bella Vita is the second best Italian restaurant in Sedona, next to Cucina Rustica. While not as extravagant as Cucina, the food at Bella is just as good. And, the low-key, non touristy setting is definitely a bonus after just a few days in busy Sedona. Pricing is high as is the case in almost all of Sedona, although the authentic cuisine and romantic ambiance make up for the upcharge. Bella Vita is located in the Sedona Pines Resort, far away from the hustle and bustle of the touristy Uptown Sedona, making it a good choice for a date or quiet night out.
Additional Info
What to try: Pappardelle Funghi, Fettuccini Alfredo, Tortellini, Torta di Cioccolato
Why it’s great: Authentic tasty Italian cuisine, attentive service, romantic & non-touristy ambiance
Location: 6701 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
Full review of Bella Vita
7. Miley’s Cafe
Miley’s Cafe is the best choice for authentic Mexican cuisine in Sedona. While Javelina and Barking Frog are much more popular with tourists (which is quite understandable due to the more vibrant setting), Miley’s is the real deal. For the best burritos and enchiladas in town (they are fabulous!!), bypass the more touristy options and head straight over to Miley’s. Miley’s is located in the Village of Oak Creek, nearby several of Sedona’s best hiking trails including Little Horse, making it the perfect option for anyone heading out this way for the day. Really, what’s better than a hearty Mexican meal after an exhausting hike out in the desert?! Fuel up with some hearty Mexican fare at Miley’s after your red rock adventures – you will not be disappointed!
Additional Info
What to try: Spinach enchilada, Chicken Chimichanga
Why it’s great: No frills, just fantastic Mexican food at fair prices, located nearby great area hikes, not overcrowded or touristy, quick & convenient
Location: 7000 AZ-179 Suite 108, Sedona, AZ 86351
Full review of Miley’s Cafe
8. Pisa Lisa
If you are craving some pizza after working a sweat up on a Sedona trail, Pisa Lisa is the place to go. Another of Lisa Dahl’s restaurants, this one features outstanding wood fired pizzas, available in a number of tempting creations featuring all sorts of cheeses, meats, spices, and veggies. For vegans, they offer an outstanding vegan pizza which includes their famous Mother sauce, olive tapenade, grilled eggplant, artichoke hearts, arugula and pine-nuts – it’s a must try for any veggie lovers out there! The setting here is pretty simplistic – Pisa Lisa is simply a great place to enjoy a quick and tasty bite to eat after spending the day exploring this beautiful area of the Southwest.
Additional Info
What to try: You cannot go wrong with the basic cheese, also be sure to try some homemade gelato for dessert! The Deluxe Semplice vegan pie is also delicious!
Why it’s great: The best place in town for quality pizza
Location:Â 2245 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
9. Chocolatree
Chocolatree is not only a vegan paradise in Sedona, but also one of only 2 restaurants which offer a 100% gluten-free and organic menu. For anyone seeking an allergy friendly meal, Chocolatree is definitely the way to go. The creative (and delicious) food offerings and beautiful shady outdoor patio really make it a great choice for anyone, whether or not you are following any specialty diet. Their desserts are just wonderful – the tempting assortment of all different types of healthy & decadent chocolate truffles and treats (all chocolates are made on-site) will greet you right when you walk in. It’s impossible not to pick up a few treats to go!
Asides from healthy smoothies, teas, health shots & elixirs, Chocolatree also offers a full breakfast & lunch/dinner menu. Their unique take on classic dishes (using no gluten or dairy) is quite impressive – you will find a number of traditional dishes on the menu, only they are made using non traditional ingredients, and surprisingly, taste pretty close to the real thing in comparison. For breakfast, try the buckwheat waffles. For lunch, try one of the burritos or the Saag Paneer.
Additional Info
What to try: Sedona 2012 Burrito, Maca smoothie, Elote Bliss, a chocolate truffle or 2
Why it’s great: 100% organic & gluten-free, beautiful shady outdoor garden patio, delicious chocolate treats, healthy, yet still delicious cuisine, lots of interesting health elixirs and drinks to test out
Location: 1595 West Hwy 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
Full review of Chocolatree
10. Elote
The line at Elote, Sedona’s most popular tourist restaurant, often begins to form an hour before opening, especially during the peak summer season. Is it worth the wait? If you are craving some tasty Southwestern style cuisine, then yes, you should definitely give Elote a try. The restaurant is named after their signature appetizer the Elote, and I can say that this creamy street corn dish smothered in mayo, lime, and cotija cheese definitely does not disappoint!
Everything on this small menu looks pretty tempting in all honesty, and after trying out a few delicious entrees, I can say that the food really is worth the hype. And the complimentary chips and salsa appetizer offers just the right amount of crunch and spice to keep you munching on them the entire meal! Although the interior space is nothing to write home about, the outdoor patio features some nice red rock views, which you will be able to take full advantage of if your visit falls anytime other than the cool winter season.
Additional Info
What to try: The Elote, Vegetable Chile Relleno, Smoked Chicken Enchiladas
Why it’s great: Interesting and tasty Southwestern cuisine, the famous Elote appetizer, quick service
Location:Â 771 AZ-179, Sedona, AZ 86336
11. Salt Rock Southwest Kitchen
Salt Rock is both a delicious and scenic find in Sedona. Located in the Amara, a beautiful Kimpton resort, Salt Rock offers an attractive laid-back, non stuffy vacation vibe, making it a great choice whether or not you are staying on-site. A fantastic outdoor patio complete with relaxing red rock views and picturesque desert landscaping, make Salt Rock the perfect choice for a long lazy vacation lunch. The highlight here is a wonderful 3 course Prix Fixe lunch menu which includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert for just 25 bucks – a real steal in this pricey vacation town.
