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

Sedona Restaurants

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René at Tlaquepaque SR 179, Sedona 86336 928.282.9225


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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

The Cowboy Club Grille and Spirits/The Silver Saddle Room

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 bull’s-eye; the creamy cumin gravy adds just the right touch of chuckwagon ambience. Cowboy Club: Open daily, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., for lunch; 4:30-10 p.m., for dinner. Silver Saddle Room: Open daily, 5-9 p.m., for dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 241 N. SR 89A (928-282-4200) (Moderate to very expensive)

Hitching Post Restaurant

This eatery was established in 1930, and 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. SR 89A (928-282-7761) (Inexpensive)

Hundred Rox Restaurant

Dining at Hundred Rox Restaurant at Amara Resort allows you to experience the best of both indoor and outdoor dining. The dining room is chic and modern, and if it’s warm enough, the terrace is a real treat. But enough about the upscale yet tranquil ambience – let’s talk about Executive Chef Paul Chandler’s menu, which has a definite Asian influence. We ordered the Sautéed Fresh Snapper. The fish was served over tuxedo orzo and piled high with ripened tomatoes, shiitake mushrooms and spinach. We also tried the Duck Schnitzel: pecan-crusted duck breast served on top of herb-whipped mashed potatoes and flaked Brussels sprouts with sweet bacon rashers. A stone-ground mustard cognac cream sauce was drizzled over the duck. A colorful wild-berry compote and exotic greens topped off the entrée. Open daily, 7-11 a.m., for breakfast; 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for lunch; 5:30-9 p.m., for dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 100 Amara Lane at Amara Resort Hotel & Spa (928-340-8859) (Inexpensive to expensive)

L’Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek

World-famous L’Auberge de Sedona has a creek-side restaurant and outdoor patio for dining right on the water. For dinner, we selected the chef’s tasting menu, which included ahi tuna sashimi placed atop a dollop of chilled mango-pineapple soup; a tiny puff-pastry-encased pan-seared foie gras; a mild and pleasant grouper; and braised short ribs in an herb demiglace. The evening ended with a mocha-chai panna cotta, a caramel-infused creamy pudding flavored with chocolate mocha and chai spices. Open Monday to Saturday, 7-10:30 a.m., for breakfast; 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for lunch; 5:30-9 p.m., for dinner. Open Sunday, 9 a.m to 2 p.m., for brunch; 5:30-9 p.m., for dinner. Reservations required. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 301 L’Auberge Lane at L’Auberge de Sedona Resort (928-282-1661) (Expensive to very expensive)

Mago Café

This small, quaint Korean café has a menu that includes traditional salads along with Korean-inspired salads made with a variety of nuts. If you’d rather tempt your taste buds with something hot – in both senses of the word – go for the Spicy Shrimp & Seafood dish, with fish, squid and veggies mixed in a ginger-chili sauce. Every bite gets spicier and spicier. If you’re not an adventurous eater, take note: Mago Café offers sandwiches as well. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 207 N. SR 89A (928-204-1047) (Moderate to expensive)

Oaxaca Restaurante & Cantina

Its authentic decor will remind you of Old Mexico, but the rooftop dining room’s picture windows overlooking 89A present a bird’s-eye view that’s unmistakably modern-day Sedona. The owner takes great pride in using the purest ingredients, ensuring health-conscious diners tasty options in genuine southwestern and Mexican fare. Patio dining available. Open Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 321 N. SR 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 Sautéed 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. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 320 N. SR 89A at Sinagua Plaza at Sedona Center (928-282-0002) (Inexpensive to expensive)

Soundbites Grill

Not reviewed at press time. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (midnight, Friday and Saturday), for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx • 101 SR 89A at the Hyatt/Shops at Piñon Pointe (928-282-2713) (Moderate to expensive)

Taos Cantina

People watching is one of our favorite things to do in Uptown, and thanks to Taos Cantina, we can indulge in our pastime while relaxing under umbrellas and sipping colorful cocktails. We chose the Taco Salad, a huge tortilla shell brimming to the top with spring greens, Oaxaca cheese, roasted corn, black bean salsa, sour cream and guacamole. Being chili connoisseurs, our mouths started to water when we read the description for the Chicken Chile Relleno, so we knew we had to try it. A roasted-corn-encrusted poblano pepper arrived stuffed with shredded chicken, caramelized onions, apricots, and Cotija and Monterey jack cheeses. Tangy black beans and cilantro rice with roasted corn were served on the side. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 254 SR 89A (928-282-7200) (Moderate)

Thai Palace Uptown

Thai Palace’s interior is warm and cozy with wooden floors, a stone fireplace and leather-backed chairs. You can also choose to dine on the tranquil patio. The menu includes traditional Thai dishes that can be ordered mild or spicy as well as vegan or vegetarian. We have a weakness for fresh rolls, so that’s where our meal began. Hands down, these are some of the best fresh rolls in northern Arizona. Next we tried the Basa Crispy Fish, a mild fish lightly fried and topped with chopped mangoes, bell peppers, red onion and pineapple. We also loved the Duck Curry: large chunks of roasted duck, pineapple and, unexpectedly, tomatoes Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., for lunch and dinner. Visa, MC, Disc, AmEx, Disc • 260 Van Deren Road (928-282-8424) (Moderate)

