About This Guide
These listings are a selective, rotating guide to area restaurants. The summaries reflect independent judgments; no fees were paid for inclusion. Price ranges, necessarily somewhat subjective, are: Inexpensive = $ or $10, Moderate = $$ or $11-20, Expensive = $$$ or $20-30, Very Expensive = $$$$ or $30 or up.
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Uptown Sedona
Cowboy Club/The Arizona Room (American)
The Cowboy Club and adjoining The Arizona Room specialize in “high-desert cuisine.” This translates into Angus steaks, wild game, fresh seafood and house specialties like the only-in-the-Southwest Appetizer Sampler featuring tangy original cactus fries, rattlesnake sausage, bison brochettes and cilantro flatbread served with southwest peanut butter. The interior features Western décor and art. Diners can enjoy a lively vibe in addition to red rock views indoors or outdoors. The steaks here are fantastic. The Prime Top Sirloin is our go-to entrée. Another outstanding option is the Baby Back Pork Ribs, served with raspberry-plum BBQ, cilantro-peanut coleslaw and cast iron ranch beans. For dessert, dig into an enormous slice of Carrot Cake made from a classic carrot, pineapple and coconut recipe layered with rich cream cheese frosting and toasted pecans. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., for lunch and dinner. • 241 N. AZ-89A in Uptown Sedona (928-282-4200) ($$ TO $$$$)
Cress on Oak Creek (New American/French) 
Cress on Oak Creek has long been one of Sedona’s most incredible dining experiences. The setting at L’Auberge de Sedona is spectacular. Dining on the banks of Oak Creek with the trees all around and creek bubbling right beside you is truly magical. Our latest alfresco meal at Cress kicked off with a high-end corn fritter. Next, we enjoyed a softshell crab served with a ribbon of prosciutto, Arizona melon carved into a moon, other citrus fruits and some nasturtium. The plate was colorful, artfully arranged and a refreshing mix of savory and sweet flavors. Our second course was a delectable brioche bun. This heavenly bread was equal parts thick and pull-apart soft. For an added spectacle, the dining team sliced pieces of a honeycomb to top the butter with. The yellow acorn squash soup was poured into a large white bowl filled with oyster mushroom, spiced pecan, parmesan and sage. It tasted just like fall with spicy and warm flavors intermingling. The soup was followed by flaky and tender halibut served with a cylinder shaped potato filled with a horseradish mustard sabayon along with sauce verte and watercress on the side. Next up was easily the best slice of filet mignon we’ve ever had. Each slice of red meat was just tender enough and accompanied by a savory sauce. Adding vibrant color to the plate was a medley of veggies. The meal was finished with a delightful Apple Tart Tartin. The apple was sliced and then curled and seasoned with brown butter crumble. The tart was accompanied by dollops of honey tuile and crème fraiche and was another dish that tasted like autumn. The sun set as we were dining and created to a truly magical dining experience that we’ll remember forever. Open Monday through Saturday, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. for breakfast; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch; 3 to 5 p.m., bar menu only; 5 to 9 p.m. for dinner; Open Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for brunch; 3 to 5 p.m., bar menu only; a la carte menu, 5 to 9 p.m. • 301 L’Auberge Lane at L’Auberge de Sedona (855-905-5745) ($$$$)
Cuptown Coffeehouse and Art Abode
Cuptown Coffeehouse and Art Abode is a spacious coffee shop with high ceilings and plenty of seating where you can relax for a while. The menu features espresso, coffee, Italian soda, cider, hot chocolate and tea. Our personal go-to? The caramel latte. The shop also serves a plethora of baked goods along with handmade artistic goods on the shelves. Cuptown is also a great place to work as the WiFi is free. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. • 274 Apple Ave. (928-862-2562) ($)
Don Diego Mexican Cuisine (Mexican)
