Sedona Monthly Magazine | Sedona Arizona art, restaurants, hiking and feature stories

Sedona Restaurants

SPONSOR OF THE MONTH
Picazzo's Gourmet Pizza & Salad
Picazzo's 1855 W. Hwy 89A, Sedona 86336 928.282.4140


	SUBSCRIBE NOW! Don't miss a single issue of our print version! 10 issues for only $34.99!

ABOUT THIS GUIDE These listings are a selective guide to area restaurants. All were visited anonymously, and the blurbs reflect independent judgments; no fees were paid for inclusion. Price ranges, necessarily somewhat subjective, are: Inexpensive = $10 or less, Moderate = $11-20, Expensive = $20-30, Very Expensive = $30 and up.

Uptown Sedona

Bistro Bella Terra

A comfy dining spot, both inside – where the warmth of earthen colors and richness of black linens mingle with modern fixtures – and out, with scenery that tantalizes, particularly at sunset. We were hooked at the start by a fresh local trout appetizer (bite-sized smoked fish atop rings of fresh crispy cucumber, topped with caviar for its salty taste on a Carr’s water cracker, a yummy Sedona challenge to New York-style lox and bagels). Entrees such as a mouthwatering and tender pair of tournedos of filet mignon topped by large gulf shrimp, with artichoke sandwiched between and draped in curry-colored béarnaise sauce, are large, satisfying, flavorful, and artfully arranged. For dessert, the classic chocolate volcano had us erupting with delight. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (11 p.m. Friday and Saturday) for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, DC • 101 N. Hwy 89A at The Shops at Piñon Pointe (928-203-7771) (INEXPENSIVE TO MODERATE)

The Cowboy Club/The Silver Saddle Room

Don’t let the name fool you – these aren’t campfire vittles whipped up by some cattle drive’s grizzled “cookie.” Cowboy Club cuisine is high desert style, the very definition of “popular gourmet.” Start with the appetizer sampler, a tasty collection of regional treats that will have even the most jaded city-slicker yodeling. As a main course we took aim at the Buttermilk Fried Chicken, a Texas-sized portion that hit the bullseye; the creamy cumin gravy adds just the right touch of chuckwagon ambiance. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., for lunch; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., for dinner. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 241 N. Hwy 89A (928-282-4200 (MODERATE TO VERY EXPENSIVE)

Hitching Post Restaurant

A classic coffee shop with slightly western edges. Established in 1930, the menu rounds up a selection of quintessential Americana as wide as the open range, from biscuits and eggs to Reubens to barbecued brisket. If homemade beef stew and pot pie remain the staples by which to judge any good luncheonette, trot in here, Hoss, for maximum comfort food. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. MC, Visa • 269 N. Hwy 89A (928-282-7761) (INEXPENSIVE)

Hundred Rox

Not reviewed at press time. 310 N. Hwy 89A at Amara Creekside Resort (928-340-8820)

L’Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek

Elegantly crafted meals in a relaxing setting akin to an 18th century log cabin inn – the creek rushes by, fragrant mesquite crackles in the stone fireplace, candle-lit chandeliers cast a warm glow on the russet walls. Raw and cooked oysters, gracefully arranged and all prepared differently – one touched with avocado, another floated in a mini tulip glass of vodka, encased in an exotic Japanese citrus fruit chardonnay jelly (very tasty!) – made a great start. For a main course, we loved the Cote de Boeuf, a superlative cut of rib-eye dry aged for three weeks, trimmed of excess fat, and served melt-in-your mouth tender. A side of “Chinese black rice” rewarded our curiosity – so delicious it just might hold its own as a main dish. Open 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., for breakfast, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner, Monday to Saturday; 9 a.m to 2 p.m. for brunch; 5:30 p.m to 9:30 p.m. for dinner, Sunday. Reservations required. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 301 L’Auberge Ln. at L’Auberge de Sedona Resort (928-282-1661)(MODERATE TO VERY EXPENSIVE)

Oaxaca Restaurante & Cantina

Its authentic decor will remind you of old Mexico, but the rooftop dining room’s picture windows overlooking 89A – and the spectacular backdrop beyond it – present a bird’s-eye view that’s unmistakably modern-day Sedona. The owner, trained as a dietitian, takes great pride in using the purest ingredients, ensuring health-conscious diners tasty options in genuine Southwestern and Mexican fare. Patio dining available. Open daily, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 321 N. Hwy 89A (928-282-4179)MODERATE)

Open Range Grille & Tavern

Lasso up an all-natural Angus burger or kettle of chili at this casual Western eatery with jaw-dropping views of Sedona’s “open range.” Start with the Red ‘Castle’ Rock Petite Cheeseburger Trilogy – gourmet sliders with sweet Maui onions – followed by the delicate Sauteed Calamari Salad topped with crispy plantains and a sweet citrus vinaigrette, or dive into the Moonlit Campfire burger with ranch cut bacon and smoked provolone. The old fashioned apple pie a la mode is the perfect finish at this all American joint. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 320 N. Hwy 89A at Sinagua Plaza at Sedona Center (928-282-0002) (Inexpensive TO EXPENSIVE)

The Orchards Bar & Grill

Don’t assume too much about the menu from the Casual American “on the boulevard” feel – along with the expected salads and filet mignon, the Orchards heads down some less-traveled roads. The Phyllo Dough Wrapped Salmon, stuffed with artichoke, spinach and dill cream cheese, is more than an interesting diversion. If you’re feeling playful, check out the Stone Fired Aloha Pizza, loaded with sunny islands of ham, pepper and pineapple. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 254 N. Hwy 89A at L’Auberge de Sedona Resort (928-282-7200)MODERATE)

RedStone Cabin at The Cowboy Club

From Thursday to Sunday, this little house behind the Cowboy Club presents gourmet seatings for its Specialty Prix Fixe/American Plan – constantly changing menus of invariably high quality served in an exquisite rural Western atmosphere. Reservations required. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 260 Van Deren Rd. (928-282-4200) (EXPENSIVE TO VERY EXPENSIVE)

Takashi Japanese Restaurant

From the graceful courtyard to the patterned stone-floor pathway, traditional hanging paper lanterns, and artful mini-tree and smooth river rock arrangement at your table, the setting promotes a sense of calm almost as appetizing as the menu. We like the beef and sashimi combo: the light, savory Teriyaki sauce retains its strong origins of mirin sake, yet never overpowers the meat’s fine flavor. The sashimi – the customary favorite of yellowtail and salmon – was fresh, firm and flavorful, served on a bed of very fresh and tangy razor-thin strips of daikon radish. For a cool finish, try the slightly grainy, gently sweet red bean ice cream. Patio dining available. Open 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesday to Friday for lunch; Tuesday to Sunday; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., for dinner. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, DC • 465 Jordan Rd. (928-282-2334) MODERATE TO EXPENSIVE)