Takashi Japanese Restaurant

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 was fresh, firm and flavorful, served on a bed of very 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 Tuesday and Friday, noon to 9 p.m., for lunch and dinner; open Wednesday to Sunday, 4-9 p.m., for dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 465 Jordan Road (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 the 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. Open daily, 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Visa, MC, AmEx, Disc, DC • 2245 W. SR 89A (928-282-1693) (Inexpensive to moderate)

A Pizza Heaven

Surrounded by sumptuous pizzas and calzones, we veered from the obvious to try a Rollatini with very, very thinly sliced eggplant 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. For dessert, try the seven-layer chocolate cake dusted with powdered sugar. Open Tuesday to Thursday, 4-9 p.m., for dinner. Open Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa • 2675 W. SR 89A (928-282-0519) (Inexpensive to moderate)

Barking Frog Grille

We settled into a long room with a fireplace on one end and shared a fresh Rotisserie Chicken Club Salad along with the delicious Plantain-Encrusted Sword-fish. The fish was topped with a mango-pineapple salsa spiced with red chili sauce and complete with a side of saffron rice and crisp green beans. The evening finished with a gooey cookie sundae. Indulge in a long list of wines, draft beers and seven specialty margaritas. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 2620 W. SR 89A (928-204-2000) (Moderate to expensive)

Bodacious Burgers

When you’re craving a comfy diner booth and a really tasty burger, you can’t go wrong at this spot. The buns are spongy and light, just about every burger on the menu is topped with crisp bacon, the soup is homemade and the restaurant boasts a salad bar to boot. Our favorite offerings include the Southwest Burger smothered in fresh Hatch chilies, cheese and, of course, bacon. We also love the Vino Burger: a patty marinated in red wine and topped with bleu cheese, pesto-mayo, and, you guessed it, bacon. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (11 p.m., Friday and Saturday), for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx • 1950 W. SR 89A (928-282-2255) (Inexpensive to moderate)

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 Monday through Saturday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner; open Sunday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, Disc • 2370 W. SR 89A (928-282-0299) (Inexpensive)

Casa Bonita

This reasonably priced menu 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; the Mexican Trio of a flavorful carne asada and charbroiled chicken under grilled tomatoes; and Portuguese shrimp, tastily wrapped in smoky bacon and ham and cheese and slathered in a creamy sauce. Despite the gargantuan helpings, we were glad we shared a rich and warm chimichanga with manzanas. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 164 Coffee Pot Drive in the Sedona Village Shopping Center (928-282-2728) (Inexpensive to moderate)

Che-Ah-Chi

Che-Ah-Chi is the Apache name for Boynton Canyon, and the cuisine here is as stunning as the landscape that inspired it. Formerly the internationally renowned Yavapai Restaurant, the room has been beautifully updated, modernized and glamorized to provide an entirely new dining experience. Do yourself a favor and begin your meal with the incredible Lobster Bisque, crafted with sweet corn panna cotta, mushrooms and cognac. It is luxuriously rich, and almost a meal unto itself. But be sure to leave room for one of the signature entrées. The Diver Sea Scallops are wonderous; with hearts of palm puree, crispy salsify (a flowering plant in the sunflower family), candied bacon relish and sesame vinaigrette, they melt in your mouth like creamy butter. And don’t overlook that traditional staple of gourmands, the Filet Mignon, which is grilled to classic perfection and served with asparagus risotto, cippolini onions and béarnaise. After our experience, we think Che-Ah-Chi would more accurately be translated as “heaven on earth.” Open daily, 6:30-11:30 a.m., for breakfast (Sundays, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for brunch); 5:30-9:30 p.m., for dinner. Reservations recommended. Smart casual attire. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 825 Boynton Canyon Road at Enchantment Resort (928-204-6000) (Very expensive)

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. It’s all comfortingly familiar; what you might not expect is the inventiveness of the 101 omelets 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 a homemade biscuit. Patio dining is available. Open daily, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., for breakfast and lunch. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 2050 W. SR 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 – and you’re in another world. 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. Open daily, 5-10 p.m., for dinner. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 2321 W. SR 89A (928-282-5219) (Moderate to expensive)

