The Ahwahnee Hotel Dining Room - Ahwahnee HotelWonderful physical settingWonderful physical setting and history. Great beef entrees. Pricey6/13/2013 12:00:00 AMMountain View BreakfastBeautiful old world "cabin" in the woods lodge and restaurant. Enormous by any standards. Magnificent views out the large windows at the majestic Yosemite cliffs. Had their breakfast buffet which was fresh, ample, and varied. It's worth the trip just to see this place, but only if you are already in Yosemite park.6/12/2013 12:00:00 AMLoved it!Had two breakfasts and two dinners here while staying at the beautiful Ahwahnee Hotel. The food, the service and the ambiance were top notch.6/11/2013 12:00:00 AMLast here 50 years ago andLast here 50 years ago and it remains one of the USA's great National Parks and the dining continues to be outstanding.A special place for any memorable occasion!
Don Brashear6/8/2013 12:00:00 AM50th Birthday CelebrationThis is a wonderful dining experience for anyone celebrating a mile stone! I had decided years ago that the Ahwahnee was going to be on my "bucket list" for celebrating my 50th birthday. The service was over the top fantastic and the food excellent. I celebrated with my husband and two teenage daughters. We all were impressed with the attention that we received. I even had our waiters sing to me.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Yosemite institutionA touch of elegance in a beautiful Yosemite Valley setting. Excellent food and service. Pricey but worth the experience.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMGetting Better All The TimeWe go every year and this was the best food we've had! Last year was better then the year before... They're getting it right with the food. The Ahwahnee has ALWAYS had one of the best rooms anywhere to dine in.6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Dinner and Breakfast!!!The vegetarian selection was minimal but actually tasty!!6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMSimply WondefulWasn't sure what to expect, but husband and I truly enjoyed the whole dining experience. His prime rib was perfect and my chicken was so tender! What a beautiful dining room!6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMA Special DinnerWe booked this dinner at the Ahwahnee Hotel Dining Room months in advance and made a special 75 min drive from Tenaya Lodge just for the dinner. I would say it was worth it. The setting is spectacular beyond description. The hotel is a historic classic and looks and acts like it (i.e. not a modern luxury hotel). The dining room is one huge high-ceiling room with lovely piano music. A big too large in fact so it didn't seem "cozy" at all. The service was professional and top notch but not snooty. The menu was fairly small and consisted mostly of beef, steak, and pork dishes. Three of us had the steelhead trout, which was amazingly good, like salmon but without the oiliness. Only 1 vegetarian option. Overall, a wonderful experience.6/4/2013 12:00:00 AMExperience it AllWhen you combine the scenic beauty of Yosemite with a 5-star dining experience – you came away with great memories that last forever. This is one of those special opportunity places of the world where it all comes together!6/3/2013 12:00:00 AMWell Worth ItI rarely eat out and I'm often disappointed when I do...but I was absolutely impressed with everything at the Ahwahnee Hotel Dining room...everything was outstanding.6/3/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous diningAll dining experience was wonderful. However, my pork chop was too salty. All prep was gourmet.6/3/2013 12:00:00 AMAwesome and Amazing!A world class Restaurant with world class staff and food! What else can you say about the Ahwahnee Hotel Dining Room? Amazing View, Staff and Food!6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMIt's always a special treatWe had a lovely dinner for two in the gorgeous Ahwahnee dining room. It is an experience not to be missed if you are in Yosemite and it is in your budget. The ambiance is unrivaled and the food is always superb.6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMSimply the Best!For years The Ahwahnee Dining Room has been my favorite dining experience ..... anywhere! On this occasion, we scored a table with a view of Yosemite Falls. The wine list is varied with some very fine and affordable options. I pared a Caesar salad with their Mac and Cheese appetizer special and it made for a wonderful meal. My dining partner opted for the fish special and it was as good as it gets. We have never had a bad or even mediocre meal at The Ahwahnee! The Dining Room itself is unmatched in it's ambience and a Baby Grand provides just the right back-ground for "the total experience".6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMFANTASTIC! a 'MUST DINE' place.Awesome food and service that totally match the views!!! Kudos to the chef for the delicious tomato soup, amazing spicy shrimp, and out of this world steelhead with leeks.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMHistoric Dining OpportunityIf you are traveling to Yosemite NP do not pass up the opportunity to have dinner at the Ahwahnee. The menu is limited, but we were able to have varied, interesting, very good meals over three nights we stayed at the hotel. The historic ambience, candlelit tables, and especially the views were memorable. My wife really liked the flavor of the prime rib and I had seafood each night and can recommend each, but really enjoyed the steelhead. Don't know if we will ever get back to Yosemite, but if I do, I'll return to thE Ahwahnee.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways a joy to travel toAlways a joy to travel to Yosemite and to stay at the Ahwahnee. Our dinner was good, the tomato-basil bisque was flavorful but a bit salty, the grilled steelhead was moist and well cooked. My mother enjoyed the lamb chops and caesar salad. The dessert menu was not very inspiring but we decided to order two flavors of ice cream which were not very good. Our service was very slow but very friendly and we were not in any hurry. Of course the best feature is the setting - the room is spectacular and takes you back in time.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect eveningWell I read all of the terrible reviews and seriously considered skipping this dining experience. Short answer is I'm glad I didn't.
