Dining recommendations

Question

We are spending two nights at the Awahnee in July. I’m a bit scared because of the dismal reviews- hopefully the location will make up for the condition of the hotel. Now-where to eat dinner. It looks like the Awahnee is only offering a buffet for dinner. Is there any place else in the park you would recommend? It doesn’t have to be fancy- good food is more important.

Answer

While the Ahwahnee Hotel has a beautiful setting and historic charm, the dinner options are indeed limited, primarily offering a buffet or prix-fixe menu that some visitors find underwhelming. If you prioritize good food over location, there are several alternatives within Yosemite Valley that you can consider.

Dining options within Yosemite National Park:

Mountain Room Restaurant (Yosemite Valley Lodge) – Located near Yosemite Falls, this restaurant serves American cuisine with a focus on steaks, seafood, and seasonal vegetables. It’s more casual than the Ahwahnee dining room but generally receives solid reviews for quality and service.
Base Camp Eatery (Yosemite Valley Lodge) – Fast-casual style with pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Good for a relaxed dinner, especially if traveling with kids.
Curry Village Dining – Offers both pizza and pasta options. While it’s casual, it is popular for families and hikers looking for a hearty meal after a day outdoors.
Degnan’s Kitchen (Village area) – Great for grab-and-go options or lighter dinners like sandwiches, salads, and breakfast-for-dinner choices. Not formal, but convenient and tasty.

Dining considerations:

Reservations: For the Mountain Room Restaurant, reservations are recommended in July due to high summer traffic.
Timing: Arrive early or late for dinner to avoid crowds, especially at the more casual spots.
Flexibility: Some visitors choose to enjoy a lighter dinner outside the park in El Portal or Mariposa if staying an extra night and willing to drive, but this requires a 30–60 minute drive each way.

In summary, if you are staying at the Ahwahnee and prefer not to eat the buffet, the Mountain Room Restaurant at Yosemite Valley Lodge is your best bet for a sit-down meal with decent quality. For more casual or family-friendly options, Base Camp Eatery, Curry Village, and Degnan’s Kitchen offer simpler meals and are conveniently located within the Valley.

Dining recommendations

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