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. Living just 40 minutes away in Flagstaff, I worked up a sweat pretty much every weekend on the gorgeous trails. Before or after hiking, I would often check out a local restaurant. This town really offers an amazing food scene so there is no need to hit a common chain.

While some 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 the most fabulous restaurants you will want to keep in mind. I have tried to include a variety of choices including: Italian, American, Mexican, Brunch, and even a few healthy vegetarian cafes.

1. Indian Gardens

Indian Gardens, located in picturesque Oak Creek Canyon, is the 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. I often stopped here along the drive on my way into Sedona each weekend. It’s hard to dine anywhere else once you have enjoyed the food and lovely patio setting here.

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. This is my favorite place to stop pre-hike. The menu changes but I really love their breakfast burritos, the seasonal treats like pumpkin muffins, and the awesome espresso drinks.

Additional Info

What to try: Grains and Greens bowl, breakfast burrito, garden pita, Dan the Man sandwich, homemade muffin or slice of coffee cake, mocha, Americano

Why it’s great: Scenic Oak Creek Canyon drive location, amazing shady patio, early opening hours so you can dine here pre-hike, the best espresso drinks in the region, a focus on healthy ingredients, plenty of allergy friendly options including GF and vegan options

Location: 3951 AZ-89A

2. Cucina Rustica

Cucina is one of just a handful of Italian establishments in this region. This gem is owned by renowned Chef Lisa Dahl, who operates a number of popular and highly rated local restaurants such as Dahl and Diluca and Mariposa, although Cucina is by far the best of the bunch. After a long day out exploring the amazing trails, a nice hearty Italian meal is definitely the way to go!

We have dined here for a few special occasions and love the wonderful setting, service, and cuisine. The dining room is really gorgeous for anyone looking for a great date night spa. 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

3. Hideaway House

I like dining at Hideaway during the summer months thanks 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 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! My favorite comfort treats are the pizza and the most delicious garlic bread app ever (garlic cheese blossom).

Additional Info

What to try: Homemade cheese pizza, minestrone soup with mini grilled cheese, garlic cheese blossom

Why it’s great: 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, the patio is shady and breezy for the hot summer season

Location: 231 AZ-179

4. The Hudson

As one of the newcomers to the restaurant scene in the past few years, 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.

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 is amongst the most creative in town, with an abundance of interesting choices sure to please even the pickiest diners. Lots of comforting American choices plus some southwest specialties means there are plenty of options for every individual taste. Personally, I love the butternut squash ravioli.

Additional Info

What to try: Butternut Squash Ravioli, Four Cheese Spinach Artichoke dip, Parmesan Chicken Scaloppini

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

5. Che-Ah-Chi

Che-Ah-Chi is the main restaurant at the beautiful Enchantment Resort, an amazing property which often books out months in advance due to its’ gorgeous setting and wonderful amenities. At this amazing restaurant, 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 the city. It’s the fanciest brunch choice I’ve come across so perfect for a weekend date. 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 the red rocks in a romantic setting, exquisite food and service, great house coffee

Location: 525 Boynton Canyon Rd.

6. Bella Vita

In my experience, Bella Vita is the second best Italian restaurant, next to Cucina Rustica. While not as extravagant in terms of a fancy ambiance, the food at Bella is just as good. And, the low-key, non touristy setting is definitely a bonus after just a few days dealing with the crowds. As a local, I enjoyed dining here far away from the tourists.

Pricing is high but that is the norm in touristy towns, 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

7. Miley’s Cafe

Miley’s Cafe is the best choice for authentic Mexican cuisine in the city. While Javelina is 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 this local gem.

This cafe is located in the Village of Oak Creek, nearby several of the area’s best hiking trails including the breathtaking 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 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

8. Pisa Lisa

If you are craving some pizza after working up a sweat, 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 dairy-free 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! You also can’t go wrong with the plain cheese. Bonus – they serve gelato too! The setting here is pretty simplistic – it 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: 2245 AZ-89A

9. Chocolatree

Chocolatree is not only a vegan paradise, but also one of only 2 restaurants which offer a 100% gluten-free and organic menu. For anyone seeking an allergy friendly meal, this wonderful local cafe 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, they 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. I love the 2012 burrito -a live tomato wrap stuffed to the brim with quinoa, potato & carrot, wild rice, mushroom sauce, pico de gallo, onion, garlic, guacamole, mama’s hot sauce, creamy vegan cheddar & honey mustard – so good!

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

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 it 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:  771 AZ-179

11. Salt Rock Southwest Kitchen

Salt Rock is both a delicious and scenic find in the convenient touristy Uptown area. 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 it a fun choice for a long lazy vacation lunch. The menu changes all the time, but recently I tried this delicious 3 course Prix Fixe lunch menu which includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert for just 25 bucks. Everything was top notch especially the roasted corn soup.

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, convenient to Uptown shops

Location: 100 Amara Ln #101

*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 beautiful 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 this city 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! This is a great year-round dining spot.

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.

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

13. Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen

Picazzo’s is a really unique Arizona chain as the menu is 100% gluten free! However, just because they offer 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. They 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 food here 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. I love the 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! I really love the gnocchi, pasta specials, spinach artichoke dip, hummus plate, and cheesy bread and Mike loves the Turkey meatballs. Everything I have tried has just been an A+ all the way.

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: 1855 W. Highway 89A

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 the gorgeous landscapes. Service is always great here, and the food itself is delicious and well presented.

Creekside maintains an elegant feel, without feeling snooty. I like that they offer a sizable menu for both vegetarians and gluten-free diners, thereby making it another good choice for anyone with allergies or specific food concerns. I would come here more often but the setting is kind of fancy, so I leave it to non hiking days.

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: 251 AZ-179

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 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. I find the setting so relaxing and a great choice if you want to avoid too many tourists.

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

**There is much more to do in this gorgeous area of the country than simply eating. Take a look at my visitor guide which covers all the wonderful hiking trails, scenic drives, and attractions in this natural wonderland.

UPDATE: As 2 of these restaurants in my original guide are closed, I’ve added a few more local gems to consider.

Secret Garden Cafe: Beautiful upscale casual restaurant serving American food in a gorgeous setting. It’s located in the beautiful Village of Tlaquepaque, a leafy shopping and dining area. I recommend the hummus pizza for anyone up for a creative selection.

El Rincon: This is a fun touristy restaurant also located inside the beautiful Village of Tlaquepaque. They serve all sorts of tasty Mexican entrees, along with some creative Native American dishes. I recommend the Navajo pizza if you are up for something new. Bonus: the patio is beautiful.