Seven Classic Sedona Restaurants
Rene at Tlaquepaque
Casa Sedona Inn
Judi’s Restaurant & Lounge
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill
Cress on Oak Creek
The Hudson
The Cowboy Club/The Arizona Room
Rene at Tlaquepaque
Sipping a glass of wine on the shaded patio at Rene at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is one of the best experiences to be had in Sedona. It’s an intimate, relaxing experience, one that invites you to linger. Executive Chef Walter Paulson perfected his approach to French Continental cuisine. Chef Mercer Mohr purchased Rene, and says he plans on paying homage to Walter’s cuisine while putting his own spin on the interior designer and menus. Look forward to fresh seafood, local organic produce, steaks wild game, lamb and poultry. Lunch is in the works. Reservations are suggested.
336 AZ-179 at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village (928-282-9225)
Casa Sedona Inn
Here’s something you might not know: Boutique hotel Casa Sedona Inn serves one of the best breakfasts in town. The menu features fresh spins on classic breakfast orders like the decadent Truffle Brie Scrambled Eggs alongside Eggs Benedict and Huevos Rancheros. On our last visit, we ordered the Mayan Quiche made with bacon, cheddar, Boursin cheese, roasted tomato and spinach. This dish was topped with vanilla bean cream and served with refreshing bruleed grapefruit and watercress. Reservations are required (by phone or OpenTable) if you are not a guest of the Casa Sedona Inn. Outdoor seating is available, weather permitting. Reservations required (by phone or OpenTable) if you are not a guest of the Sedona Inn.
55 Hozoni Drive (928-282-2938)
Judi’s Restaurant & Lounge
From the stellar cuisine to the warm and welcoming environment, it’s easy to see why Judi’s has been in business for decades. Your meal kicks off with bread service and your choice of soup or salad. We’re fans of the Greek Chicken Salad, a char-broiled chicken breast served over fresh salad, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini and Feta cheese. Steaks and surf options dominate the menu (you can’t go wrong with the near-legendary Baby Back Ribs), but we opted for the hearty Chicken Parmesan. We loved the contrast of the light angel hair pasta, marinara sauce and well-seasoned chicken topped with warm mozzarella cheese. Made-from-scratch desserts are another highlight. We can’t recommend the Butter Brickle Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Pie enough.
40 Soldiers Pass Road in La Pasada Plaza (928-282-4449)
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill
Visually stunning from the dining room to the patio, Mariposa boasts a menu inspired by Executive Chef Lisa Dahl’s travels through Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. Think steaks, veal, rack of lamb, lobster and shrimp paired with creative sides such as creamed-kale casserole with bacon and caramelized onions.
700 AZ-89A (928-862-4444)
Cress on Oak Creek
There is no shortage of remarkable experiences to be had in Sedona, and dining at Cress on Oak Creek has to be at the top of that list. The terrace features intimate, linen-clad tables topped with real candles underneath the sycamore trees along the banks of babbling Oak Creek. A menu would have to be exceptional to compete with these surroundings, and Cress’ chefs are certainly up to the task. The multi-course menu changes regularly. As of press time, menu highlights include the fresh and expertly crafted Burrata Cheese & Beet Salad, featuring candy striped beets, sweet quinoa soil crisp Frisee and wild strawberry vinaigrette. Next, we had the divine Roasted Lobster Tail, served with basil polenta cake, chorizo oil, manchego cheese, Espelette pepper and spicy Spanish broth. This entrée was perfect, just like a night out at Cress is guaranteed to be. Reservations are recommended.
301 L’Auberge Lane at L’Auberge de Sedona Resort (928-282-1661)
The Hudson
The Hudson has had a strong following ever since it opened back in 2015. Make reservations, no matter when you plan to visit. The salads here are all stellar. Our two favorites are the Sesame Seared Rare Ahi Tuna Salad and the Kale Salad. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, we’d recommend House-Smoked Salmon Bruschetta, BBQ Braised Pork Tacos (you can make these vegan, too), Blue Cheese Crusted Prime Filet and the Hudson Mushroom Burger. You can’t go wrong with any of them. Desserts at The Hudson are equally as creative as the rest of the menu, and we have a hard time leaving without ordering Ellie’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie – a decadent combination of peanut butter mousse, chocolate cookie crust and bittersweet chocolate ganache.
671 AZ-179, Ste. D, at Hillside Sedona (928-862-4099)
Cowboy Club/The Arizona Room
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. The Cowboy Club has recently added an on-site event venue called The Cabin. The Cabin is an indoor space featuring exposed beams, The Atrium has ceiling fans and heaters, and the outdoor Patio features red rock views.
241 N. AZ-89A in Uptown Sedona (928-282-4200)
