New Documentary Lisa Dahl: Blessed By Grace Explores Grief, Healing and the Power of Food

Arriving on Tubi, Roku and other US streaming platforms on 12 November 2026, the film follows Sedona chef and restaurateur Lisa Dahl as she transforms personal tragedy into a culinary legacy honouring her late son.


US DIGITAL RELEASE – 12 NOVEMBER 2026

From personal tragedy to culinary success, Lisa Dahl: Blessed By Grace tells the remarkable story of a woman who transformed unimaginable loss into a celebrated career as a chef and restaurateur.

Set against the spectacular red rock landscapes of Sedona, Arizona, the documentary explores the life of Lisa Dahl, whose passion for food became both a source of healing and a lasting tribute to her late son.

The film examines the relationship between grief, resilience and creativity, revealing how one woman's determination to rebuild her life helped establish one of Arizona's most successful restaurant groups.

The Story

In 1994, Lisa Dahl's life changed forever when her son Justin was murdered in San Francisco while attempting to help during a robbery.

Devastated by his death, Dahl eventually found comfort and purpose through cooking, something she and Justin had shared a passion for.

In 1995, she relocated to Sedona, Arizona, where she opened Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano, a restaurant established in honour of her son's memory.

What began as a deeply personal undertaking would develop into an extraordinary culinary career. Over the following three decades, Dahl expanded her business to six restaurants, becoming one of the most recognised names in Sedona's thriving dining scene.

Through her personal experiences, Lisa Dahl: Blessed By Grace explores how creativity, hospitality and human connection can offer a path forward following profound loss.


Building a Culinary Legacy

A self-taught chef, Dahl has become a leading figure in Arizona's restaurant industry, earning recognition for her commitment to quality, hospitality and innovative cuisine.

Her flagship restaurant, Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano, laid the foundations for a growing collection of acclaimed dining establishments, including Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, which opened in 2015.

Alongside her restaurant achievements, Dahl has appeared on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay, prepared dinners at New York's prestigious James Beard House, and received recognition from the Arizona Restaurant Association, including its Food Pioneer and Top Chef Arizona awards.

She is also the author of two cookbooks, Elixir of Life and A Romance With Food, reflecting her enthusiasm for cooking and the emotional connections created through sharing a meal.

Giving Something Back

Dahl's determination to honour Justin's memory extends beyond the kitchen.

Established in 2024, the Lisa Dahl Foundation supports initiatives addressing food insecurity, including Soup Hope, a project designed to provide nourishment to those in need.

With her restaurant group now employing approximately 300 people and welcoming hundreds of thousands of diners each year, Dahl's achievements demonstrate how personal adversity can inspire a lasting contribution to the wider community.


Festival Screenings and Release

Lisa Dahl: Blessed By Grace has screened at several film festivals, including the Sedona International Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival, Black Rock City Film Festival and Indy Shorts International Film Festival.

The documentary will be released in the United States on 12 November 2026 across a selection of digital and streaming platforms, including Tubi, Roku, Documentary+, Google Play and YouTube Movies & TV.

Combining an intimate personal story with the warmth and hospitality of Sedona's culinary world, the documentary offers a portrait of determination, remembrance and the healing power of food.


Documentary Details

Title: Lisa Dahl: Blessed By Grace

Subject: Lisa Dahl

Genre: Documentary / Biography

US Digital Release: 12 November 2026

Platforms: Tubi, Roku, Documentary+, Google Play and YouTube Movies & TV

UK Release: To be announced

Film information courtesy of Shore Fire Media. Streaming availability may vary by territory.