The Lowdown Verdict
Sedona's most complete special-occasion restaurant. The Peruvian-style sea bass is the best single dish on any Sedona menu, the cliff-edge patio is spectacular at sunset, and the service matches the price. The reservation window is real — book this 2–4 weeks ahead for weekend dinners in peak season.
Location
700 AZ-89A W
Sedona, AZ 86336
West Sedona
Hours
Daily 11 AM–9 PM
Happy Hour 4–5:30 PM
Verify seasonally
Price
$$$
Entrées $28–$52
Margaritas $14–$18
Reservations
Essential
Book via OpenTable
2–4 weeks ahead peak
The Patio — Why You're Really Here
Mariposa sits on a hillside in West Sedona, and the cliff-edge patio is positioned to face the red rock formations directly. When the evening light hits — typically between 6:30 and 7:30 PM from May through September — the Sedona red sandstone glows a deep amber-orange. The patio tables look directly into that light. It's one of the most cinematically positioned outdoor dining spaces in the American Southwest.
The interior is well-designed — warm neutrals, copper accents, a full bar — but the interior tables are a secondary choice. When booking, specify patio seating. The patio fills faster than the interior and is limited to about 60 seats. If you can't get a patio table on the reservation, ask to be waitlisted on arrival — cancellations happen.
Parking is in the restaurant's own lot off AZ-89A. It's adequate for the restaurant's capacity, but on busy weekends it fills — arrive 10–15 minutes early. No street-parking games needed here, which is a luxury compared to uptown Sedona.
Sunset timing tip: Book 6:30–7:30 PM from May–Sept for peak color. In winter, book 4:30–5:30 PM. The formation view is equally good in the golden-hour light regardless of season — just the timing shifts.
The Food — What to Order
Executive Chef Lisa Dahl has been cooking in Sedona for over two decades, and Mariposa reflects that accumulated depth. The menu takes Latin American cooking seriously — it's not Tex-Mex dressed up with better plating. The Peruvian sea bass preparation uses a citrus beurre blanc that's genuinely refined, and the chimichurri on the lamb chops is made in-house with herbs, not from a bottle.
The Latin mole tenderloin is the dark-horse dish — ask your server what's in the mole that day, because it changes with the season. On good nights it's the most complex plate on the table. The empanada trio starter is a solid opener regardless of what you order as an entrée.
Order Guide
Must Order
Peruvian-style sea bass
Lamb chops with chimichurri
Empanada trio (starter)
Also Excellent
Latin mole tenderloin
Fresh lime margaritas
Seasonal ceviche
Price Range
Starters $14–$22
Entrées $28–$52
Desserts $10–$14
How to Actually Get a Table
Mariposa is Sedona's most sought-after dinner reservation from March through November. The patio specifically sells out weeks in advance on weekends. Here's what actually works:
Book 2–4 Weeks Ahead (Peak Season)
March–November, Friday and Saturday evenings fill first. If you know your Sedona dates, book Mariposa before your hotel. OpenTable is the easiest booking path.
Happy Hour is the Secret Weapon
4–5:30 PM happy hour is walk-in accessible and includes bar seating with full patio views. Discounted margaritas and a limited food menu. Many locals prefer this over dinner reservations.
Weekday Lunch Is Underrated
The lunch menu is lighter and less expensive, and patio availability is much better Monday–Thursday. The midday light on the red rocks is different (softer, less dramatic than sunset) but still remarkable.
Waitlist on Arrival
If you can't get a reservation, show up 30 minutes before your preferred time and ask to be added to the cancellation waitlist. On peak evenings, 10–20% of reservations cancel or reduce party size.
Mariposa vs. Other Top Sedona Restaurants
| Restaurant | Style | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mariposa | Latin American | Sunset view, special occasion | $$$ |
| Dahl & Di Luca | Italian | Romance, anniversary | $$$ |
| Elote Cafe | Mexican | Authentic flavors, no-frills | $$ |
| The Hudson | American | Happy hour, casual upscale | $$ |
Sedona Dining & Tours on Viator
Combine dinner at Mariposa with a sunset jeep tour or vortex experience. Viator lists Sedona's top operators with verified reviews.
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Sedona Vortex Circuit Audio Tour
Hit all 4 vortex sites before your Mariposa reservation. GPS-guided, works offline. Walk Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock before sunset dinner.
See Sedona Audio Tours →