Dan’s Bistro

Do you ever fantasize about being able to close your eyes and open them only to find yourself sitting in a café on the Champs-Élysées? We do, and since that scenario doesn’t seem likely to happen anytime soon, Dan’s Bistro is the next best thing. In keeping with our Parisian fantasy, we ordered the Beef Bourguignon en Croûte. The beef tenderloin tips and mushrooms are marinated in a cabernet sauce and served in a small crock covered with a delicate puff pastry. Lest we forget we were in Sedona, we also ordered the locally harvested Pan Fried Trout. The large portion of fresh fish, which was plucked straight from the waters of Oak Creek, was served with a lemon caper butter sauce and bistro fries. Like any good Parisians (or Sedonans for that matter), we believe life is too short to pass up dessert. We shared a large slice of Chocolate Eruption cake. For those divine moments while we savored our slice of chocolate heaven, it mattered not what country we dined in; we were bursting with joie de vivre. Open Monday to Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for lunch. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 5 p.m. to close, for dinner. Visa, MC, Disc • 1650 W. SR 89A (928-282-0744) (Inexpensive to moderate)

Golden Goose Cafe & Bistro

If you’re honking for inexpensive but tasty comfort food in an upscale atmosphere, take a gander at the Goose’s menu. The extensive lunch selection offers nine salads as well as sandwiches (both meat and veggie), burgers and a nice bunch of southwestern favorites. All-American dinner entrées include steak, chicken and meatloaf dishes that come with your choice of soup or salad, potato and vegetable. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (9 p.m., Friday and Saturday), for breakfast, lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, Disc • 2545 W. SR 89A (928-282-1447) (Inexpensive)

Heartline Cafe

No matter what you crave, you’ll have plenty to choose from at this favorite local spot. We began by sharing one of the smaller dishes, a half-portion of vegetable fettucine made on-site and topped with chicken, bacon and oyster mushrooms, all in an alfredo sauce. Next we shared the signature Heartline pecan-encrusted trout, which is grown locally. The fish came with a salad of simple greens drizzled with a Southwest ranch dressing. When the main dish arrived, the trout was beautifully butterflied atop a serving of rice and grilled baby asparagus. For dessert, we opted for a sampler plate featuring mocha sorbet, mango ice cream, New York-style cheesecake with fresh berries and a rich flourless chocolate cake. Easy to share, it was the right ending to a fine meal with great service. Patio dining available. Open daily, 5:30-9:30 p.m., for dinner. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 1610 W. SR 89A (928-282-0785) (Moderate to very expensive)

Heartline Café Gourmet Take Out

Far from a fast food joint, Heartline Café’s sister restaurant has garden seating and a charming indoor dining area with a fireplace. The daily specials are handwritten on brown paper bags. We love the Torta Rustica and Shaved Roast Turkey Breast sandwiches with sides of sweet-potato chips. If you’re in the mood for a salad, you can’t go wrong with the Salad Sedona, an enticing mixture of grilled chicken, fresh berries and red cabbage slaw. Open daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for breakfast and lunch. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 1600 W. SR 89A (928-282-3365) (Inexpensive)

India Palace

How great it is that Sedona has this excellent Indian restaurant with fresh and healthy food? We savored a chef’s specialty, Karahi Fish Palak, a delicate fresh whitefish flavored with fresh ginger, green peppers, onion and a bit of tomato in a dish thick with creamy spinach. We also love the vegetarian and non-vegetarian dinners because they allow us to sample a bit of everything. Don’t miss three classic desserts: Indian Kheer, a milky rice pudding flavored with almonds and pistachios; and two mango classics – Lassi, a mildy sweetened yogurt smoothie; and Kulfi, individually molded, dark pumpkin-colored ice cream with fresh mango pulp whipped in for creamy-smooth spoonfuls of delight. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for lunch; 5-10 p.m., for dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 1910 W. SR 89A in the Sedona Village Shopping Center (928-204-2300) (Inexpensive)

Judi's Restaurant & Lounge

n the Sedona restaurant scene, there’s something to be said for longevity. Judi’s has been in the same location – tucked in the corner of a commercial center – since it opened 20-plus years ago. It’s locally famous for its baby-back ribs, so we ordered a half-rack with a side of sweet-potato fries. The ribs quite literally fell off the bone, and even though they were slathered with a generous portion of sweet-and-spicy barbecue sauce, we couldn’t stop ourselves from dunking the tender pork in the extra sauce served on the side. Open Monday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., for lunch and dinner. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 40 Soldier Pass Road at La Pasada Plaza (928-282-4449) (Moderate to expensive)

Mesa Grill at the Sedona Airport

If you’re lunching at Mesa Grill, we can’t say enough about the juicy, half-pound Angus burgers. We are fans of the $100 Airport Burger (just the title, not the real price), which arrives topped with roasted chilies, jack and cheddar cheese, and a chipotle aioli sauce. The burger comes with a side of green chili fries: seasoned French fries topped with fried shoestring chilies. Thinking dinner instead? Hit Mesa Grill in time for Sedona’s legendary sunsets, then order a cup of the sweet and slightly pungent Butternut Squash Ginger Soup. The burgers are on the dinner menu (so are vegan specialties, tapas and pasta dishes), but we also love the petit filet mignon. Don’t leave without asking to see the dessert tray. Open daily, 7 to 11 a.m., for breakfast; 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for lunch; 3 to 4 p.m., for appetizers, 4 to 9 p.m., for dinner (9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday). MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 1185 Airport Road (928-282-2400) (Inexpensive to expensive)

