Utah is a state full of natural beauty and wonderful vistas. The rock formations in Zion National Park are known nationwide as a favorite destination for photographers, hikers, and families looking to explore the wonders of our natural world. But while you marvel at the rocky monoliths, spare a moment to enjoy the rivers that carved those rocks into what we see today. In fact, one of the rivers, the Virgin River, has some excellent eateries you could stop at to grab a bite to eat while still enjoying the magnificent views. These three restaurants just might give you the most nourishing meals for both your eyes and your stomach.
The adobe styling of this restaurant helps center it in the arid landscape that surrounds it and brings to mind an Old West movie where cowboys dine on steak and beans. Of course, there are plenty more options on the menu at Balcony One, including a few options that would surprise an old-timey cowboy coming in from the dusty trail.
There are a variety of meats available and so much more!
Balcony One definitely puts a Mediterranean spin on American standards like smoked pork served on Pappardelle pasta or a porkchop topped with peach chutney. There is a selection of salads for the more health-conscious and some choice desserts for those with a sweet tooth. And the dining area has nice big windows so you can enjoy the wide-open Utah sky and watch the sun paint the hills pink and gold as you eat.
Going further up the Virgin River in Utah, you’ll find the mountains begin to rise up and eventually surround you, and that’s where you find the Thai Sapa. Unique in its offering of authentic Thai and Asian cuisine, it is an excellent place to stop for lunch before heading out to hike one of the surrounding trails. Its Asian decor helps to get customers in the right mindset before enjoying any of the amazing dishes it has to offer.
Starting in 2003 when Chef Tung was allowed to use the kitchen of a cafe after they closed each night, Thai Sapa grew in popularity until it became its own restaurant in 2011. Since then, it has only grown in its ability to take care of every customer that walks through its doors. And with plenty of outdoor seating, you can enjoy their fine Asian food while taking in the natural beauty that you came to see.
If you continue to follow the Virgin River upstream, driving up the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, you’ll eventually arrive at the Red Rock Grill. Sitting next to the historic Zion Lodge, this restaurant has everything from tacos to pasta, burgers to quinoa, and hummus to fish. But the extensive and delicious dining options aren’t the only reason to visit.
With so much gorgeous nature surrounding you, it might be hard to focus on your meal!
The Zion Lodge was originally built by the Union Pacific Railroad during the Roaring Twenties. Though their original idea was to build a massive structure that could hold all the potential nature lovers riding their trains to the park, the National Park Service insisted that the building couldn’t obstruct the nature surrounding it. That turned out to be a great idea, as anyone who’s sat outside to take in the surrounding canyon walls would agree.
The only thing that could improve such wonderful food would be the spectacular canyon walls that surround you as you dine.
