5 Best Restaurants in Sitka, Juneau, the Inside Passage, and Southeast Alaska

Food lovers pack into Ludvig's to sample chef-owner Colette Nelson's remarkably creative cuisine, which means there's often a wait, but rest assured that your meal will be worth it. Seafood (particularly king salmon and scallops) is the specialty, and organic ingredients are used whenever possible. The interior evokes an Italian bistro, with rich yellow walls and copper-topped tables. Ludwig's also operates a soup cart near the Sitka Sound Science Center—a good option for those who can't commit to dinner or score a reservation.

On a clear day, the deck at this popular eatery is likely to be overflowing with a lively local crowd devoted to chef Renée Trafton's creative dishes and sustainable practices—that includes a living wage for staff and no tipping (if you do leave a tip, it will be donated to local charities). It's located near the bridge in a historic building that also houses the local radio station, KCAW.

Travelers flying out of Sitka's airport retreat to the Nugget while waiting for their plane to arrive. The Nugget serves American classics for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but the homemade pies are the real attraction.