Tucked within the stylish Amara Resort in the heart of downtown Sedona, SaltRock Kitchen is more than just a hotel restaurant—it’s a culinary destination that fuses bold Southwest flavors with fresh Verde Valley ingredients and a craft cocktail program that could rival any metropolitan bar.
A Stylish Arrival: First Impressions at Amara Resort
From the moment you step into Amara Resort, the journey begins. The expansive lobby, flooded with natural light and adorned with desert-chic décor, invites you to linger. Modern yet grounded in the natural surroundings, it feels like a curated gallery of Southwest comfort—low-slung couches, eclectic art, and inviting communal spaces. As you meander past the inviting lounge area, SaltRock Kitchen opens to your left, while to your right, the SaltRock bar glows with a backlit salt rock wall—a warm, golden beacon that sets the tone for the experience to come.
The outdoor patio at SaltRock Kitchen is something out of a travel magazine. With fire pits crackling, soothing water features trickling, and a straight-on view of Sedona’s iconic red rocks—including a distinctive butte that dominates the skyline—the setting alone makes the meal unforgettable. But thankfully, the food and drink match the view in every way.
Sipping in Style: Elevated Cocktails That Dazzle the Palate
We began our evening with two of SaltRock’s handcrafted standouts. The Flor de Hibisco arrived first, shimmering in a glass rimmed with hibiscus sugar salt. A harmony of Reposado tequila, Pasilla chili liqueur, lime, and pomegranate-hibiscus syrup, it danced between floral sweetness and a subtle smoky heat. Refreshing yet layered.
Then came the Cactus Bird—their ever-changing clarified milk punch. A rare find in most bars, this clarified concoction uses curdled milk (yes, really) to achieve a smooth, translucent drink with extraordinary complexity. This rotating seasonal drink is for the adventurous cocktail lover, and it doesn’t disappoint—it’s smooth, nuanced, and as photogenic as it is fascinating.
A Symphony of Starters: Artfully Composed Small Plates with Big Flavor
The Ahi Tuna Tostadas came out next: delicate chucks of ruby-red tuna atop crisp tostadas, punched up with Vietnamese chile, salsa verde, and sesame, then brightened with a flourish of locally grown cilantro. It’s a globally inspired bite that doesn’t shy away from boldness.
The Black Cod was another favorite—lightly battered in cerveza and mezcal, delivering a tender interior and perfectly crisp exterior. It’s topped with a crunchy cucumber and radish slaw and drizzled with habanero crema that hits you with a whisper of heat rather than a roar.
And the Pear & Arugula salad was anything but an afterthought. The balance of sweet and savory was sublime—butter-browned chipotle almonds, tangy goat cheese, dried cranberries, and a lime-agave vinaigrette that tied it all together. It’s bright, fresh, and full of texture.
Main Course Pivot: When the Menu Inspires Culinary Curiosity
Originally, we had our sights set on the Duet of Pork—a luxurious pairing of mole dulce pork tenderloin and pork belly lechón, but we were informed it had recently rotated off the menu. Our backup plan was the Branzino al Pastor, a seafood play on the classic Mexican preparation with pineapple salsa, carrot cardamom purée, and fresh maize tortillas. But with the starters being surprisingly generous (and satisfying), we made a game-time decision to skip the entree and save room for dessert. A wise move.
A Sweet Finale at SaltRock Kitchen
The Warm Fig & Brie Empanada was the perfect closer—crispy on the outside, warm and gooey inside with preserved fig compote and triple cream Brie, dusted with cinnamon and sugar, and finished with a hot honey drizzle. The scoops of vanilla ice cream added that final creamy note. Sweet, savory, buttery, and indulgent—a true dessert for grown-ups.
Whether you’re staying at Amara or just stopping through Sedona, SaltRock Kitchen is a must. With a chef-driven menu that creatively interprets Southwest traditions, an atmosphere that showcases Sedona’s natural beauty, and cocktails that push the envelope of mixology, this place has firmly earned its reputation.
SaltRock Kitchen Contact Information:
Reservations are recommended—especially if you want that coveted patio seat with the view. Trust me, it’s worth it. If you have any questions about visiting SaltRock Kitchen in Sedona, please leave a comment below. So, until next time, we’ll see ya on the road…
