Posted by: Lori Reinhold

Sedona is a little foodie paradise tucked into the red rocks of Arizona. There are lunch options everywhere ranging from vegan juiceries to wild game restaurants and every category in between. We picked out some of our favorite lunch spots in Sedona that serve up the most delicious and flavorful food in town, plus boast beautiful views and seating options. Try one, or try them all to experience Sedona’s unique dining culture.

The Secret Garden Cafe

This enchanting cafe is a wonderful brunch or lunch spot with their European-style ambiance, fresh ingredients, and delicious menu items. Located in the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, their patio is a refreshing break from the Sedona heat. With large shade trees and garden views, this little bistro is a local legend.

Must try menu items: 

• The Mandarin Chicken Salad is healthy, fresh, and absolutely delicious. Organic spring greens topped with toasted pumpkin seeds, natural chicken breast, and mandarin oranges set the dish, but the star is their homemade oriental sesame dressing.
• The Fajita Marinated Steak Sandwich is filled with flavor from the sauteed onions and bell peppers and served on their herbed focaccia roll. Their marinated steak is rich and juicy and the red pepper pesto will make you want to lick the plate clean.

Mariposa

A trip to Sedona without a stop at Mariposa is almost a cardinal sin. With some of the best views in Sedona paired with Latin-inspired entrees, it is no wonder why this restaurant has won so many awards. You can visit for lunch or dinner, but if you have the option, we always recommend going for lunch. The restaurant is a little less crowded so you’ll be seated faster and the price point is a little less for the same amazing menu.

Must try menu items: 

• The Veggie Nirvana is a fire roasted pepper stuffed with quinoa, cheese, vegetables, and covered in the most amazing roasted pepper romesco sauce. Taste the Latin influences in every component of this dish and retreat to flavor heaven.
• The Funghi Sublime Burger is their award-winning burger smothered in sauteed mushrooms and topped with truffle cheese and their signature truffle dijonnaise (dijon mustard & mayonnaise with truffles). You’ll be dreaming of this mouth-watering burger for months after.

Cowboy Club

Perfectly located in Uptown Sedona, Cowboy Club serves up some of the most unique high desert cuisine you’ll ever find. The atmosphere of the restaurant takes you back to the old west, with a fireplace, horseshoe booths, warm leather, and western hospitality. Every single item on their menu is perfectly delicious, but their specialties and wild game cuts of meat really steal the show.

Must try menu items:

• Cactus Fries. Yep, you read that right. These flash fried cactus strips with a prickly pear dipping sauce are truly unique to the restaurant. You’ll never find anything like it, and with 25 years of history backing these tasty little guys, you’d better believe they’re delicious!
• The Baby Back Pork Ribs are absolutely succulent. The ribs are fall-off-the-bone cooked to perfection and served with their signature raspberry plum BBQ sauce that is so good, you’ll want to drink it by the bottle. With sides of campfire baked beans and cilantro-peanut coleslaw, this meal will satisfy every BBQ craving.

The Tavern Grille

If you’re exploring Old Town Cottonwood for the day, a stop at The Tavern Grille is a must. The restaurant is right on the main street and the patio is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the town. They serve up some of the most refreshing cocktails that will blow your mind away and some generous (in flavor and size) appetizers. Order your drink and ponder over the menu boasting several different burgers, salads, entrees, and pastas that are all amazing.

Must try menu items:

• The Shrimp Tacos are wonderful on a hot Arizona day. Three of these delicious tacos boast sauteed shrimp, topped with cabbage, red onion, cilantro, and chipotle sour cream that brings the whole dish together.
• Cool off with the Prickly Pear Margarita. It wouldn’t be desert dining without a perfectly pink and fruity margarita that has been a best seller for years. If you like a stiffer drink, the Old Town Fashioned is perfectly balanced, and the bourbon soaked cherries will make your day.

Local Juicery

Local Juicery is the perfect spot for a quick on-the-go lunch. Their healthy and fresh menu will keep you energized throughout the day. Grab a quick smoothie or one of their delicious salads if you only have a couple of minutes, or stay and enjoy one of their decadent waffles or entrees. They also have a wonderful selection of grab + go treats and snacks perfect for a hike or picnic.

Must try menu items:

• The SuperHuman Smoothie is packed with tons of healthy items like pure green juice, spirulina, maca, and almond butter and tastes like a cool refreshing blueberry-coconut smoothie. Try one of their classic smoothies or venture out to taste pure serenity.
• The Works Waffle is out of this world. Perfect to enjoy at any time throughout the day, this dish serves up two gluten-free waffles with berries, bananas, almond butter, and maple syrup. Sweet, scrumptious, and the perfect dish to power you up for a day filled with adventure.

Dining at any one of these magnificent restaurants will leave you satisfied and planning your next trip back. After sampling some of Sedona’s best eateries, you may just contemplate moving here so you can dine on these high desert cuisines every day.

Planning a trip to Sedona, Arizona this summer? Book a stay at the Alma de Sedona Inn for warm service and unbeatable red rock views.