Ember Restaurant: Where Live-Fire American Western Cooking Meets Colorado River Magic in Moab

The sun drops behind the towering 2,000-foot red cliffs, casting burnt orange shadows across the Colorado River that snakes past the deck at Red Cliffs Lodge. Inside Ember Restaurant, the scent of wood smoke and grilled steak mingles with the sound of the river rushing just beyond the windows. A couple sits at a riverside table, watching their server deliver the Chef's Canvas—a sizzling board loaded with New York strip, seasonal vegetables, and specialty sauces that's become Ember's signature dish. "The views from the room were amazing!! Just breathtaking!!" one guest wrote after their stay at this Moab dining destination. "The dinner, although a limited menu due to renovations, was delicious. Staff were all wonderful to deal with." This is the kind of place where nature steals the show, but the live-fire cooking keeps you coming back.

The New Face of American Western Dining Along Scenic Highway 128

Located 17 miles northeast of downtown Moab on Scenic Highway 128—one of the most breathtaking drives in Utah—Red Cliffs Lodge has been welcoming adventurers, river rafters, and families since 2002. But it's only recently that Ember Restaurant emerged as the lodge's signature dining experience, replacing the previous Cowboy Grill with a fresh, modern approach to American Western cuisine.

The transformation represents more than just a name change. Ember embraces live-fire cooking techniques that honor the rugged landscape surrounding it, using wood-fired grills and high-heat methods to create bold, smoky flavors that you simply can't replicate any other way. This is cooking that respects both tradition and innovation—classic Western favorites elevated through technique, quality ingredients, and a willingness to push boundaries.

The restaurant operates as part of the Red Cliffs Lodge complex, a Marriott Bonvoy property that sprawls across a spectacular bend in the Colorado River between Arches National Park and Castle Valley. It's the kind of location that's been used in dozens of films—Thelma & Louise, Forrest Gump, Rio Grande, Stagecoach—because few places in America look quite this cinematic. The lodge sits amid certified international dark sky territory, meaning on moonless nights you'll see the Milky Way stretched across the desert sky while you finish your meal.

This setting informs everything about Ember's approach. The restaurant isn't trying to be a big-city steakhouse or a trendy farm-to-table concept imported from the coast. It's unapologetically rooted in its place: the American Southwest, where cowboys once drove cattle and where visitors now come to raft, climb, bike, and disappear into the vastness of red rock country.

The Live-Fire Experience: Chef's Canvas and American Classics Done Right

Here's what makes Ember different from the dozens of other Moab restaurants: they're cooking over actual fire, using techniques that add complexity and character to every dish. The kitchen features wood-fired grills that reach blistering temperatures, creating char and caramelization that you simply can't achieve with gas or electric cooking.

The centerpiece of the menu is the Chef's Canvas, a shareable board that functions as both dinner and theater. Picture this: a wooden serving board arrives at your table loaded with a perfectly grilled New York strip steak, seasonal vegetables that have been kissed by smoke and flame, assorted grilled meats that change based on what's available, and an array of specialty sauces designed to complement the live-fire flavors. It's meant to be shared, picked at, explored—the kind of meal that encourages conversation and lingering over a second glass of wine.

The breakfast menu runs from 6:30 to 10:00 AM and serves the kind of hearty Western fare that fuels a day of adventure in the Moab area. We're talking classic American breakfast—eggs, bacon, potatoes, pancakes—executed well and served with those jaw-dropping views of the Colorado River and Fisher Towers in the distance. One guest noted, "Breakfast was plentiful but basic, but the stunning sunrise over the red cliffs and the Colorado river made it special." And isn't that the truth? When you're eating breakfast with a view like that, the food doesn't need to be complicated.

For dinner, the menu expands into American comfort territory with a live-fire twist. Think wood-grilled steaks, flame-kissed chicken, seasonal fish preparations, and wood-fired pizzas that emerge from the oven with blistered crusts and melted cheese. The cooking here emphasizes simplicity—quality ingredients, high heat, minimal interference. It's the philosophy of letting fire do what fire does best: concentrate flavors, create texture, add that primal element of smoke that connects us to the oldest form of cooking humans have ever known.

The lodge underwent extensive renovations from late 2024 through at least November 2025 (possibly extending to March 2026), which temporarily limited Ember's full operations. During this period, they operated out of a temporary space called the Bronco Building with a more limited menu. Some guests found the temporary setup challenging—one reviewer noted, "Don't eat at the Bronco Building (which is the only place to eat on site). The food was horrible"—but others praised the staff's efforts to maintain quality despite construction: "Although it is far away from Moab, we liked the seclusion and loved the drive from the highway along the river."

As renovations wrap up and Ember fully reopens in its permanent space, the restaurant is positioned to become one of Moab's premier dining destinations, offering something the town desperately needs: an upscale yet unpretentious restaurant that celebrates regional flavors without resorting to tourist traps or generic hotel dining.