Nick’s on the West Side

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 restaurant offers a dandy breakfast of traditional American blue-plate fame that 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 Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., for breakfast and lunch. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 2920 W. SR 89A (928-204-2088) (Moderate)

Olde Sedona Family Restaurant Bar and Grill

Olde Sedona’s menu includes southwestern specialties, steaks, ribs and fish. 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, 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. (11 a.m., Saturday and Sunday), for lunch and dinner. Visa, MC, AmEx • 1405 W. SR 89A (928-282-5670) (Inexpensive to moderate)

Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen

Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen has never been your usual pizza joint – but it’s even less so since the menu was revamped. Wildly creative pizzas still take center stage, but now it’s as much about the organic and gluten-free ingredients and the crust varieties as it is the dozens of toppings. During our most recent visit, we were feeling adventurous and ordered a Chipotle & Chicken pizza. Spicy chipotle sauce takes the place of traditional red sauce, and the pie was topped with free-range chicken, chewy mozzarella, Roma tomatoes, red and yellow bell peppers, jalapenos and caramelized onions, which added a hint of sweetness. Order this colorful pizza if you’re in the mood for something spicy – these jalapenos don’t take prisoners. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., for lunch and dinner. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, DC • 1855 W. SR 89A (928-282-4140) (Inexpensive to moderate)

Pita Fresh

Don’t be fooled: On the outside, this little Mediterranean-style eatery may look like a typical hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop, but inside you’ll take a magic carpet ride with some of the most delicious – and healthy – food in town. We really enjoy the Shish Kabob Entrée for lunch. Its grilled pieces of succulent marinated beef, served on a plate with rice, fattoush salad, pickled vegetables and pita bread, make it a perfectly light yet completely satisfying meal. If you’re in the mood for a gyro, you must check out the Chicken Shawarma Sandwich, made up with yummy marinated chicken in pita bread and overflowing with romaine lettuce, parsley, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and tahini sauce. Heathiest of all for these tough times, Pita Fresh’s all-Mediterranean menu serves up strictly low-fat, low-cholestrol dishes (with no preservatives or trans fats allowed anywhere on the premises) at better-than-reasonable prices. Open daily, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 1370 SR 89A in Old Marketplace (928-282-0010) (Inexpensive)

Red Planet Diner

Look beyond the fun Mars space alien 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 W. SR 89A (928-282-6070) (Inexpensive)

Red's Restaurant

Anyone who thinks Sedona dining is all about southwestern cuisine and kokopelli décor need only stop into Reds Restaurant to realize they don’t need to travel to Phoenix for sophistication. Reds’ menu is divided between meat, chicken, fish and vegetables, but it’s a local tradition to begin dinner with Chef Ron Moler’s Cavatappi & Cheese skillet: a modern take on macaroni-and-cheese with the welcome addition of diced ham and roasted jalapenos. For dinner, we ordered the 12-oz. Aged Grilled Rib Eye and the Oven Roasted Sea Bass. The steak was big, flavorful and covered in a peppery jus. The sea bass was fresh, flaky and delicate with a light lemony sauce, and crisp veggies were served on the side. For dessert, we couldn’t pass up one of the menu’s signature items, the Molten Chocolate Cake. Open daily, 7-10:30 a.m., for breakfast; 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., for lunch; 5-9 p.m., for dinner (10 p.m., Friday and Saturday). Bar menu served all day. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 2250 W. SR 89A at Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa (928-340-5321) (Inexpensive to very 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 private home, a gas station and as an exterior in the 1965 film The Rounders – the cuisine coming from the kitchen is very much of the here and now. One thing that never gets old is a satisfying Prime Rib, the pot o’ gold at this Rainbows End. Open daily, 4-9 p.m. (10 p.m., Friday and Saturday), for dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 3235 W. SR 89A (928-282-1593) (Moderate)

The Sundowner

It’s easy to drive right past The Sundowner without realizing it even exists – this place is a true locals’ watering hole. The menu is basic, inexpensive and tasty. Think burgers, fries, onion rings, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, fish tacos, hot pastrami, corndogs, salads and appetizers. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., for lunch and dinner. Cash only. • 37 Navajo Road (928-282-1858) (Inexpensive)

Szechuan Restaurant

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 the chef’s secret brown sauce. Milder-tasting fare, more familiar to American palates, is also in the mix, as is sushi. We ordered the Rainbow Roll as an appetizer. The deep burgundy of the tuna, the rich coral of the salmon and the yellow tints of the yellowtail gave new meaning to the tasty roll’s namesake. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (10 p.m., Friday and Saturday), for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 1350 W. SR 89A in Old Marketplace (928-282-9288) (Inexpensive to expensive)