Uptown’s Don Diego’s Mexican Cuisine serves fresh Mexican fare with Southwest twists. To start, we had to order the House Nachos. This delectable appetizer was topped with carne asada, queso cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream and fresh guacamole and proved to be irresistible. For our main course, we couldn’t help but try the Birria Quesataco. The dish features three corn tortillas with shredded beef birria, cilantro, onions and cheese. These are served with a side of birria or a type of Mexican soup that’s spicy, smoky and sweet. We enjoyed dipping each taco into this broth for a nice kick. The menu is completed with tostadas, salads, fajitas, enchiladas, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, quesadillas and even a kid’s menu. Finish your meal with the classic Mexican dessert option, churros. The ones at this spot are stuffed with Bavarian cream, sprinkled with cinnamon, drizzled with chocolate and served with vanilla bean ice cream. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. • 270 N. AZ-89A, Ste. 4, in Uptown Sedona (928-203-5655) ($$ TO $$$)
89Agave Cantina (Mexican)
Uptown’s 89Agave Cantina beckons with red rock views on the outdoor patio, a fun vibe, an extensive Mexican food menu and one of the best tequila selections in town. Speaking of tequila, the drinks menu here is noteworthy. Our personal favorite is the Spicy Snoopy margarita – a delightful blend of jalapeno infused tequila, lime, agave and cilantro salt that has just the perfect spicy kick. Pair your drink with a long list of tasty Mexican options here. We started our meal with Queso Fundido. This blend of cheeses was served with cantina salsa and flour tortillas. Queso is always such a fun dish, and this appetizer was a well-balanced blend of warm, thick cheeses that we couldn’t get enough of. Next up, we had to order the fajitas. We love dinner and a show and seeing sizzling hot fresh onions, poblano pepper and bell peppers come out of the kitchen is always a treat. The veggies are served with warm flour tortillas, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole and fresh lime. Diners can choose from chicken, shrimp and steak to fill their fajitas. We opted for the adobo chicken, which was perfectly seasoned. The ingredients were all so fresh and tasty. Tacos here are another go-to order. We tend to order the Fish Tacos served with well-seasoned Mahi Mahi over top of crunchy cabbage, red onion slaw and spicy chipotle mayo. 89Agave offers three desserts, and we had to pick the traditional Churros. These friend churros featured cream cheese filling rolled in cinnamon and sugar. The cream cheese added a nice savory flavor and made this traditional dessert even more decadent. They were served with a spicy Mexican chocolate sauce and caramel dipping sauce and made for one fun dessert that capped off a festive night out. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., for breakfast; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., for lunch and dinner. • 254 N. AZ-89A in Uptown Sedona (928-282-7200) ($$ TO $$$)
Elote Café (Mexican)
Ever since Jeff Smedstad opened Elote Cafe in 2007, hungry devotees have been flocking to the restaurant. When the doors open at 5 p.m., there’s frequently a line outside. What keeps the hungry crowds coming? It’s Jeff’s cuisine, which is inspired by his travels through southern Mexico. The elote appetizer is legendary. We also recommend the Buffalo Mole Poblano and Corn Crusted Scallops. The smoky mole dish features buffalo short ribs braised in mole poblano, a traditional Mexican sauce featuring chocolate, chiles and about a million other ingredients. The Corn Crusted Scallops are three large, fresh, fried scallops topped with sweet tomato jam, earthy truffle crema and spicy roasted poblanos. For dessert, the Mexican Chocolate Pie is sweet, salty, creamy and crunchy with every bite. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., for dinner. Reservations are required. • 350 Jordan Road (928-203-0105) ($$ TO $$$)
HP Café (New American)
