For Japanese dining options within Yellowstone National Park, there are limited choices. While the park offers a variety of dining facilities, including restaurants, cafeterias, snack shops, and bars, traditional Japanese cuisine is not a prominent feature. However, there are a few options in the nearby town of West Yellowstone that cater to those seeking Japanese-inspired dishes.
Recommended Japanese Dining Options
- Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse: Located in West Yellowstone, this steakhouse offers a Japanese-inspired menu. It is highly rated on TripAdvisor, with over 150 reviews.
- Red 8 Asian Cuisine & Sushi Bar: This restaurant is located in West Yellowstone and serves a mix of Asian dishes, including sushi. It is highly rated on Yelp.
- Dong’s Sushi: Another option in West Yellowstone, Dong’s Sushi offers a variety of sushi dishes. It is also highly rated on Yelp.
Availability and Hours
- Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse: Closed now, but check for updates on operating hours.
- Red 8 Asian Cuisine & Sushi Bar: Check Yelp for current operating hours.
- Dong’s Sushi: Check Yelp for current operating hours.
Other Dining Options
While there are no traditional Japanese restaurants within the park, you can find a variety of dining options at the park’s lodges and villages. These include:
- Canyon Lodge Eatery: Offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner from May 17 to October 27, 2024.
- Grant Village Dining Room: Offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner from May 31 to October 6, 2024.
- Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room: Offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner from May 10 to September 2, 2024.
- Old Faithful Inn Dining Room: Offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner from May 3 to October 14, 2024.
Picnicking and Grocery Options
If you prefer to bring your own food, there are 52 picnic areas throughout the park. You can also purchase groceries at general stores in the park’s villages or in border towns like West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Cooke City.
Reservations and Planning
- Reservations: Recommended for dinner at popular restaurants like the Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room and the Old Faithful Dining Room. Book about a week in advance.
- Planning: Check the park’s website for operating hours, menus, and reservation options. You can also inquire at any lodge front desk or dining room host stand for more information.
Additional Tips
- Gluten-free and Vegan Options: Many park menus now offer gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. However, for those with strict dietary restrictions, picnicking with groceries from border towns may be a safer option.
- Old West Wagon Cookout: For a unique dining experience, book the Old West Wagon Cookout at Roosevelt Lodge, which features a charbroiled steak cookout with cowboy entertainment. Book six months in advance.
References
- https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/dining/
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/wheretoeat.htm
- https://visityellowstonecountry.com/where-to-eat
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g11445301-c27-Yellowstone_Country.html
- https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=japanese&find_loc=Yellowstone+National+Park%2C+WY+82190