10 Best Alaska Restaurants

Alaska is famous for high quality wild-caught seafood, particularly the five species of salmon, halibut, and king crab. The state's food tourism is built on offering these fresh catches, which are harvested from clean and cold waters, giving them a distinct quality and taste. The best food in Alaska also includes game meats like reindeer and moose, and unique local products such as birch syrup, fireweed honey, and wild berries like blueberries and salmonberries. A key factor that sets the famous food in Alaska apart is the state's ban on salmon farming, which protects wild populations and ensures the quality of the fish. Culinary techniques often focus on highlighting the natural flavors of these ingredients through simple preparations like grilling fish on cedar planks to impart a smoky flavor. Another method is the "Brown Paper Bag Technique," where salmon is cooked on a paper bag over a grill for moist results.

A traditional food in Alaska is Akutaq, also known as Eskimo ice cream. Historically, Akutaq was a vital, high-energy food for Indigenous Alaskan hunters, created from ingredients sourced from the land. The name "Akutaq" is a Yup'ik word meaning "something mixed." The dish is made from whipped animal fat, such as reindeer or seal oil, combined with snow or water and wild-harvested berries like salmonberries, cloudberries, or blueberries. Sometimes, ground fish is also added. It has a rich and savory flavor from the fat, balanced by the sweetness and tartness of the berries. While it is considered the Alaska state food in a cultural sense, traditional Akutaq made with animal fat is not sold commercially due to health regulations.

The single most popular food in Alaska is wild salmon. It is a staple food that is commonly eaten by locals and is a highlight for visitors. The popularity of salmon stems from its abundance in the state's cold, clean waters; there are five native species, including king, sockeye, and coho. Fishing for salmon is deeply integrated into the local culture and economy, from large commercial operations to personal subsistence fishing that fills freezers for the winter. As a sought after food to eat in Alaska, salmon is prepared in many ways, including grilled, smoked, baked, and in chowders.

The average cost for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Alaska ranges from $20 to $30 per person. For a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant, the cost is between $80 and $120. At high-end, fine dining establishments, prices for multi-course tasting menus can start at $150 per person or more.

Alaska's fast-food offerings include local chains and familiar national brands, with establishments like Arctic Roadrunner and Great Alaska Pizza Company being local favorites. These spots are known for their unique Alaskan twists on classic fast-food items.

• Arctic Roadrunner: An Anchorage institution famous for its char-grilled burgers, such as the Kenai Whopper, and its unique setting filled with historical Alaska memorabilia.
• Great Alaska Pizza Company: A local pizza chain with locations across the state, known for its specialty pizzas and cheesy breadsticks.
• Lucky Wishbone: A long-standing Anchorage favorite known for its pressure-fried chicken and classic diner-style burgers.
• Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria: While also a sit-down restaurant, its popularity and pizza-focused menu make it a top choice for a quick, high-quality meal.
• Taco King: A local chain with several locations in Anchorage, popular for its quick-service Mexican food and large burritos.
• Pita Pit: A national chain with a strong presence, known for its made-to-order pita sandwiches.
• Kaladi Brothers Coffee: A prominent Alaskan coffee chain that serves as a go-to spot for quick coffee and pastries.
• McDonald's: A global chain with a special menu item in Alaska, the "Denali Mac," which is a Big Mac with larger beef patties.

The Alaskan restaurant scene continues to grow with new additions offering fresh concepts, particularly in Anchorage and the surrounding areas. Recent openings include Altura Bistro, which brings an elegant spin to seasonal items, and various food trucks that add to the local flavor.

• Altura Bistro: Located in Anchorage, this restaurant focuses on using local Alaskan ingredients to create an elegant spin on seasonal dishes, from fine dining entrees to casual burgers.
• The Rustic Goat: This Anchorage spot offers an elevated take on American food in a modern, inviting space with handmade pasta.
• Addie Camp: Located in Soldotna, this restaurant is known for its fresh cuisine, including salads with greens from its on-site hydroponic farm.
• Two Brothers BBQ: Filling a niche in the Cooper Landing area, this spot is a go-to for barbecue enthusiasts.
• Raven Glacier Lodge: A hidden gem in Girdwood, this establishment offers a unique dining experience in a tranquil forest setting.