~TOP~

West Sedona

Angel’s

Traditional Mexican favorites dominate the menu at this unassuming dining spot. We enjoyed the shredded beef taco in a crispy homemade shell and cheese enchilada combination piled high with rice and beans, as well as the large Fajitas Burrito, a flour tortilla stuffed with chunks of chicken and sautéed bell peppers and onions. A children’s menu is also available. American breakfast served 6-11 a.m. Open Sunday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Visa, MC, AmEx, Disc, DC. • 2245 W. Hwy 89A (928-282-1693)(INEXPENSIVE TO MODERATE)

A Pizza Heaven

The pathway alongside APizza Heaven’s patio, where the overhead lights twinkling around the outdoor bar give every night a hint of summer, leads into a warm dining area of buttercup and russet walls. Gilt-framed paintings and rustic limestone-looking tile floors have as much Italian flavor as the food, with choices for every age and taste. Surrounded by sumptuous pizzas and calzones, we veered from the obvious to try a Rollatini with very, very, thinly sliced eggplant – evidence of a chef who cares – delicately breaded and stuffed with sautéed spinach and provolone. We also reeled in a Dijon Salmon with a dusting of crushed pecans atop a crispy-like-cellophane sautéed spinach bed, each bite creative in its flavorful blend of light nutty overlay and fresh,
pleasantly rich fish. For dessert, try the seven-layer chocolate cake dusted with powdered sugar. Bands of rich devil’s food cake alternated with smooth chocolate filling, creating a dark-on-darker pattern like a glorious chocolate jacquard. • Open 11 a.m. to closing, Tuesday to Sunday, for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa • 2675 W. Hwy 89A (928-282-0519)INEXPENSIVE TO MODERATE)

Barking Frog Grille

Got a hankering for fresh guacamole? So did we when we were seated in this lively dining room, which calls to mind an understated colonial Mexican hacienda (an intimate outdoor patio, where cozy booths sit secluded behind sandblasted glass partitions, offer more privacy), and our order was met by a long cloth-covered cart that rolled up tableside, carrying assorted small square ramekins filled with minced fresh red onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and whole avocados. Our “chef” prepared our guac with a flourish – delicious! Frog legs arrived swimming in an incredible buttery white-wine sauce; we almost felt guilty as we soaked up every last bit by swirling our crisply crusted fresh baguette till the bowl was spotless – we still had two entrees coming. The Whole Fish, a house specialty, was delicately crusted with a light herb-and-spice-dusted pastry-like batter, the white tiger fish skewered horizontally on a short spear with a lime on top, light and perfectly prepared. We also loved a beautifully prepared Carne Asada, a natural angus flank steak in a slightly sweet demi-glace, just enough to lightly moisten the nearly fork-tender beef. Open daily, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., for dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 2620 W Hwy 89A. (928-204-2000) (Moderate TO EXPENSIVE)

Cafe José

Coffee shops are the great equalizers, where a working man on a budget can feast like a king, and a billionaire can eat to his heart’s content, extending his fortune for having saved a few bucks. The selection here is tremendous and so are the portions. Open daily, 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 2370 W. Hwy 89A in Park Sedona Plaza (928-282-0299) INEXPENSIVE)

Casa Bonita

Vibrant tropical reds, yellows, purples, teals, and turquoises strike an upbeat note as you scan a reasonably priced menu that balances classic Mexican fare like taco and enchilada plates with less-predictable choices. We tried the T-bone Ranchero, a hefty 12-oz. cut of meat marinated and charbroiled, tantalizing us with the aroma from the generous helpings of sautéed onions and mushrooms, and the Mexican Trio of a flavorful carne asada, tender and succulent charbroiled chicken under grilled tomatoes, and Portuguese shrimp tastily wrapped in smoky bacon, ham, and cheese, and slathered in a creamy sauce with fresh avocado and char-grilled scallions for garnish. Despite the gargantuan helpings, we were glad we shared a rich and warm chimichanga with manzanas, a deep-fried flour tortilla wrapped around a rich apple pie-like filling with cinnamon and spices, buried in whipped cream with chocolate and honey caramel sauces artfully drizzled over the edges of the plate. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday), for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc. 164 Coffee Pot Dr. (928-282-2728) (INEXPENSIVE TO MODERATE)

Coffee Pot Restaurant and Gift Shop

If you’re a breakfast lover, there’s no spot in town quite like the Coffee Pot, which has been giving Sedona mornings a jump-start since the 1950s. Step up to the counter, watched over by a wall of framed autographed celebrity photos, and gaze into the open dining room where the booths and coffee beckon. It’s all comfortingly familiar; what you might not expect is the inventiveness of the 101 omelettes that are the Coffee Pot’s signature. We love the fluffy, veggie-rich Zucchini, Mushroom, Spinach, Tomato and Cheese, served with a choice of crispy hash browns (our pick), home fries, grits or cottage cheese, plus toast or homemade biscuit. Patio dining available. Open daily, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for breakfast and lunch. MC, Visa • 2050 W. Hwy 89A (928-282-6626)(INEXPENSIVE)

Dahl & DiLuca Ristorante Italiano

One look at the lush interior – part intimate stone wine cellar, part luxurious rococo Italianate villa, with rich tapestries and heavy draperies fit for a Medici prince – and you’re in another world. Within such a well-appointed setting, it’s easy to relax and enjoy the pampering of the crisply dressed wait staff and food that immediately impresses with freshness and distinctive flavors. We loved the seafood-rich Cioppino – fresh homemade fettuccini cooked al dente and awash in giant prawns, green-lipped New Zealand mussels, bay scallops, and clams – and an intensely rich, beautifully presented Vitello Botticelli, with shrimp delicately arrayed over thinly sliced, perfectly sautéed veal with mushrooms, tantalizingly spiced with thyme, basil and garlic in marsala sauce. Two desserts followed, and both were wonderful and light – just like our spirits after this classic Sedona dining experience. Open daily, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 2321 W. Hwy 89A (928-282-5219)MODERATE TO EXPENSIVE)

