Yosemite Dining Advice
 

Have looked over the park's website and was wondering if the biggest difference between the Mountain Room and the dining room at the Ahwahnee is the dining room itself or if the food is that much better for the difference in the price. We will be staying at Yosemite Lodge and would probably prefer to dine there but wil go to either. I will be at Yosemite during the week (Wednesday & Thursday) of Easter, do I need to make reservations? Any other suggestions for dining within the park?

I don't know if this helps, but the general concensus is the food isn't worth the price, but the room is worth seeing!

I wouldn't call either place a dining experience in terms of great food, although better than the cafeteria food at Yosemite Lodge. It's the atmosphere that is superb at the Ahwahnee. For the complete picture (dining room and view), I would suggest having breakfast there, because, of course, it's not dark outside. I also like the smell of the Ahwahnee's dining room -- a little smoky from the fireplace.<BR><BR>The only other &quot;dining&quot; (and I use the term loosely) in the Valley (as opposed to the park as a whole) is Curry Village and Yosemite Village. But here's a suggestion, for what it's worth (assuming the weather is nice) -- there should be plenty of campgrounds available at that time. I would check with the kiosk of an open campground, see if you can use one of their barbeque pits &amp; picnic tables and, if so, go to the Yosemite Village General Store, grab some provisions, and have a lovely cookout. It's such a beautiful setting to eat outdoors.

Hugh's advice is good. I would go to the Ahwahnee for lunch (when it's also less expensive) when you can see out the windows. And the Mountain Room for dinner. Grab a quick breakfast at the cafeteria and head outdoors where the glory of Yosemite really is.

IMHO, having a meal in the Ahwahnee Dining Room is a MUST while in Yosemite! Enjoy!