The Ahwahnee Hotel

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1. E

   Eddie

   San Francisco

   5 reviews

   vip
   1.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall1food1service1ambience2

   Made a reservation for 8:15, we weren’t seated until 8:45, which left us with 15 minutes to partake in the buffet. The food itself was OK at best, nothing to write home about. Another reviewer compared this buffet to Golden Corral, and that would be fairly accurate, unfortunately. The venue itself is really nice despite sitting us in the grand hall, since the restaurant is undergoing renovations. Overall the experience was disappointing and I recommend waiting until the renovations are completed before dining here.
   

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2. LB

   LoveBourbon

   San Francisco

   16 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   16 reviews

   Dined on May 21, 2023

   overall2food2service4ambience1

   Total disappointment. The dining room is being renovated. Not worth going there until complete. They stuck us at a table in the middle of the construction zone with no view / just walls/ the waiting area and the make shift host booth. Buffett was horrible and over priced for the experience. Warm mushy food with no ambience except for a single candle on the table that was too tall. Not the Ahwahnee that I expect to go to.
   

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3. C

   Cynde

   San Francisco

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on May 21, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The best dinner buffet we’ve ever enjoyed. A delicious variety with venison and prime rib.
   

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4. RS

   RandiS

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 21, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The Awahnee never fails to satisfy our desire for excellence in dining and decor amid the natural beauty of Yosemite. The dinner buffet offered a grand variety of main dishes and an amazing array of side dishes. The chefs desserts were perfectly proportioned to round out the meal.
   

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5. MA

   MichaelA

   Pittsburgh

   5 reviews

   3.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on May 19, 2023

   overall3food1service4ambience3

   They have no business charging sixty bucks a head for this substandard buffet. Worst value anywhere.
   

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6. RW

   RobertW

   Tahoe

   3 reviews

   3.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on May 17, 2023

   overall3food2service4ambience3

   The tree temporary restaurant and buffet are not great and very expensive.
   

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7. KH

   KatrinaH

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 15, 2023

   overall1food2service2ambience2

   I expected more of an experience and better quality food. I understand that the Ahwahnee is being renovated and as the dining room manager and one of the cooks stated they are “doing the best they can with what little space they were given.” That being said, I did expect a more curated selection of food and desserts. The food we ate felt more like we were eating at Hometown Buffet or Golden Corral but with far less choices. I did really like the Mac and Cheese, but felt at a loss overall. Hoping for finer dining and food once renovations are complete!
   

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Diego

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on May 15, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Currently buffet style in the west wing of the hotel ( dining room being refurbished) fun to eat in the “ski room” w beautiful view of half dome Beautiful piano playing
   

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9. T

   Traveler

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 14, 2023

   overall1food2service1ambience1

   There was no parking space for us and the valet refuse to park our car saying we are not staying at thehotel. Our reservation was at 8:45 but the dinner closed at 9:30, so we couldn't enjoy our meal.
   

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Buffet had a great selection of food; pastries, eggs, bacon, pancakes, oatmeal , potatoes & a couple other options. Service was excellent, our server was very energetic and friendly.
    

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11. TM

    ThomasM

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience1

    Thought it would be nice to have the buffet one night in a historic hotel. Wrong. Just visit the hotel take some pics sit in the lounge or lobby get you food elsewhere. It’s a very limited buffet. Prime rib was excellent the sauce wasn’t. everything else was barely acceptable and dessert was a joke. 2 of us $170. Most expensive prime rib ever. Save your money go to curry village get a large pizza for $35 and eat anywhere you want. The food really was that bad. College campuses serve better. Can I afford the $170 yes. I just feel bad for people on a budget that decide to splurge on this meal thinking it’s going to be something special. You just got taken. Like I said just go have a drink in the lobby bar and get it out of your system if you must.
    

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12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent Buffet breakfast. A few Gluten free options made it better for our party also.
    

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13. EM

    ElizabethM

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great restaurant in an amazing hotel. Rustic and quaint
    

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14. M

    Malbeck

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3

    Buffett only $60.00 - only one type of fish was offered & it was mislaid Salmon & it was Cod No directions were noted to the new location of the restaurant in the hotel The dishes piled high for the buffet were ice cold! Our waitress Nancy solved this when it was pointed by putting the plates in the warmer but seriously how can a restaurant that claims to be world class expect guests to put warm food on icy dishes.
    