Additional Info
What to try: Roasted Corn soup, Egg Salad, Flourless Chili Chocolate Torte
Why it’s great: Delicious, creative regional Southwestern cuisine, great Prix Fixe lunch and dinner menus, a laid-back vacation vibe, a beautiful outdoor dining area
Location:Â 100 Amara Ln #101, Sedona, AZ 86336
Full review of Salt Rock Kitchen
*Please check with the restaurant to see if they still offer the prix fixe deals*
12. Barking Frog Grille
Update: As of 2023, this restaurant is closed!
Barking Frog Grille, a great Sedona Southwestern themed restaurant, really stands out in town due to its’ gorgeous 8000 square foot dining room, designed by famous architect Bob McIntyre (who also worked on Sedona’s popular Tlaquepaque arts and crafts village). You can really tell that Barking Frog’s designers put massive effort into creating a distinctive space, as opposed to the standard chain template that many restaurants today use. While Sedona offers no shortage of beautiful outdoor patios, most restaurants are lacking in terms of nice indoor dining space. However, this is definitely not the case with Barking Frog! While many of Sedona’s outdoor based restaurants disappoint during the winter season, Barking Frog shines as a great year-round dining destination.
Asides from the delicious standard Tex-Mex fare, you will be able to try a few regional specialties such as
a Prickly Pear martini and Nopales Cactus fries with sweet prickly pear dipping sauce! You will find various taco combinations available, enchiladas and burritos, and even a few American dishes. Plenty of items can be made gluten-free or vegetarian. Like the food, the service is also exceptional. While many restaurants in Sedona offer wonderful food, Barking Frog is one of just a handful which also offers a wonderful dining experience.
Additional Info
What to try: House guacamole, Cactus fries, Smoked Mushroom & Butternut Squash tacos, Pacific Seabass tacos
Why it’s great: A massive, gorgeously designed dining room, several beautiful outdoor patios, many creative
local dishes, big servings and affordable pricing
Location: 2620 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
Full review of Barking Frog Grille
13. Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen
Picazzo’s is a really unique Arizona chain as the menu is 100% gluten free! However, just because Picazzo’s offers gluten-free Italian food does not mean that you have to skip the bread, pasta, pizza, and desserts! In fact, nothing is off limits here! Picazzo’s somehow has found a way to create gluten-free versions of every Italian dish possible – bruschetta, pizza, lasagna, ravioli, even tiramisu! Now you can enjoy all your favorite Italian dishes, only without the gluten. Many dishes can also be made vegan, thereby also making Picazzo’s a great choice for anyone avoiding dairy and/or meat.
And, unlike some flavorless, cardboard tasting gluten-free foods, the fare at Picazzo’s is actually pretty good, and even those not following a diet are sure to appreciate the tasty cuisine. As an added bonus, Picazzo’s uses organic non GMO ingredients. Picazzo’s offers a nice casual dining layout and a pretty outdoor patio complete with a firepit & a even a hint of red rock scenery. The wonderful daily happy hour deal featuring select half priced appetizers (3-6pm daily) is the best deal in town!
Additional Info
What to try: Any pizza, Shrimp Scampi, Chicken Picatta, Vegan roasted cauliflower and garlic Alfredo with butternut squash ravioli, spinach artichoke and cheesy bread apps, Mama’s Meat-zaballs, Ultimate Brownie
Why it’s great: Amazing happy hour deals, organic ingredients, endless allergy friendly options, fantastic service, a beautiful outdoor dining space, spacious and cozy dining room
Location:Â 1855 W. Highway 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
Full review of Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen
14. Creekside
Creekside is one of the more relaxing choices in town for breakfast as it does not get as overly crowded as the more popular diners. The vibe is relaxed with an outdoor patio which faces a prominent red rock formation, so you can enjoy a delicious brunch while taking in some fabulous views of Sedona’s gorgeous landscapes. Service is always great here, and the food itself is delicious and well presented. Creekside maintains an elegant feel, without feeling snooty. Creekside offers a sizable menu for both vegetarians and gluten-free diners, thereby making it another good choice for anyone with allergies or specific food concerns.
Additional Info
What to try: Sonoran breakfast burrito, Breakfast tacos
Why It’s great: Features a beautiful patio with great red rock views, delicious food and affordable pricing, late breakfast hours (served until 2pm), nice happy hour specials, exceptional service, fantastic espresso
Location:Â 251 AZ-179, Sedona, AZ 86336
Full review on CreeksideÂ
15. Heartline Cafe
Update: As of 2023, this restaurant is now closed.
Heartline Cafe serves up some tasty breakfast fare in a unique & colorful setting. This little gem is a great addition to any Sedona trip itinerary. Health conscious diners will appreciate the cafe’s commitment to serving fresh local ingredients and produce. Enjoying breakfast in the beautiful outdoor garden is a must! A visit to Heartline will start your day off on a relaxing note. Enjoy an energizing meal before embarking on a hike out in the beautiful Sedona wilderness. Great service and a nice local vibe make Heartline a worthy addition to any trip itinerary. Another bonus of choosing Heartline is the great house coffee – no need to hit the Starbucks!
Additional Info
What to try: Check out the Sunday brunch featuring an assortment of pastries, various egg Dishes, vegetarian selections, fresh roasts and seasonal specialties for just $19 a person.
Why it’s great: Delicious breakfast, great service, local charm, uses organic and local ingredients, great dark roast house coffee
Location: 1610 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
Full review of Heartline Cafe