Seemed to me the staff was friendly and correctly attentive. The food was not cutting edge but it was very good and paired with a nice bottle of wine, it made for a wonderful evening that capped the perfect day in the valley.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMLovely eveningWe had drinks at the bar and then dinner at the Ahwahnee. It was a lovely experience, accompanied by a talented pianist whose repertoire and style was varied and original. The Steinway piano (full- sized grand) had a great sound and was also in tune! Although we enjoyed our dinner and our steaks were perfectly cooked and of excellent quality, they had a lot of gristle and were so salty (perhaps because of the sauce) that we can only give the food four stars. It was a shame, because the flavor of the meat was delicious. The accompanying sides were very good and our server was pleasant and attentive. All in all, it was a delightful evening.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a very nice dinnerWe had a very nice dinner and the restaurant has a beautiful view and nice waitstaff. They made our birthday celebration memorable.5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMBeautiful settingWe wanted to have a special dinner for our anniversary and we weren't disappointed. It is a beautiful room and setting. We loved the food we aren't big eaters so we had the small plate, lamb chops for me that we're excellent and my husband had the firecracker shrimp. Of course we had to have dessert I had the chocolate pecan pie. Service was excellent. I highly recommend this for a special occasion or any time you want a special dinner.5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMTop notch restaurant but expensiveMy wife and I had dinner at the Ahwahnee Hotel Dining Room on May 29, 2013. The food, service and ambiance was outstanding. This old unique hotel and dining room is the top place in Yosemite Valley. I had the NY Strip steak and my wife had the roasted chicken. It was so good! My only complaint would be the cost. I paid $128 for the two of us, including tip, and we did not have any alcohol.5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMbest meal for milesafter hiking half dome, our group of 5 went to ahwanhee for dinner. it was a fantastic experience dress up and have good food after a long day. we'd have to drive for hours to find anything comparable. price is not bad considering you're in Yosemite valley and having gourmet food.5/28/2013 12:00:00 AMTerrific in every wayWe were celebrating our anniversary and the treat could not have been better. The wait staff was engaging and attentive but also let us converse alone. We brought our own wine and after deliberating over the wine list, chose to have it opened and pay the corkage. The salmon with arugula and berries was simply the best I have ever had! My husband's prime rib was very generous and perfectly done, and it was the smaller cut. We ordered dessert and in addition an anniversary plate with red velvet cupcake and candle was presented. Lovely. The grand piano was being played with all recognizable 60s and 70s tunes, as we left we did a quick turn on the dance floor. Fabulous.5/28/2013 12:00:00 AMYosemite DreamGreat experience, primarily due to dining room and exceptional service. Menu could stand some additional variety (fish, chicken, pasta). Breakfast buffet was very good. Reservation booked via Open Table and table selection was always on busier side of room. Will probably book directly through hotel next trip. Dress code was not enforced and should be removed if not followed. Overall, a good and memorable experience and one that should not be missed.5/28/2013 12:00:00 AMElegant Dining at a Price, But...The food was prepared wonderfully and was delicious. However, the menu is not very diverse. For example, there was usually only one seafood option and we were there for 3 nights. Service was generally excellent, with only a few minor glitches (water and coffee cups not refilled in a timely fashion). Ambience was delightful except that the week night pianist should have been replaced with someone of the caliber of the week-end pianist.5/28/2013 12:00:00 AMThe restaurant issues a dressThe restaurant issues a dress code for dinner for men and women, consistent with the elegant style of dining that is advertised. However, in actuality, the dress code is not followed. Jeans (even with holes) and hiking shorts were observed among dinner guests - wholly inconsistent with the dress code. Because of the written dress code that was sent to us via Open Table's email confirmation, we packed accordingly. We didn't realize that we need not have bothered to have dressed nicely.5/27/2013 12:00:00 AMsuperbI've had several outstanding meals at the Ahwahnee. Singular ambience of course. Always superb.5/27/2013 12:00:00 AMNothing Rocky about The AhwahaneeIf you are going to Yosemite, which everyone should, even if you are camping, treat yourself to this gorgeous historic place.5/27/2013 12:00:00 AMOff the charts serviceWe just loved our Sunday brunch experience at the Ahwahnee Dining Room. I had read reviews online of how it was the spot to have a meal at and now I know why. I have been to Yosemite many times before but never stopped by here. Im glad we finally did. The service was perfect! We did not have to ask for anything! They went above and beyond to satisfy our needs and the needs of my two children as well! They are 4 and 1, and instead of seating us in a corner somewhere, which I figured they would, they gave us a seat right in front of the picture window facing Yosemite Falls! They were so polite! The food was just perfect, and what a selection! Everything at the brunch was fresh and delicious. If you can afford it, you must go!5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMA Must!This is one of the most beautiful restaurants we've ever experienced. Nestled in the lovely Yosemite Park, the food is delicious and beautifully presented. The friendliness of all the staff makes it especially enjoyable. The setting and architecture are awe-inspiring. Tea and cookies are served in the late afternoon while piano music is being played in the great room and piano music also accompanies the dinner.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMAwesome brunch at AhwahneeThe selection of buffet was great for vegetarians through meat lovers.
