The ambience alone is worth a splurge at the dining room of the Majestic Yosemite Hotel, the stopover of presidents, queens, celebrities, and moguls since it opened in 1927 (and, allegedly, one of Stanley Kubrick’s inspirations for the hotel in The Shining). The formal dining room—there’s a dress code at dinnertime—serves such Continental classics as French onion soup, duck leg confit, and rack of lamb Provençale under 34-foot, chandelier-studded ceilings. The Sunday brunch buffet is especially popular, as are the annual Renaissance-themed Christmas dinners in December. For a more casual option, the bar serves sandwiches, salads, and soups and, maybe best of all, offers outdoor tables so you can eat and enjoy a craft cocktail or glass of wine surrounded by glorious views. Note: This restaurant is open year-round.
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Dine like Royalty at the Ahwanhnee, an Unofficial Yosemite Landmark
Over the years, the Ahwahnee inn has become as much of a Yosemite icon as the landmarks the hotel overlooks. Built in 1927 with views of Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome, the property underwent a renovation in 2010, updating its 99 rooms and 24 cottages with handwoven throws and original artwork. Just one-and-a-half miles from Yosemite Village, the lodge offers easy access to trails that lead to popular spots such as Mirror Lake. Meals at the Dining Room are a formal affair (think Fiscalini cheddar and black truffle macaroni and cheese, or California swordfish with beluga lentils and blood orange) served beneath 34-foot-high ceilings and stained glass windows. From $299.
Majestic Yosemite Hotel Dining Room and Bar
The ambience alone is worth a splurge at the dining room of the Majestic Yosemite Hotel, the stopover of presidents, queens, entertainers, and moguls since it opened in 1927 (and Stanley Kubrick’s inspiration for the hotel in The Shining). The formal dining room –there’s a dress code for dinner – serves such Continental classics as French onion soup, duck leg confit, and rack of lamb Provençal under chandelier-studded 34-foot ceilings; the Sunday brunch buffet is especially popular, as is the annual Rennaissance-themed Christmas dinners in December. For a more casual option, the bar serves sandwiches, salads, and soups, and maybe best of all, offers outdoor tables so you can nibble food and enjoy a craft cocktail or glass of wine surrounded by glorious views. (Open year-round)