HP Café is a refreshing, modern restaurant that feels worlds away from atmosphere from the (mostly) touristy feel that dominates Uptown Sedona. Its contemporary feel is surprising given its backstory. Originally called the Hitching Post, this was Sedona’s first diner that opened sometime in the 1940s. And decades later, customers still flock here. Diners can look forward to the hallmarks of a fine dining restaurant: low lights, real wood tables, red cloth napkins, soothing gray walls and a brightly lit wine cellar illuminating various bottles. Southwestern influences are sprinkled throughout the space. Look forward to photos of close ups of cactus on the walls and mini succulents on the tables. When the weather’s nice, consider dining alfresco at the almost hidden patio behind the restaurant’s main restaurant on AZ-89A. The setting comes complete with heaters for the cooler months and a soothing waterfall. The night we dined here, we enjoyed crispy calamari, fresh bruschetta and caprese seasoned just right. The salmon we ordered was perhaps the best salmon we’ve ever had. And we’ve had a lot of salmon. The juicy, tender fish was seasoned with a lemon sauce and topped with capers – making each bite worth savoring. Served alongside rich mashed potatoes with strips of the skin in. The fish was accompanied by a side of fresh veggies. Our favorite being the crisp broccolini. The drink menu features a handful of specialty cocktails, beer and a mix of old and new world red and white wines. We capped off our meal with Chocolate Overload, an impossibly decadent slice of cake. We had a decaf cappuccino to accompany our last course. Coffee here is of some note. If you’re searching for a java jolt, the restaurant offers a walk-up coffee counter where you can order outside. Take one to go or stay a while – either way, you’re in for a true treat. Open Sunday to Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., for breakfast and lunch; Open Thursday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. • 269 N. AZ-89A (928-282-7761) ($ TO $$$)
Oaxaca Restaurant & Cantina (Mexican)
Its authentic décor will remind you of Old Mexico, but the rooftop dining room’s picture windows overlooking AZ-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 for genuine southwestern and Mexican fare. Patio dining is available. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., for lunch and dinner. • 321 N. AZ-89A (928-282-4179) ($$)
Open Range Grill and Tavern (American/Southwest)
Whether you sit at a table in the cowboy-themed dining room or outdoors on the patio, the red rock views from Open Range Grill & Tavern are jaw-dropping. To start, we had to order the decidedly southwestern Signature Cornbread. This savory appetizer includes corn, sweet green chili and mixed cheese that’s topped with tangy prickly pear butter. We also ordered the 14-ounce Cowboy Steak ribeye. Open Range takes pride in using Arizona-grown, hormone-free, antibiotic-free, all-natural, never-frozen beef, and it shows. If you are a meat-and-potatoes type of diner, this is your entrée. The rest of the menu is rounded out by Mexican fare including tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas. For dessert, consider the unbelievably decadent Seven Layer Chocolate Cake. Open Range is now serving Brandt Beef, one of a few select restaurants in Arizona that carries this meat. Based in Southern California, Brandt Beef is family owned and produces all-natural beef. Open daily, 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., for lunch and dinner. • 320 N. AZ-89A at Sinagua Plaza at Sedona Center (928-282-0002) ($$ TO $$$)
SaltRock Southwest Kitchen (Southwestern)
Located just past the lobby of Uptown Sedona’s contemporary Amara Resort and Spa, SaltRock Southwest Kitchen beckons with stellar food, a great beverage program and a top-notch patio that serves up views of Snoopy Rock. We gathered at a table on the main lawn with that killer view for a special dinner celebrating the restaurant’s new chef, Heather Feher. The meal was accompanied by four craft cocktails. Our favorite of the bunch was the Desert Jewel, a refreshing mix of Suncliffe gin, fresh lemon and pomegranate syrup. The first course was an artfully plated Spiced Pumpkin Soup that was served with grilled sourdough. The toasted hazelnut crema was used to create a design on top of the creamy pumpkin soup and topped with a small pile of frizzled leeks that added a nice crunch. Next up, the chef served us an elote mac n’ cheese and jackfruit tacos. The mac n’ cheese was a creamy, decadent dish complemented by the corn, and the jackfruit tacos were a texture-rich vegan option. The entrée portion kicked off with Pulpo al Olivo. Heather came out to tell us that she spent time in Brazil and fell for this dish. This take on octopus was one of the most tender pieces we’ve ever had due to being sous vide for hours. Our personal favorite entrée was the Scallops a la Meuniere. These juicy scallops were wrapped in a green hoja santa leaf and served on top of black forbidden rice. The final entrée