The El Tovar is best for breakfast and lunch. Make sure you try the Prickly Pear marinated boneless chicken breast with a layer of pepper jack cheese on a bed of rice. Delicious! My favorite. It is a beautiful, historic hotel and if you want a window seat you must reserved the 5pm or first reservation slot.

We had a beautiful table by the window in this large, dark but elegant room inside the El Tovar Hotel. The tables are nicely set with linens and little vases with flowers. Many of the servers seemed to be foreign-born. Our team of waitresses were both from the Czech Republic and were quick, friendly and attentive without being overbearing.

I had angel-hair pasta with a mushroom sauce. Husband had grilled chicken breast, veggies and au gratin potatoes. We each had a wonderful glass of chardonnay. Everything was cooked perfectly and was delicious. It was a tad expensive for lunch, but the food, service and atmosphere were well worth it. Our lunch tab came to almost $70, but we ordered an upscale wine (by the glass) and left a really nice tip. Sometimes I visit a place and have high hopes that it will be wonderful. Sometimes I'm disappointed. I wasn't disappointed here. It's everything I had hoped it would be.

The El Tovar Dining Room, part of the El Tovar Hotel built in 1905, offers the best dining experience in the Grand Canyon. Its log cabin architecture, stuffed moose, deer and elk heads on the wall and hanging kerosene lanterns give this space a rustic air that compliments the surrounding South Rim area.

When you walk in, the right side of the dining room is closest to the Canyon. Request a table here if you want to watch the sunset during dinner. For appetizers, try the jalapeno fritters. The perfect amount of cream cheese is slipped into the fritter to provide some relief from the hot, yet irresistible, treat. A typical entrée features rainbow trout, wild rice, a selection of bok choi, carrots and other steamed vegetables. And for dessert, the ginger crème brulee is presented with a pastry spoon and fresh whipped cream.

Reservations are recommended if you are planning to dine at The El Tovar Dining Room. The gourmet food and regional specialties prepared have given it a reputation among both travelers and locals.