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Just about everything at this restaurant in the small-boat harbor is made on-site, from the salad dressings to the infused liquors in the inventive libations. The award-winning chef prepares only sustainable Alaskan seafood, and information is provided about where it comes from and when it's in season. The wine and beer selections are first-rate. Upstairs window seats have stunning views. The menu changes frequently depending on the freshest catches of the day, so be sure to check out Facebook or Instagram to see what the chef has in store for diners on any given day.
1404 4th Ave., Seward, Alaska, 99664, USA
Known For
- Fantastic cocktail menu
- Inventive fresh seafood dishes
- Upstairs seating with views of the harbor and mountains
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Tues., Jan., and Feb.
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This hot spot draws crowds from all over the world, despite the fact it's too small to fit them all (reservations are essential). The emphasis here is on local ingredients, each bite making Homer feel a little more like home. Popular starters include fish tacos, sliders made with Alaska-grown beef, and Halibut Cove blue mussels. The entrées change often but might include fish-and-chips, wild prawns, and beef tenderloin. A surefire bet is the Hot Stone Bowl, made a different way each day with mostly local fish and vegetables.
4246 Homer Spit Rd., Homer, Alaska, 99603, USA
Known For
- Cozy ambience
- Best seafood destination in town
- Famed Hot Stone Bowl with local fish and veggies
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Reservations essential
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A remote town with only 50 year-round residents seems an unlikely place to find a five-star meal, but that's exactly what the chefs here deliver, creatively assembling dishes using ingredients grown, caught, and raised in the region. The changing menu might include local yak, red angus, Kenny Lake pork, or Copper River salmon—all paired with fantastic wines. Unless you were a guest at Ma Johnson's hotel, it used to be impossible dine here without making a reservation weeks in advance, but it's a little easier now: the addition of outdoor seating has increased the table count from 10 to 20.
101 Kennicott Ave., McCarthy, Alaska, 99588, USA
Known For
- Fine dining where you'd least expect it
- Seared local duck
- Romantic ambience
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Oct.–Apr. No lunch, Reservations essential
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At the top of the dock overlooking Halibut Cove, this is one of Southcentral's most beautiful places to sit and soak up the pleasures of a summer afternoon. Locally caught seafood, the restaurant's specialty, is prepared with finesse, and the dish for vegetarians is always a mouthwatering delight. Before or after dinner you can stroll Halibut Cove's boardwalks and visit the two art galleries, or just relax on the dock. Reservations are essential for the ferry, which requires you return the same way in which you came unless you've secured lodging on the Cove.
9 W. Ismilof Rd., Halibut Cove, Alaska, 99603, USA
Known For
- One of the best Alaskan culinary experiences
- Romantic dining
- Location on art-filled boardwalk
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Mon, and late Sept.–early May, Reservations essential
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A fisherman's bar, the Anchor is built for appetites and not ambience. There's a great deck outside overlooking the water, though, and the burgers and sandwiches—enormous, delicious, and made with fresh bread —are all the rage in Cordova.
207 Breakwater Ave., Cordova, Alaska, 99574, USA
Known For
- <PRO>fresh-made bread and hamburger buns</PRO>
- <PRO>genuine local hangout</PRO>
- <PRO>beautiful outdoor seating with lake views</PRO>
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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A funky bus turned food stand with an attached dining room, Baja Taco serves creative Tex-Mex dishes. Some come with a little added Alaska pizzazz, like the halibut-cheek tacos or the fish of the day. In addition to lunch and dinner, Baja serves breakfast—and possibly the only migas (Spanish scrambled eggs) for many a mile. There's also an espresso bar and plenty of room to eat out of the rain.
1 Harbor Loop Rd., Cordova, Alaska, 99574, USA
Known For
- Super groovy school-bus kitchen
- Best salsas and tacos in the region
- Location right next to the water
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Oct.–May
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A great spot to hit after a day of fishing, the Burger Bus is just as it sounds: an old school bus converted into a kitchen, with a shack built around it, and delicious burgers on offer. The portions are big and the flavors are great. The place might look a little sore on the outside, but you can tell by the way the locals hover that it's worth the visit. Try the halibut burger or the local favorite, the Kenai Killer Burger.
409 Overland Ave., Kenai, Alaska, 99611, USA
Known For
- Excellent halibut burger
- Great grub-on-the-go stop before or after a fishing excursion
- Unique school-bus kitchen setup
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
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Hearty fare fills the menu at this diner-style café, including homemade pies, juicy burgers, burritos, pasta dishes, and pizzas turned out of a wood-fired oven. The owner describes the decor as "Alaska minimalist," but the booths are plush and comfortable, and hand-rubbed wood is evident.
Pittman Rd. and Parks Hwy., Wasilla, Alaska, 99654, USA
Known For
- Best pies in town
- Diverse menu
- Family dining destination
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This classic Chinese restaurant features local seafood and amazingly fresh vegetables. The grilled halibut is fantastic, and for nonfish lovers, the Mongolian beef and kung pao chicken are excellent choices.
6 Harbor Rd., Whittier, Alaska, 99693, USA
Known For
- One of the best Chinese restaurants in Southcentral Alaska
- Fresh fish and vegetables (a rarity in these parts)
- Location right near the ferry terminal
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed mid-Sept.–late May
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This roadhouse diner is a great place to grab a bite and a libation and soak up the sun (when it makes an appearance) on the outside deck; you might even catch a show at the Acres, the adjacent outdoor music and events venue. The café offers an array of dishes, but they're particularly known for their spicy crispy chicken sandwich and their excellent variety of burgers. Breakfast is served on weekends, and the country-fried steak is out of this world. Also on weekends, you'll find the Acres hosting bands from all over the country (in the winter, acoustic music is performed indoors).
