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Best Restaurants in Antelope Canyon

Best Restaurants in Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon Arizona, USA Travel Guide

Culinary Overview

Local Cuisine Context

Page developed rapidly in the mid-20th century to support Glen Canyon Dam construction. Its food scene mainly caters to visitors, with familiar American fare, Southwestern, and Mexican cuisine influences.

The Navajo Nation's significant presence around Page means you can taste traditional Navajo dishes, representing the deepest local culinary roots.

Dining Customs

  • Tipping is customary for good service in restaurants (15-20% of the bill).
  • Reservations generally not needed for casual restaurants, but suggested for higher-end or popular spots during peak season evenings.
  • Casual attire is acceptable at almost all establishments.
  • Breakfast: 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM. Lunch: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Dinner: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM.

Ingredients & Flavors

Navajo Cuisine

Staples include corn (often blue corn), beans, squash, and mutton. Fry bread serves as an ubiquitous element for savory dishes or a sweet treat.

American/Southwestern Cuisine

Expect grilled meats, burgers, sandwiches. Southwestern influences bring chili, cumin, and other spices, with ingredients like tortillas, cheese, and various peppers.

Regional Variations

Within Page, regional variations are limited. Dining options concentrate in the town itself.

Dining Advice

  • Standard American dining applies.
  • Tipping 15-20% customary.
  • Check opening times, especially in low season.
  • Casual dress common.

Must-Try Dishes

Local Specialties

Navajo Tacos

Features fluffy, golden-fried fry bread as the base, topped with seasoned ground meat (beef or mutton), pinto beans, fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sometimes salsa or sour cream.

A hearty and flavorful meal.

Fry Bread

This versatile flatbread, made from simple dough and deep-fried until puffed and golden, can be served savory (as part of a Navajo Taco) or sweet.

A delightful treat.

Mutton Stew

A traditional Navajo comfort food, this savory stew features tender mutton, potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables, often served with fry bread or corn tortillas.

Tastes of traditional Navajo home cooking.

Other Food Highlights

  • Non-alcoholic: Standard American soft drinks, juices, coffee. Look for locally brewed (non-alcoholic) root beer or lemonade.
  • Alcoholic: Page has restaurants and bars serving beer, wine, and spirits.
  • Sweet Fry Bread: Served simply with honey, powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar. A delightful dessert.
  • Piki Bread: A traditional thin, crispy bread from blue cornmeal, often for special occasions. Harder to find commercially.

Dining Out

Street Food

Page does not have a large street food scene. You might find food trucks or local stands occasionally, often with Navajo Tacos or simple grilled items.

Seasonal Foods

Specific seasonal foods are not a major feature of Page's dining. Check the Navajo Nation calendar for community events or powwows that might feature traditional foods.

Dining Options

Refined & Mid-Range Dining

Fine Dining: Limited. Page has a few restaurants aiming for a more upscale experience, focusing on steak or American cuisine.

  • Mid-Range: This category has the most choices. Find American (burgers, steaks), Mexican/Southwestern (tacos, enchiladas), and other international cuisine (Chinese, Italian).
  • Examples: State 48 Tavern (American pub fare), El Tapatio (Mexican), Dam Bar & Grille (American, bar atmosphere), Strombolli's Italian Restaurant (Italian).
  • General quality is good, focusing on visitor tastes.

Quick & Affordable Bites

Fast Food: Major national chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Subway, and Taco Bell are available.

  • Local Diners/Cafes: Offer affordable breakfast and lunch options.
  • Grocery Store Deli: Bashas' and Safeway grocery stores often have deli sections with ready-to-eat sandwiches, salads, and hot food bars.
  • Good for packed lunches or quick dinners.

Markets & International

Grocery Stores: Bashas' Supermarket and Safeway are main grocery stores. Well-stocked for picnic supplies, snacks, beverages, and ingredients for cooking.

  • Food Halls: Page has no dedicated food halls.
  • International Cuisine: While not extensive, options for basic Chinese, Italian, and Mexican food.
  • Diversity in dining for varied preferences.