The Views That Make Every Meal Unforgettable

Let's be clear about something: Ember's greatest amenity isn't on the menu. It's the location.

The restaurant sits on the banks of the Colorado River, surrounded by 2,000-foot Navajo sandstone cliffs that glow pink and orange during sunrise and sunset. The terraced dining room ensures every table has a view—either of the winding river, the towering Fisher Towers in the distance, or the dramatic red rock formations that define this corner of southeastern Utah. There are shaded outdoor decks and patios for dining al fresco when weather permits, and even in the heat of summer, the riverside breeze and strategic shading make outdoor meals comfortable.

"The area that the lodge is located offers a stunning view of the Red Cliffs and river," wrote one satisfied guest. Another declared it simply: "The views are spectacular—you can't get any better than this!" And they're right. This is the kind of scenery that makes you set down your fork mid-bite just to stare.

Sunset dinners at Ember are particularly special. As the light shifts and those massive cliffs begin to glow, you're eating dinner inside one of the most famous landscapes in the American West. It's a view that's brought filmmakers here for decades, and it's the reason couples choose Red Cliffs Lodge for weddings and anniversary celebrations.

The River Deck operates seasonally for lunch, offering a more casual experience with a salad bar, burgers, tacos, and grilled items. It's perfect for a midday break between adventures—a place to refuel before heading back out to Arches National Park, Canyonlands, or the hiking and biking trails that crisscross Castle Valley.

Moab's Adventure Base Camp with Exceptional Dining

What makes Ember particularly valuable to visitors is its role within the broader Red Cliffs Lodge experience. This isn't just a restaurant—it's part of an adventure ecosystem designed for people who come to Moab to play hard.

The lodge offers 110 spacious suites, all with kitchenettes, private patios or balconies, and views of either the creek or the Colorado River. The Riverside King Cabins feature outdoor hot tubs on wraparound decks where you can soak under the stars after a day of canyoneering or rock climbing. The property is family-friendly (with a children's playground) and pet-friendly, welcoming up to two dogs for a small fee.

On-site activities include horseback riding from the Red Cliffs Corral ($159.99 and up), where you'll learn proper riding techniques and explore Castle Creek Canyon on gentle horses. Colorado River rafting trips launch from the property ($95+), offering Class I and II rapids and stunning geological formations. The concierge can arrange guided canyoneering, rock climbing, tandem skydiving, or Moab Dark Sky Tours for astrophotography in Arches National Park ($89).

After all that adventure, you need good food. That's where Ember comes in. The restaurant serves as the lodge's anchor dining experience, but during peak season there's also The Bar—serving elevated pub classics like loaded fries, mac and cheese, and steak sandwiches for lunch—plus the seasonal River Deck.

The location is strategic: Red Cliffs Lodge sits just 15 miles from the entrance to Arches National Park and 45 miles from Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park's northern entrance. You're close enough to the parks to get there in under 30 minutes, but far enough from downtown Moab to escape the summer crowds and traffic. The drive up Highway 128 is an attraction in itself—a winding ribbon of pavement that hugs the Colorado River through spectacular red rock canyons.

What Changed: The 2024-2026 Renovation and Ember's Evolution

Here's something worth noting: Red Cliffs Lodge has been evolving rapidly. The property underwent a major renovation beginning in late December 2024, with completion originally projected for November 2025 but potentially extending through March 2026. All 110 suites were "freshly reimagined" with modern comforts, updated decor, and thoughtful details designed to elevate the guest experience.

The dining operations were impacted during this transition. The original Cowboy Grill—which had been serving traditional Western favorites like ranch-grilled steak, smoked barbequed pork ribs, wild Alaskan salmon, and their signature prime rib since the lodge opened—gave way to the new Ember concept. During the height of construction, dining was temporarily relocated to the Bronco Building with a pared-down menu.

Guest reviews during this period were mixed. Some visitors understood the situation: "Our 2nd visit here—located in a spectacular setting on a picturesque bend in the Colorado River with soaring cliffs and amazing sunsets. Our king riverside room was spacious and well set-up." Others found the limited dining frustrating after paying premium prices for lodging.

But here's what matters: the lodge and its team remained committed to hospitality throughout the chaos. Multiple reviews praised the staff's friendliness and willingness to accommodate guests despite the limitations. "The staff was so friendly, the hotel was beautiful, surrounded by the Colorado River and many Red Cliffs," wrote one visitor. Another noted, "Renovation is ongoing but did not affect our stay. There is a temporary restaurant in the check-in building. Breakfast and dinner were fine... they work very hard to make your stay enjoyable."

As the renovations complete and Ember fully comes online in its permanent space, the restaurant is positioned to capitalize on everything that makes Red Cliffs Lodge special: the unbeatable location, the adventure-ready atmosphere, and the kind of authenticity that only comes from being genuinely rooted in a place rather than trying to manufacture it.