D'Lish

D’Lish’s vegan menu displays a high artistry of flavors, colors, and textures, using premium ingredients with a fine variety of spices and herbs. Soups are a D’Lish hallmark, with 65 recipes rotating as soup of the day. For a main course, we loved the mildly spicy red bean chili, made with a classically textured hamburger substitute and seasoned with garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and tamari, but the biggest hit was the BBQ Southwest Sandwich, a “follow-your-heart burger” coated with a delicious organic BBQ sauce and sitting on an organically sprouted sesame seed bun, lavished with classic fixin’s. All along we sipped the refreshing house tea, classic Red Zinger delicately sweetened with organic apple juice. We topped it all off with sweets – a shake made with homemade cashew milk and dates, ground and not grainy, suspended in the banana smoothness of the vanilla-flavored silky thickness, and a wheat-free carob raspberry torte. D’Lish? Absolutely! Open daily, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa • 3190 W. Hwy 89A in West Sedona. (928-203-9393) (INEXPENSIVE TO MODERATE)

Fournos Restaurant

Who would guess you’d find a cozy, unassuming Greek café – complete with handpainted tablecloths and curtains, overstuffed kitchen nudging into the dining area, and materfamilias to greet and look out for you – in Sedona? Patriarch Demetrios Fournos, once a practicing attorney, now a chef with Culinary Institute of America training, prepares all his food fresh. His nightly selections – five main courses on our visit – are written on a white board in the dining room for review. We hooked a plate of wild salmon, delicately poached and scrumptious with a yogurt and steamed onions topping, and a generous and filling shrimp and tomato mélange over pasta. Classic Greek Ravani, an almond sponge cake soaked in syrup and covered with tri-colored ice cream and fresh peaches, strawberries and bananas, was a surprisingly light yet rich and tasty finish. Open Thursday to Saturday, seatings at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., for dinner. Reservations recommended. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 3000 W. Hwy 89A (928-282-3331)MODERATE)

Heartline Cafe

On some Zuni Indian fetishes, the “heartline”
extends from the mouth to the center of the body, supplying the power of long life and good health. Send this longtime local favorite’s inspired culinary creations – such as the tasty Game Trio (lamb, quail and venison) and Pan-Seared Alaskan Halibut with Ginger Lemongrass Butter – down that same route, and you’ll believe the ancient Zunis were onto something. Prepare to be enchanted. Patio dining available. Open 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., daily, for lunch; 5 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., daily, for dinner. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 1610 W. Hwy 89A (928-282-0785)MODERATE TO VERY EXPENSIVE)

India Palace

How great it is that Sedona has this excellent Indian restaurant with fresh and healthy food, spiced wonderfully for American tastes, yet adept at fulfilling more adventurous senses. We savored a chef’s specialty, Karahi Fish Palak, a delicate fresh white fish flavored with fresh ginger, green peppers, onion, and a bit of tomato in a dish thick with creamy, spicy, finely chopped spinach, delivered in an iron skillet. Don’t miss three classic desserts: Indian Kheer, a milky rice pudding flavored with almonds and pistachios, spiced with pungent nutmeg, and two mango classics – Lassi, a mildy sweetened yogurt smoothie, and Kulfi, individually molded, dark pumpkin-colored, rich-in-butterfat ice cream, with fresh mango pulp whipped in for deeply creamy smooth spoonfuls of delight. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for lunch; 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., for dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 1910 W. Hwy 89A in Sedona Village Shopping Center (928-204-2300) 2300) (INEXPENSIVE)

Judi's Restaurant & Lounge

Stepping through the unpretentious entryway into a garden patio soothed by a tinkling fountain, it feels like we’re guests in someone’s home. A keenly fresh appetizer platter of tempura-battered snappy zucchini, plump mushrooms and large succulent shrimp feels like it came from the garden: It’s easily enough to feed four people. But it got even better with the star attraction main course: Fall-off-the-bone, melt-in-your-mouth ribs lightly covered in homemade BBQ sauce with just the right bite. As daunting a task as it is, try to save room for Judi’s homemade, freshly prepared desserts. At the risk of being accused of heresy, we’ll say it: The decadent butter-brickle chocolate-chip cream cheese pie, drizzled with chocolate sauce, is better than cheesecake! Open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday, for lunch and dinner; 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, for dinner only. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 40 Soldier Pass Rd. at LaPasada Plaza (928-282-4449)(MODERATE)

Keiser's West

Go hog-wild for the mouthwatering barbecued ribs, or full-blown loco for the Mexican goodies, both dinner specialties of this cozy, unpretentious brick adobe standby. Frequented by locals and visitors alike, the dandy breakfast of traditional American blue plate opens tired eyes wide, and the lunch menu takes care of business for those who crave laid-back, yet seriously good sandwiches. Go West, young man, indeed. Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday for breakfast, lunch and dinner; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, for breakfast and lunch. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 2920 W. Hwy 89A (928-204-2088) (MODERATE)

Kurt's Main Street Cafe

Sedona gets the coup of Chef Kurt moving his Main Street restaurant to our city. His new bistro on West 89A has a small but delicious assortment of gourmet dishes and a few American standards, all sauced, herbed, or otherwise spiced in perfect company to the fresh ingredients. From fresh scallops to blackened sirloin to vegetable lasagna and more, the variety is sure to satisfy all tastes. The deserts are all homemade and the bar is a perfectly intimate neighborhood stopping place where everyone could easily know your name. Stop in and enjoy the fresh flavors and artistic meals, while they break in their new digs. Open 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday for lunch; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday, for dinner (5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday). MC, Visa • 2545 W. Hwy 89A (928-203-7878) (Moderate to Expensive)

Olde Sedona Restaurant

Olde Sedona recently revamped its menu to include Southwestern specialties, steaks, ribs, and fish. The dining room also received a facelift, now featuring black-and-white photos of westerns filmed in Sedona. A separate banquet room is also available. We stopped in for lunch and sampled the Homemade Chile Rellanos smothered in a smoky enchilada sauce and stuffed with cheese, served with rice and beans. We also tried the crispy fish tacos in soft flour tortillas – both dishes were more than we could eat for lunch but they hit the spot. The bar, out of view from the dining room, features live entertainment and dancing seven nights a week. There’s also rooftop and patio seating. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., for lunch and dinner. Visa, MC, AmEx, Disc. 1405 W. Hwy 89A (928-282-5670)(INEXPENSIVE TO EXPENSIVE)

Picazzo's

With nine different pizza sauces, a selection of crusts (including bagel-style, gluten-free, and superthin cracker), 12 meats, 12 cheeses, and a full page of vegetarian combos to mix and match, Picazzo’s puts a high-art spin on the fast family standby, pizza and salad. Its high-ceilinged dining rooms are modern yet warm; a Jazz Age mural splashes across one tall wall. We like the smooth, cheesy and rich shrimp scampi pizza with garlic oil, garlic alfredo sauce, green onions and a little wine flavor; also delicious and creative was a colorful pizza with chipotle barbeque beef, pepperjack cheese, roma tomatoes, green and red peppers, and thin slices of crisp, fresh jalapeños. All in all, a night of pizza at Picazzo’s is well worth the dough. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., for lunch and dinner. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, DC • 1855 W. Hwy 89A (928-282-4140) (INEXPENSIVE TO MODERATE)

