A heavy slab of steak or a slow roasted rib might be the more common options on the menu, but local people have long used saguaro and prickly pear cactus to make syrup, sweets, and even BBQ sauce.
South Rim
The most popular access point to the Grand Canyon, the Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim is a bustling community crammed with diverse and delicious places to eat. If you’re visiting on a budget, then the Arizona Room should do nicely: a busy and unpretentious diner, there’s a heck of a lot to choose from and you certainly won’t go hungry. For something more refined and upscale, the El Tovar Dining Room located on the rim is a solid choice. Warmly furnished to bring out its historic elegance, the restaurant offers hearty fair like prime rib hash and fish tostadas.
• The Arizona Room, 9 Village Loop Dr, Grand Canyon Village, Grand Canyon National Park; • El Tovar, 1 El Tovar Road, Grand Canyon Village, Grand Canyon National Park;
Tusayan
Tusayan is a vibrant tourist hotspot just 6.5 miles from the Grand Canyon Village and comes complete with plenty of great places to recharge your batteries after a day in the wild. The Coronado Room cooks up some of the most polished cuisine in the area, with a sophisticated but relaxed ambience to match. You can try out some elk, venison, or buffalo. For straight up quality pizza and pasta on the way to the Grand Canyon – no frills, just a delicious doughy treat and traditional recipes – We Cook Pizza and Pasta should do the trick.
• Coronado Room, 100 Highway 64, Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn, Tusayan; • We Cook Pizza and Pasta, 605 Highway 64, Tusayan;
North Rim
Known for being the quieter, less-crowded section of the park, the North Rim is home to a small choice of dining options that promise to meet the needs of travelers enjoying the sweet seclusion. The Grand Canyon North Rim Dining Room can be found at the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and serves up simple, 1930s-themed dishes crafted from only the healthiest ingredients. For a novel and entertaining evening, the Grand Canyon Cookout offers a traditional wagon-style feast under the stars, with the waft of smoked beef brisket enough to send your taste buds into a frenzy.
• Grand Canyon Dining Room, Grand Canyon Lodge, Grand Canyon National Park, Highway 67, North Rim; • Grand Canyon Cookout, Grand Canyon Lodge, Grand Canyon National Park, Highway 67, North Rim;
Williams
Williams is south of Grand Canyon Village and is a popular destination with tourists wanting a good gateway to the park. Perched in the historic downtown district, the Red Raven is a swish bistro boasting some the finest flavors anywhere around. Fusing American and Italian styles, it presents a casual but classy dining experience. If you happen to have a taste for fine wine and punchy craft beer, then South Rims Wine and Beer Garage is the place for you. You can tuck into a sumptuous plate of crab cakes or chicken wings before washing it all down with a cold, rich beverage.
• Red Raven Restaurant, 135 Historic Route 66, Williams; • South Rims Wine and Beer Garage, 514 E Route 66, Williams; Tel: +1 928 635 5902
