
El Tovar Dining Room
Elegant American dining inside historic El Tovar Hotel, offering breathtaking Grand Canyon vistas and a rich, old-west ambiance.

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El Tovar Dining Room

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Elegant American dining inside historic El Tovar Hotel, offering breathtaking Grand Canyon vistas and a rich, old-west ambiance.
"The El Tovar Dining Room provides an unforgettable dining experience with majestic views and impeccable service."
Book Ahead for Window Seats
Request window tables for canyon views, but note they are limited. Reservations are highly recommended.
Advance Reservations Crucial
Make reservations well in advance, especially for dinner, as the restaurant books up quickly.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
$$$
Phone
(928) 638-2631
Address
1 El Tovar Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Breathtaking Grand Canyon Views
Dine with unparalleled vistas of the Grand Canyon's South Rim, creating a truly unforgettable backdrop for your meal.

Historic Ambiance
Experience fine dining in a historic setting within the El Tovar Hotel, featuring rustic elegance and cozy ambiance.

Curated Vegan Options
Thoughtfully curated vegan options are available, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all preferences.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead for Window Seats
Request window tables for canyon views, but note they are limited. Reservations are highly recommended.
Advance Reservations Crucial
Make reservations well in advance, especially for dinner, as the restaurant books up quickly.
Extensive Wine Selection
Explore over 100 varieties of wine, including award-winning selections, to complement your meal.
Ask About Kids' Menu
A kids' menu is available, though not always advertised. Be sure to ask your server.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead for Window Seats
Request window tables for canyon views, but note they are limited. Reservations are highly recommended.
Advance Reservations Crucial
Make reservations well in advance, especially for dinner, as the restaurant books up quickly.
Extensive Wine Selection
Explore over 100 varieties of wine, including award-winning selections, to complement your meal.
Ask About Kids' Menu
A kids' menu is available, though not always advertised. Be sure to ask your server.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Tovar Dining Room offers a fine dining experience with a historic ambiance and stunning Grand Canyon views. Diners rave about the impeccable service and delicious, expertly prepared dishes, particularly mentioning breakfast and unique entrees. While some note the high price point, most find the overall experience worth the splurge for a memorable meal in an iconic location.
"They open early! Thank you! Popped in to eat on SAT without a reservation at 6:30 am, before our descent into the Grand Canyon. What a menu selection. Very impressive. The Eggs Benedict were superb as was their fresh coffee. We had a soft view of the canyon, the bones and layout, artwork, tapestries, fireplace, and lighting, all were an upscale delight. The service was impeccable and catered to our every need. The prices were very reasonable. They had gluten-free options along with gluten-free toast as well. If you're staying in Tusayan or at the Canyon, this is where you eat and enjoy your first meal. I recommend arriving early. Thank you for taking wonderful care of us."
Michael “Maranara” Maragliano
"The El Tovar Dining Room is quite an experience. We reserved ahead of time and were delighted to get a window seat facing the Grand Canyon upon arrival. Although I had read many online reviews highlighting the El Tovar Hotel's location, I was still surprised by the stunning views from the Dining Room, and I'm sure other guests will find them equally spectacular.
Just as unique as the location, the food was magnificent too. My breakfast consisted of the truly unique and delicious trio pancake, complete with pine nut butter and wild honey, as well as prickly pear syrup, complementing the flavorful pancakes. This, along with some good coffee, made my meal perfect. My kid and wife enjoyed the Asparagus Omelet and Spinach Omelet, served with toast, fries, etc. The grandeur of the Hotel reception and the antique pieces on display made it a memorable experience for all of us"
Lakshminarayanan Raju
"This is a historical place, and we really enjoyed our time here. The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and we loved the wooden house with its real chimney and large halls. It is truly an amazing location. Everything we ordered was delightful.
I am updating my review. Yesterday, we visited for lunch and returned today for breakfast. We had an amazing experience! The breakfast menu is delicious. We all ordered different meals, and everything tasted fantastic. This place is truly fabulous—the food, the service, and the atmosphere! We had a great time and enjoyed every moment. Thank you!"
Eliza Priluzki
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner. They can be made up to six months in advance with room reservations or 30 days without.
Window tables offering direct canyon views are limited and in high demand. It's best to request one when making your reservation.
The dress code is casual, but it's the most upscale option in the park if you wish to dress up.
Yes, the restaurant offers thoughtfully curated vegan options and is known to accommodate gluten-free needs, including gluten-free toast.
Popular dishes include lobster pasta, oyster stew, steak, and unique breakfast items like trio pancakes or pistachio waffles.
Yes, a kids' menu is available. You may need to ask your server for it as it's not widely advertised.
Its historic setting within the El Tovar Hotel, combined with stunning Grand Canyon views and a renowned wine list, creates a unique dining experience.