Thai Spices

We visited this tiny, decades-old establishment on a weeknight, and it was bustling with diners. We started with soup: Tom Kah, an ingeniously delectable blend of spices, vegetables, lemon grass, cilantro and lime juice in a coconut milk broth. Our main course was Thai Duck Curry. We happily feasted on the dish – moist duck pieces swimming in coconut curry with chunks of pineapple as a sweet counterpoint to the spicy garlic, lime, basil and onion. We had to taste the Thai iced tea. The strong, sugary tea was a perfect foil for the spicy food, and it satisfied our sweet tooth. Open Monday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for lunch; 5-9 p.m., for dinner. MC, Visa, Disc • 2986 W. SR 89A at the White House Inn (928-282-0599) (Inexpensive)

Tii Gavo

Not reviewed at press time. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., 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 Four Cheese Lasagna 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 that 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. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 5-9 p.m., for dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 1885 W. SR 89A (928-282-0123) (Moderate)

West Side Deli

Is there such thing as too many choices? The owners of West Side Deli don’t think so. Choose your bread (baked locally, there’s a gluten-free option, too), house-cured meat, cheese and condiments to build your perfect personalized sandwich; there are hundreds of combinations from which to choose. The soup of the day is also made on-site and is utterly delicious. These guys even make their own mustard. And for the kiddies out there, this might be the only spot in town where you can actually order Kool-Aid to accompany your lunch. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa • 2370 W. SR 89A in the Safeway shopping center (928-282-8453) (928-282-4422) (inexpensive)

Wild Orchid

Delight blossoms at Wild Orchid, created by the same team that operates longtime local favorite Thai Spices. The menu is a tour of Asian cuisine with a potpourri of dishes from Korea, Japan, China, Vietnam, Burma, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and India. We enjoyed the delicious vegetable rolls and heady tamarind lemon-grass soup with chicken, and we especially appreciated the nurturing taste of the spicy Korean beef with warmed cabbage, almonds and green apples. Open Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for lunch; 4 to 9 p.m., for dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 2611 W. SR 89A (928-282-4422) (inexpensive to moderate)

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SR 179, South of the "Y"

Elote Café

Chef Jeff Smedstad, long revered in Scottsdale, brings his skillful, original creations to this intimate space at King’s Ransom Inn. We loved our platos chicos (small plates) – a Quesadilla de Costilla (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 savory cooked salsa) – and plato grande (full dinner) of pepita-encrusted snapper. Of course, we had to try the signature roasted elote – fresh corn off the cob in a sweet crème fraîche and cotijo-like cheese blend. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 5 p.m. to closing, for dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 771 SR 179 at King’s Ransom Sedona Hotel (928-203-0105) (Moderate)

El Portal Sedona

El Portal Sedona guests get first dibs on breakfast at the comfy seats in the warmly decorated dining room, 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. Open daily, 8-10 a.m., for breakfast. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 95 Portal Lane (800-313-0017) (Moderate)

El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano

When it’s warm, we love sitting outside on El Rincon’s patio with its large sycamore tree. During our visit, we relaxed under orange and yellow umbrellas and sipped Margarita Magnificas. El Rincon’s menu combines traditional Mexican cuisine with some Navajo influences. We ordered the two house specialties: Chimichangas and Navajo Pizza. The first dish consists of hand-rolled sopapilla masa stuffed with either meat or veggies and topped with your choice of red or green sauce. For those of you who’ve spent time on the Navajo Reservation, the Navajo Pizza will remind you of a Navajo taco, but instead of using frybread, El Rincon builds its pizza on top of a thin sopapilla crust. Toppings include beans, lettuce, tomato, cheese and your choice of sauce. Seasonal patio dining. Open Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., for lunch; open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m., Sunday), for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, Disc • 336 SR 179 at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village (928-282-4648) (Inexpensive to moderate)

The Hideaway Restaurant & Lounge

Easy to find? Not necessarily. But if you want a great place to eat, this is your spot. Favorites include the Sausage Soup, a spicy tomato-based soup filled with chunky vegetables. Thick slices of decadent garlic bread, buttered and covered in melted cheese, come with the soup. We also love the Antipasto Salad. A locally famous choice, the chilled plate arrives heaped high with crisp cold greens, cubes of mozzarella, kidney and garbanzo beans, and various salamis – all generously drizzled with a classic Italian dressing. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (2 a.m., Thursday through Saturday), for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 251 SR 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 Gruyère muffins, chocolate-stuffed French toast with raspberry sauce and the best pepper bacon we’ve ever tasted. Open daily, 8-9:30 a.m., for breakfast. Reservations required for non-guests. Visa, MC, AmEx, Disc • 556 SR 179 (928-282-7896) (Moderate)

