René at Tlaquepaque

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

René at Tlaquepaque has been a fixture of Sedona's dining scene since 1978, making it one of the longest-running fine dining destinations in Arizona. Set within the courtyard of Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, the restaurant occupies a Spanish-style environment of rustic lanterns, tall archways, bubbling fountains, and fragrant gardens — a setting that has earned it the title of Sedona's most romantic restaurant.

A Chef with Serious Credentials

At the center of René's kitchen is Executive Chef Mercer Mohr, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park who brought formative experience from the Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts to Sedona. His accolades include recognition as "San Francisco Chef of the Year" at the Four Seasons' acclaimed French Room, a second Chef of the Year honor at La Reserve, and the Antonin Carême Medal Award — given to those who have made meaningful contributions to culinary education and the advancement of gastronomy. Chef Mohr now leads Mercer's Kitchen Group, which operates four restaurants in Sedona, with René as its flagship.

French Mediterranean Cuisine, Locally Rooted

The menu draws on the culinary traditions of France, Italy, Spain, and Morocco, interpreted through locally sourced ingredients and refined technique. That combination — French structure meeting Mediterranean brightness — defines the restaurant's identity. Standout dishes include a Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras with citrus-glazed pork belly and port wine reduction, an Osetra Caviar Service, and Les Steak Frites pairing Prime Ribeye, Porterhouse, or Petite Filet with duck-fat fries or whipped Boursin potato. Lunch brings its own character: Bruschetta Boards such as Baked Apples & Foie Gras Mousse with pomegranate and fig jam, or Spanish Iberico Ham & Triple Cream Brie with apple chutney. A Chef's Prix Fixe menu offers a more structured, course-by-course experience for guests who want the kitchen to set the pace for the evening.

Recognition and Atmosphere

The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, held by René, reflects the seriousness of the wine program — a list the Huffington Post once described as "encyclopedic." René is also the only Sedona restaurant to have received the DiRoNA Achievement of Distinction in Dining, which recognizes excellence across every aspect of the dining experience. The restaurant has additionally appeared in the New York Times' "36 Hours" feature and earned consistent recognition as Sedona's best for fine dining, romantic atmosphere, and service.

The dining room is designed for an uninterrupted, adult experience — child seating and strollers are not permitted — while the outdoor courtyard welcomes well-behaved dogs on its pet-friendly patio. Whether the occasion is a quiet anniversary dinner or a private event, René's combination of polished service, a considered French Mediterranean menu, and one of Sedona's most atmospheric settings makes it a reliable choice for guests who want the evening to feel like something.