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Restaurants in Grand Canyon National Park
Reservations are accepted (and recommended) for dinner at El Tovar Dining Room; they can be made up to six months in advance with El Tovar room reservations, 30 days in advance without. You should also make dinner reservations at the Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room on the North Rim—as the only "upscale" dining option, the restaurant fills up quickly at dinner throughout the season (the two other choices on the North Rim are a cafeteria and a chuck wagon–style Grand Cookout experience). The dress code is casual across the board, but El Tovar is your best option if you're looking to dress up a bit and thumb through an extensive wine list.
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The park’s premium wine list is found at the El Tovar Dining Room where more than 100 varieties of wine include chenin blanc: Sangiovese from Carlson Creek in Willcox, Ariz.; Tazi (a white blend); Dayden (a dry rosé); and Mangus (a Tuscan blend cabernet sauvignon) from Arizona Stronghold in Camp Verde. These and other selections have earned the El Tovar Wine Spectator magazine’s Award of Excellence several years running. Guests can stock up on champagnes, chardonnays, pinot noirs, merlots, and zinfandels from the dining room to add to their personal wine cellars.
El Tovar – Grand Canyon Village Luxury Hotel
Originally constructed in 1901 at the behest of the Sante Fe Railway, El Tovar was designed by Chicago architect Whittlessey to evoke European-style construction – a popular architectural trend in luxury lodgings at the time. Generally thought of as the most majestic and beautiful hotel west of the Mississippi for many decades, El Tovar still evokes awe in many visitors. It’s been host to famous people for generations – from Teddy Roosevelt to Paul McCartney – and today remains the most luxurious option for Grand Canyon lodging.
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By far the finest dining establishment in the park—and the only one on the South Rim that takes reservations—the El Tovar Dining Room is housed in the historic 1905 hotel of the same name, perched perpendicular to the canyon rim. The Dining Room is all about the Old West, designed with rough-hewn pine logs and native stones, and was said to be one of Teddy Roosevelt’s favorite restaurants. Expect upscale cowboy favorites for dinner, like the juicy strip steak, served with a pile of buttermilk-cornbread-battered onion rings.
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El Tovar Dining Room is open for all three meals and is the most upscale choice. Originally staffed by the famed Harvey Girls, the dining room features murals by American Indian artist Bruce Timeche and has hosted presidents and various dignitaries through the years. Legend has it that President Theodore Roosevelt dined in a private room near the front door of the restaurants, but historians claim there is no documentation to support the story and that Roosevelt typically wanted to be in the center of the action.
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A restaurant of high European cuisine with picturesque views, suitable even for a special occasion. Large choice of fish and poultry, beef stroganoff, steaks, unusual dessert menu – here crème brûlée is served with the thinnest layer of jalapeno pepper jelly – a twist on the classics so that the guest does not forget about the proximity of Mexico. A dark wood bar decorated with old furniture, the atmosphere of an old hotel, abandoned in the mountains, as if time stood still at the beginning of the XX century.
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Grand Canyon has quite a few restaurants, ranging from casual grab n’ go options to the elegant El Tovar Dining Room, but across the board the food tends to be overpriced and underwhelming. If you’re a history buff you may want to have a drink at the El Tovar Lounge, and grabbing an ice cream cone after biking to Hermit’s Rest is always fun, but one of the easiest ways to save cash and eat better is to plan your meals outside the park.
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We made our way from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon – a pretty easy and scenic drive – and checked into our cabin at the Bright Angel Lodge. Situated right on the rim of the Grand Canyon (and the Bright Angel trailhead), this landmark hotel dates back to 1935. I absolutely loved our modern rustic room and all the historic pictures from around the Grand Canyon they used to decorate.
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El Tovar Dining Room is one of the most famous restaurants in Grand Canyon, and for good reason. Tucked away inside the historic El Tovar Hotel on the South Rim, this restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a rustic charm. Besides, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, with dark wood accents, cozy seating, and beautiful murals, describing the Grand Canyon’s rich history.
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Enjoy gourmet dishes in an art deco atmosphere built with native stone and Oregan pine. The menu combines traditional Southwestern classics with a sprinkling of international influence. For brekkie, treat your taste buds to Sonoran-style eggs with chorizo, polenta pancakes with prickly pear and pistachio butter or chocolate and peanut butter chip Belgian waffles.
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The El Tovar Dining Room offers the Grand Canyon's most exquisite fine dining experience. The restaurant serves both breakfast and dinner and features a lounge and a beer garden. This world-recognized restaurant has served the likes of Paul McCartney, President Bill Clinton, and President Theodore Roosevelt (who championed the preservation of the Grand Canyon).
El Tovar Dining Room - Fine Dining at the Grand Canyon
One doesn’t visit the Grand Canyon thinking about food, but a meal at El Tovar Dining Room changed my opinion. If you are going to the Grand Canyon (and you must), you owe yourself the pleasure of a meal in the El Tovar Hotel. The name comes from Spanish explorer Don Pedro de Tovar, who reported the existence of the Grand Canyon to fellow explorers in 1540.
