The Mountain Room — Restaurant in Oakhurst

The Mountain Room in Yosemite Valley National Park provided a memorable dining experience that perfectly complemented the natural beauty of our wedding day. We managed to secure a table for five about three weeks before our wedding, opting for an early dinner so we could catch the sunset. The restaurant is conveniently located in the lower valley, with ample parking for dinner, although finding a spot during lunchtime can be quite challenging due to limited space.

The restaurant's ambiance is a delightful blend of modern aesthetics and cabin-like charm, seamlessly tying into the park's rustic feel. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains from the dining area are nothing short of breathtaking, enhancing the overall experience and making it feel like a true retreat in nature.

When it comes to the food, the appetizers were a bit of a letdown. Having dined at numerous fine restaurants in cities like Chicago, I found the Prosciutto and Burrata cheese appetizer to be underwhelming, mainly because of the sparse amount of meat. However, the balsamic drizzle was a standout, adding a rich and tangy complement to the dish. I was also a bit disappointed to see that we had to pay extra for the bread and compound butter, but the chili dill compound butter turned out to be an unexpected delight, offering an insane yet subtle flavor combination that I loved.

For our main courses, we ordered a variety of dishes, including steaks, trout, and pork chops. The pork chop was the highlight of the evening—it was perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy, which is exactly what we were hoping for. It was by far the best portion of protein that night. Unfortunately, the trout missed the mark; it was too dry and lacked sufficient seasoning. Nonetheless, I finished my meal and appreciated the effort. The steaks were well-cooked and flavorful, though they tended to be on the well-done side, so I recommend ordering based on this tendency. Despite these small issues, this was the best meal I have ever had in a national park, offering quality and flavor that exceeded my expectations.

Adding to the positive experience, the restaurant surprised us with a bottle of champagne to celebrate our wedding, a thoughtful gesture that made our evening even more special. Our waiter was exceptionally well-informed and attentive, ensuring our glasses were always refilled and our table remained clean throughout the meal.

In summary, while the appetizers might not impress and the fish could use improvement, The Mountain Room excels in other areas. The pork chop is a must-try, and the steaks are a solid choice if you adjust for the doneness. The restaurant's ambiance, combined with the stunning mountain views, makes it a fantastic spot to enjoy a meal. The staff's attentiveness and the special touches, like the complimentary champagne, add to the overall charm.

For anyone planning a visit, I recommend skipping the appetizers, avoiding the fish, opting for the pork chop or steak, and soaking in the beautiful surroundings with a drink in hand. By following these tips, you're sure to have an enjoyable and memorable dining experience at The...

After our rather disappointing experience at the Ahwahnee dining room (yes, that historic place with the cardboard plates), we were pointed in an unexpected direction: the budget Yosemite Valley Lodge — more precisely, its surprisingly elegant Mountain Room Restaurant.

Reservation? Smooth as silk. A little tip for fellow travelers: when in the US, don’t be shy — skip the line and head straight to the host stand if you’ve booked ahead. That’s what reservations are for.

We were promptly seated at a lovely window table with a stunning view of the Dome. Unfortunately, the A/C was blowing a chilly alpine breeze our way. No problem — our waiter Shean stepped in like a true pro and swiftly moved us to a warmer table without fuss. His warm, professional hospitality was one of the best we’ve encountered in two months of U.S. dining.

And then came the food. Oh wow.

I started with the Moroccan-style roasted cauliflower — a revelation of spices. For the main, I chose the cabbage rolls stuffed with lentils, topped with a North African-inspired sauce. The Cambodian-born chef clearly knows his way around a spice rack. Every bite was perfectly balanced, flavorful, and imaginative. Who needs meat when vegetarian cuisine can taste like this?

We paired the dishes with a Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles and a Merlot from Krug Napa Valley — both bold enough to complement the richly spiced meal.

Final verdict: This is one of those rare U.S. restaurant experiences I’ll actually write about. If you’re in Yosemite Valley and looking for a proper meal (and a break from buffets and burgers), do yourself a favor and book a table at The Mountain Room. A real surprise — and a very...

My expectations were pretty low- this is one of my least favorite setups: mountain town, with no other nearby options, and fancy enough that they could charge a lot of money. Usually the food at places like that is mediocre, lacking variety and vegetable options.

But this place was delicious! It felt modern, and in line with current tastes. They clearly put care into their food. Much of the staff here are long-term employees, who take pride in hosting, and welcoming people to one of the most beautiful places on earth. The people were a great variety of friendly, and on top of their stuff. The little things were well taken care of (table settings, enough water refills, fast service, etc.), but the attitude, friendly and welcoming nature were above and beyond.

Specifically, the pork chop was unexpectedly flavorful and tender. The salmon was tasty and reliable. Their vegetable winter soup was rich and warm and welcoming after a cold day outside. The ancient grains that came as either a side or with some of the dishes were well-textured and flavorful, with a solid helping of greens on top. We even got some chocolate truffles after the meal, and those were memorably tasty.

Look, you don't come to Yosemite for the food. I expected to be price-gouged, with surly service, and dishes that haven't changed in decades. Instead I found prices in line with expectations, modern and reliable dishes, and very friendly and professional service. Would I travel back to Yosemite just for the food? Absolutely not. Will I be coming back to Yosemite for nature? Absolutely, and I know a reliable place to eat when I do, with people that will make me even more glad...