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15. j

    jenbrez

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 2, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5

    This review is tough because there is so much to love about The Ahwahnee dining hall. It is majestic. It feels like living history. Our server was attentive and patient with all our questions and took excellent care of us. We enjoyed dining in the space and appreciated that most people took the dress code to heart. It felt like a special event meal. Now, I expect the food to be expensive when you are located in the Yosemite Valley, but you still need to deliver food that is a reasonable value for what you spend. The menu is a bit all over the place (and this may be because they are closing for renovation). Our table of four received four different dessert menus. There was no cohesive set of dishes that you might logically select as a first and second course. Most of the main courses didn't sound very interesting. I finally opted for a pork chop which was edible but just at the edge of being tough and hard to eat. The rest of the plate was messy and not too tasty. We also tried the arancini (not bad), a spinach salad (looked OK), prawns, and children's pasta. We did enjoy the creme brulee and thought the Awhanhee berry pie was solid. In total, we had a nice evening, but I wouldn't want to eat there again - mostly because the food wasn't great. I would love to come back and have spectacular food to go with the atmosphere and service.
    

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16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The Best in Elegance and Old World charm, that keeps you wanting more. The caring staff makes the experience approachable for all, in keeping with the service and standards set by years excellent service. The restaurant is closing for renovation, encouraging for patrons to revisit this cherished establishment for many years to come. Please keep this original and standard high as a valued place to experience old world charm and high standards of dining experience. Park’s Services please maintain consistent service standards and focus on long term staffing goals. Pick a back of the house staff and keep them!!! This place should be a high standard and sought after place to work for!! Thanks for a wonderful weekend and look forward to visiting there for many more years to come.
    

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17. B

    Brian

    Sacramento

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Quality of service and food for Sunday brunch was impeccable. Small nitpick on the brunch, for $56 pp it felt a little pricey for the traditional choices offered. But the experience of eating in that wonderful dining room listening to the pianist was bucket list stuff! It’s a must do if visiting the Yosemite Valley.
    

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18. CE

    ClaireE

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    This is the nicest dining by a mile in yosemite. Unfortunately, the price and value reflect that. The prime rib was a ton of food and was amazing. The pork chop had wonderful tastes/sauces, but was a little over cooked and I was disappointed at the size. My boyfriend ordered scallops, and they were the best scallops either of us have ever had— but the “entree” consisted of three small scallops laid out on a giant plate, alone. It wasn’t enough food to be a meal. I’m the future, I think we’ll eat dinner somewhere else and then come to the ahwahnee for dessert/apps/drinks. The atmosphere is unrivaled and it’s such a special place, but I wish it were a liiiiittle bit better value for the money.
    

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19. d

    davidsf

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Prime rib a little dry.
    

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20. CH

    CheriH

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience4

    While the place is gorgeous and special, the food is highly overpriced for what you get. After our lunch we ordered dessert which was an apple cranberry crisp. When we received it , it was a peach crisp. We said to our waiter that we got the wrong crisp he said “ Jesus Christ!” And walked away. He came back and said “We just got a new Food and Beverage director. We’re out of everything and they keep changing things up on us. Do you want me to take the crisp back or do you want to enjoy your canned peach crisp?” Considering we had already took some forkfuls, we kept it. But we felt a bit let down by the food quality and service.” It doesn’t make me want to recommend this place to friends.
    

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21. PR

    PatrickR

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Overall, exactly what we had hoped. very relaxing, pleasant atmosphere. Staff was outstanding and quick to meet our needs. Food was wonderful. Piano music added to the festive family holiday experience. A perfect addition to our holiday week in Yosemite.
    

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22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything was spectacular! The restaurant itself is majestic and grand. The staff was extremely accommodating, Nicola our server was lively and hilarious, the food was outstanding, we were beyond pleased!
    

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23. T

    Troy

    Yosemite

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 29, 2022

    overall4food3service3ambience5

    Absolutely beautiful! The ambiance and room are incredible. The wait staff were pleasant and professional, but understaffed, they did their best. Bit of a wait to order and for anything to arrive. The pianist made the wait enjoyable. It’s hard to complain about sitting in a such a beautiful historical space. Prime rib was amazing and the celeriac medallions were equally good. Unfortunately they were out of their famous sourdough bread. The onion soup was delicious, but not very warm. They brought out another bowl that was hotter after we told the waitress. This was my second time dining here. I enjoyed it, but I just can’t give this trip 5 stars. Still worth trying it.
    

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24. MN

    MichelleN

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience5

    We were seated in the tower like area, 3 sided, with windows and views from every table. Extremely delighted to have such beautiful views while we dined. Menu is very reasonable and food selection is simple, yet tasty. The pie is to die for. Enjoy!
    

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25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    18 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall3food4service4ambience5

    seated 30 minutes late despite reservation, food buffet closes at 10 am and items were out.
    

