Sedona: A Visual, Spiritual & Culinary Indulgence

Every year, Sedona welcomes over three million visitors from across the globe—anxious to see the town’s magnificent red landscape and experience its spiritually healing vortexes.

But, Sedona wasn’t always a tourist destination and a haven for world travelers. It began with just over a dozen homesteading families who settled, prepared irrigation systems, and planted apple and pear orchards. When the town grew and needed its own post office to speed the delivery of mail, it needed a name that was just the right length. The first name of the woman married to the man opening the post office seemed like a good fit: Sedona.

What began as a quiet, creekside refuge for homesteading families transformed over time into a must-see destination thanks to Hollywood films showcasing its incredible landscape, the discovery of ancient cliff dwellings by archaeologists, and the emergence of a vibrant and magnetic spiritual scene for those looking for balance, healing, and renewal.

Regardless of why tourists visit Sedona today, they all share a common desire to indulge in its beauty—be it visually, spiritually or, of late, through extraordinary culinary experiences. Sedona’s local food scene mirrors the spirit of the travelers making the pilgrimage to the stunning mountain town. It has class, flair, creativity and a connection to the community around it.

One could say it grew from where it was planted, in those orchards, years and years ago.

Where to Experience Sedona’s Food Scene

Tucked between Sedona’s art galleries, outfitters, souvenir shops showcasing Native American jewelry, and dozens of spiritual shops stocked with crystals, bundled sage, and tarot cards, are countless local eateries. From casual pop-ins offering pizzas and burgers to reservation-only fine dining experiences, Sedona offers something for everyone, from the local to the out-of-towner. Here are a few must-try food destinations:

Elote Cafe: Taking reservations up to 60 days in advance, this chef-owned eatery features dishes inspired by travels to Oaxaca, Veracruz, and Puebla. It boasts an amazing menu that includes lamb adobo, buffalo mole poblano, and smoked pork cheeks.

Hideaway House: With abundant outdoor seating offering spectacular views of Sedona’s red rocks, Hideaway House gives diners plenty to choose from its extensive menu that includes pastas, pizzas, slow-roasted chicken, and seafood.
Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits: Once known as a saloon, Hollywood hangout, and bustling pool hall, Cowboy Club is now a historic restaurant that plays off its charms from the past and serves up hearty specialties like elk chops, bison pot roast, and rattlesnake sausage. Its cactus fries come with prickly pear dipping sauce.

Rene: Situated at Tlaquepaque, Sedona’s famed high-end arts district, Rene has been recognized with the Distinguished Restaurants of North America Achievement of Distinction for Fine Dining. Its menu features a variety of options, including blue crab-stuffed peppers with a lemon-chive aioli and squid ink vinaigrette.

The Hudson: Newer to Sedona’s local food scene, The Hudson offers sophisticated comfort food, such as croque madame, BBQ pork tacos, an ahi tuna salad, and bison burgers. Its patio offers magnificent views of the red rocks and its environment is family friendly.

Tamaliza Cafe: As a family-owned, counter service establishment, Tamaliza offers Mexican favorites prepared with fresh, natural ingredients.
The Table at Junipine Resort: Everything on the Table’s menu is locally sourced, grown, or foraged right here in Arizona. Experience a true taste of Arizona by dining at the Table, which is a thoughtfully planned dining feast based on the ever-changing seasons and diverse climate of Arizona.

Spoil Your Taste Buds

The woman with perhaps the largest footprint on Sedona’s culinary scene is Lisa Dahl, chef and owner of Dahl Restaurant Group, which operates five original dining concepts in town. Dahl entered Sedona’s culinary scene in its infancy more than two decades ago and has since introduced mainstays, including Dahl & Di Luca, Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, Cucina Rustica, Pisa Lisa and, the latest, Butterfly Burger — a “couture burger lounge.”

Dahl’s culinary empire offers a solid foundation for Sedona’s unique local food scene, which extends beyond Italian and into Mexican favorites, premium seafood, menus including entrees anchored by game, and the comfort of a diner-style breakfast. Throughout, the common thread is indulgence.

Take a Food Tour of Rural Arizona!

Looking to learn more about Arizona’s diverse food history and food scene? Click these links below to explore the culinary stories and food creations found in Tucson Flagstaff, and Cottonwood!