best restaurants in zion national park

Best Restaurants in Zion National ParkOur favorites include some of this destination's best local restaurants—from fine dining to simple fare.

By Inspector 39

as told to Frank Swanson

Note: A free shuttle service operates April through October with one loop running inside Zion National Park and a second loop traveling along SR 9 through the center of Springdale . Shuttle stop information appears after each listing.

Thanks to its prime location inside Zion National Park, Red Rock Grill offers great views. This restaurant within Zion Lodge has a very helpful, full-service, uniformed staff and a menu offering such standbys as prime rib, flat iron steak and Alaskan salmon. Vegan choices are also available. (Zion Lodge Shuttle Stop)

Also inside Zion Lodge, the Castle Dome Café is good for a quick bite. Continental breakfast is served in the morning; burgers and hot dogs are on the menu in the afternoon and evening. This is a great spot for a soft-serve ice cream cone on a hot day. (Zion Lodge Shuttle Stop)

Cafe Soleil, right outside the park entrance, has bagels, oatmeal and fruit for breakfast, plus fresh hot coffee. The staff will also pack a lunch to go, ideal to take on a hike. (Shuttle Stop 1)

The Spotted Dog Cafe At Flanigan's Inn is a casual American-style bistro with an outdoor dining area and bar. The menu is a step above in terms of variety, with entrées like lamb, Black Angus beef, locally caught trout, rabbit and pizzas baked in a wood-burning oven. (Shuttle Stop 2)

Zion Pizza & Noodle Co. is a popular casual restaurant with a small indoor dining room and two outdoor dining areas. The menu is basic Italian—pizzas, calzones, pasta dishes. Order at the counter, pay and you're given a number; servers bring the food to your table. The outdoor Beer Garden at the back of the restaurant offers a long list of Utah-brewed beers. (Shuttle Stop 3)

Blondie's Diner is a small, country-style diner located next to an antelope and buffalo farm. Check out the humorous signs on the dining room walls while you wait for your food. The menu features simple home-style cooking: buffalo burgers, grilled trout, fried chicken. Breakfast items are served all day, too. For dessert, have a slice of apple or cherry pie. (Shuttle Stop 3)

In contrast to many local restaurants, the Switchback Grille is more upscale, with a large wine rack covering one of the dining room walls. Menu items can be described as urban, fun and upscale. The menu offers baby back ribs, prime rib, pastas and wood-fired pizzas in addition to USDA Prime steaks, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, pan-seared scallops and a daily fresh fish selection. (Shuttle Stop 4)

The changing artwork on the wood walls at the Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon often features larger-than-life creepy crawlers—everything from king snakes to praying mantises—as well as art depicting the Southwest. Dine outside on the expansive covered deck at this casual watering hole for a spectacular sunset view of Zion's red-hued cliffs while noshing on stuffed poblano chiles or a plate of beef fajitas. (Shuttle Stop 4)

Deleted Arkansas Al's Pub & Eatery (159662) from para below because it failed inspection. mp 11/5/18

See all the restaurants for this destination.