Sedona lunch spots we visited.
Looking for some Sedona lunch spots? You’re in the right place. Most likely, you’re heading out or are just back from an amazing hike and are eager to fuel up or are starving. Or, you’re out and about can’t ignore your growling tummy anymore!
Either way, Sedona lunch spots are more than plentiful, and honestly, we enjoy them all. “Foodies” we’re not! But, of course good tasting food is important but half the fun for us is exploring new places. Sunday afternoon is our “eat out” day. Why? Well, we find that assigning activities to specific days helps us to keep track of what day it is. (If you’re retired, you know what I mean.) Want to join us for Pizza? That’s every Friday!
How to easily find a place for lunch in Sedona and make reservations.
Not familiar with places for lunch in Sedona? “Open Table” is our go-to app for information and reservations. We check availability a few hours before our desired arrival, so you won’t find us at any of the wildly popular restaurants which require booking months in advance.
Not familiar with “Open Table?” This app lists thousands of restaurants worldwide. Just put in your desired location, date and time, and Open Table shows the restaurant availability in your area. Create an account and earn point towards Amazon gift cards, dining discounts, etc. No, we do not get compensated for your using this app. We just like it and think you will too.
Open Table is one of the few “intermediary” apps we use. What with all the travel confusion and cancellations these days, we strongly recommend booking things like flights and hotels directly. However, we’re happy to say Open Table has been 100% reliable for us.
How we “rank” our Sedona lunch discoveries.
We like all of our recommendations for Sedona lunch spots, some more, some less. Are our tastes that simple? No, not really! You may wonder if we ever go to “bad” restaurants – you know, where the food is not up to expectations or whatever. The answer is Yes.
Did we consider them for this post? No! First of all, our dislike may be exactly what you do like. Secondly, businesses have a hard enough time now without us blasting them on social media. Maybe they were just having a bad day or are really struggling with staffing. And thirdly, we want to point you in the direction of Sedona lunch spots to enjoy.
Therefore, the “rank” of the restaurants is simply from West to East along W. Hwy 89A. (Coming into West Sedona from Cottonwood heading towards Uptown.) One thing we noticed about every one of these establishments is that they strive to use fresh, often seasonal ingredients. Please call or use Open Table to book because many of these establishments are short-handed and hours may vary from what is posted.
Suggestions for an enjoyable Sedona experience.
To make your overall Sedona experience a great one, we’ve included some suggestions for books, hiking items and clothing throughout this post. We hope you will find them helpful.
Yes, we are Amazon affiliates. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you need to purchase anything from Amazon, please click on our links and then proceed to your purchase. Every little bit helps!
A different kind of Sedona lunch restaurant: Sedona Crepes.
Looking for something different? We are! Since Sedona Crepes is the only creperie in town, it’s a “must do.” Call for reservations as they are not on Open Table. Entering, it feels like stepping into a time portal to the past. Inside is solid wood ceiling and walls with antique/historical photographs throughout.
The restaurant consists of several connecting rooms, all individually named, along with a beautifully wood burnished bar. It is all well kept, clean and welcoming and looks like it was once a house. It’s a busy Sunday afternoon but we are lucky to snare a window seat to watch the world go by and enjoy the red rock views beyond.
Not into crepes? Not to worry! Their menu also has tacos, burgers, paninis, omelets, breakfasts…something for everyone. We opt to share a Savory Crepe of Tuna ($12.99) followed by a Banana Foster crepe ($12.99) Dessert Crepe. That’s one of the advantages of sharing-room for dessert!
The Tuna Crepe is sizable, tasty and filling but the truth be told – the Banana Foster wins the overall taste test. Like two kids, we think dessert always tastes better than the dinner! Open daily 7:30AM-4PM serving breakfast/lunch. 3235 W. Hwy 89A. 928 862 2037
A good hiking book for lunchtime reading.
Need some inspiration for a hike before or after your lunch in Sedona? We have this book. It has plenty of hikes to keep you busy!
Your Romantic Sedona Lunch Spot: Casa Sedona Restaurant.
Is ambiance, a peaceful Sedona luncheon experience along with artfully presented and delicious food what you’re looking for? We found it! Casa Sedona Inn, home of the Casa Sedona Restaurant, is an upscale boutique hotel offering an equally upscale dining experience. Signs direct us through the elegant office and out onto peaceful and relaxing outdoor courtyard. Umbrella tables are strategically separated, each with fresh flowers and great views. Think soothing music softly playing in the background, artfully designed landscaping, tranquil fountains, colorful hanging potted plants, red rock views – yes, this place is overflowing with ambiance.