Local Spotlights

State 48 Tavern

Type: American Pub Fare

Ambiance: Lively, casual. Good for burgers and beer after a day of exploring.

El Tapatio

Type: Mexican Cuisine

Ambiance: Family-friendly. Popular for classic Mexican dishes.

Quick Options

Subway

Fresh sandwiches for a quick meal on the go.

Burger King

Standard fast food.

Strombolli's

Pizza and Italian favorites.

R.D.'s Drive-In

Known for Navajo Tacos and classic diner food.

Dietary Considerations

Vegetarian & Allergen Needs

  • Vegetarian: Most mid-range restaurants give vegetarian options (e.g., salads, pasta dishes, veggie burgers).
  • Vegan: Dedicated vegan restaurants are rare in Page. Finding vegan meals may need careful menu review and requests for modifications.
  • Grocery stores are the best resource for purchasing vegan-specific ingredients.
  • Halal and Kosher: Extremely limited or non-existent. Travelers adhering to Halal or Kosher diets plan to self-cater.

Allergen Awareness

Gluten-Free & Allergens

Some restaurants may offer gluten-free options (e.g., gluten-free buns for burgers, corn tortillas).

Always communicate specific allergies clearly to your server. Cross-contamination exists in smaller kitchens.

Dietary Resources

Check online menus and reviews (e.g., Google Maps, TripAdvisor) in advance for dietary options.

Grocery stores (Bashas' and Safeway) stock a range of specialty items for various dietary needs.

Navajo Specialties

Navajo Cuisine Details
Corn (often blue corn)
Beans
Squash
Mutton
Fry bread (savory or sweet)
Southwestern spices
Dining Experience

Roxie's Kitchen: A local favorite known for traditional Navajo dishes.

  • Navajo tacos
  • Fry bread
  • Local comfort food
Self-Catering

Buying groceries from Bashas' or Safeway for self-catering. Good for specific dietary needs.

Pack snacks for tours and activities, especially since food is not available inside Antelope Canyon.

Quick Culinary Guide

Restaurant Choices
Dietary Support
  • Vegetarian options available
  • Vegan options need inquiry
Must-Try Local
  • Navajo Tacos
  • Sweet Fry Bread

Culinary Experiences

Cultural & Culinary Insights

Workshops & Classes

Specific cultural workshops (e.g., Navajo weaving, jewelry making) are not typically offered to tourists in Page.

Seek cultural centers or events within the Navajo Nation for these. | Limited local offerings.
Farm & Food Producers

Not applicable to the immediate Page area, which is a desert environment.

Focus on local eateries for food.
Food Festivals

Check the local Page community calendar or the Navajo Nation calendar for any potential local food events or powwows.

These are not typically large-scale tourist food festivals.

Additional Information

  • Navajo Cuisine Experience: The main unique culinary experience is trying authentic Navajo cuisine, especially Navajo Tacos and Fry Bread, at local, often family-owned, establishments.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle and snacks, especially for your Antelope Canyon tour, as food and drink options are not available inside the canyon.
  • Plan meals around tours.
  • Stay hydrated in the desert.

More Advice

Pack Energy Snacks

Bring compact, high-energy snacks for your outdoor excursions.

Light and portable options are best for hikes.

No Food in Canyon

Food and drinks are not permitted inside Antelope Canyon, plan accordingly before your tour.

Finish snacks and drinks before entering.

Dining Summary

Navajo Taco

A must-try dish combining fry bread with savory toppings. Find it at local Navajo-owned eateries.

Dining Variety

Page has American, Mexican, and some Asian food. Options range from fast food to sit-down meals.

Dietary Needs

Vegetarian options exist; vegan and other specialized diets may need self-catering from grocery stores.

Helpful Tip

Carry a reusable water bottle and snacks, especially for your Antelope Canyon tour, as food and drink options are not available inside the canyon.

  • Stay hydrated in the dry desert climate.
  • Pack energy snacks for long tours.
  • Remember no food or drink inside the slot canyons.
  • Plan meals around tour timings.
  • Local grocery stores are good for self-catering needs.