Javelina Cantina

Blessed with classic Sedona views through the window, the restaurant boasts eye candy inside as well, in the form of huge Mexican-style platters. Try the burrito stuffed with grilled boneless chicken bites and herbed grilled green and yellow zucchini. If that doesn’t tickle your taste buds, opt for the Rocky Point Tilapia fish tacos with puffy, battered chunks of firm, mild whitefish in soft flour tortillas, with salsa picante, cabbage and spicy “southwestern” tartar sauce. Leave room for Bavarian-crème-filled churro pastries, served with whipped cream and vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to close, for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 671 SR 179 at Hillside Sedona (928-282-1313) (Moderate)

Ken’s Creekside American Bistro

Snuggled up right next to Oak Creek, Ken’s provides water views, a cozy fireplace, a stompin’ bar area, and a menu with selections from hot and cold tapas and salads to sandwiches and main courses. Standards include the grilled salmon with homemade garlic red mashed potatoes with a few skins in for color and artistically arranged fish with fresh vegetables. Don’t leave without trying the Life by Chocolate dessert. Open daily, 7 a.m to 10 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 251 SR 179 at Creekside Plaza (928-282-1705) (Moderate to expensive)

Oak Creek Brewery & Grill

If you’ve lived in Sedona for more than 30 seconds, chances are you’ve sipped an Oak Creek brew. But you haven’t really sampled the beer until you’ve eaten at Tlaquepaque’s Oak Creek Brewery & Grill, where many of the recipes are cooked with beer brewed on-site. We grabbed a booth and decided to deviate from our usual favorite menu items (BBQ Chicken Salad, we’re coming back for you), and try something brew-inspired. That meant starting with an order of Wicked Pickles: six beer-battered fried pickle spears served with ranch dressing. In keeping with our beer theme, we ordered the Beer Battered North Atlantic Cod with Waffle Chips. The gnarled chunks of golden-brown fish arrived piled high on top of a mound of large waffle fries and with a dish of coleslaw served on the side. Open daily, 11:30 a.m to 8:30 p.m., for lunch and dinner. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 336 SR 179 at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village (928-282-3300) (Moderate to expensive)

Red Rock BBQ

Pig out at this traditional barbecue house where pork is king. The 1-lb. pork chop sandwich is served open-face style 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. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (10 p.m., Friday and Saturday), for lunch and dinner. Visa, MC, AmEx, Disc • 150 SR 179 (928-204-5975) (Inexpensive to moderate)

René at Tlaquepaque

The menu at René features classic French dishes, and the extensive wine list has won numerous awards of excellence from Wine Spectator. You would be hard-pressed to find a better roasted duck on any menu in northern Arizona, and it’s one of our personal favorites. The significant portion of fowl has a crisp skin and is finished with a sun-dried cherry sauce. René is renowned for Executive Chef Walter Paulson’s Colorado Rack of Lamb, but we had heard the True Dover Sole served à la meuniere was incomparable, and the rumor turned out to be true. Walter also makes all of his desserts in-house; we couldn’t make up our minds about which sounded best, so we ordered the earthy goat cheesecake and the passion-fruit panna cotta, an Italian custard served in a 1920s-style champagne glass. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for lunch, and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (9 p.m., Friday and Saturday), for dinner. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx • 336 SR 179 at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village (928-282-9225) (Expensive to very expensive)

Secret Garden Café

We have great memories of “Yesterday’s Soup,” a light broth with chunks of chicken, rotelli pasta and vegetables spiced just right 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. 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 (4 to 5 p.m., for coffee and dessert). MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 336 SR 179 at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village (928-203-9564) (Inexpensive to moderate)

Shugrue's Hillside Grill

Shugrue’s provides some of the best views for dining al fresco in Red Rock Country. With a reputation for Chef Michael Mullins’ salmon, shrimp, ahi, swordfish and halibut, this locals’ favorite is known for its seafood. We chose the restaurant’s signature Seared Ruby Red Ahi, which was complemented by a five-pepper spice and wasabi-butter sauce, and served with soy sauce, ginger and wasabi on the side. And while we expected the impressive seafood selection, we had forgotten about Shugrue’s steaks, lamb and duck. Our second entrée was the Torrington Fillet, a 10-ounce steak covered in shiitake mushrooms, cashews and a sherry glaze. For those looking for smaller portions, the menu also includes salads, burgers, chicken and ribs. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for lunch, and 5 p.m. to closing for dinner. Reservations suggested. MC, Visa, AmEx, DC • 671 SR 179 at Hillside Sedona (928-282-5300) (Moderate to very expensive)

Steak & Sticks

This spacious multi-room sports bar and eatery features 20 strategically placed flat-panel TVs and a billiard area. Dishes range from salads to sandwiches to wood-fired pizzas to porterhouse steaks. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 160 Portal Lane in Los Abrigados Resort & Spa (928-204-7849) (Moderate to expensive

