Dining Options at the Grand Canyon

No matter how you arrive—by mule, raft, or foot—Phantom Ranch at the base of the Grand Canyon offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Securing a spot here is the ultimate challenge, as it’s the most coveted reservation in the park. Enter the online lottery for a chance to stay overnight, then hike or mule your way down the 10-mile Bright Angel Trail or the 7.7-mile South Kaibab Trail. (Due to trail conditions, availability is more limited than usual. Check online before planning your trip.) Upon arrival, enjoy a hearty meal of steak, cornbread, and potatoes; beef stew; or vegetable chili. Breakfast features scrambled eggs, hotcakes, cherrywood-smoked bacon, and enough coffee to fuel your hike back to civilization.

Located on the South Rim within the historic El Tovar, which opened its doors in 1905 and features a balcony suite adorned with Zane Grey-inspired decor, this restaurant offers the finest dining experience in the national park. Here, guests can savor Southwestern specialties such as chorizo omelets for breakfast and tacos filled with local Arizona beef and served with house-made fry bread for lunch. For dinner, the highlight is the roasted duck entrée with plum demi-glace, complemented by an extensive wine list focusing on Arizona vineyards, and an old-fashioned dessert cart.

Located within the Bright Angel Lodge, just a short stroll from the iconic Bright Angel Trail, the Arizona Steakhouse offers a relaxed dining experience with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Xanterra Parks & Resorts, the principal concessionaire at the Grand Canyon, is dedicated to sustainability—much of the vegetable waste from the South Rim Mytouries is used to feed local mules. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Arizona Steakhouse is renowned for its green chile corn tamales, Arizona prime rib, prickly pear glazed pork ribs, and a selection of local beers, wines, and spirits.

The Grand Canyon, known as the Inverted Mountain, makes hikers tackle the easy descent first before the more strenuous ascent, which can be quite a challenge. After a rewarding hike, unwind at Harvey House Café. Nestled within the Bright Angel Lodge, this relaxed spot offers lunch and dinner with a focus on local flavors. Enjoy regional beers from Flagstaff, Williams, and Chandler, and savor unique burgers topped with inventive ingredients like peach bourbon chutney, poutine, hoisin ketchup, and crispy fried avocado.

Although “dog-friendly” and “national parks” don’t typically go hand in hand (dogs are restricted from trails and below the rim at the Grand Canyon), pet owners will be delighted to discover Yavapai Tavern’s dog-friendly patio. Equipped with fire pits for year-round enjoyment, this spot offers a range of dishes including elk burgers with roasted poblano, vegan chili, customizable pizzas, and rotating gelato flavors. Live music and a selection of Arizona craft beers ensure a vibrant atmosphere paired with stunning views.

After a strenuous hike through the Grand Canyon, if you're not up for a formal meal, swing by Maswik Pizza Pub in the Grand Canyon Lodge food court. Grab a few slices, or even a whole 16-inch pizza, and pair it with wings, breadsticks, and a draft beer. The pub offers seating for a more traditional dining experience, but enjoying a supreme pizza with pepperoni, sausage, ham, mushrooms, peppers, olives, and onions in your tent is also perfectly fine.

Situated on the West Rim, which is managed by the Hualapai Indians and is home to the dramatic Skywalk, The Sky View Restaurant caters to travelers with classic fare like wings, burgers, hot dogs, and beer. Its standout feature is the breathtaking view: diners can enjoy the Grand Canyon and the Skywalk through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows in the restaurant.

After a day in the great outdoors, nothing hits the spot like a hearty breakfast. This relaxed Mytoury offers breakfast all day, featuring omelets and French toast. For those with a big appetite, there are also towering salads, hearty sandwiches, and flavorful pasta dishes. Plus, its proximity to the rim means you can enjoy delightful views while you dine.

Southwestern cuisine encompasses more than just prickly pear margaritas and Hatch chiles; it also includes Navajo dishes. If you're approaching the Grand Canyon from the east, Cameron Trading Post offers a taste of this with its restaurant, motel, and gift shop. It’s a perfect spot for lunch, serving hearty Navajo tacos—crispy fry bread topped with ground beef, beans, and green chile. Additionally, you can enjoy specialties like Yah-Ahtay chile with sirloin and pinto beans, or fry bread with roast beef, gravy, and onions.

Located about an hour south of the Grand Canyon, Williams is a charming gateway town with access to the Grand Canyon Railway. For those staying in Williams, Brewed Awakenings is an ideal stop to kickstart your day. Whether you choose to visit in person or use the drive-thru, this local café serves up a selection of lattes, frappes, breakfast burritos, and pastries—perfect for a quick bite before heading to the South Rim.

Grand Canyon employees are known to travel an hour and a half just for exceptional sushi. If you share this craving, make your way to Karma Sushi Bar & Grill in Flagstaff. Join the locals for happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., where you can indulge in specialty rolls, sashimi, ramen tempura, and other beloved Japanese dishes. Enjoy specials on sake, martinis, and discounted spring rolls, salmon nigiri, and gyoza during this time.