Red Planet Diner

Look beyond the fun Mars/Alien/Space theme and you’ll find an old-fashioned all-American eatery, the good ol’ roadside diner shot into higher orbit with quirkier fare than most, like Cajun specialties. Open daily, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 1655 Hwy 89A (928-282-6070)(INEXPENSIVE)

Red's Restaurant

Harboring any doubts that Sedona has been growing seriously cosmopolitan lately? Dispel them by sampling the classic American chow – Skillet Fried Chicken, Brick Oven Short Ribs, even a Mac and Cheese Skillet – reinvented as Nouvelle Cuisine and served in sexy, modern ambiance. Sure, some chic dishes like Seared Guajillo Dusted Salmon and Cedar Plank Portabello Mushroom squeezed onto the menu, but traditionalists like ourselves will gleefully jump to the yummy Meatloaf every time. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for breakfast, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, 5 p.m to 9 p.m. for dinner (10 p.m., Friday and Saturday). Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 2250 West Hwy 89A at Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa (928-203-4111) ) (INEXPENSIVE TO EXPENSIVE)

Relics Restaurant & Nightclub at the Historic Rainbows End

While the name Relics harks back to the past – and the building is one of the more storied in Sedona history, having served as a stagecoach stop in the early 1900s and an exterior in the 1965 film The Rounders – the cuisine coming from the kitchen is very much of the here and now. The spacious dining room is renovated; antiques on the perimeter provide an air of elegance. One thing that never gets old is a satisfying Prime Rib, the pot o’ gold at this Rainbows End. Open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Saturday, for lunch; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (10 p.m., Friday and Saturday) for dinner; 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, for lunch. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 3235 W. Hwy 89A (928-282-1593)MODERATE)

Savannah's

Walking into Savannah’s at dusk feels magical, every table beneath exposed wood vigas aglow with small tea lights in natural crystal holders. Feeling cozy, we were emboldened to try something different: a rabbit appetizer, seared in brown butter and doused in a creamy sauce over garlic whipped mashed potatoes – a surprising, sumptious mix of rich flavors and delicate tastes. We delighted in two entrees: The herb-encrusted filet mignon was melt-in-your-mouth prime Midwestern corn-fed beef, drizzled with gorgonzola and a maple, citrus and balsamic glaze; a delicious jumbo shrimp scampi was cooked perfectly in freshly chopped garlic in butter. Wrap up with a warm chocolate soufflé, the house specialty, which takes 25 minutes to prepare and totally justifies the wait. Piping hot crème anglais is poured into its center just before serving; its texture is perfect. At every step the service was attentive, and we felt well-pampered as we sipped the exotic Republic of Tea selections accompanying our meals. Open daily, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., for dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 2611 W. Hwy 89A (928-282-7959)MODERATE TO EXPENSIVE)

Sedona Airport Restaurant

This homey little restaurant with corrugated tin wainscoted walls sits atop what was once Tabletop Mesa – until TWA’s Jack Frye eyed it as a landing strip in the 1940s and Airport Mesa was born. Giant picture windows frame the active runways. Three nights a week, all-you-can-eat specials roll out of the hangar; we arrived to find crab legs flying in all directions. Platter upon platter roared from the kitchen, landing in front of diners dipping king and snow crab legs to hearts’ content – a first-class deal. The regular menu soars too; the flight plan includes grilled papaya appetizer with cilantro butter, fried cactus with tomatillo salsa, buffalo quesadilla with orange sour cream, and a full slate of pasta, vegetarian dishes, chicken, meats, and seafood. Tempting homemade desserts ensure you’ll leave with your head in the clouds – try the peanut butter chocolate mousse pie, with an Oreo cookie crust and the richness of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. MC, Visa • 1185 Airport Rd. (928-282-3576)(INEXPENSIVE TO EXPENSIVE)

Szechuan Restaurant

It’s not the richly lacquered deep red tables inlaid with mother of pearl, or the white jade oriental figures in the recessed glass-enclosed wall niches, or the etched Asian designs in glass and mirrors, or the Shoji sliding walls – no, what soothes you most at this large dining spot is the inimitable aroma from the kitchen. We studied the chef’s specials for an unusual dish, and chose a blend of fresh-tasting scallops and tender thin-sliced succulent beef strips sautéed with broccoli in a secret chef’s brown (similar to eel) sauce. It arrived sizzling hot and colorful with vegetables. Milder-tasting fare, more familiar to American palates, is also in the mix, as is sushi – we tried a Rainbow Roll appetizer, including the deep burgundy of tuna, the rich coral of salmon, and the yellow tints of yellowtail, wrapped diagonally so each slice added color to live up to the Rainbow name. The fish was firm and fresh; we felt it was a good if small test of the sushi bar. Open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sun. to Thurs. (to 10 p.m., Fri. and Sat.) for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 1350 W. Hwy 89A in Old Marketplace. (928-282-9288) (Inexpensive to EXPENSIVE)

Thai Spices

Whether you’re into New Age or new experiences, we can’t think of a better place to join mind and appetite in a state of bliss. No frills here; the emphasis is on the food, which is spicy, splendid and made from fresh ingredients. If some like it hot (and want sinuses cleared), try the breathtaking,
ultra-spicy Mint Leaves and Chili. Pineapple Curry – shrimp, pineapples and carrots in coconut milk and red curry sauce – is a milder labor of love. Open Monday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner (closed Sundays). MC, Visa • 2986 W. Hwy 89A at the White House Inn (928-282-0599)INEXPENSIVE)

Tii Gavo

Nestled in the secluded hideaway of Boynton Canyon, Enchantment Resort sits on one of the most beautiful spots in Sedona. Relaxing at sunset on the patio of its Tii Gavo restaurant, melting into plush cushions, there’s no need to count calories when you’re gorging on the eye candy – and it’s plenty nourishing for the soul. (The fresh whole-grain bread, baked on site, isn’t bad in that department either.) Better yet, the food meets the standard of the majestic, magical setting, from an appetizer of fried jumbo shrimp encrusted with tiny multicolor tortilla chips to a refreshing Asian noodle salad filled with grilled scallops and shrimp to barbecued pork ribs – marinated for six hours in a richly sugared Southern Comfort-based sauce. Don’t skip creative desserts like chocolate raspberry cheesecake; standing on end, like a mini-pyramid, next to a tiny sphere of intense raspberry sorbet, and linked by a long, curled-tight straw of chocolate, it was a geometric work of art, like a Japanese floral arrangement. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday to Thursday (11 p.m., Friday and Saturday), for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 525 Boynton Canyon at Enchantment Resort (928-282-2900) (MODERATE)

