But for the discerning traveler who wants that something extra in Sedona, Arizona, it always comes down to the food. Imagine spending a day hiking Sedona’s treasures or visiting art galleries and more, and what’s left? A gorgeous sunset, maybe a cocktail or two and then it’s time for dinner. And that’s when Sedona gets interesting.  

Travelers have their pick of deliciousness in Sedona, but smart travelers know where to find the best Italian food in Sedona – it’s at the award-winning restaurant Dahl and DiLuca Ristorante Italiano.  

Dahl and Di Luca Ristorante Italiano is the vortex of Italian dining in Sedona. It is ranked in the top ten best Italian dining destinations in Arizona and has always been considered the number one most romantic restaurant. AARP magazine published that Dahl & DiLuca was the most luscious place to dine while in Sedona. Arizona Highways listed it as one of their ten “Best Restaurants 2013”.    

Part of it comes from the dedication to the art of food there – it seems almost every dish from Chef Lisa Dahl is a winning combination of spirit, soul, love and flavor. There is great variety in the mix of colors, flavors and textures in her cooking. This Italian charmer has the long-standing reputation of being a must dine spot for all those foodies who adore authentic Italian cuisine. The marriage of the gorgeous décor along with their delicious food makes you feel a charm of Florence and the energy and buzz of Manhattan. The food simply rocks like the red rocks of Sedona.  

Chef Lisa Dahl sticks to a simple proposition: Prepare Italian food with art and passion, and create something wonderfully satisfying, wholesome and healthy. That just about sums up her approach to life as well. You can read more about that in her 2011 award-winning coffee-table book about her trip to Tuscany which won a Best Cookbook award in 2011.  

For a great meal out in Sedona, enjoy the fantastic Italian food cooking at Dahl & DiLuca and Cucina Rustica in Sedona, AZ. Lisa’s signature meals are always filled with delicious flavors, fresh ingredients and passion unbound. Stop in to enjoy the best Italian restaurants in Arizona.

What can we say? We’re delighted that these photographers see fit to include Dahl & Diluca in their top cuisine locations. (And we hope they remember our sister location Cucina Rustica!) Lisa’s keen to remind us that we create some memorable meals, but don’t take our word for it. Read what Arizona Highways Magazine wrote:

“With its crystal chandeliers, heavy draperies, gorgeous table setting and Italian art, this multi-award-winning Red Rock Country mainstay exudes Old World charm. Chef-owner Lisa Dahl (who wrote The Elixir of Life cookbook in 2010) is committed to local, organic ingredients whenever possible, turning out picture perfect salads, rustic soups, house-made pastas and Italian classics. Think scampi fra diavolo, fettuccini primavera and veal saltimbocca, as well as the occasional inspired creation such as grilled Scottish salmon finished with a limoncello reduction. The global wine list, which features Super Tuscans and other regional Italian wines, impresses for its breadth and affordability.”

We’re delighted that the magazine noted Dahl and DilUca’s global wine list too. Our world-class sommelier takes care of that side so we can concentrate on our award-winning food.

AZ Highways described the restaurant’s old world feel of Dahl and Di Luca’s dining room (pictured below) and how it compares with the 21st century flavor of live music and locally ourced, organic ingredients.

One of the judges – photographer Derek von Briesen – wrote:

“You can tell how good a restaurant is going to be by the quality of its bread. Dahl and Di Luca rolls out great bread and wonderful pasta. The menu spans a nice range, and you can get dressed up and take clients there or go in wearing jeans and hiking boots.”

We’ll take that! Check out the April 2013 issue of Arizona Highways at your local newsstand or at the magazine’s website.

Here is a before (right) and ‘almost’ finished after shot (below) of what is soon to be Lisa Dahl’s newest  Italian restaurant called Pisa Lisa. We hope to be open by the end of April.

Pisa Lisa will be the new Sedona hot spot for meetups or where friends can eat delicious, decadent wood-fired pizza and enjoy a locally brewed beer or glass of wine.  The wonderful Pisa Lisa food will be available for dine-in or take-out from the deli counter. 

Check out all the reconstruction developments at www.cheflisadahl.com   

Phone: (928)282- LISA  (928)282-5472

Pisa Lisa is located at
2245 SR 89A,
Sedona, AZ 86336

This spring, a new entrant is coming to Sedona in the form of a casual and vibrant dining destination. It’s called Pisa Lisa, a play on both the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy and the first name of its creator, Lisa Dahl. It’s a playful name, indicative of both its Italian eating setting as well as the playful nature of its owner.  

Lisa Dahl is well-known in the Sedona area for her chef status and management of two of the aforementioned restaurants – Dahl & DiLuca and Cucina Rustica – but also for her tireless work with charities and non-profits. She also runs the Chef Lisa Dahl website which markets a number of Lisa’s restaurant projects, merchandise, oils, jewelry, clothing wear and more that cater to Lisa’s spiritual and aesthetic outlook.  

Pisa Lisa is expected to open in April 2013, and the outlook is for yumminess. Lisa wrote on the site that customers could expect ‘decadent style pizzas served to you hot from our wood fired pizza oven. Those familiar with my signature sauces, dressings, fresh pastas and grab-n-go salads will enjoy the the daily convenience from our deli cases.  Add onto those decadent pizzas a full service bar with excellent wines, craft beers and organic Espresso.  It looks like Pisa Lisa will have a great run on the locals’ taste buds during the spring and summer seasons.   

