Restaurants
Our favorites include some of this destination's best restaurants—from fine dining to simple fare.
The Grand Canyon elicits a desire for meals cooked and enjoyed by the warmth of a campfire, beneath the glow of the sweeping night sky. However, such staples as franks and beans can get boring fast. Thankfully, this region's raw splendor and distinctive culture is emulated in its inviting restaurants.
The Grand Hotel features
Canyon Star, a Southwestern eatery roping in diners with such dishes as buffalo burgers, mushroom enchiladas, ribs and steaks. Breakfast and lunch are offered, while Native American dancers and melodic cowboy performances liven up dinnertime. The adjacent saloon conveys the spirit of the West with exposed timber, stone and ironwork décor; barstools made out of saddles; and toe-tapping country-and-western music.
At the
Coronado Room in the
Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn, discerning diners weary of eating straight from the skillet are pampered with escargot and elk steak. The Continental and Southwestern menu also features chicken, beef and seafood plates, along with an extensive wine list. An elegant, yet casual atmosphere, complemented by an attentive staff, affords the perfect setting to unwind.
Offering gourmet fare in a stylish setting, the
El Tovar Hotel Dining Room resides in an architecturally striking lodge built of native stone and Oregon pine. The influence of Native American cultures is apparent in both the décor and the menu. Corn, pumpkin seeds and pine nuts—staple ingredients to indigenous Indian tribes—add flair to a number of dishes. Try the blue cornmeal and buckwheat pancakes drizzled with pear syrup for breakfast, Navajo fry bread tacos for lunch and grilled lamb chops with cucumber mint yogurt for dinner.
Architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter integrated Native American designs into such projects as Hopi House, the
Watchtower and
Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins. The last site is a center of activity at the
Grand Canyon National Park - South Rim, affording guests such seasonal options as a coffee house and an old-fashioned ice cream fountain. Near the apex of
Bright Angel Trail, a tavern illustrates the allure of the West through historic murals, folk musicians and western singers. Bright Angel Restaurant also celebrates the region's colorful past. Munch on stuffed jalapenos, green chili-cheese tamales or the signature Colorado quiche—filled with eggs, ham, Swiss cheese and green onions.
The Arizona Room at Bright Angel Lodge is known for impressive views of the canyon and creative Southwestern flavors. But get there early; long wait times are common and seating is first-come, first-served only. Both lunch and dinner are available, with menu items ranging from simple sandwiches to chili-crusted, pan-seared salmon and honey-chipotle baby back ribs. To quell sugar cravings, try the fudge lava cake, or share a slice of blackberry peach streusel pie.
The cafeteria at
Maswik Lodge is similar to a food court, dishing up complete meals with complementary sides. Enjoy a filling feast of spaghetti or barbecue chicken at fast-food restaurant prices. Surrounded by piñon and juniper forests, a seasonal café at
Yavapai Lodge also is an inexpensive stop for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The dining hall features various stations, including a salad bar, where patrons can mix and match items.
If hotel dining halls aren't your style, grab a deli sandwich and a few snacks before heading back into the wilderness. Convenient, year-round concessions are found near
Desert View Campground, Hermits Rest and Grand Canyon Village Marketplace. Dine-in or take-out service is available at
We Cook Pizza & Pasta. The popular eatery sells calzones, microbrews, pasta, pizza and sandwiches, while an adjoining ice cream shop serves up cool treats.
Though most dining establishments are on the South Rim, the canteen at
Phantom Ranch nourishes hikers venturing to the canyon floor with hiker's stew as well as vegetarian and steak dishes. Reservations are required, and there are specific seating times for breakfast and dinner. Also offered are sack lunches, snacks and supplies.
For picturesque views of the
Grand Canyon National Park - North Rim, stop at the
Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge. Architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood designed the 1937 structure, which showcases limestone walls and timbered ceilings. Patrons of the on-site restaurant nibble on blueberry chardonnay salmon and white wine-infused chicken breast. An abundant breakfast buffet provides sightseers with plenty of energy, while burgers, sandwiches and salads make up the lunch menu. Travelers also find snacks, picnic lunches and veggie burgers at a small café as well as gourmet coffee and pastries at the Roughrider Saloon.
Also serving North Rim visitors is
Jacob Lake Inn, built in 1923 amid the towering pines of adjacent
Kaibab National Forest. The inn's bakery and restaurant fills bellies with such wholesome fare as freshly prepared French toast and whole wheat pancakes. Heralded as one of the nation's best hamburgers, their loaded Grand Bull Sandwich is served on grilled bread and piled high with mushrooms, grilled onions, cheese, bacon, tomato slices and green chilies. For dessert, sample a warm chocolate-parfait, lemon-zucchini or German chocolate cookie.
See all the AAA Diamond-rated
restaurants for this destination.
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