3 Best Restaurants in Arches National Park, Utah

For breakfast (served all day), plus lunch and dinner, this neon-lighted retro diner and ice cream shop is a favorite place of old-time Moabites who appreciate the reasonable prices and good-size portions of reliably tasty American fare, from caramelized-pecan pancakes to green-chili cheeseburgers. Friendly servers whisk quickly amid the bustling dining room, and kids love the banana splits, milkshakes, and other sweet treats for dessert. There's also a good-size kids menu and box lunches to go.

Opened by a young, outdoorsy couple with a passion for southeastern Utah, this food truck permanently moored on a prominent downtown corner serves adventurous, delicious—if not necessarily authentic—quesadillas. Order at the window and dine at one of the outdoor tables in the pretty landscaped courtyard, or take your meal with you on an outdoor adventure. Fillings include spicy roasted sweet potatoes, slow-cooked chicken with New Mexico green chili sauce, wild mushrooms, and shredded beef. Note that alcohol isn't served, and the hours are 11–6 daily.

Sushi in the remote desert may seem surprising, but the chefs here know what they're doing. The fish is flown in fresh several times a week, the veggies are crisp, and the sauces are spicy—locals particularly love the spicy tuna roll with cucumber and avocado served with sriracha and eel sauce. The tempura is light and crunchy and the stir-fry noodles with vegetables in a spicy miso are a treat. There are also chicken and steak options, along with plenty of dishes for vegetarians. The place has a trendy vibe and is often crowded, so call ahead, especially on weekends.