The menu has some standard breakfast fare along with more unique choices. Prosciutto Asparagus Salad ($17) and Mayan Quiche ($23) are our brunch choices followed by a dessert of Orange Crème Brulee ($16) which we share. Everything is a masterful work of art. The only “oddity” is the iced coffee. Our server brings out 2 bottles of “Super Coffee ($8 ea.) like what we see in Safeway. Not the freshly brewed as expected!
Nevertheless, the food is beautiful to look at, delightful to eat and all experienced in a perfect location. With our final tab coming in at $95 including tip, we’ll save this location for special events. (Although we really enjoyed being pampered.) Their website states that Casa Sedona Inn was “featured on the Travel Channel, has been named as The 6th Most Romantic Inns of North America, and has been recommended by Conde Nast, Johansens and Fodor’s.”
Breakfast served daily 7am-11AM. Brunch is served Friday-Tuesday from 11:30AM-2 PM. Reservation REQUIRED for non-guests. 55 Hozoni Drive, off W. Hwy 89A. 928 282 2938.
Read about Sedona’s spiritual side.
Looking to explore the more spiritual side of Sedona? Here’s a book for you.
The Sedona lunch spot where locals go: Nick’s West Side.
Nick’s West Side Restaurant is on Hwy 89A by Tortilla Drive, just around the corner from the Casa Sedona Inn. The sign out front says it’s “Where the Locals Go” and that seems to be the case as both patrons and staff are engaged in conversation as we come in. The restaurant is very relaxed, with a casual, down home appearance. Although we are greeted and quickly seated, service this Sunday is a little slow. One of the servers (the owner?) tells us a large group just came in. We’re good with that, and start perusing the extensive menu.
Our T.G.B.T. sandwich (turkey, guacamole. bacon, tomatoes) is delicious. We split it because – well – the servings are heaping and are enough for both of us. Besides, we just might have room for dessert afterwards. (No such luck!) Nick’s menu offers a variety of eggs choices, burgers, southwestern and are known for their BBQ.
Although we haven’t tried these yet, their website lists “All you can Eat” specials on Tue, Fri and Sat starting at 4:30PM. This family friendly eatery apparently changed hands a couple of years ago but retained the same name and menu. Call to order. Nick’s is open from 7A-8PM Tuesday through Saturday, 8am-2PM Sunday and 7AM-2PM Monday. 2920 W.Hwy 89A. 928 204 2088.
Sedona coffee table book for sharing.
How about a beautiful Sedona book for sharing? The first one is brand new:
The Sedona deli lunch stop: Hilltop Deli Sedona.
The Hilltop Deli may not look like it’s on a hilltop, but if you walk there, (which we did) you’ll discover it is. Casual seating is indoor and outdoor. As we enter, there’s a line at the order counter, which we think is a good sign. It moves quickly. Clearly, the counter servers are well versed at this. We order, find a sit spot and wait. Our (giant, stuffed) sandwiches arrive. Yep, we should have shared one sandwich as the two we are getting are huge! Who eats this much?
The food is good and clearly, you get plenty of it. Seating may be difficult to find during really busy times, but they also have take-out. Did I eat all of mine? No! Most of the time whatever we get for a lunch ends up being a snack later on.
Pick your sandwich size from the menu: small/medium/large ($8/$9.49/$14) grab a drink and you’re good to go. Eat there or it’s also a great place to pick up fuel for hiking. They also have a deli in Cottonwood and Jerome if you are heading that way. Call ahead and place your order. Open Monday through Saturday 10AM-5PM and Sunday ‘til 4PM. 2655 W. Hwy 89A. 928 554 4000.
Historical reading after a day of exploration.
Need something to read after exploring all day? These are for the history buffs:
The all around Sedona lunch grill: The Golden Goose American Grill.
The Golden Goose American Grill is one of our favorites Sedona lunch spots, plus it’s on Open Table – so EZ to make reservations. I miss the entrance our first time in. Although it is facing onto Hwy 89A, the entryway coming in off of Stutz Bearcat Dr. to the left and Andante Dr. to the right. The Golden Goose sits in front of the Andante Inn and shares the entrance with them. Lucky you if you are staying at the Inn as the Golden Goose is mere steps away!
Nice dog friendly patio at Golden Goose
The first thing we notice is the pleasant dog friendly patio adjacent to the entrance. Furry friends are welcome here. The friendly staff quickly greets us as we enter. The interior design is quirky and fun, with what appears to be hand blown glass platters adorning one wall with metal art and pictures on the others. It’s a trendy, comfortable place which provides consistently good food. (We’ve been here several times.)
The lunch menu is extensive. Choices include sandwiches, salads, pasta, burgers and moreI I choose the Grilled Chicken-Avocado Salad ($17.99) while Jack orders a Reuben sandwich.($18.99) Our plates are heaping and delicious. Jack’s Reuben is so big he ends up with a “to go” bag. (Believe me, this rarely happens!) On subsequent occasions we ordered their Chicken Caesar wrap ($16.99) and the Turkey Dijon wrap. ($17.99) Everything hits the spot. We know better now and usually share an entree!
They have separate dinner and dessert menus. You can find them all here. Open Sunday-Friday 11AM-7:30PM, and Saturday 11AM-3:30PM, 4PM-8PM for lunch and dinner. 2545 W. Hwy 89A. 928 282 1447.
A hydration backpack may save the day.
If there is one thing we recommend while visiting Sedona, it is a hydration backpack, especially if you are unaccustomed to high desert heat. They are relatively inexpensive and a real lifesaver! We have the High Sierra which holds 2L of water but there are several that are comparably priced. Occasionally, you can find the “High Sierra” at Costco but ordering from Amazon is a sure thing.
A colorful, modern and fun Sedona diner: Rascal.
Located in The Wilde Resort and Spa, Rascal Modern Diner & Bar is a modern, trendy, fun Sedona lunch location with a whimsical touch. It is bursting with color; from a green ceiling, to a pink bar, faux brick columns and a variety of different colored hanging lampshades. Exuberant color is everywhere.
We’ve booked through Open Table several times for lunch, brunch and dinner. On our first visit, Jack enjoys his favorite Classic Rueben Sandwich and I have the Ahi burger with aioli from the lunch menu, which is not currently available. OMG. It is so good!
We’ve had other delicious entrees since that first visit that are not currently on the menu. Apparently, the menu changes with what is available. This means we will have to go back soon and try something new! Price wise, Rascal is mid-point between prior restaurants and Casa Sedona. Our lunchtime visits are @ $55 with tip.
Dining is available both inside in the main dining room (which can be quite noisy during the dinner hour) and outside on the patio. It’s a fun place, with a beautiful courtyard between the office and the restaurant. If you want the full experience, book a room for a night too! Serving breakfast, lunch 7AM-3PM with a dinner from 4PM-10PM daily. Happy hour is 3PM-5:30PM. 2050 W. Hwy 89A. 928 852 1852.
Yes, you really do need a hat for the Sedona sun.
Bring your hiking hat for protection from the sun, no matter what time of year you are hiking. Our “go to” hats have a neck flap and a cord to keep it secure. Even better if they are packable. If you don’t have one, here are a few we recommend:
Sedona lunch establishment named after a rock: The Coffee Pot Restaurant.
We had to find out what the fuss is about! Every time we walk by this restaurant, the (small) parking lot is filled with cars with a line out the restaurant door. Named after the red rock formation up the road, and situated on State Highway 89A, near Coffee Pot Drive, the Coffee Pot Restaurant is one of those iconic Sedona lunch spots you have to visit at least once. They’ve been around since the 1950’s, which is slightly less than I’ve been around! You can read their history here.
Many associate the Coffee Pot restaurant with breakfast, but it serves breakfast AND lunch daily from 6AM – 2PM. They proudly offer 101 omelets, and that is just the start! Authentic Mexican cuisine, pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, burgers, and an assortment of specials round out the choices. Although lines can be long (no reservations here) service is quick, friendly, and efficient.
It takes us a few minutes to peruse everything on the menu! I’m in the mood for basic and choose Eggs over Easy from the Side Orders (two eggs, $2.50) and Jack, as usual, orders a ham and cheese omelet ($11.75). The food comes quickly. There’s nothing fancy in the presentation but the food is good standard fare for a coffee shop, prices are reasonable, and the coffee is endless. They also have a fun gift shop. Their parking lot fills up quickly but additional parking is usually available in the Sedona Center. It’s a great place to stop before heading out on your much anticipated hike! They do not take reservations. Open 6AM-2PM daily for breakfast and lunch. 2050 W. Hwy 89A. 928 282 6626.
Don’t leave home without your hiking poles.
If hiking is your thing, and you don’t have hiking poles, once again, this is something I highly recommend. Here in Sedona we have so many trails with loose rocks and dirt or rocky trails that are uneven to navigate. I started using hiking poles a few years ago and have never looked back. They definitely improve balance and stability; major factors when hiking. Here are a few for consideration. Mine are the Leki Legacy Lite, and I love them:
A trip to Italy in this Sedona restaurant: Vespa Healthy Italian Cafe.
Vespa is one of the newer lunch spots in Sedona. We’ve seen so many good reviews, we have to try it for ourselves. Located in the Whole Foods Shopping Center, Vespa offers indoor and curbside dining with “deli style” ordering. Walking up to the counter, the server greets us with a huge smile and an enthusiastic welcome. While perusing the menu, he explains the benefits of their Roman flatbread, which is the base for many of their offerings. In fact, their tagline is “…home of the modern Roman flatbread…” Their goal is fast, fresh, healthy food and they succeed in spades.
