Yosemite, CA, Decided.
Every decision that matters, on one page.
✦ Stay: Yosemite Valley Lodge ($$$)
✦ Eat: The Mountain Room — book DAYS in high season — reserve ahead for the main restaurant, especially if you're staying at the lodge; the lounge/bar next door takes the overflow and casual crowd. Confirm current hours/reservation policy on the official site.
✦ Stay: Curry Village ($$)
✦ Eat: Curry Village Pizza Deck & Food Court — book WALK-IN — no reservations; the Pizza Deck is the move after a Mist Trail or Half Dome day (pizza + a beer on the deck). Expect a line and a crowd at peak. Confirm current seasonal hours + open outlets live.
✦ Stay: The Ahwahnee ($$$$)
✦ Eat: The Ahwahnee Dining Room — book WEEKS in high season for dinner — reserve as far ahead as you can, especially if you're staying in the valley for a set night. Breakfast/lunch are more flexible. Confirm current dinner dress code + prix-fixe format on the official site.
✦ Stay: Tenaya at Yosemite ($$$-$$$$)
✦ Eat: Erna's Elderberry House (at Château du Sureau) — book WEEKS — reserve well ahead; open limited days (reported Wed–Sun dinner only, closed Mon–Tue) and seats are few. Best paired with a Château du Sureau stay or a Fish Camp/Oakhurst south-end base. Confirm current days/hours + tasting-menu format on the official site.
When to go: May, June, September, October.