Some restaurants are special enough to warrant a short trip. Moscato is one of them. Located on Camp Verde’s main street, Moscato makes some of the best Italian food in the entire Verde Valley. Head inside this dining room that resembles a small home complete with large dining room tables and colorful art on the walls. As soon as you walk in, hear diners chatting and soft mostly acoustic music playing over the speakers. We sat outside on the patio featuring soft yellow walls, burgundy cushions, white light-wrapped trees and mountain views in the distance. Before we left, we noticed the planters were filled with leftover wine corks, a nice touch.
To start, we ordered the Burrata Dolce. We can never resist creamy burrata. This appetizer was topped with seasonal jam and served with salame and crostini. We loved the presentation and the delightful mix of savory and sweet flavors and how they came together. The extensive menu features risotto, a long list of pastas, fish, chicken, meat and soup. Next, we ordered a pasta entrée. Our server told us the chef makes the pasta and cream sauce in house. Our Al Salmone – Northern Pacific salmon, lemon, caper, cream sauce and fettuccine – was hearty and decadent. The fish was moist and perfectly cooked. The lemon gave the sauce a nice zing, and the pasta tasted fresh. It was the perfect meal following a long hike and helped us warm up on a chilly evening. If you’re searching for a special drink, Moscato even has its own red wine and cabernet sauvignon bottled in Napa Valley. Only 300 bottles were made of each blend.
For dessert, we had to try the classic Tiramisu. Served in a glass cup, this spongy, espresso-laced cake was sweet, and we savored each bite. Many of the desserts at Moscato are beautifully plated with powdered sugar flourishes and intricate chocolate drizzle. We capped off the night with a cappuccino before driving back to Sedona. We left feeling happy and with the sense of satisfaction that comes from finding and enjoying a truly great restaurant. − A Sedona Foodie
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