course was the Heritage Duck Breast. This was accented by sherry mushrooms, brown butter farro, pomegranate and a spiced hibiscus gastrique. The dish tasted like fall with plenty of warm flavors woven into the entree. The dinner concluded with a Red Wine Chocolate Spice Cake. Heather told us this was her take on a red velvet cake. We loved this decadent, rich cake that was topped with an ancho ganache and dollops of cream cheese buttercream. Heather told us that “there’s nothing red wine and chocolate can’t fix,” and we couldn’t agree more. Enjoying this meal alfresco as the sun set was a truly memorable experience that we’ll cherish for years to come. Open daily, 7 to 10:30 a.m., for breakfast; 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., for lunch; 5 to 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday). • 100 Amara Lane at Amara Resort and Spa in Uptown (928-340-8803) ($$ to $$$)
Sedona Pizza Company (Italian)
All you have to do is stroll by Sedona Pizza Company on a busy night, and the convivial vibe makes you want to dine with the cool kids. Aside from pizzas and salads, the menu at Sedona Pizza Company includes pasta dishes and sandwiches. You’ll also find cocktails, craft beers and wine by the glass or bottle. We dove into an Arugula & Apple salad featuring peppery arugula, crisp Granny Smith apples, candied walnuts and Gorgonzola topped with a tangy red-wine vinaigrette. And though we’ve enjoyed the Pepperoni pizza in the past, we tried the Bianco this time around. Instead of red sauce, this pizza is topped with garlic ricotta, spinach, fresh mozzarella, artichoke, chicken and drizzled with aged balsamic. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. A dog menu is also an option. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. • 320 N. AZ-89A, Ste. C, at Sinagua Plaza at Sedona Center (928-203-5656) ($$)
Sound Bites Grill (American)
Sound Bites Grill is Sedona’s answer to the Hard Rock Café. Find red rock views and live music at this venue. The show lounge boasts live music five days a week featuring both local and touring musicians. Find all-American fare like burgers, steaks and seafood on this extensive menu that also includes offerings just for kids. Wine tastings are held every Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Monday, noon to 8 p.m. • 101 N. AZ-89A at The Shops at Piñon Pointe (928-282-2713) ($$ TO $$$$)
The Vault Uptown (American)
Taking its name from the bank that once called this spot home – don’t miss the silver vault door by the bathrooms before you leave – The Vault’s expansive windows showcase Sedona’s best asset: its red rocks. When the weather’s nice, you’ll want to snag a spot outside so you can soak up those vistas. But the interior is a place you’ll want to spend time in too. The brightly lit, contemporary restaurant features a marble bar that anchors the entire restaurant. For starters, we ordered the shareable and sports-party-perfect Trash Can Nachos, featuring tortilla chips, shredded beef, cheddar jack and queso fresco, black beans, jalapenos, cilantro, pico de gallo, red onions and sour cream. Sandwiches, burgers and hearty entrees like the Prime Filet and Short Rib Street Tacos round out the menu. For lunch, we opted for the Grilled Chicken Wrap served with hot and crispy French fries. We loved how balanced the dish – layered with bacon, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, garlic aioli and brioche bun – with each bite offering savory taste and texture. Open Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Open Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. • 361 Forest Road (928-203-5462) ($$)
Wildcraft Kitchen (Vegetarian/Juices)
Juice bars are all the rage these days, and Wildcraft elevates that experience by offering tasty health-centric dishes to pair with those drinks. Wildcraft’s website states that the restaurant’s free is locally sourced and free from preservatives and other chemicals. Diners can dig into fare like banana pancakes, an acai bowl and salads in addition to toasts topped with choices like avocado or smoked salmon. Drinks-wise, diners can order coffee, matcha, shakes and smoothies. We’re big fans of the Keto Cookie Dough shake. Open Thursday, Friday and Monday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for breakfast and lunch. • 345 Jordan Road (928-862-2541) ($ TO $$)
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