Should you pick a hotel in a new city you
are visiting because it houses the best
restaurant in town?
That would be a good recommendation if you want to try the extraordinary food at Elote Café, located in the Kings Ransom Sedona Hotel.
"I wanted to pick up my plate and lick it clean...
luxurious food!"
"This is a place the locals go, so you know it's good!"
The owners are proud that Chef Jeff Smedstad decided to open his restaurant in the Kings Ransom Hotel, and have watched him transform their old restaurant into a work of art and love. You won’t want to miss dining here when you come to Sedona so you can join the chorus of reviews we have picked below that speak for themselves. And if you want to have some great Margaritas or Mexican beers (tequila and beers handpicked by the chef), then it would be wise to make a reservation at one of these hotels, so you can simply walk in for a dinner you won’t soon forget!
A Sample of Elote Cafe Reviews from Trip Advisor 2010:
“I cannot even describe this food with words and do it justice. Tender, flavorful and beautiful lamb and the skirt steak was amazing also. Something so simple as guacamole has never tasted so good as it did here.
We have eaten at several different places while in Sedona and I am sad, but elated, that this was our last on our vacation. Sad because we are leaving and cannot go again until our next visit - elated because we didn't miss it.”
“While in Sedona for a family reunion, 11 of us (9 adults and 2 toddlers), ate at Elote Cafe. It was the perfect choice for location, atmosphere, food, and service. The restaurant has a cantina-like decor that is quite fun. The food was amazing. I think our group tried every item on the menu and no one was disappointed. The elote appetizer is a must-try dish. Our server kept track of four checks that made paying our bill easier than getting one for the table. Service was superb. A much appreciated surprise was her declaration when she brought the checks that a gratuity was included in the amount and that the chef checked each payment to make sure that we realized it and did not double tip. Of course, we all increased the tip to show our appreciation. You should not miss this restaurant.”
“Yes, I am a foodie. Yes, Chef Smedstad's creations are something everyone must experience. I knew I wanted the cookbook as soon as I took my first bite of the signature appetizer, Elote. It is without question a must-have. Why oh why do I live in New England? I need fresh corn now!
For my entree I had a recently added dish which is a roasted halibut in an amazing verde mole sauce. My husband had the Carne Asada. The chef's ability to meld so many flavors so well makes him a absolute genius in my book.
We scored a few seats at the bar which saved us an hour+ wait. (We were very hungry after our day of hiking). At first I was a little disappointed. It was our anniversary so we wanted the dinner to be 'special'. How foolish. Sitting at the bar watching the bartender, Ashley, at work was a show in itself. Definitely an experience I would never trade. I dubbed her the Master. This is a woman who knows her stuff!
This is a place the locals go so you know it's good!”
“Without questions this was one of the best meals of our lives and we eat in NYC frequently! Be sure to enjoy the dish Elote, a corn dish that makes my mouth water just thinking about it. We loved our food so much we bought a cookbook, which the chef came out to autograph for us- a very nice touch. We only spent 3 mights in Sedona but we ate here twice and have no regrets. Even the drinks are delicious. Don't be put off by the wait- go early or late and wait- you will not be sorry-”
“Reading the reviews on tripadvisor made me put this high on my list. It did not disappoint. Everything was amazing. First, getting there early is no joke. We tried to go on a Tuesday around 7 & it was an hour and a half wait for 2 people. So, we went on another day right at 5:00 & there were already several other tables seated. The place was full by 6. The portions were large, but wonderful. I absolutely loved everything. I ordered the leg of lamb. I usually don't like roasted meat, but I loved this. My boyfriend had the chicken enchiladas. Those were amazing as well. Be ready to take home leftovers or overstuff yourself (we also ordered apps & dessert, not necessary, but everything just looked too good we couldn't help it). Everything was amazing!”
Finally!
Gourmet Mexican food has made its way to Sedona!
Click arrow above to play video
If
you’ve been missing Chef Jeff Smedstad’s upscale twist
on traditional Mexican food — think fall-off-the-bone tender
meats, hand-rolled tamales, and slow-simmered molé sauces — then
you better steer your SUV straight to Sedona. Tucked inside the
historic, recently revamped Kings Ransom Sedona Hotel, Elote Café offers a seasonal menu of fine Mexican favorites served
in a handsome and view-filled atmosphere.
Named for the popular Mexican snack of grilled corn rolled in
cojita cheese, Elote Café features only the finest organic
and naturally-raised ingredients, including Arizona-grown tomatoes
and Silver Queen corn. Try our Lamb Adobo, Pepita Crusted Snapper, or Shrimp Chilaquiles, just a sample of our signature dinner entrees.
“I cannot even describe this food with words and do it justice. Tender, flavorful and beautiful lamb and the skirt steak was amazing also. Something so simple as guacamole has never tasted so good as it did here.
For my entree I had a recently added dish which is a roasted halibut in an amazing verde mole sauce. My husband had the Carne Asada. The chef's ability to meld so many flavors so well makes him a absolute genius in my book. 
“Reading the reviews on tripadvisor made me put this high on my list. It did not disappoint. Everything was amazing. First, getting there early is no joke. We tried to go on a Tuesday around 7 & it was an hour and a half wait for 2 people. So, we went on another day right at 5:00 & there were already several other tables seated. The place was full by 6. The portions were large, but wonderful. I absolutely loved everything. I ordered the leg of lamb. I usually don't like roasted meat, but I loved this. My boyfriend had the chicken enchiladas. Those were amazing as well. Be ready to take home leftovers or overstuff yourself (we also ordered apps & dessert, not necessary, but everything just looked too good we couldn't help it). Everything was amazing!”
The Kings Ransom is a Green Sedona Hotel!