19842 Hope Hwy., Hope, Alaska, 99605, USA
Known For
- Roadside stop perfect for weekend breakfast
- Great burgers and sandwiches
- Fantastic outdoor concert venue
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed.
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Like every good brewery, Denali Brewing Company has a large outdoor porch for sunny days, and a menu of savory items to soak up the beer. Burgers, fish-and-chips, and a host of appetizers pack their menu. Denali Brewing is also home to Alaska Meadery, Alaska Ciderworks, and Denali Spirits.
13605 N. Main St., Talkeetna, Alaska, 99676, USA
Known For
- Award-winning microbrews
- Great outdoor seating
- Locally produced cider, mead, and spirits also available
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This restaurant and acoustic music venue (adjacent to Bear Creek Lodge) prides itself on epic meals with a twist, like two-layer crab cakes and deep-fried cheesy rice and Alaska sausage. The food is delicious, but the interior, with its one wall that opens up to let the delightful summer outdoors in, really makes this a terrific place to dine, drink, and enjoy great music.
19702 Hope Hwy., Hope, Alaska, 99605, USA
Known For
- Live music
- Palate-pleasing menu with something for everyone
- Rustic diner atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch
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This funky waterfront eatery delivers tasty breakfast, lunch, and dinner dining year-round indoors as well as outside on a smoke-free patio on warm summer days. The menu includes gourmet pizzas, Alaskan seafood, burgers, and plenty of vegetarian and healthy options. Be sure to try the halibut tacos or the clam chowder. Reservations are recommended in summer.
143 N. Harbor Dr., Valdez, Alaska, 99686, USA
Known For
- 15 craft beers on tap
- Great specialty cocktails
- Outside harbor-view seating
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Pumpkin-color walls, light streaming through tall front windows, and a playful collection of Italian posters add to the appeal of this fine Tuscany-inspired bistro. The menu encompasses enticing appetizers, salads, sandwiches, calzones, and pizzas throughout the day, along with oven-roasted chicken, fresh seafood, pork loin, and other fare in the evening. If you're in a hurry, just get a giant slice of the thin-crust cheese pizza to go for $5. You can order meals at the bar, where you'll find a great wine selection, and there's always something decadent for dessert.
276 Ohlson La., Homer, Alaska, 99603, USA
Known For
- Classic Italian cuisine
- Good wine selection
- Excellent pizza options
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Set on a superb floating stage on Halibut Cove, HCL hosts dinner several times a summer, each featuring a renowned guest chef from somewhere in the state, locally grown produce, and fresh seafood. There's also live jazz music. Dinner is a set price and includes boat transportation from Homer.
Known For
- Unique (and expensive) dining and music experience
- Fantastic fresh seafood dishes
- Very romantic ambience
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sept.–May
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A big, boisterous, friendly place near the small-boat harbor, Henry's has a menu that's equally big. There's fresh local seafood, of course, but also everything from barbecue and rack of lamb to gourmet salads, pastas, and even some Cajun dishes. Get started with one of the many appetizers (the smoked salmon is always a good choice), and finish up with one of their tasty desserts.
512 W. Marine Way, Kodiak, Alaska, 99615, USA
Known For
- Great post-fishing dining destination
- Flavorful seafood bowls
- Very relaxed environment
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With a back side that faces Kenai Lake and offers splendid views, and food equally worth your attention, this unassuming roadhouse is the place to stop in Cooper Landing. The halibut crab cakes with an excellent homemade tartar sauce come highly recommended, and there are always great fish options at the peak of the season. Musicians from all over entertain in the evenings.
19503 Sterling Hwy., Cooper Landing, Alaska, 99572, USA
Known For
- Extraordinary views of Kenai Lake
- Live music venue in the evenings
- Great seafood options
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. Sept.–mid-Jun. No dinner Sept.–mid-Jun. No lunch Mon. and Tues. mid-Jun.–Sept.
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This converted powerhouse facility allows a close-up view of Near Island and the channel connecting the boat harbors with the Gulf of Alaska. Enjoy fine steaks and classic seafood dishes or fresh sushi and sashimi while watching the procession of fishing boats gliding past on their way to catch or bring back your next meal. Keep your eyes peeled for sea otters, seals, sea lions, and eagles, too. The menu also features gyoza, shumai (fried noodles), and rice specials.
516 E. Marine Way, Kodiak, Alaska, 99615, USA
Known For
- Excellent sushi
- Great views of marine wildlife
- Diverse fresh fish dishes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sun.
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With a great outdoor deck and a heap of local company, the Linwood emphasizes its "bar" side at night and serves up hearty grilled burgers, pizzas, and seafood by day and into the early evening. Musicians from all over the state take the boat over to perform for Seldovians here.
257 Main St., Seldovia, Alaska, 99663, USA
Known For
- Excellent outdoor deck
- Live music from around the state
- Great pub food
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As its name suggests, Louie's specializes in steak and Alaska seafood, but they have a number of other alternatives on the menu as well. The clam chowder gets quite the rave reviews, and the clam and mussel appetizer is outstanding. On the weekend, the breakfast menu offers a bountiful amount of food. The decor is not for everyone, but for those not bothered by the sight of taxidermied animals, it's a chance to see just about every creature that roams the state.
47 Spur View Dr., Kenai, Alaska, 99611, USA
Known For
- Excellent prime rib
- Family-friendly menu
- Eccentric decor