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26. F

    Fourfoodies

    Los Angeles

    116 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    116 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    We were celebrating a milestone birthday at the Ahwahnee. Our frustration was with the restaurant reservation process. Prior to our trip we tried calling for a reservation several times on several days but our message was never returned. Upon checking in at the hotel, we went directly to the restaurant manager to explain our dilemma. She was kind enough to schedule a reservation for us. The reservation was later than we ever dine, but we accepted the reservation as we had no alternative. When we arrived at the restaurant at our scheduled time, we had to wait another 20 minutes for our table. Unfortunately, this experience turned what should have been a very enjoyable, memorable occasion into a very stressful & upsetting experience. The restaurant however is lovely, and our waitress was wonderful. Unfortunately, I would pass on staying at the Ahwahnee in the future, no one wants to be frustrated and inconvenienced when on vacation.
    

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27. RA

    RobinA

    Tahoe

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Just beyond wonderful ambience! They only serve a buffet, which has everything you could imagine, just a little pricey ( but so worth it just to be in that iconic dining room)
    

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28. CF

    CynthiaF

    San Joaquin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The service and food were outstanding. Can't wait to come back for Sunday brunch!
    

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29. JR

    JenniferR

    Sacramento

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 26, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    The dinning room is stunning! The service is outstanding, friendly and efficient. I feel breakfast is their best meal. Lunch and dinner are fine, but not exceptional.
    

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30. DH

    DebraH

    Yosemite

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Breakfast buffet the day after Christmas was nice. Price of everything in the park is high. Location, service and food quality were top notch.
    

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31. TG

    TristaG

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The best overall meal I've had in awhile. Going back for lunch today
    

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32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall2food1service5ambience5

    Service was good.. food not so much. Sunday brunch was a big DISAPPOINTMENT. Better off going to a Dennys which would have been better.
    

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33. R

    Robert

    San Francisco

    26 reviews

    3.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall3food2service4ambience5

    Lots of money for a mediocre (at best) buffet at a great site.
    

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34. JN

    JoyceN

    Central Coast

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    I was very disappointed with the Christmas brunch. We had 8:00 a.m. reservations but still had to wait 20 minutes for our table. The table itself, for two, was situated between two server stations! Many of the tables for two were set up this way. They could have put the sever stations facing each other and placed the tables between the backs of the stations. In a restaurant this upscale and expensive, diners should not be sandwiched between carts of silverware and condiments! The food itself was mediocre. The hollandaise sauce on the eggs benedict was good, but the eggs were more soft boiled than poached, so no warm runny yolk to finish the dish. The carving station only had ham, no beef, and there was no salmon. The pastries were okay but not great. There were a few bright spots. The omelet station was good, with lots of choices for fillings, and the cook was friendly. The bacon was cooked perfectly and the fruit was fresh. They did have gluten free and vegan options. Our server was friendly. One of the biggest issues was that everything was lukewarm and underwhelming. The brunch I normally attend is about the same price but the food is much, much better. For the price and restaurant reputation I expected more.
    

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35. J

    abarcaJ

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience5

    Went for Christmas breakfast. Would have preferred buttermilk pancakes instead of the egg nog pancakes that were offered. Got the buffet . It was still a nice breakfast.
    

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36. DT

    DianaT

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It was a wonderful Christmas breakfast. Ingredients at the omelette bar were wonderfully fresh. Attention to detail was great.
    

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37. H

    Hawksfan20143

    Seattle

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience5

    Great old dining room but the food has clearly dipped in quality over the years. Need a shake up of the dinner menu and focus on better quality ingredients. Pie was delicious but the 3.50 “scoop”of ice cream was super tiny.
    

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38. j

    jessiem

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 23, 2022

    overall3food4service1ambience5

    The resturant and hotel itself was beautiful. The food was good and priced fairly. Our server was not good, she had a bad attitude which was funny at first but then it just became an issue. Server started out complaining about how thin the soup was that day. We asked how the salads were, she replied with she doesn't eat cold food but she had heard they were decent. Then she neglected the table for 20 or more minutes. Luckily our server had an assistant who was helpful and very nice. Just a weird experience, but everything else was good.
    

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39. S

    Sanders6

    Yosemite

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a fantastic brunch. Everything was wonderful. Our waitress was from Jamaica, sorry I cannot remember her name, but she was super warm and friendly! Gluten Free and Vegetarian choices too!
    

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40. TM

    TaylorM

    Central Coast

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 22, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience5

    The hotel is beautiful but the food was bland and not worth the money.
    

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