Here’s a shot of her poring over some plans about the upcoming casual Italian restaurant. It’s meant to be an upscale and chic getaway for great Italian comfort food. Plans are still hush-hush, but word is that the restaurant will get its opening by summer 2013.  

Lisa also provided food to the Heart2Heart Women’s Event in Sedona in early February. The event attracted more than 100 women from different Verde Valley and Sedona churches, which worked together to provide a topnotch experience for the women.  

Lisa Dahl is also looking to add more items to her Living Dahl store. If you haven’t taken a look, please click over now to find unique gifts for friends, family and loved ones. We’ve stocked up on items like olive oils, wonderful jewelry, Lisa Dahl’s award-winning cookbook, gift certificates to our award-winning restaurants in Sedona, Arizona and much more.

And if you think that all Lisa Dahl does is cook and create amazing food, then check this shot of her in the actual space in Sedona. Let’s just say, she approaches planning and creation of a new restaurant like she does her great Italian food chef duties!

See what’s in store for Dahl & Di Luca’s special dinner menu for Valentine’s Day 2013. Check out some of the amazing menu options below:   

Included among the mouthwatering entrees for the special Valentine’s Day menu are:   
Osso Buco Fine D-Anno – A delicious braised pork shank served Milanese style over a bed of freshly- made Fettuccine. Suggested Wine Pairing: Crognolo ‘Super Tuscan’  
Filletto E AraGosta (Surf ‘n Turf) – Black Angus filet mignon finished in a gorgonzola mushroom sauce and Australian lobster tail accompanied with stuffed mushroom and truffle scented mashed potatoes. Suggested Wine Pairing: Altesino Brunello Di Montalcino  
Vitello Saltambocca Straodinario – Thin slices of delicious veal rolled with a savory mix of sage, prosciutto and mozzarella, and finished with marsala and accompanied with Capellini pasta. Suggested Wine Pairing: Plumpjack Merlot  
Lisa’s Luscious Lasagna – Classic Lasagna layered with fresh made Bolognese sauce, Italian sausage, ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan. Suggested Wine Pairing: Chianti Classico Riserva Antinori ‘Badia A Passignano’  

And there’s much more in the way of salads, appetizers, other entrees and desserts. Enjoy the most romantic night of the year in the true Tuscan spirit! The entire staff at Dahl and Di Luca (and Cucina Rustica) would be thrilled to have you and your Valentine’s guest dining for Valentine’s Day 2013. Let Cupid’s arrows pierce your Heart.  

Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano is overseen by renowned chef Lisa Dahl, who is also the owner and executive chef for the award-wining Italian restaurant Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano. In the last several years, Lisa has managed to own and operate her two restaurants and its catering business; author an award-winning book on the passion of cooking, creatively expand her menu offerings and open an online store under the brand Living Dahl.  

To enjoy fine Italian dining and great wine, make your Valentine Day reservation at Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano by calling 928-282-5219. Dahl & Di Luca is located at 2321 W. State Route 89A in Sedona, AZ, 86336.

If you are already in the middle of planning your winter wedding, reception and getaway for active winter fun, then you’re halfway there. Your friends are ready for respective bridesmaids and groomsmen roles, the cold-weather equipped wedding dress is perfect and you’re sewing up the loose ends for the ceremony, the reception, the food and the party.  

For a great reception in a scenic winter locale, try out the following food suggestions and party-related tips for the biggest day of your life.  

Choose a great restaurant 
You and your husband-to-be have undoubtedly dined out in your courtship and know a great meal when you’ve eaten one. If you’re bringing your wedding party to a scenic location, make sure the food is as gorgeous and delicious.  

If you’re seeking wholesome comfort food fare, find the restaurant in your location with the most highly-rated online reviews from actual diners. There’s delicious, and then there’s DELICIOUS! For example, if you’re looking for the best Italian food in Sedona, AZ, you’ll know to look at Yelp.com and TripAdvisor.com for a suitable place, based on user reviews.  

Make the food special
Definitely consider using some of the chosen area’s local ingredients, even if winter has hindered their supply. Locally grown produce and products can be part of your wedding party’s overall experience, and with a little creativity, can become the highlight of the dinner.  

You might also consider asking for a specially made dish at the venue for you and your wedding guests. Perhaps you and your man want to share his long-past grandmother’s favorite lasagna or meat dish recipe. Having your favorite restaurant make the family recipe can add a very special touch to the wedding reception, and certainly bring the family together on this joyous occasion.  

Offer three portion tasting plates
One of the current food trends that might translate well to your wedding party might be to offer a meat, seafood or chicken option to your guests, to give them a taste of all three delicious items. The portions would naturally come smaller, but your guests will be delighted with the options and the server’s job will become much easier.  

Special diet options?
Some of your wedding guests may require a special dietary meal or a dish that is gluten-free. Hopefully, your guest will alert you to this before your big day, and you will be able to coordinate with your restaurant of choice if anyone requires a meal that’s vegetarian, gluten-free or some other iteration.  

Maybe this great Italian restaurant you’ve chosen already has a delicious special diet meal that they can offer, instead of just throwing something together. Talk with your restaurant staff about the needs for your guests, and watch them perform some magic!