Alaska has restaurants that serve vegan food, including establishments like Jack Sprat in Girdwood, which is known for its "Fat & Lean World Cuisine" featuring creative vegan dishes like Bibimbap. In Anchorage, options include Midnight Sun Brewing Company, offering a vegan burger and other plant-based pub fare, and Spenard Roadhouse, which serves vegan tacos and salads. For a health-focused meal, Organic Oasis Restaurant & Juice Bar provides many vegan dishes, from sandwiches to bowls. For a quick meal, Pita Pit offers a customizable option with falafel and fresh vegetables.

Alaska has restaurants that serve gluten-free food, with places like Sweet Caribou in Anchorage specializing in naturally gluten-free macarons and also offering a selection of gluten-free savory dishes. For upscale dining, Altura Bistro in Anchorage provides a gluten-free menu upon request. Pizza lovers can find gluten-free crust options at the famous Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria in Anchorage and at Hearth Artisan Pizza in Homer. Near Denali National Park, 229 Parks Restaurant and Tavern can accommodate gluten-free requests within its seasonal, from-scratch menu.

Restaurants throughout Alaska's coastal cities serve king crab, with Tracy's King Crab Shack in Juneau being one of the most well-known destinations, famous for its straightforward menu of large, steamed crab legs. In Anchorage, Simon & Seafort's offers whole king crab legs as a signature entree in an upscale setting, while the fine-dining restaurant The Crow's Nest also features Bering Sea king crab on its menu. Other notable spots include Hangar on the Wharf in Juneau and the Double Musky Inn in Girdwood, which prepares king crab with its signature Cajun flair. The king crab served is prized for its large size and sweet, succulent meat, and while the main fishing season is in the fall, top restaurants flash-freeze their catch to ensure it is available for most of the year.

Yes. Alaska is an excellent destination for food, especially for enthusiasts of seafood and wild game. The state's reputation is built on its access to some of the world's highest-quality wild salmon, halibut, and king crab, which are central to the local diet and restaurant menus. The food experience is enhanced by the availability of unique local ingredients like wild berries, birch syrup, and game meats such as reindeer and moose, offering flavors that are not easily found elsewhere.

Yes, restaurants in Alaska offer many healthy options, primarily due to the state's abundance of fresh, wild-caught seafood. The local diet staples, such as salmon, halibut, and cod, are lean sources of protein and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Many restaurants emphasize simple preparations like grilling or baking to highlight the natural quality of the fish. During the summer, menus also feature locally grown produce. While healthy seafood is a focus, restaurants also serve American comfort foods and fried dishes.

Alaska's most famous cuisines are Seafood and New American. These styles are shaped by the state's geography, natural resources, and cultural history. Listed below are the most common and popular cuisines in Alaska.

• Seafood: This is the cornerstone of Alaskan cuisine. The focus is on the five species of wild salmon, halibut, cod, and shellfish like king crab. Preparations are often simple to let the freshness of the product stand out.
• New American: Many Alaskan chefs apply modern culinary techniques to local ingredients. This results in creative, upscale dishes that feature Alaskan seafood, game, and foraged items in an innovative way.
• Game: Reflecting its frontier spirit, Alaska has a cuisine that includes wild game. Reindeer sausage is a common and accessible item, while some specialty restaurants may offer dishes with moose, caribou, or bear.
• Russian: The influence of early Russian settlers remains in some of Alaska's food traditions. Dishes like pelmeni (dumplings) and certain types of pastries can be found, especially in communities with strong Russian heritage.
• Sourdough: Sourdough starters were a staple for pioneers during the Klondike Gold Rush, and the tradition continues. Sourdough is used to make bread, pancakes, and waffles, and it is a flavor associated with Alaskan home cooking.

Restaurants in Alaska commonly offer food in Alaska that is centered on fresh, locally sourced seafood and classic American fare. Menus heavily feature wild-caught salmon, halibut, and cod, which are staples. The cooking techniques used for seafood are often straightforward, such as grilling, smoking, pan-searing, or baking, to preserve the ingredient's natural flavor and texture. Beyond seafood, American comfort foods like burgers, steaks, and hearty breakfast dishes are widely available. Sourdough is another key element, frequently used in bread and pancakes.

Yes. Alaska has several unique dishes, with Akutaq (Eskimo ice cream) being one of the most distinct. This traditional Indigenous food is made from whipped animal fat, snow, and wild berries. Due to health regulations regarding the use of seal oil or reindeer fat, authentic Akutaq is not sold in restaurants. However, some unique restaurants in Alaska and local shops offer modern, dairy-based versions inspired by the original. Another unique food that is widely available in restaurants is reindeer, most commonly served as a grilled sausage alongside breakfast or on a hot dog bun.