Restaurant Reivew
Wildflower Bread Company
Anyone who loves the comfort food, cozy setting, and consistency of Panera Bread will likely love Arizona based chain Wildflower Bread Company, as it is almost identical in layout, food offerings, and pricing to the beloved chain.
There are 2 locations in Northern Arizona, one in Flagstaff and another in Sedona, although the food is great at both locations, the Sedona cafe offers something a little extra: breathtaking views of the gorgeous red rocks!
Gorgeous mountain views, an attractive casual setting, and fun comfort food make Wildflower a perfect choice after a day out hiking in the beautiful Sedona wilderness. Sit back, relax by the fire, and treat yourself to a fresh salad, sandwich, and bowl of steaming homemade soup after an exhausting day out on the trails.
Food
Wildflower offers a very similar menu to that found at Panera, consisting of sandwiches, salads, soups, and light entrees. Seasonally, they offer a wonderful Butternut Squash Ravioli topped with a walnut cream sauce and a tasty autumn pumpkin soup. A Turkey Cranberry Walnut Stuffing sandwich, Pumpkin Cinnamon Latte, Pumpkin Pie, and a Pumpkin Cinnamon Latte can also be enjoyed during the fall season.
Similar to Panera, they offer a variation of the "You Pick Two" which is known here as the "Wildflower Two." This is a great deal as you can test out either 1/2 a sandwich or salad with a bowl of soup. The servings here are pretty decent, so this deal is great for anyone looking for a filling lunch.
Soups vary on a daily basis, although I recommend visiting when the deliciously creamy Broccoli Cheese is available. And be sure to request the 9 grain bread to dip!
Although not included in the "Wildflower Two" deal, the V12 Kale Salad is sure to please healthy diners and vegetarians with its' combination of 12 vegetables in a Mediterranean vinaigrette. Be aware: a full size salad or sandwich with a bowl of soup will definitely leave you with plenty of leftovers!
All in all, a meal at Wildflower is sure to both satisfy and fill you up before or after your outdoor adventures in Sedona. Wildflower is the perfect choice due to the casual atmosphere and variety of healthy, filling choices available.
You'll also notice a familiar enticing display of treats and pastries by the counter as you place your order. Cakes and cheesecakes can be ordered whole or by the slice. Be on the lookout for seasonal and holiday specialties which you can pre-order for parties and celebrations.
Service
Service was in accordance with what you typically find at any casual chain: friendly and fast!
Atmosphere
The setting at the Sedona location is quite wonderful, which probably explains why the afternoon line went out to the door, with this place being way more packed than your average Panera.
Whether you choose to dine indoors or out, you can take advantage of Sedona's magnificent red rock scenery, although I recommend sitting outside on the patio for a more spectacular view!
Final Remarks
Overall, Wildflower is one of the best casual dining choices in Sedona. Here you can fill up on soup, salad, and whole grains at affordable prices without feeling rushed. This makes it a great choice after enjoying any one of the multitude of hikes found throughout the region, as you can take your time, enjoy your meal, and savor a few more incredible landscape views.
