Grand Canyon Resident Reviews Top 5 Restaurants

The Grand Canyon is a fantastic vacation spot. Amazing views, many different cultures, and plenty of hiking opportunities make it a memorable experience for everyone. But when your paying outrageously high tourist prices for your meals you want to be sure you get the biggest bang for your buck. I've spent over a year and a half living at the Grand Canyon and would love to share an insider's review of the different places to grab a bite to eat while in canyon country.

We Cook Pizza and Pasta is a surefire place to put an end to your stomach's grumbling. This is actually just outside of the park entrance in the little town of Tusayan. The name of the restaurant says it all, they cook some great pizza and pasta. They've been rated by Pizza Today as one of the top 100 pizza restaurants in the country. This was by far my favorite place to eat while living there. It's a casual environment with good music and friendly employees. They also have a vegan pizza and a salad bar. Adjacent to We Cook is a nice ice cream parlor that makes for a great dessert. Its only open during the summer though. A trip to the Grand Canyon is not complete until you've gotten a chance to eat at We Cook Pizza and Pasta. Getting there is simple. If your inside the park just get on 64 and head straight on through the park exit. Keep going straight and once your a couple of miles outside the park you'll see it in the first plaza on the left.

The Arizona Room is an excellent steakhouse that walks the line well between casual and upscale. They are open for lunch and dinner. The restaurant opens for dinner at 4:30 in the evening and is first come first serve, no reservations taken. If you would like to avoid a wait and secure a table near the window it's recommended you get there before they even open the doors. This restaurant has the nicest view in the area as it directly overlooks the Grand Canyon. The staff are well trained to provide friendly and prompt service. If your not in the mood for a New York strip steak their prime rib is also an excellent choice. The Arizona room is located on the North side of the Bright Angel Lodge.

The El Tovar restaurant is the flagship of the Grand Canyon. It is fine dining with a view that you won't find anywhere else. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Only dinner requires a reservation and it is recommended that you make one far in advance of your visit. Their menus include things such as a delicious spicy southwestern omelette for breakfast or a tender grilled salmon for dinner. If enjoying dinner there be prepared to spend at least $30 to $50 per person. There is no dress code as their policy is dress for your own occasion. It's common to see patrons ranging from suits and ties to those who haven't even gotten a chance to change from their hiking clothes yet. The El Tovar Lodge is located directly on the rim.

For those visitors who would like to cram as much as possible into their Grand Canyon visit the cafeterias may be more ideal. Yavapai cafeteria offers a wide range of choices that should cater to anyone's palate. Whether it be a chicken pot pie, a personal pizza, or their popular fried chicken you are sure to enjoy a nice quick meal and be back on your way to sight seeing. They also have daily specials such as fried catfish or blackened trout. Yavapai cafeteria is located in the market plaza, where you will also find the general store, the post office, and the bank.

If your not in the mood for a whole meal and would just like a hotdog or an ice cream cone the Bright Angel Fountain is the place to go. It is directly on the rim of the Grand Canyon and is most popular for their ice cream. The line can seem a bit daunting to wait through at times but the hard working employees will keep everything moving quickly. They don't offer any seating inside the Bright Angel Fountain but there are some very comfortable benches right outside. The Bright Angel Fountain is only open seasonally, closed during the winter months. A visit to the Grand Canyon can be very memorable and a pleasant culinary experience can only add to the fondness of that memory. It's good to remember before your visit that it's a tourist industry and all of the restaurants seem overpriced. As tempting as it is to balk at the high prices there aren't any alternatives(unless you bring your own food) so it's best to just plan that into your budget ahead of time and enjoy your stay. Bon Appétit!