Troia’s Pizza Pasta Amore

Roasted Garlic and Roasted Red Pepper Soup makes a glorious beginning. The Quattro Formagio Lasagne is love at first bite; ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan and Romano meld into a singular sensation, topped off with fresh basil and zesty marinara, to melt in our mouths. Our better half declared the Chicken Cannelloni, a basil crepe filled with rotisserie chicken, spinach, porcine mushrooms, onions and a “secret” cream sauce, could only be the handiwork of a master. And that’s when we get it: Walking on air back to our car, we realize the name isn’t quite right – the best description of the wonderful Troia Pizza Pasta would have to begin with Amore. Open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday, for dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 1885 W. Hwy 89A (928-282-0123)(MODERATE)

The Yavapai Restaurant

One of the greats. Native American pottery, fresh-cut floral arrangements, and a beautiful four-panel mural by Arizona’s Randy Hedden lend the interior a distinct Southwestern elegance, while Boynton Canyon is the star attraction through the giant glass facade in the luxurious dining room. Watch it at sunset, and just try not to be awed. But as stunning as the 180-degree view is, don’t overlook the food – what comes out of the kitchen is as inspired as the setting is inspirational. Take advantage of the generous tasting menu to sample the breadth of the kitchen’s creativity. Open daily, 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Sunday Brunch, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Reservations suggested, and can be made up to a year in advance. Semi-formal attire. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 525 Boynton Canyon at Enchantment Resort (928-282-2900) (VERY EXPENSIVE)

~TOP~

Hwy 179, South of the "Y"

Café Elote

Chef Jeff Smedstad, long revered in Scottsdale, brings his skillful, original, authentic creations to this new intimate space at King’s Ransom Inn, where familiar-sounding menu items get a twist from unusual ingredients. We loved our platos chicos (small plates) – a Quesadilla de Costilla (deliciously spiced, melt-in-your-mouth braised short rib meat, hearty and flavorful, with Oaxacan cheese) and Huevos de Cabra (two goat cheese rounds crusted with finely ground pumpkin seeds, sitting in a rich, savory cooked salsa) – and plato grande (full dinner) of pepita-encrusted snapper, a masterpiece dusted with a crust of crushed pumpkin seeds. Of course, we had to try the signature roasted elote – fresh corn off the cob in a sweet crème fraiche and cotijo-like cheese blend, spicy yet delicate, inspired by romantic Mexican street fare. Stuffed as we were, we still ate all our dessert – creamy lime brulee with fresh berries, plus a sample of Pastel de Elote (caramel from goat’s milk over sweet corn cakes and the sweetest, richest-tasting homemade ice cream, sprinkled with slivered candied almonds). Open 5 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday, for dinner; MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 771 Hwy 179 at King’s Ransom Sedona Hotel (928-203-0105) (MODERATE)

El Portal Sedona

El Portal Sedona guests get first dibs at the comfy seats in the warmly decorated dining room graced by the massive river-rock fireplace, but there’s also limited seating for the public, with advance reservations. From first bite, it’s clear owners Steve and Connie Segner bring to the fine-dining experience the same meticulous excellence that makes El Portal one of the most luxurious U.S. bed and breakfast inns. All meals can be complimented by El Portal’s wine list, which – no surprise here – is one of the most distinguished in town. Open daily, for breakfast, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Fridays and Saturdays for dinner, seatings begin at 5:30 p.m. Reservations required. MC, Visa, AmEx • 95 Portal Ln. (800-313-0017)VERY EXPENSIVE)

El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano

“Arizona Style” – Mexican traditional with a decidedly Navajo influence. The menu offers the “whole enchilada,” with virtually any Mexican dish you can think of, and the results are more delicious than you probably ever hoped to discover north of the Rio Grande. The interior design of Spanish Colonial influence is as lovely as the outside courtyards of Tlaquepaque itself. Seasonal patio dining. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday; 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, for lunch and dinner. Evening reservations suggested. MC, Visa • 366 Hwy 179 at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village (928-282-4648) Moderate)

The Hideaway Restaurant & Lounge

Perched above Oak Creek, this venerable Sedona institution still has the power to surprise. Known for creating its own spices, which add a one-of-a-kind magic to its kitchen, this family restaurant dishes up all meals Italian; great homemade sauces sweeten the deal. The Smoked Turkey Anti-Pasto salad is super, the baked pasta done exactly right and the pizza is pure, unbridled, gratification. Patio dining available. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 122 Hwy 179 at Country Square (928-282-4204)INEXPENSIVE TO MODERATE)

The Inn on Oak Creek

The Inn serves up a four-course breakfast to hotel guests and locals that’s as incredible as the views of Oak Creek from its terrace – and you know that’s saying something. We feasted on granola and maple yogurt, warm cinnamon pear crisp, Italian almond coffee cake, bacon and gruyere muffins, and chocolate-stuffed French toast with raspberry sauce and the best pepper bacon we’ve ever tasted; $12 per person seemed like a bargain. Open daily, serving breakfast from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Reservations required for non-guests. Visa, MC, AmEx, Disc • 556 Hwy 179 (928-282-7896)(MODERATE)

Javelina Cantina

Blessed with classic Sedona views through the window, there’s a lot of eye candy inside as well: Strong colors – butterscotch, ambers, teals, paprikas, purples – mix with a beach-style bar; luminaria-topped pueblo-themed walls; warehouse-style exposed ducting below the high ceilings; and, of course, its javelina mascot above the large stone fireplace. But the best view of all: Huge Mexican-style platters. Try the burrito stuffed with tasty and smoky grilled boneless chicken bites and herbed grilled green and yellow zucchini, topped with a sauce that seemed touched by chipotle chili, or the Rocky Point Tilapia fish tacos (available fried or grilled) with puffy, batter-covered chunks of firm, mild, white fish in soft flour tortillas, with salsa picante, cabbage, and white spicy “southwestern” tartar sauce. Leave room for Bavarian crème-filled churro pastries, served with whipped cream and vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate. Ask for prickly pear sauce – tangy, sweet, and perfect for dipping. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, DC • 671 Hwy 179 at Hillside Sedona (928-282-1313)(MODERATE)