T. Carls

Named after Sedona’s founding father, Theodore Carlton Schnebly, this casual restaurant tucked inside the Poco Diablo Resort has a surprisingly sophisticated menu and wine list as well as impeccable service. Our entrées were the perfect size – the Grilled Flatiron Steak is one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, and it arrived cooked perfectly and topped with caramelized onions and a smattering of artisanal blue cheese. The Big City Lamb was flavorful and paired with mashed potatoes and veggies. For dessert, we shared a mouthwatering house-made crème brûlée. Open daily, 7-11 a.m., for breakfast; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for lunch; and 5-9 p.m. (10 p.m., Friday and Saturday), for dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 1752 S. SR 179 at the Poco Diablo Resort (928-282-7333) (Moderate to expensive)

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Oak Creek Canyon

Garland's Oak Creek Lodge

Prix-fixe dinners in a bucolic setting that calls to mind upstate New York, but with an unmistakable southwestern touch at a hidden location across the creek. At 7 p.m., a dinner bell summons the limited group of 50 diners into the lodge. The four-course menu changes each night. On our visit, we started with a light and tasty Southwest-style corn chowder and a colorful green salad. The centerpiece came next: tender scallops and shrimp, with scattered garden herbs imparting a subtle taste nuance and brightly colored sautéed vegetables alongside, all exquisite. For dessert, we love the homemade shortcake biscuits filled with fresh strawberries and blackberries in a sweet cream sauce. Prix-fixe dinner served Monday through Saturday, 7 p.m.; cocktails, 6 p.m. Reservations required. MC, Visa • 8067 N. SR 89A (928-282-3343) (Very expensive)

Junipine Café & Grill

Located on the tranquil banks of Oak Creek, minutes north of Uptown Sedona, 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 Tuesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., for breakfast and lunch. Reservations recommended. MC, Visa, AmEx • 8351 N. SR 89A (928-282-7406) (Moderate)

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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. 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 daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 a.m., Sunday), for breakfast, lunch and dinner. MC, Visa • 6101 SR 179 (928-284-1831) (Inexpensive)

Café Jose at the Village

This eatery caters to locals, with a breakfast menu showcasing omelets, egg platters, pancakes and Mexican favorites. We enjoyed the Ranch Breakfast featuring two eggs and a choice of potato and meat, and a full platter of biscuits and gravy. The Health Lite Omelet choices are perfect for those counting calories. The homemade apple-cinnamon muffin made the meal even tastier. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. MC, Visa • 7000 SR 179 at Tequa Festival Marketplace (928-284-4123) (Inexpensive)

Juniper Bar & Grill at Sedona Golf Resort

Come here for 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. The grill also features a full bar and a large patio so you can have a round after shooting one. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., for breakfast and lunch. Visa, MC, AmEx, Disc • 35 Ridge Trail Drive at The Sedona Golf Resort (928-284-2093) (Inexpensive to moderate)

Cucina Rustica-Dahl & DiLuca

Easily one of the loveliest restaurants in the Verde Valley. 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. Open daily, 5 p.m. to closing, for dinner. Reservations recommended. MC, Visa, AmEx • 7000 SR 179 at Tequa Festival Marketplace (928-284-3010) (Moderate to expensive)

The Grille at Shadow Rock

Hotel restaurants have been rapped for bland food and thin atmosphere, but a visit to The Grille at ShadowRock at Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa busts these myths wide open. Getting creative with pasta is an iffy proposition, so we’re pleased to report that the ShadowRock Pasta is a triumph. Lovingly made with gemelli pasta and topped by dried tomatoes, garlic, shallots, Queen Creek olives, capers, fresh basil and Asiago cheese, it is tangy, savory and unusually scrumptious. Open daily, 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner; lounge menu until 10 p.m. daily (11 p.m., Friday and Saturday). 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 clay-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, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 6446 S. SR 179 at Castle Rock Plaza (928-284-3739) (Inexpensive to moderate)

Marketplace Café

You’d never guess you’d find an eatery with a Hollywood theme nestled in a corner of the Oak Creek Factory Outlet. We love the Catfish ’n’ Chips Basket, complete with dill-flavored coleslaw and thin, crispy french fries. We also recommend the 8-oz. Char-broiled Sirloin, which came with a mound of skin-on mashed potatoes. But what made the entreé even more memorable was the mild chunks of blue cheese in melted garlic butter mixed between the potatoes and the thinly sliced onion rings atop the steak. For dessert, try cheesecake served in a large martini glass and piled high with whipped cream, strawberry slices, blueberries, raisins and sugar-dusted nutty bites. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (10 p.m., Friday and Saturday), for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx • 6645 S. SR 179 at the Oak Creek Factory Outlet (928-284-5478) (Moderate to expensive)

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 those we sampled were fresh and tasty, with the Soft Shell Crab Roll a particular favorite. 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 daily, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., for lunch. Open Monday to Saturday, 5-8:30 p.m., for dinner. MC, Visa • 6586 S. SR 179 (928-284-0684) (Moderate)