Planning Your Visit to Ember Restaurant at Red Cliffs Lodge

Address: Red Cliffs Lodge Moab, Milepost 14, Highway 128, Moab, UT 84532

Location Context: 17 miles northeast of downtown Moab via Scenic Highway 128. The drive takes about 20-25 minutes and is absolutely gorgeous—budget extra time for photo stops.

Hours:

• Breakfast: 6:30 AM - 10:00 AM daily
• Dinner: Check with lodge for current hours as post-renovation schedule may vary
• The Bar (Lunch): Seasonal hours
• River Deck (Lunch): Seasonal, weather-dependent

Reservations: Strongly recommended for dinner, especially during peak season (spring and fall). Call (435) 259-2002 to reserve or check availability.

What to Order: The Chef's Canvas board is the signature dish—perfect for sharing. For breakfast, the hearty American classics pair beautifully with sunrise views. If you're just passing through for lunch, The Bar's steak sandwiches and loaded fries hit the spot.

Price Range: $$-$$$ - Expect breakfast to run $15-25 per person, dinner entrees $25-45, with the Chef's Canvas board priced for sharing (typically $60-80). The prices reflect both the quality and the unbeatable setting.

Insider Tips:

• Request a riverside table for sunset dinners—the views are worth the wait
• If you're staying at the lodge, plan at least one meal on the outdoor deck
• The restaurant closes from January 1 to February 15 annually, so plan accordingly
• Parking is plentiful at the lodge, though it fills up during peak adventure season
• This is a resort restaurant, so dress code is casual—hiking gear and river sandals are perfectly acceptable

Getting There: From Moab, take Highway 191 North to Highway 128 (marked Scenic Byway). Turn right and follow the river for about 14 miles. Red Cliffs Lodge is well-signed on your left. The drive is spectacular and worth doing in daylight.

What's Nearby: Arches National Park (15 miles), Castle Valley climbing areas, Colorado River put-in for rafting, Fisher Towers hiking, Canyonlands National Park (45 miles), Dead Horse Point State Park (45 miles).

Special Features:

• On-site Moab Museum of Film & Western Heritage (free for guests)
• Castle Creek Winery tasting room
• International Dark Sky location—incredible stargazing
• Pet-friendly property (up to 2 dogs for small fee)

Accessibility: The lodge and restaurant are ADA accessible. Call ahead with specific needs.

Instagram: @restaurantember (though note this handle may also reference the similarly-named California restaurant, so double-check location tags)

Why Ember Matters to Utah's Food Scene

In the crowded landscape of Moab dining—where tourist-trap restaurants compete with a handful of genuinely good local spots—Ember occupies valuable territory. It's not trying to be the fanciest restaurant in town or the most innovative. Instead, it's embracing what Southern Utah does best: incredible scenery, adventurous spirit, and honest American cooking elevated by live-fire techniques and quality ingredients.

The American Western concept feels right for this location. This is cowboy country, movie Western territory, the landscape where Butch Cassidy once hid out and where John Ford filmed his most iconic scenes. Ember honors that heritage without becoming a caricature of it. The food is modern and well-executed, but it's rooted in the flavors and traditions that have always sustained people in this harsh, beautiful corner of the Colorado Plateau.

For visitors to Moab—and millions come each year for the national parks, the mountain biking, the river running, the desert hiking—Ember offers something the town desperately needs: an upscale dining experience that doesn't feel corporate or generic. It's a place where you can celebrate a special occasion without leaving the wilderness behind, where you can toast a successful day of adventure with a glass of wine and a perfectly grilled steak while the Colorado River flows past your table.

The renovation represents an investment in making Red Cliffs Lodge a true destination property rather than just a convenient place to sleep between park visits. And Ember is central to that vision—a restaurant good enough to be the reason for a visit, not just an amenity.

One guest summed it up perfectly: "Beautiful property. Riverside room was outstanding and comfortable... We knew that ahead of time and they work very hard to make your stay enjoyable. It's a 30 minute drive to Arches National Park and 'downtown' Moab."

That's the sweet spot Ember occupies: close enough to the action but far enough away to feel like an escape. Good enough to satisfy food lovers but casual enough for families fresh off the trail. Ambitious enough to push live-fire cooking forward but grounded enough to serve a damn good breakfast with a river view.

Make your reservation. Drive the scenic highway. Order the Chef's Canvas. Watch the cliffs glow at sunset. This is American Western dining the way it should be—honest, beautiful, and deeply connected to the landscape that surrounds it.

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Ember Restaurant is located at Red Cliffs Lodge Moab, Milepost 14 Highway 128, Moab, UT 84532. Open for breakfast and dinner (seasonal hours may vary). Reservations recommended via phone at (435) 259-2002. Follow @restaurantember on Instagram for updates.