Joey Bistro

Faced with a packed house, we sat at the bar for an “informal formal” meal – and what an intoxicating experience: Fine linens, good food set on polished black granite, and personal attention from the veteran barman, who moved in and out of our sphere with dancer’s timing. Our main courses were creative and complex: Pork loin filled with prosciutto and provolone, sautéed with onions, garlic and fresh herbs in white wine and covered in a fresh tomato demi sauce, and a delicate veal stuffed and layered with mascarpone, mozzarella, cream cheese, with peas and spinach over potato cake, flavored with marsala. For dessert, we loved a silky white, orange-flavored cream concoction that looked like a flan, but truly unlike anything we’ve had before – delicate, light, yet richly textured, with a creamy hint of fruitiness. From where we sit, the ambience, service and meal all served as encouragement to return for more no matter where we have to pull up our chair. Open daily (except Wednesdays), 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 160 Portal Ln. in Los Abrigados Resort & Spa (928-282-1777)(MODERATE)

Oak Creek Brewery & Grill

Glistening copper tanks hover over the Old World-style oak bar at Sedona’s own microbrewery, nestled among the shops of the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. The opulent wood and polished stone dining area has a high-class charm, and the lagers and ales that flow from those tanks have the substance to match the elegant interior style; they’re the perfect complement for the tasty platters prepared in the Grill’s rotisserie and wood-fired oven. The Red Rock Ribs are an old favorite of ours; the BBQ sauce lands right in our sweet spot, tangy but not too sugary. Patio dining available. Open daily, 11 a.m to 9 p.m., for lunch and dinner. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 336 Hwy 179 at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village (928-282-3300)(MODERATE)

Red Rock Family-Style Barbeque

Pig out at this traditional barbecue house where pork is king. The 1-lb. pork chop sandwich is served open face with the sauce on the side while the pulled pork sandwich is piled high and smoked to perfection. If you’re extra-hungry, full dinner
orders of baby-back ribs and pork chops are also on the menu. All items come with your choice of sides – don’t miss the thick and tangy barbecue beans. And when you’re finished with your meal, don’t just sign your credit-card bill; you’re invited to add your John Hancock to the restaurant windows as well. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., for lunch and dinner. Visa, MC. 150 Hwy 179 (928-204-5975) INEXPENSIVE TO MODERATE)

René at Tlaquepaque

A gentle elegance defines the atmosphere here, which calls to mind a European bistro with its boutique-sized candlelit patio and cozy interior rooms. The house specialty – Colorado Rack of Lamb a la René, carved tableside – earns its lofty status, complemented by three sauces: a woody au jus, sweet chutney with a reminder of garlic, and the requisite mint jelly punctuated by apple. The only stress – and it was a luxurious stress – came with the dessert tray, making us choose from among six freshly prepared items. The winner: Peppermint gelato-filled puff pastries drizzled generously in chocolate sauce. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (3 p.m. on weekends) for lunch, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (9 p.m., Friday and Saturday), for dinner. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa • 336 Hwy 179 at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village (928-282-9225)EXPENSIVE TO VERY EXPENSIVE)

Secret Garden Café

Tempting breakfast and lunch items are even more alluring served amidst the beautiful greenery, papyrus reed-filled pond, and merrily tinkling fountain in the not-really-so-secret garden on a nice day. We have great memories of “Yesterday’s Soup,” a light broth with chunks of chicken, rotelli pasta, and vegetables, spiced just right, accompanied by lavosh bread, and the rich, thick, and fully flavorful “signature” corn chowder. We’re also fans of the Southwest Cobb Salad – a feast of fresh Portobello mushroom chunks, free-range chicken, red peppers, corn, roasted tomato, cucumbers, and asiago cheese topped off with an excellent balsamic-based dressing – and the Taos Club, a yummy tomato basil tortilla wrap of turkey, ham, and applewood smoked bacon, with melted jack and cheddar cheese. For dessert, a delicate mango mousse cake, dusted with shredded coconut, makes an unusual and delicious end to a midday escape. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for breakfast and lunch. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 336 Hwy 179 at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village (928-203-9564) (INEXPENSIVE TO MODERATE)

Shugrue's Hillside Grill

A sister restaurant to the nearby Mexican Javalina Cantina, the fine cuisine here puts more emphasis on seafood – but it’s not just fish. Lamb, steaks, chops, salads, even a quiche; we can barely attempt to adequately describe this huge menu, let alone rave about the quality of it all. However, we will rave about the shrimp scampi – try it! The high ceilings, warm decoration and open floor plan is sure to please; the jaw-dropping red rock splendor visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows, or from the outside patio dining area, alone is worth the trip. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch, 5 p.m. to closing for dinner. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, DC • 671 Hwy 179 at Hillside Sedona (928-282-5300) (EXPENSIVE)

Steak & Sticks

Not reviewed at press time. Open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., for dinner (closed Tuesdays). Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 160 Portal Lane at Los Abrigados Resort & Spa (928-204-7849)(MODERATE TO EXPENSIVE)

T. Carls

Relax and prime yourself for some exquisite dining in this Tudor-like setting, done up in soothing earth tones adorned with black-and-white photos of Sedona’s earliest days. The quality of the cuisine and breadth of menu here brushes with greatness; the Tricolor Cheese Tortellini shows how creativity can jazz up a basic pasta and the festive-looking Pan Seared Ahi Tuna is a masterpiece. Patio dining available. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., for breakfast and lunch, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m for dinner (10 p.m., Friday and Saturday). MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 1752 S. Hwy 179 at the Radisson Poco Diablo Resort (928-282-7333) (MODERATE)

~TOP~

Oak Creek Canyon

Garland's Oak Creek Lodge

Prix fixe dinners in a bucolic setting that calls to mind upstate New York, but boasts an unmistakable southwestern touch at a hidden location across the creek, boasting old-style chinked log cabins, cozy hunting lodge ambiance, and surrounded by monumental ponderosa pines. At 7 p.m., a dinner bell summons the limited group of 50 diners into the lodge. You can share a dining table with other guests, or request your own intimate private table. The four-course menu changes each night. On out visit, after a light and tasty southwest corn chowder, made with fresh corn off the cob and assorted vegetables, and a refreshing, colorful green salad, came the centerpiece: Tender scallops and shrimp, with scattered garden herbs imparting a subtle taste nuance, brightly colored sautéed vegetables alongside, all exquisite. For dessert, homemade shortcake biscuits filled with fresh strawberries and blackberries in a sweet cream sauce, not heavy, but flaky, warm, rich, and pleasant. Prix Fixe dinner served Monday through Saturday at 7 p.m.; cocktails at
6 p.m. Reservations required. MC, Visa • 8067 N Hwy 89A (928-282-3343) (VERY EXPENSIVE)

