Cucina Rustica Awards

Cucina Rustica Restaurant Review:

Fine dining arrived in the Village of Oak Creek, and it was only appropriate that it came courtesy of Sedona dining legends Lisa Dahl and Andrea DiLuca, chef-owners of Dahl & DiLuca Ristorante Italiano. Old-world architecture, lavishly adorned dining rooms and a romantic patio complete with outdoor fireplaces and fountains lend a rustic Italian ambience to this eatery, but be sure to pull your eyes from the décor long enough to peruse the chef’s impressive offerings. Start out with the crochette di riso, homemade arborio rice balls filled with molten mozzarella cheese, served with the house-made marinara. Pastas are made fresh daily, and vegetarian options abound. For a main course, try the vitello magellano, thin slices of veal sautéed with sea scallops, mushrooms and spinach in a brandy sauce; or the piatto lisetta consisting of chicken breasts, jumbo prawns and artichoke hearts sautéed scampi-style with lemon, garlic and white wine served with orzo riso. Attentive service and attractive presentations help make this a satisfying dining experience.