Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Where Red Rock Country Meets South American Fire

Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill holds a firm place as Sedona's most ambitious dining destination, set against panoramic views of the red rock formations that define this corner of Arizona. The setting is modern and striking, but it's the food — rooted in the cuisines of Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay — that draws guests back.

Chef Lisa Dahl and the Roots of the Menu

Behind Mariposa is Chef Lisa Dahl, recognized as one of America's leading female chefs and a recurring presence at the James Beard House. Her guiding philosophy — "When you cook with love, you feed the soul" — is more than a tagline. It traces directly to the travels and training she undertook across South America, cooking alongside local chefs and absorbing the flavors, wines, and culture of the Southern Cone. That immersion is what shaped Mariposa's character: the chimichurri, the wood-fired grill, the ceviche, and the carefully assembled wine list that earned the restaurant a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

The Latin Menu, Course by Course

The menu moves confidently across Latin culinary territory without losing coherence. Starters include handmade empanadas served with chimichurri, an Ecuadorian-style shrimp ceviche with tostada chips, and the signature Latin Persuasion Bruschettas — a composed plate of peppadew cheese spread, cured meats, olive tapenade, and Marcona almonds designed explicitly as a wine-pairing opener.

Soups and salads show the same care. The Sopa de Justino — a roasted chicken soup with quinoa, spicy jack cheese, and avocado — was notable enough to appear in Chef Dahl's cookbook A Romance with Food. Lisa's Chopped Goddess pairs organic Tuscan kale with chipotle-Caesar dressing, peppered bacon, and jumbo Medjool dates.

The wood-fired grill anchors the main courses. El Gaucho, a grilled skirt steak served with frijoles negros, yuca fries, and house chimichurri, speaks directly to the Argentine influence at the heart of this Latin kitchen. The Tacos de Pescado feature plancha-seared Chilean sea bass with mango-fresno-chile pico de gallo and salsa verde. Vegetarians and vegans are genuinely considered: the Tacos de Hongos (portobello and crimini mushrooms with romesco) and the fire-roasted Veggie Nirvana stuffed poblano are substantive dishes, not afterthoughts.

The burger section — unusual for a fine dining room — carries its own credibility: the Gringo Burger won People's Choice at the Scottsdale Burger Battle in 2016, and the Funghi Sublime took the Judge's Choice in 2018.

Atmosphere and Standards

Mariposa maintains an elegant atmosphere with a dress code to match, and reservations are required for all dining service. The experience is designed to be unhurried and immersive — a place where the senses are engaged by the landscape outside and the cooking within. Cocktails, a curated wine and spirits list, and outdoor seating complete the picture.

For anyone seeking elevated Latin cuisine in the American Southwest, Mariposa is the clearest answer Sedona has to offer.