The marination was just right, not salty or greasy, like typical American food.
The desserts were much less sweet and I loved them. When we were leaving new ones were coming out, and I really wish I could stay for another hour just to enjoy all of them!
The waiters/ waitresses performed brilliant jobs.
Over all we had a great brunch !
But I have to mention that you pay $45 per person for the brunch, meaning that you should deserve it.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMBeautiful SettingThe Ahwahnee dining room is beyond beautiful. Just sitting there is quite an experience -- the vaulted ceiling, the Yosemite cliffs and waterfalls right out the windows -- superb. The food and service are top notch also. Who could ask for anything more.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMHilight of our tripI was so glad I reserved this special dining experience months
in advance. The wait made us eager and the experience
did not disappoint. Such elegance amid such natural wonder.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMSpecial occasion made extra specialThe staff sat us in a very nice location to celebrate two birthdays. One of our diners has food allergies and unfortunately her food arrived with added sauces etc. The waitress quickly removed it and brought out the correct order. Another in our party did not send his prime rib back (overcooked) but the waitress replaced it without being asked. The setting is over the top!5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMmagicalgreat food, great wait staff, and one of the most beautiful rooms ive ever been in. LOVELY5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMI was a bit bummed out thatI was a bit bummed out that they didn't note on my reservation that this dinner was for my mom's birthday and that we wanted to have a candle in the dessert... that would have topped off the evening perfectly. But the service was top notch. We did need to change the time of our reservation, which they were cool with so perhaps it was lost in the transition...5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMBest prime rib I've ever had.Best prime rib I've ever had. Wine list by the glass is not so notable, we brought our own. Initial seating was not a happy experience, but we insisted on waiting for a good seat and it only took 5 minutes. The overall dinner was fabulous.5/20/2013 12:00:00 AMFine dining in an historic lodgeIt is always a treat to experience fine dining in the grand environment of the Ahwanhnee Hotel Dining Room. The food is always outstanding and is matched by the excellent service. My husband and I were celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary and even though we didn't mention this to the staff, they surprised us with a special dessert treat. We felt very special and enjoyed out meal and evening.5/20/2013 12:00:00 AMSpecial lunchWere in Yosemite to celebrate our wedding anniversary . Splurged on lunch in the beautiful dining room. Atmosphere,food and service were great!5/20/2013 12:00:00 AMserver was fantastic. foodserver was fantastic. food was great. setting was spectacular. a little hard to get to but well worth it.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMSpectacular viewYou cannot miss the view of beautiful Yosemite Valley from the historic Ahwahnee Hotel dining room. The history and elegant beauty set an atmosphere that transcends any other dining. The service is attentive, friendly but not intrusive. The small plates were a nice option and a decent sized-portion, not to mention very tasty. The French Onion soup was a favorite our table. Their classic Caesar was very good as was the Polenta small plate. Breakfast or lunch are also a good option for a more affordable meal and full view of the scenery.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMIt was the crown jewel ofIt was the crown jewel of our wonderful Yosemite experience5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMAhwahneeDiningGreat old world charm. Great views of the granite rock walls from the dining room. Good food and service.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMonce-in-a-lifetime mealIf you can't reserve (or afford) a room at the Ahwahnee, try eating there. It's pricey but so worth it. The dining room has a 34' ceiling, incredible views of Yosemite Valley, and incredible ambience. The staff were welcoming and made us feel like we were royalty. Hint: Arrive 45 minutes early, check in and ask for a window table, then wander around the hotel and surrounding grounds. We ate there for our last meal in Yosemite and will remember it for years to come. Highly recommended.5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of the most beautiful restauranThe restaurant is extremely beautiful! One of the most beautiful restaurant I have seen... The place is so beautiful that the food is almost secondary...5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMBest thing about the hotelGiven the room rate, I was quite disappointed with the hotel room I had and most of the staff I encountered. Thank heavens the restaurant was much different. The staff was excellent in all respects and the food was excellent. My waiter, whose name I can not remember, was wonderful. I was lucky enough to have him two nights in a row. I think he worked there almost 40 years.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMAhwahnee Hotel Dining RoomRefined setting with beautiful views of Yosemite though the dress code has been revised so felt the jeans and logo t-shirt group of six young men (along with others) was too casual. Could they find a happy medium between this and needing a jacket & tie? Tasting the wine to determine what we wanted even by the glass was appreciated though I felt wines by the glass lacking in choice considering this is California. We didn't need a bottle plus prices starting at over $40 appeared exorbitant. For two women the "small plates" were a nice addition rather than a large meal though it could be expanded with fish dishes. We had a lovely evening with one of us enjoying the ambiance and atmosphere for the first time.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AM