Junipine Café & Grill

Located on the tranquil banks of Oak Creek, minutes north of uptown, the all-pine dining room dominated by a huge stone fireplace provides a flavor of rustic folksiness, but the cuisine is as sophisticated as the setting is homespun. The trout is as fresh as if just pulled from the creek, and the Shrimp Avocado Salad, with its Mandarin oranges and raspberry walnut dressing, is a favorite. Patio dining available. Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday to Thursday; 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday; for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. MC, Visa, AmEx • 8351 N. Hwy 89A (928-282-7406)MODERATE)

~TOP~

Village of Oak Creek

Blue Moon Café

A funky, down-home, finger lickin’-good eatin’ place for when you’re in a hurry but still thinkin’ tasty. Locals chow down here (we once saw a fire department rig parked outside and its hungry firefighters feasting inside during lunch hour), which usually tells you something good about the food. Low prices and no-frills decor here, but who ever said good meant frilly? A wide menu with lots of different pizzas, salads, burgers and subs. Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday; for breakfast, lunch and dinner. MC, Visa • 6101 Hwy 179 (928-284-1831) (INEXPENSIVE)

Clubhouse Grille at Sedona Golf Resort

Casual dining before or after hitting the links at the Sedona Golf Resort. We visited for breakfast and enjoyed the mild Eggs Benedict and yogurt parfait with homemade granola and fresh fruit, all while basking in the breathtaking views of the course and Bell Rock. It also features a full bar and a large patio so you can have a round after shooting one. Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for breakfast, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch. Visa, MC, AmEx. • 35 Ridge Trail Dr. at The Sedona Golf Resort (928-284-9355) (INEXPENSIVE TO MODERATE)

Cucina Rustica-Dahl & DiLuca

Easily one of the loveliest restaurants in the Verde Valley; the walled patio with overshadowing arbor, outdoor fireplaces, and bowls of flame juxtaposed overhead with bowls of colorful pansies produces fleeting images of ancient Herculaneum. Inside, several impressive dining areas await – one evoking a monastery, for example, has a massive feudal fireplace and huge primitive mantelpiece, oriental rugs, wrought iron chandeliers, large crosses, candle pillars, angel carvings, and abbey-like doors – inviting return visits to see them all. Fine dishes include Penne Don Quixote (grilled chicken and mushrooms with a spicy chipotle cream sauce and, on request, homemade ribbon pasta) and Veal Magellano, a thinly sliced veal with scallops sautéed in brandy sauce. For dessert, try a warm flourless chocolate cake with vanilla bean gelato, drizzled with hearty bourbon and more chocolate. • 7000 Hwy 179 at Tequa Marketplace. Open daily for dinner, 5 p.m. to closing. Reservations recommended. MC, Visa, AmEx (928-284-3010) (MODERATE TO EXPENSIVE)

Fork In The Road

Pass through the wood and glass doors of husband and wife Alan and Brenda McClean’s new eatery, and you’ll find gorgeous dark wood floors, elegant crystal chandeliers, and a mix of white linen-clad tables with dark wood chairs and white leather banquettes. Simply, it’s a breath of fresh air. The innovative international menu is a combination of salads, soups, seafood, meats, pastas, and pies. Prawn Pakoras, served with a wonderfully flavorful sweet chile sauce, is a must for any fan of the traditional Indian dish. The Duck Schnitzel in a pecan crust sauté of flaked Brussels sprouts with bacon rashers and brown sugar, chevre mash, cranberry compote and mustard cognac remoulade, was cooked to perfection and we can’t say enough about the Grilled Skirt Steak. With a lively atmosphere, friendly service, and incomparable menu, we’d travel back down this path any time. Open daily, 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner. Reservations strongly suggested. MC, Visa, Disc, DC • 7000 Hwy 179 at Tequa Festival Marketplace. (928-284-9322) (MODERATE TO expensive)

The Grille at Shadow Rock

Rusty reds, dusky greens, browns and ochres evoke the high-desert beauty outside, giving the modern, yet classic-feeling room a southwestern style that complements the cuisine. Grilled ahi, usually a mild tuna dish, gets a Sedona makeover centered artistically over delicate spinach and mushroom enchiladas, and drenched in pungent poblano cream sauce. Fork-tender St. Louis-style ribs, cooked in Oak Creek Amber Ale and grilled with tangy tamarind barbeque sauce, were flanked by an anasazi bean relish and lightly seasoned cabbage slaw suiting both the meat and the locale. Open daily, 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 90 Ridge Trail Drive at the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa (928-284-4040) (MODERATE TO EXPENSIVE)

Maria's Restaurant & Cantina

Mexican and Native American art and artifacts hang on the earthen color walls trimmed with brightly stained wood paneling, lending an air of authenticity to this local favorite; it just feels real. The meals certainly are; delicious and bountiful, with much to choose from in both Mexican and American cuisine, including a luscious “Sedona Wrap” of marinated chicken, roasted peppers and assorted vegetables. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., for lunch and dinner. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx • 6446 S. Hwy 179 at Castle Rock Plaza (928-284-3739) (INEXPENSIVE TO MODERATE)

Minami

A comfortable, relaxed atmosphere makes the sushi bar a perfect setting for striking up conversation. The sushi menu includes cooked, raw and vegetable selections; all we sampled were fresh and tasty, with the Soft Shell Crab Roll a particular favorite. Tuna, salmon and yellowtail make for reliable delights. If sushi’s not to your taste, don’t overlook other fare, like the teriyaki dinners, tempura or yakitori. Steamers offer another tempting option. Open Monday to Friday for lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Monday to Saturday for dinner, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. MC, Visa • 6586 W. Hwy 179. (928-284-0684)MODERATE)

MPC: Marketplace Café

Perfectly situated for a full meal or a post-shopping spree snack, and bolstered by a recent expansion, this European-style cafe with a neighborly ambience has a well-earned reputation for variety, offering everything from a garden fresh salad to a fine steak. We always enjoy the incredible vegetable wraps and even the basic burger is somehow made special here. A small patio for outside dining enhances the bistro feeling. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx • 6645 S. Hwy 179 at Prime Outlets (928-284-5478) (MODERATE)

