Cedar House Restaurant

Lodge dining in El Portal serving breakfast and dinner daily near Yosemite

(81)

$$$$El Portal, CA

About

Cedar House Restaurant is the on-site dining room at a lodge in El Portal, just outside Yosemite National Park. It's open for breakfast and dinner every day of the week, making it a practical stop for anyone staying in the area or heading into the park.

Hours and What's on Offer

The restaurant serves breakfast from 7:00–10:00 AM and dinner from 5:00–8:30 PM, daily. It's priced at a moderate $$ level, with a full bar and a salad bar alongside the regular menu, which leans toward diner-style comfort food — wings, fries, sandwiches, and soup come up often in guest feedback.

What Guests Say

Cedar House carries a 2.9-star average across 81 reviews, and opinions split sharply. Several guests describe inconsistent kitchen execution and prices that feel steep for what arrives at the table. Others come away satisfied, calling out the wings, chicken tenders, the California melt sandwich, and a soup that was a hit with kids. Service and the bar draw specific praise from repeat visitors. With few other sit-down options directly in El Portal, it works best as a convenience stop for lodge guests — go in knowing the reviews are mixed rather than expecting a standout meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Cedar House Restaurant's hours?

Breakfast runs 7:00–10:00 AM and dinner 5:00–8:30 PM, seven days a week.

How much does it cost to eat here?

It's priced at a moderate $$ level.

Is Cedar House Restaurant a good option in El Portal?

Reviews are mixed — it holds a 2.9-star average from 81 reviews. Some guests report inconsistent food quality, while others recommend the wings, chicken tenders, and California melt sandwich, and praise the friendly bar service.

Does it have a bar?

Yes, guest reviews mention a full bar alongside the dining room and salad bar.

Reviews (81)

See all on Google

2.9

81 reviews

Google Reviews

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Brenda Mercado

2 weeks ago

Food was not appetizing at all. To top it off my kids food was served partially raw. Unacceptable. Stay away from this place.

Ryan

3 weeks ago

Had the breakfast buffet. It was ok and standard hotel breakfast. The value isnt worth it though. Ended up paying $34 after tax and tip for the buffet + coffee. Usually something thats included in hotel reservations at other places.

Alex Dingley

3 weeks ago

Honestly impressive that they made this with what seems to be no fresh ingredients. I asked for the nachos and added beef for $7 and got a goopy mess of bean paste, cheese sauce and a dry burger patty that seems to have been broken into pieces by hand and thrown on top. I’ve never complained about food in my life but this was so bad I had to ask my friend (I couldn’t do it) to say something and save me. Will give the wait staff props for being super kind about it. They were apologetic and didn’t charge me for the dish and even offered cake or to take home salad bar to make up for it. I just hope this review stops anyone who likes food from making the mistake I did. If you want nachos the bar in Yosemite village has a fantastic fresh one!

Alena Serbova

a month ago

Honestly, save your money — any store-bought ready meal will taste better than the food here. It’s better to buy something from a shop and eat that for even less money. Officially one of the worst dinners of my life — absolutely everything was tasteless.

Mauro Miranda

a month ago

While the food was good and the service very friendly, the breakfast price was completely exorbitant and typical of a tourist area. We understand that, but compared to other options, the price-quality ratio was disproportionate and at times outrageous. Therefore, the rating is low, and we do not recommend this place.