Pago's Pizzeria & Italian Cuisine

The menu at Pago’s includes classic Italian favorites such as calzones, veal saltimbocca and chicken piccata as well as sub sandwiches and build-your-own pizzas with more than 15 toppings. For one of our main courses, we ordered the Spinach Lasagna, which arrived rich with ricotta cheese and tender noodles. We also chose the Tortellini Alfredo topped with grilled chicken – it was one of the daily specials, and it was superb. The creamy alfredo sauce was drizzled over cheesy tortellini and mixed with just the right dose of sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy sweetness. Open Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. until close, for lunch and diner. Open Sunday, noon to 8 p.m., for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 6446 SR 179 at Castle Rock Plaza (928-284-1939) (Inexpensive to moderate)

PJ's Village Pub and Sports Bar

This local watering hole serves outtasight bar food, but the burgers are the thing. Each burger is made from one-third pound of certified Angus beef and served on a brioche bun. If you love meat, try the Boomer Burger, which is topped with American and Swiss cheeses and grilled pastrami. It’s all served under neon bar signs and lovingly assembled walls of baseball memorabilia. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa • 40 W. Cortez Drive (928-284-2250) (Inexpensive to moderate)

Red Chopstick

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 origins, we selected two entrées that both impressed with intensely fresh vegetables, fragrant meats and fresh seafood. The Sizzling Plate Delight mixes sautéed chicken, beef, shrimp and pork with fresh mushrooms and a sauce that perfectly flavors the steamed rice. The Crystal Shrimp and Scallops in a light sauce was very satisfying. Open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (10 p.m., Friday), for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., for lunch and dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 65 Bell Rock Plaza (928-284-9088) (Inexpensive to moderate)

Red Rock Cafe

The minute you walk through the doors of Red Rock Café, you get the feeling the restaurant staff have been patiently awaiting your arrival – it’s just that homey. The lunch menu includes more salads than we’ve seen on any menu in Sedona. We settled on the Southwestern Salad and the Wild West Ruben, one of the café’s specialty sandwiches. The Ruben consisted of lean corned beef, baked sauerkraut and Swiss cheese between two pieces of toasted marbled rye bread. The salad was a colorful blend of grilled chicken strips, tomato, red onion, black olives, sprouts, carrots, black beans, green chilies, Jack cheese and red and yellow tortilla strips. A slightly spicy and very flavorful ancho-cilantro ranch dressing was served on the side. Open daily, 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for breakfast and lunch. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 100 Verde Valley School Road (928-284-1441) (Inexpensive)

Redstone Patio

Country club restaurants have a reputation for being stuffy and old school, but Oakcreek Country Club’s new eatery, Redstone Patio, breaks through that stereotype. Redstone’s dinner menu is heavy on the comfort food – but with a twist. One of us opted for the Linguine with Clams: handmade pasta with whole clams (in the shell), chunks of roasted tomatoes and fried capers, all tossed in a white wine and garlic-cream sauce. The sauce was complex but it didn’t overwhelm the delicate flavor of the fresh clams. Our eyes grew huge as our attentive server brought out the Braised Colorado Lamb: two tender-at-the-bone lamb shanks served with potato dumplings, spinach and caramelized onions. The portion was enough for two people, and we immediately began to argue its status as the best lamb shank in Sedona. Open daily, 7-11 a.m., for breakfast; 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., for lunch; 4-9 p.m., for dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc • 3690 Bell Rock Blvd. at Oakcreek Country Club in the Village of Oak Creek (928-284-1010) (Moderate to expensive)

Tara Thai Cuisine

Within view of Bell Rock’s grandeur, accessible Tara Thai is unassuming, but that doesn’t mean it’s dull. A combination appetizer of tasty, delicately fried starters was big enough to feed two or three. We moved on to Pad Bai Kaprow – an intriguing blend of wafer-thin beef slices sautéed with fresh onions and garlic, red and green peppers, fresh green beans and Chinese chives, with chili and mint leaves – and Pad Thai, a Western favorite of rice noodles with shrimp, chicken and egg. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (noon, Sunday), for lunch; 5-9 p.m., for dinner. MC, Visa, AmEx, Disc, DC • 34 Bell Rock Plaza (928-284-9167) (Inexpensive to moderate)

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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 continued lucky streak? Open daily, all hours, except between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. MC, Visa, 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, a room that evokes an ancient cave, this dark, intimate steakhouse at Cliff Castle Casino 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. It was accompanied by a gargantuan mound of redolent garlic and Boursin-cheese-filled mashed potatoes and baby asparagus, lightly dusted in a piquant chile flavor, and a beautifully structured chicken Wellington. The chicken was masterfully sautéed with Provençal-spice-flavored vegetables, spinach, tomatoes and mushrooms with a delicate flavor of olive oil, all artfully arranged inside a puff pastry shell, with Mornay sauce (and a fresh purple orchid) as an exclamation point. A dining experience marked by quality, quantity and intimacy all at the same time. Open Tuesday to Sunday,
5-9 p.m. (10 p.m., Friday and Saturday), 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)

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