Mulligans Grille on the Green

This warmly designed local hangout features dead solid perfect views of the Oakcreek Country Club golf course, works by local artists on display and an above par, neighborly atmosphere. The soup of the day, a delightfully creamy Clam Chowder, brought us out of our shells. As main courses, the Black Angus Ribeye, served with mixed vegetables, led the field, while the luscious, tangy BBQ Spare Ribs were so tender and moist that the meat practically jumped from the shank. Leave room for a bonus round; a slice of cheesecake really hit the sweet spot. Patio dining available. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 690 Bell Rock Blvd at Oakcreek Country Club (928-284-3687) (INEXPENSIVE TO EXPENSIVE)

Pago's Pizzeria & Italian Cuisine

A beckoning portrait of Chef Pago himself, painted by the renowned artist Leslie B. deMille, bids you welcome at the door of this slice of Italy on the state highway. With red checkerboard tablecloths and the soft strains of Italian love songs in the air, the appeal of this neighborhood favorite is obvious. The food is lovingly prepared old-world traditional – just what you’d want and expect. The authentic Chicken Marsala is fine enough to make a Roman weep joyful tears for cherished memories of Mama’s kitchen, and the top-notch Neapolitan pizza, cheesy, thin-crusted, and baked to perfection, defines la dolce vita. Open daily, 11 a.m. to close, for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc. • 6446 Hwy 179 at Castle Rock Plaza (928-284-1939) (INEXPENSIVE TO MODERATE)

PJ's Village Pub and Sports Bar

A local watering hole that serves outtasight bar food, a couple of notches higher than the standard chicken wings or corned beef cliches. Tender baby back ribs and juicy, juicy, juicy prime rib score when they cross your plate. It’s all served under the faint glare of neon bar signs and lovingly assembled walls of baseball memorabilia. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa • 40 W. Cortez Dr. (928-284-2250) (INEXPENSIVE TO MODERATE)

Red Chopstick

Our fortune cookie didn’t prepare us to find a jammed parking lot here on a weeknight – but it was a good omen. From a menu offering a broad choice of three Chinese cooking styles – Hunan, Szechuan, and Mandarin – with a sprinkling of dishes from Thai and Vietnamese cuisines, we selected two entrees that both impressed with intensely fresh vegetables, fragrant meats, and fresh seafood. The Sizzling Plate Delight – poured into a hot iron skillet at the table – mixes sautéed chicken, beef, shrimp and pork with fresh mushrooms and a (chef’s secret) sauce that perfectly flavors the steamed rice. The Crystal (tailless young) Shrimp and (moist, tender) Scallops – both oh-so-fresh! – in a light sauce was very satisfying. And we couldn’t resist the staff-favorite dessert, the fresh fried banana dusted with confectioner’s sugar or honey, a sweet, warm, melt-in-your-mouth treat – and healthy too; it’s fruit, right? OK, so it’s lightly breaded and fried; leave us to our dreams... Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (10 p.m. Friday and Saturday) for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 65 Bell Rock Plaza (928-284-9088) (Inexpensive to MODERATE)

Red Rock Cafe

This comfy café, decked out in beautiful Sedona photography and a mural of the red rocks with fresh flowers on each table, features breakfast and lunch entrees with a twist. We created our own light and fluffy omelet from a long list of ingredients and delighted in the Southwest Benedict with black beans, green chiles, diced tomatoes and a poached egg piled atop an English muffin. Both items came with the café’s unique home fries – a blend of sweet and russet potatoes, onions and bell peppers. If you’re in the mood for something sweet don’t miss the giant cinnamon roll. Covered with walnuts and just the right amount of icing, it’s a meal in itself. Breakfast is served all day. The lunch menu includes salads, sandwiches and burgers. Open daily 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for breakfast and lunch. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 100 Verde Valley School Rd. (928-284-1441) (Inexpensive)

Tara Thai Cuisine

What’s more inviting – the tapestries and headdresses of the Far East accenting the decor at cozy Tara, or the unmistakably Southwestern view through its windows? Let’s call it a Thai; after all, the essence of this cuisine is harmony, a state stylishly achieved by Tara’s satisfying menu and presentation. We’re fans of Tara Thai’s Ginger with Beef, a great lunchtime pick-me-up. Try the Singha beer with your meal; imported from Thailand, it’s delicious and an excellent complement to the cuisine, especially if your dish is on the spicy side. Open Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for lunch, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner; Sunday, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., for lunch, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., for dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 34 Bell Rock Plaza (928-284-9167) (INEXPENSIVE TO MODERATE)

~TOP~

Camp Verde

The Gallery

Airy with high ceilings, it seems like a beautiful Native American lodge playfully disguised as a casino coffee shop. It’s a fun place to grab a bite, what with the whooping sounds of paying slot machines contrasting with the serene woven baskets, drums and great paintings of olden Indian life hanging throughout the room. Generous portions are tasty and bargain-priced; the menu has something for everyone, and the service is fast and friendly. What more can one ask for between rounds of video poker – besides a continuation of the lucky streak? Open daily, all hours, except between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 555 Middle Verde Rd. at Cliff Castle Casino, Camp Verde (928-567-7903)(Inexpensive)

The Gathering

A small dining café with regional artists’ locally-themed paintings hanging on the walls, purple linens on the tables and expansive mesa views out the windows. The simple two page menu has familiar items with a creative twist, such as a grilled pastrami and swiss cheese sandwich on rye, but piled with grilled onions and sweet red and green peppers offset by crispy salty bacon, accompanied by skin-on French fries. The Caesar salad with either chicken or shrimp is piled high and topped with fresh strips of Parmesan cheese. Even as familiar a fare as bread pudding moistly filled with raisins has the added surprise of pineapple. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m for breakfast and lunch; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m for dinner. Closed for dinner, Mondays and Tuesdays. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 333 Middle Verde Rd. at The Lodge, Camp Verde (928-567-6611) (Inexpensive to moderate)

Storytellers

Elegant and quiet, with black linens and unusually shaped white china on copper tables in a room that evokes an ancient cave, the dark, intimate Storytellers bids to transport you a thousand years back in time. The food, however, is here and now, a 21st century fusion of classic and innovative cuisine that’s tasty, generous, and well priced. We gasped when the main courses arrived. A 12-oz. mesquite smoked pork chop marinated in achiote dwarfed the platter it sat on, accompanied by a gargantuan mound of redolent garlic and boursin cheese-filled mashed potatoes and baby asparagus, lightly dusted in a piquant chili flavor. For desert, try the Mudslide Mousse, a light-colored cornucopia funnel of rich creamy mousse in between the yin and yang crescent designs of dark chocolate and white vanilla sauces. Open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday (10 p.m. Fri. and Sat.) for dinner. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 555 Middle Verde Rd. at Cliff Castle Casino, Camp Verde (928-567-7905) (Moderate to expensive)

~TOP~