Cucina Rustica

For a fine dining experience like no other in Sedona, book your dinner reservations for Cucina Rustica, a fantastic local Italian gem by Chef Lisa Dahl. Dahl runs 3 other restuarats in the area and has won many awards over the years including "Cookbook of the Year" in 2011. The old world ambiance, fantastic menu, and attentive staff make Cucina Rustica the perfect choice for a celebratory dinner (you deserve it after all that hiking!) or romantic date night out during your Sedona vacation.

Everything we tried at Cucina was top knotch. The Tortelloni Con Funghi Tartufo was an exceptional dish consisting of a tasty cheese filled tortellini, topped with sauteed mushrooms and a delicious truffle cream sauce. A bit pricey at $20 for a small serving, yet still a great value as it was filling and delicious at the same time. Another highly recommend entree is the Fettuccine Primavera Al Pesto, which consisted of fettuccine noodles topped with a delicious assortment of sauteed vegetables (zucchini, asparagus), and smothered with the most delicious pesto cream sauce ever. No doubt, I would definitely order this plate again on my next visit. Gluten-free and whole wheat pasta can be substituted in any dish, however, I highly recommended sticking with the delicious homemade pasta, made fresh in house daily. The complimentary bread service was unusual: a slightly spicy olive oil with Serrano peppers. It was actually very good: an interesting alternative to your usual olive oil dip. Perhaps the best reason of all to plan a visit to Cucina is to treat yourself to a wonderful homemade dessert. The Boca Negra (flourless chocolate cake) is a decadent choice to consider. For first time visitors, I highly recommend the Chef's Dessert Sampler, which includes a mini serving of tiramisu, cannoli, and chocolate torte. All 3 of these were simply amazing, nothing more to say really, except for you need to try it for yourself! Food presentation is exceptional. After visiting many causal restaurants in the area, you will be in for a real treat with the elegant table setting, service, and ambiance of Cucina. Other favorite selections on the menu include traditional entrees like lasagna, pasta with meat sauce, and Chicken Parmesan. If visiting during the week, Cucina offers a great happy hour known as "Rustica Hours." During this time, you can test out some great appetizers at a low price, as well as take advantage of great drink specials. Rustica Hours runs from 4:30-6pm on Sundays-Thursdays.

Service was outstanding, by far the most refined and professional we have experienced thus far in Northern Arizona. Every guest is treated like a valued customer at Cucina. Drinks were always refilled, fresh bread was brought out consistently, and there was just a short wait for entrees even though the restaurant was busy.

Cucina offers several dining rooms, as well as a beautiful outdoor patio. It is one of the more spacious restaurants in the area, and definitely one of the most gorgeous. The rustic, yet stylish decor makes it the top choice in town for a relaxed date night. The atmosphere is charming and romantic with fireplaces, candlelight, fountains, pretty art, and beautiful table settings. On warm summer nights, you definitely need to plan for a meal on the outdoor patio. The space is beautifully decorated with lights, lots of beautiful plants, fountains, and firepits. It's the perfect setting for enjoying a wonderful Italian meal in beautiful Sedona.

Cucina is your best bet for a nice night out in Sedona. Although there are several casual fine dining restaurants in the area, Cucina offers the most charming, romantic setting of the bunch, and you actually feel like you are paying for a nice restaurant experience, rather than simply for a meal. Offering everything you would look for in a fine dining experience including stellar service, wonderful made from scratch meals, and a beautiful setting, there really is no reason to pass up in Cucina on your Sedona vacation.