Part of what makes book nooks so enchanting is beyond their eye-catching exterior, an entire captivating scene is hidden within. So too is Atria — an upscale dining experience conveniently located in charming Downtown Flagstaff. Here, guests are entreated to a feast for the eyes and palate. And because of all this (and more) we’ve decided to bestow Atria with The Best of the Southwest Bestie designation. 

Atria musts:

• Book a tasting menu reservation
• Order the Smoked Short Rib with Birra Consomme
• Ask the Atria staff to help pair your dish with the perfect beverage

Atria accolades to match ambiance and epicurean excellence

The brainchild of Chef Rochelle Daniel, Atria earned a James Beard nomination in 2022 — a mere year after its opening — making it to the semifinals. Having reviewed our fair share of James Beard nominated (and awarded) restaurants and Michelin Star restaurants, Atria and Daniel exhibit the qualities of these and other culinary accolades. 

Atria’s interior is both elegant and warm, further accentuated by candlelight and soft white and oak design. Daniel’s — coming from The Mission and Fat Ox — knows exactly how to pair an elevated dining atmosphere with food.

Emphasis on sustainability and fresh ingredients

During our Flagstaff sojourn, our group was able to see firsthand how Daniel and her team leverage the region’s natural ecosystem to craft fresh, seasonal dishes. Two Atria chefs joined us for a foraging retreat at Ruby Earth Gardens, where we got to see how farm-fresh ingredients integrate with Atria’s autumnal menu. 

As for tasting menus, Atria shines, serving the best in savory and sweet seasonal offerings (fall in our case). Each of the nine courses during our culinary quest accompanied an adult-beverage pairing (non-alcoholic beverages were substituted when requested).

A tasting menu to remember: nine courses of the season’s best

The tasting launched with a Spruce Caviar Cone, a mix of sweet and salty sensations to liven tastebuds, coupled with a Jean Philippe Brut sparkling wine. Next, the Oysters topped with caviar beurre blanc partnered perfectly with Smoked Carrot Sake. 

Coming in hot, the Hamachi Crudo with coconut aquachile and red curry squash donned the table in tandem with an in-house crafted High Society cocktail. For a fun follow-up, Bone Marrow with liver mousse and chicken oysters arrived alongside Truchard Chardonnay, Carneros (2021). 

Intermission: A key lime intermezzo presented as a refreshingly, zingy palate cleanser.

Back to the main program, now on course six, the Smoked Almond Caramelle with squash and persimmon (a personal favorite) served alongside a Squash Sidecar. The seventh plate consisted of a buttery, smooth Smoked Short Rib with Birra Consomme paired with a Pomegranate, Ginger & Anise Spritz mocktail. 

The last savory course featured Grilled Duck with caramelized onion and chanterelles — one of the most tender and flavor duck iterations you can imagine — this time paired with Tornatore Etna Rosso, Sicily (2019). 

To bring it home and top off the evening, a most extravagant dessert; one you must see to believe. Tucked inside a gorgeous “chocolate pumpkin shell,” was a decadent and rich pumpkin pie (the “gluten-frees” in our party felt this dessert was especially remarkable in look and taste). 

If your mouth isn’t watering by now, we encourage you to check out our Atria reel and coverage at @TheBestoftheSouthwest on Instagram for a look at more of the dishes we mention here. 

Impeccable service and a sweet send-off

To match the quality and caliber of Atria’s fare is its staff. Edgar, Ysidro and Mac were attentive and knowledgeable, able to tell us anything and everything we wanted to know about a particular dish or ingredient. A shout out to Edgar, who was able to explain the backstory of the highly addictive, sumptuous in-house made potato chips (which he kindly bundled as a take-home treat). 

For those ready to revel in a Flagstaff gem that provides as much of a culinary adventure as it does fine food, beverages and service — make sure Atria is on the next Flagstaff trip itinerary. 

To learn more, visit atriarestaurant.com.