Posted by: Lori Reinhold

For dinner with a view, there is no better place than Sedona. Many of the restaurants in town offer the perfect combination of great food with great views of the surrounding red rock cliffs. From the bold & varied flavors of the American Southwest to inventive takes on French or Italian cuisine, Sedona is as much a delight for the taste buds as it is for the eyes. But with over 50 restaurants in Sedona and 75 in the surrounding area, it can be daunting to decide where to dine while you’re here. To help you eat your way through Sedona, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite restaurants in town.

Creekside American Bistro

Locals come to Creekside American Bistro as much for its breathtaking red rock views as for its delicious cuisine. Creekside boasts not one but two patios with unbeatable panoramas of Oak Creek and the surrounding red rock cliffs, though you can also enjoy beautiful views from the windows inside. Their seasonal menu, which changes weekly, is equally impressive. Come for their delicious and wholesome American classics like braised short ribs, steak and potatoes, crab cakes, and crispy chicken wings. For something a little lighter, they also serve a variety of hearty soups and appetizers. If you get the chance, hit Creekside at breakfast time for their famous “Breakfast with a View,” where you can enjoy breakfast classics like eggs and waffles as well as more inventive items like a sriracha chicken & rice bowl, lemon ricotta french toast, and vegan bento box.

Cowboy Club

Head to the Cowboy Club for an authentic taste of the Wild Wild West. Originally called the Oak Creek Tavern, this Sedona institution was once a thriving social hub where locals, cattle buyers, and mine workers alike all gathered to play pool, drink whiskey, and catch up on the local gossip. In the 1950’s, it became a popular hang-out for Hollywood stars like John Wayne, Joan Crawford, Gene Autry, and Hedy Lamarr, who were in Sedona filming Westerns. Now, the Cowboy Club is a beloved local gem serving delicious takes on “high desert cuisine.” Try their famous homemade cornbread or get adventurous with their cactus fries, diamondback rattlesnake cakes, mesquite smoked elk chops, and green chile mac n’ cheese. While the Cowboy Club proper does not take reservations, you can make reservations at the Silver Saddle Room, a small room within the restaurant with an entirely different menu serving only dinner entrees.

Elote Cafe

The chef at Elote Cafe, Jeff Smedstat, spent over 20 years traveling through Mexico to learn about the country’s diverse culinary & cultural traditions. He brings this expansive knowledge to every plate he serves. Elote Cafe combines the tastes of Oaxaca, Veracruz, and Puebla with the diverse flavors of Smedstat’s native Arizona. At Elote you will enjoy Mexican classics with a Southwest Twist. Start off your meal with their signature appetizer, Elote. We also recommend their pork cheeks, brisket enchiladas, and buffalo mole poblano. And of course, you can’t go wrong with their Ginger or Blood Orange Margaritas.

Tamaliza

Come to Tamaliza for the best tamales in Sedona. Their gourmet tamales are made fresh daily with non-GMO organic corn masa. Fillings include pork, chicken, or vegetarian and vegan options. For those with big appetites, we recommend their Tamale Supreme, topped with spinach, black beans, cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and chips. If you aren’t in the mood for a tamale, you can enjoy tasty tacos, enchiladas, chiles rellenos, chicken mole, and more. Tamaliza’s authentic cuisine is served in a low-key, hole-in-the-wall atmosphere with charming Mexican decor.

The Hudson

The Hudson is a newer favorite in Sedona. Opened in 2015, The Hudson has already made a name for itself for its simple yet hearty American cuisine. The Hudson is a welcoming neighborhood eatery serving sophisticated comfort food in an upscale industrial setting. Foodies and families alike will love their juicy burgers, elaborate salads, and tasty chicken and fish dishes. They have a beautiful patio with a fireplace and great views as well as a swanky indoor bar serving up some of the best cocktails in the area.

The Golden Goose Grill

The Golden Goose is a local favorite. It has regularly been awarded Best Steak, Best Seafood, Best Prime Rib, Best Burger, Best Happy Hour, and Best Dessert by local publications. USA Today even named it one of the “Ten Best Restaurants in Sedona.” If those accolades don’t convince you, then its extensive menu of American and Italian classics will. If you like live music, go the Golden Goose on Tuesdays, Thursday, and Sunday nights, where you can hear local wonder Rick Cyge performing instrumental arrangements of everything from the Beatles to Billy Joel.

Planning a culinary tour of Sedona? Book a stay at the Alma de Sedona Inn, a warm and tranquil bed & breakfast with incredible red rock views.