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At the pinnacle of Grand Canyon dining stands the historic El Tovar Restaurant. Built in 1905, it was once celebrated as the best hotel west of the Mississippi and remains the premier fine dining destination at the South Rim. The restaurant exudes an upscale atmosphere, complete with a maître d’, white tablecloths, and a dress code encouraged for dinner.
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But for the signature dining experience of Grand Canyon, plan at least one meal at the El Tovar Dining Room. Within the classic hotel, this equally classic restaurant has a timeless quality and a menu that includes dishes like stuffed roasted quail, hand-cut grilled Arizona-grown filet mignon, and sustainable salmon tostada on organic greens.
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1 El Tovar Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023Phone: 928-638-2631 Visit Website. A post shared by Stevie Likes Scoops (@stevielikesscoops). First up on my list of the top restaurants near the Grand Canyon is El Tovar Dining Room, nestled within the aptly-named El Tovar Hotel, near Matrimony “Heart” Rock and Verkamp’s Visitor Center.
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Let’s start with the most delicious thing I ate: a huge Mediterranean salad with lemon vinaigrette dressing at the fanciest place in the park, El Tovar Lodge. This imposing building dates back to 1905. Trigger warning: the lobby is full of dead animal heads, including moose shot by former President Teddy Roosevelt himself.
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A romantic dinner for two is extra special at the Grand Canyon, and you will find the perfect setting in the El Tovar Dining Room. Begin with drinks in the El Tovar Lounge, where you can step out onto the veranda for an incredible view of the sun setting over the canyon. Then make your way to the elegant dining room.
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For a truly luxurious and unforgettable dining experience, look no further than El Tovar Dining Room. This historic hotel restaurant is located right within the park and offers breathtaking views of the canyon from every window. The menu features classic American fare such as steaks, seafood, pasta dishes, and more.
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Coming all this way to the Grand Canyon National Park, South Rim requires going all out. For instance, we went all out for our last day of vacation and made reservations at the El Tovar Lodge Dining Room. We had looked at the menu prior to our stay, because we knew exactly what we wanted so we could order quickly.
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One of the best-known restaurants at the Grand Canyon's South Rim has to be the El Tovar Dining Room. Found inside the famous and historic El Tovar Hotel, the restaurant offers a fine gourmet dining experience that will only enhance your trip to the Grand Canyon. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served here.
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Grand Canyon National Park has a small selection of dining options on the premises; your needs will be met with grab-and-go lunches, snack carts, food court style dining, coffee stops, and casual cafés. But for a truly authentic Grand Canyon culinary experience look no further than the El Tovar Dining Room.
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The El Tovar is a historic hotel that sits on the edge of the Grand Canyon. El Tovar was designed by Charles Whittlesey, a famous southwest architect, and looks like a Swiss chalet from the exterior and a log-house on the interior. We had an amazing lunch at the El Tovar Dining Room on Valentine’s Day.
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At the El Tovar dining room, enjoy the unique and signature foods which include Arizona-grown beef, cage-free eggs, bell peppers, and chipotle hollandaise sauce. There are baked goods, sandwiches, and coffee easily available by the bright Angel bicycles. The cinnamon pound cake is a must-try cake.
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One of the most iconic and popular dining experiences at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is a meal at the El Tovar Dining Room – Located inside the El Tovar Hotel overlooking the edge of the Rim. They offer Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Dinner reservations are recommended due to its popularity.
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After an amazing day we headed back to prepare for dinner at El Tovar Dining Room located in the historic hotel of the same name. U.S. presidents have dined here before such as Teddy Roosevelt and Bill Clinton. Needless to say I had high hopes for this place, especially after last nights debacle.
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Obviously, if you dine at El Tovar Dining Room, you’re also visiting the historic El Tovar Hotel (we highly recommend staying there), so this is killing two birds with one stone. El Tovar Dining Room offers excellent fine dining in a setting overlooking the South Rim.
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On the South Rim your options include the Arizona Room, the Bright Angel Restaurant, and El Tovar Hotel Dining Room. There are cafeterias at both the Maswik and Yavapai Lodges and a grocery store at Market Plaza. There are some options just outside the park as well.
See the Grand Canyon in One Day!
Spend a little time relaxing and enjoying the view from the Rim Trail at Grand Canyon Village. Explore some of the unique shops, or grab a drink at the El Tovar Lounge. Enjoy the sunset from the lovely viewpoint just outside of El Tovar.
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Dine where the likes of Teddy Roosevelt, President Bill Clinton, and Sir Paul McCartney once dined in casual elegance with famed El Tovar dining room views.
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But before exploring the historic village, make a reservation for dinner at the El Tovar Dining Room in the historic El Tovar Hotel, built in 1903.
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Dine in at El Tovar Dining Room, Fred Harvey Tavern, Fred Harvey Burger, Maswik Food Court, and the Arizona Steakhouse
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit