A First Taste of Sedona With Chef Lisa Dahl

I can easily eat my way through any destination! One of the reasons we chose to visit Arizona was for it's terrific food scene highlighting organic vegetables and meats all with a delicious southwest flair. So as soon as our itinerary was set and flights were booked, I starting researching where we were going to eat.

Right away, I came across Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill and Cucina Rustica as both having fantastic reviews. Each one appealed exactly to our tastes in food and decor.  ​

​It wasn't until after I made the reservations, I surprisingly realized they were both Chef Lisa Dahl restaurants. I had recently been introduced to Chef Dahl by way of Twitter and Beat Bobby Flay, a cooking challenge show on Food Network TV that I regularly watch. She's infamous in Sedona, throughout Arizona, and all over the country as one of the top female chefs. Chef Dahl has lived in Sedona for the past 20 years and has 4 highly successful restaurants. Along with Mariposa and Cucina Rustica, she also owns Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano specializing in authentic Italian food, and Pisa Lisa, which features wood-fire pizza in Sedona. 

​Update! Since writing this original article, Lisa Dahl has added another hit restaurant her list: Butterfly Burger. It will be the first place I go when I visit Sedona next. 

Mariposa and Cucina Rustica for Dining in Sedona, Arizona

Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill

​Mariposa is a gorgeous combination of rustic and modern, featuring expansive windows for a picturesque view of the red rocks Sedona is known for. The menu offers a unique variety of selections that are traditional to the region but still appealed to our East Coast palates. Since we were reserving one night of our Sedona visit to celebrate our 20th anniversary, I knew immediately Mariposa would be perfect for this occasion. We arrived about a half an hour early so that we could enjoy the brilliant red rocks at sunset and explore the grounds surrounding the restaurant. 

Designed in the colors of the rocks, the entrance is welcoming as it prepares you for the incredible meal to come.

The rich colors make for a fun atmosphere at the bar.

There is not a bad table in Mariposa! Whether you are facing a mountain view or admiring the fine art on the walls, every seat is perfect.

Could you ask for a more beautiful view while dining?

But the food! The freshness and attention to detail comes through in every bite. We tried numerous appetizers that Chef Dahl had selected for us. We loved sampling new foods that we may not have thought to order for ourselves. Each bite was fantastic and every last crumb disappeared. 

Gazpacho

Yuca Fries with Pimentón Aioli

Corn, Peppers & Queso Empanadas served with Pineapple Criolla

Filet Mignon with Signature Mushroom Gorgonzola Chipotle Sauce

Seafood Lovers Trio with Cold Water Lobster Tail, Hokkaido Seared Sea Scallops & Jumbo Grilled Tiger Shrimp

Meat Lovers Trio with Lamb, Filet Mignon & Chorizo

Lisa’s Lovely Lemon Mashed Potatoes with Luscious Lobster Scampi

Chocolate Budino Torte with Dulce de Leche Gelato

Cucina Rustica 

The next night, I had decided on Cucina Rustica in Sedona. It's within walking distance from Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock where we were staying and features traditional Italian cuisine. Yes!  We came all the way to Arizona to visit Italy. And it was well worth it.

​Sit outside in the charming patio reminiscent of the Italian countryside. Or step inside and you'll see that each intimate dining room in Cucina Rustica is filled with their own character and symbols of Sedona. Dine under a dark sky with twinkling stars in one room, or enjoy a dining room with plush chairs and Italian themed decor. 

Step into a beautiful, authentic dining experience.

This is perfect place to sit while having a drink.

Such an elegant and fun room. I love the stars and water elements from the outside brought in.

And the variety on the menu is as bold and exciting as the rich decor. Especially the desserts...you won't want to miss them! 

Affinato - Mozzarella filled radicchio wrapped in prosciutto

Bruschetta - Grilled ciabatta bread topped with fresh organic tomatoes, basil, garlic

Polpette Di Carne - Handmade beef meatballs & Porcini cream sauce (also available with signature marinara sauce)

Aragosta alla Vodka - Gigli pasta tossed with lobster meat and fresh organic tomatoes in vodka sauce

Lisa's Luscious Lasagna - Classic lasagna layered with homemade Bolognese sauce, Italian sausage, ricotta, and mozzarella

Special of the night featuring fresh linguine with clams, mussels, and shrimp.

Limoncello Affogato - House-Made Limoncello Over Vanilla Bean Gelato

Boca Negra - Flourless Chocolate Torte with Bourbon and Vanilla Bean Gelato

A big thanks to Chef Lisa Dahl for her wonderful hospitality!

Plus, Chef Lisa Dahl is an amazing person. I admire her perseverance, artistic flair, and culinary skills. She's worked to refine the perfect menus, as well as create an ambiance in each of her restaurants that is beautiful and comfortable. 

She has also compiled a gorgeous cookbook showcasing her delicious "Elixir of Life." I can't wait to start cooking! 

Her restaurants will be no doubt the highlight of your Sedona culinary experience as they were mine. I'm looking forward to when her next restaurants open. Then I'll have six fantastic reasons to come back to Sedona. ​