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Whether you’re the type of hiker who diligently plans your PTO around the California superblooms or you’re more of the glamping, 5-mile hike max with one squished granola bar in tow type of trekker, Yosemite is an undeniable top choice for an outdoorsy adventure. The national park’s commanding waterfalls, sweeping valleys, and the humbling immensity of its granite formations demand at least a few days of PTO, even for the most efficient traveler.
When most people think of packing food for a hiking sojourn, they often think they’ll end up with food fatigue after seemingly endless days of eating peanut butter sandwiches, canned goods, and stale trail mix. Luckily, if you get sick of eating any of those staples, you can rest assured that Yosemite has a variety of food options to break up the PB&J.
Here are the best restaurants to check out in Yosemite.
For a classic burger: Village Grill
Price: $
What to get: Onion rings, parmesan fries, and a burger
The rundown: After a long day of hiking, you need a reliable meal and what’s more reliable than a burger and fries? Village Grill is a crowd-pleaser. It offers up classic cheeseburgers as well as chipotle chicken sandwiches, teriyaki turkey burgers, black bean burgers, and more.
The real eye-wideners, however, are the parmesan fries and onion rings. It’s hard to go wrong with any choice at this burger joint. Will it be the best meal of your life? Probably not, but will it taste like it after a long day of hiking? Definitely.
Make sure to check its hours before you go, as it’s only open seasonally.
For comfort food: Curry Village Pizza Deck
Price: $$
What to get: Build your own pizza
The rundown: You can’t go wrong with pizza. There’s something about tomato sauce, cheese, and bread that makes an unbeatable combo. At the Pizza Deck at Curry Village, you can enjoy a pie on its open-air patio. Don’t worry though, the tables have umbrellas to protect you from the sun.
Grab a classic pizza or go for a specialty combo like the White Wolf white sauce pizza or the Caramel Apple Pizza. Better yet, build your own and get whichever toppings you’d like.
On-the-go meal: Degnan’s Kitchen
Price: $
What to get: A good coffee and a baked good
The rundown: Sometimes, the last thing you want to do after a long day of exploring is change into a new outfit and go out for dinner. For the best spot for grabbing a quick bite either before or after your day of trekking, go to Degnan’s Deli.
Grab a cup of joe or opt for a muffin. There are also other goodies like fresh-made salads and sandwiches as well as pizza. You can also shop for snacks to throw into your daypack.
Lunch with a view: Off the Hook Deli
Price: $
What to get: Pizza or a sandwich and toss in a cold drink
The rundown: Enjoy a Bloody Mary or a frozen coffee at Off the Hook Deli. Though this eatery is technically located on the outskirts of Yosemite, at the Twin Lakes Resort, it’s well worth the view. Grab a pizza or a turkey sandwich (and a cold one) and then take in the view.
The deli is located right on Twin Lakes and is a great pick if you decide to trek the strenuous 13.6-mile-long Twin Lakes hike. Refuel your body while enjoying the sweeping mountain views and crystal clear waters.
A nice, sit-down meal: Mountain Room
Price: $$
What to get: Rainbow Trout and Mountain Bread Pudding
The rundown: If you’re going to Yosemite, you’re likely trying to maximize the amount of time you’re spending taking in all the scenery. But, just because you’re venturing indoors for some sustenance doesn’t mean you have to lose any precious time.
The Mountain Room has floor-to-ceiling windows that help you take in views of the breathtaking 2,424-foot-tall Yosemite falls. This menu is best for carnivores and pescatarians and the chef specializes in steak and seafood dishes made with local, organic, and seasonal ingredients.
This is our pick for a meal to #TreatYourself with. The Rainbow Trout, made with peach-ginger mint chutney, is already calling my name.
For a fancy breakfast: The Ahwahnee Dining Room
Price: $$$
What to get: Prime rib, eggs benedict, and boysenberry pie
The rundown: It might be hard to believe, but you can experience fine dining while on a national park vacation. Ditch the hiking boots and dust off your nicest shoes to enjoy a delectable meal at this Yosemite staple. Located within the Ahwahnee hotel, this historic building is known both for being an inspiration for Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” and also for its legendary Sunday brunch.
The menu is chockful of hearty and satiating options, perfect for that post-hike recharge. There are also some excellent vegan and vegetarian options, too. The Dining Room serves all three major meals but, if you can, snag a spot at the Sunday breakfast buffet for around $56 per person so you can sample all the goodies.
The dining room is temporarily closed for some kitchen upgrades but don’t miss your chance to have a meal in the Dining Room once they reopen on March 3, 2023.
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