We order the Rucola & Prosciutto Pinsa ($19) to share and a cappuccino for me, not exactly sure what we will get. In short order, the flatbread delight appears. It is delicious and fresh and light with excellent flavor. Yes, we’ll be back here again too. Serving breakfast/lunch/dinner daily 10:30AM-10PM. 1350 W. Hwy 89A. 928 862 2228.
Sun protection in Sedona.
The Arizona sun, especially in the high desert, can be brutal. I used to wear sleeveless tops when hiking but since hiking in Sedona, I’ve switched to a lightweight, breathable long sleeve top with sun protection. They are inexpensive and easy care. These are the ones we have:
A Western themed Sedona lunch spot: Stagecoach Country Roadhouse.
I don’t know what I expected when entering the Stagecoach Country Roadhouse restaurant, but it isn’t a mechanical bull in the middle of the room! From the front, this Sedona lunch spot looks similar to others but inside is a different story. Think cowboy rustic meets sleek and modern! This is THE PLACE if you are into country western food, country western music, country western dancing, bull riding – you name it. The décor includes a western saddle, mounted cow skull, cinch strap suspended chandeliers, leather covered chairs, wagon wheels, and more all done with a modern touch.
Overall, it offers a fun and refreshing change of pace. Our server tells us we can come after 9PM on weekends to ride the bull. (Thanks, but no thanks.) Apparently, they also have karaoke night, and dancing. Who knew? Famous for their smoked meats, the menu features pork, steak, bison plus sandwiches, fish and a selection of signature dishes.
Based on experience at prior restaurants, we decide to split the pulled pork sandwich. It comes with an unusual element, a fried pickle. (I had to ask the server what it is.) The pickle adds an unusual crunch to an already delicious sandwich. Glad we split it too. That way, we are able to share their huge Skillet Chocolate Chip cookie served with vanilla ice cream. Yummy. (Sorry. no prices listed on the menu.)
Serving lunch and dinner from 11AM-9PM with a late menu after 9PM-12AM or 1AM. 1405 W. Hwy 89A. 928 203 5463.
Comfortable hiking pants / shorts.
Our final suggestion is for zip-off pants / or EZ care hiking shorts. You definitely want quick dry, UPF 50 and moisture wicking. If you’ve read our other posts, you know we love Columbia clothing. Here are a few we have:
Lunch in Sedona in a Victorian house: Judi’s
We discover Judi’s while exploring on foot one day, otherwise we may have just driven past it. Located in La Pasada Plaza, a small strip mall off W Hwy 89A at Solder’s Pass Road, it is tucked in the corner but bustling with activity. People are enjoying lunch on the patio-and I think we saw some with their furry friends.
Booking is easy through Open Table. The dining room is old world elegant, with tiffany lamps, floral arrangements, stained glass art, sconce lamps and soft lighting throughout. We feel like we’ve stepped into a grand old Victorian home.
Service is friendly and casual. Their menu offers sandwiches, steaks, pasta, salads, fish & chips, burgers, specials and more. Jack opts for his favorite, a Reuben Sandwich ($15.50) (No, he doesn’t ever get tired of eating Ruebens.) while I choose the Tuna Melt ($15.) They even have cappuccino and a mocha! (Drink menu is being update so it doesn’t show.)
It’s obvious, we could have easily shared either of these plate filling sandwiches. Plus, we enjoyed the ambiance as much as the food. Check their website for specials and happy hour. Open 8AM-9PM everyday but Wednesday, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. 40 Soldier’s Pass Road. 928 282 4449.
About our Sedona Lunch Restaurants.
We had a great time exploring Sedona lunch spots. Something we noticed about all of them is that they strive to use fresh ingredients, most making everything from scratch. Clearly, this short list is just the tip of the restaurant iceberg. If your favorite lunch spot isn’t mentioned, it’s probably because we need more time to get there. Please offer your suggestions of where we should go next time in the comments below. In the meantime, buen provecho!
A bit about Us.
You may be familiar with us from Kauai or perhaps petsitting around the world. Covid disrupted many of our plans as I’m sure it did yours. While we still reside on Kauai, we’ve added Sedona as a destination we’ll be frequenting. We certainly had fun compiling information for this Sedona Lunch Spots blog!
International travel is still on the back burner at the moment but we don’t expect that to be permanent. So, please check back for more posts on Sedona. Plans for a packing list are in the works.
In the meantime, check out our Kauai posts if you’re headed that way. Our most popular is about Ke’e beach as entry there now requires reservations. Limahuli Gardens is another fabulous visit. And, if you need a packing list or Kauai souvenirs, we have you covered. We are happy to answer questions about both areas, and/or travel in general.
Aloha and adios.
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