If you are seeking a restaurant with atmosphere, head to Sedona where they’re served up with heaping views of red rocks and Arizona sky. Alfresco dining and expansive windows make nature the star of the show at a number of Sedona restaurants with a view, adding another sensory layer to the experience. From early morning breakfast to cocktails and dinner at the golden hour, the ever-changing light on Sedonaʻs landscape provides a stunning backdrop for photos and lasting memories.

When you stay at Ambiente, a Landscape Hotel, spectacular views of nature surround you indoors and out. From each guest atrium’s floor-to-ceiling windows to the rooftop terraces, breathtaking moments await. Even if youʻre not a guest, you can dine at Ambienteʻs Forty1 with a dinner reservation. This chic, polished restaurant overlooks the serpentine pool and water features that are colorfully lit at night. Sliding glass doors and mirrored accents reflect glimpses of crimson cliffs. The romantic yet laid-back atmosphere sets the tone for a seasonal menu featuring Verde Valley ingredients like Copper State filet mignon and wild mushroom cacio e pepe. This is the perfect room with a view for a date-night outing, complete with craft cocktails and fine wine.

For more of the best restaurants in Sedona with a view, here’s our countdown to five that offer year-round vistas worth dining for. All are within a short drive of Ambiente. 

The Vault Uptown

You can bank on The Vault Uptown for views of red rock formations, especially from the patio. The original 1950s mid-century modern building was designed as a bank, and the original vault remains. Today it’s a family-owned restaurant.  Tall windows frame the landscape for indoor diners who enjoy red rock views from the half-moon booths, banquettes, and seats at the marble bar.  Drink in the scene while sipping a cocktail like The Piggy Bank, featuring Old Fitzgerald 7 Bottled in Bond, or The Gunslinger, a blend of mezcal and fresh grapefruit juice. The open kitchen serves sandwiches, burgers, and hearty entrees, and the Trash Can Nachos are a popular appetizer for sharing. Come for the sunset view when the buttes uptown turn a fiery red. 

Creekside American Bistro

Overlooking Oak Creek with red rocks in the distance, this cozy bistro is a comfortable spot for breakfast. Savor crispy Belgian waffles or breakfast tacos with an early morning view of the soft light slanting through the sycamore and cottonwood trees nestled alongside the beautiful creek. High country comfort food is served throughout the day for brunch, lunch, and dinner. For the best views, dine alfresco on one of the two patios, suspended over the creek. In fall, the brilliant golden yellow of the leaves provide a colorful contrast to the red rocks beyond. The patio is also dog-friendly and there’s a special menu just for Fido. You can soak up the views from indoors or out, lingering over conversation and drinks like the Bee Sting. Seasonal fare includes the tomahawk pork chop, petrale sole breaded in phyllo pastry with caper butter sauce, and peach cobbler.

Mesa Grill 

The Sedona airport, a single runway and helipad, sits atop a mesa that rises 500 feet above the city. Also on this flat-top mountain is Mesa Grill, a restaurant serving anything but airport food.  Located near the Airport Scenic Lookout, the panoramic views from the restaurant and covered patio look out to the small planes and runway with a backdrop of red rock formations. Catch the colorful sunrise over breakfast or arrive before sunset for an “air show” of orange, pink and purple colors streaked across the sky. Consider an afternoon weekend brunch with Mimosa flights as you watch helicopters and small jets come and go. Tuck into satisfying fare like a Southern fried chicken sandwich, white cheddar burger and desserts like apple cherry crisp. Fido is welcome too for dining on the patio.

The Hudson

After exploring the galleries and shops around Hillside Plaza, step into this contemporary, light-filled space to appreciate painterly views of Thunder Mountain over lunch or dinner. A seat on the hillside deck at The Hudson is the best in temperate weather. Otherwise, windows in the high ceilinged dining room look out onto the captivating vista. Sink into cozy, half-circle booths and gaze at the view while imbibing in a local craft beer. Seasonal menus feature healthy salads, comfort food like chicken pot pie, and entrees like aged prime steaks and rainbow trout stuffed with lump crab in lemon tomato sauce. Save room for homemade desserts like chocolate peanut butter pie.

Mariposa

Number one on our list of Sedona AZ restaurants with a view is Mariposa, located adjacent to Ambiente. As you walk through the wrought iron gates, your senses are elevated by flaming sculptures, sparkling fountains, and fragrant herb gardens. An impressive red rock view is on display just beyond a grassy lawn from the covered patio, or the elegant main dining room featuring 23-foot-tall windows. This bold landscape demands bold flavors, and the Latin-inspired cuisine meets the challenge with Argentinian, Chilean, and Uruguayan flavors. The wood-grilled steaks with sauces like chimichurri are a specialty. Linger over the view with one of the sipping tequilas or mezcals, or a wine from the extensive wine list.  

Sedona is a sight to behold—but the red rocks, blue sky, and ever-changing light are only half the thrill when paired with a memorable meal. Let the landscape set the stage for your next culinary adventure. And when you stay at Ambiente, the view is as effortless as opening your eyes.