If you’re a gluten-free vegan like me, you know the struggle of finding a restaurant that offers delicious, safe options while traveling. That’s why I was thrilled to find Picazzo’s Italian Kitchen in Sedona, Arizona, a true gem for plant-based diners. After spending the day hiking the gorgeous red rocks, my appetite was in full swing, and Picazzo’s did not disappoint.
Hiking Adventures in Sedona
Let’s backtrack a little. My day started with some incredible hikes in Sedona’s scenic desert landscape. If you’ve ever been, you know just how jaw-dropping the views are—towering red rocks, open skies, and peaceful trails. Sedona has some of the most breathtaking hikes I’ve ever done, so by the time dinner rolled around, I was ready for a feast.
Discovering Picazzo’s Italian Kitchen
After a long day outdoors, I headed over to Picazzo’s Italian Kitchen, which has an entire plant-based vegan menu. Yep, you read that right—an entire menu dedicated to plant-based eaters with plenty of gluten-free options. I practically hit the menu lottery!
It’s not often that I find a restaurant that caters to both my vegan and gluten-free lifestyle, so I was beyond excited to explore their offerings. Picazzo’s prides itself on serving organic, wholesome dishes, and it shows in the quality of their food.
The Appetizer: Gluten-Free Cheese Bread
To start off, I couldn’t resist ordering the gluten-free cheese bread. Now, if you’ve been gluten-free for a while, you know how hard it is to find safe, delicious bread at a restaurant, let alone cheese bread! This was a major treat for me—it was perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey with melted vegan cheese on the inside. I can’t even remember the last time I was able to safely enjoy cheese bread at a restaurant. The flavor and texture were spot on. It truly set the tone for the rest of the meal.
The Main Course: Vegan Chick’n Parm
For the main course, I went with their vegan chick’n parm, which came with gluten-free rigatoni pasta and garlic butter French green beans with almonds. Let me tell you, this dish was an absolute dream! The vegan chick’n was perfectly breaded and crispy, the pasta was cooked to perfection, and the green beans added a delicious crunch with a buttery garlic flavor. Every bite was a reminder of why I wished we had a Picazzo’s back home in Pennsylvania!
Dessert: Vegan Cheesecake to Go
I was so full by the time dessert came around, but I couldn’t resist ordering their vegan cheesecake to take back to my Airbnb. Later that evening, I finally dug into the cheesecake, and it did not disappoint! The creamy texture and slight tanginess were everything I had hoped for. It was the perfect way to end an already amazing dining experience.
Why You Should Visit Picazzo’s
If you’re ever in Sedona, Picazzo’s Italian Kitchen is a must-visit spot for gluten-free vegans. The extensive plant-based menu, paired with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, makes it the perfect stop after a day of hiking. Whether you’re craving comfort food like vegan chick’n parm or something lighter, they’ve got you covered.
Sedona is a stunning place, and with food this good, I’m already planning my next trip back!
