The Kenai Peninsula and Southcentral Alaska Restaurants

The best way to describe the hospitality industry in Alaska is "informal," and this applies all over the state—even in Anchorage. Don't worry if you still have your hiking clothes on when you go out to eat. Every kind of food is available, especially in larger towns, but options decline considerably from mid-September through April.

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  • 1. Le Barn Appétit

    $$

    This little restaurant and inn serves some of the finest crepes in Alaska with options that range from savory, like creamed beef and spinach, to sweet, like strawberries, Nutella, and whipped cream. The delightful proprietor is known to throw together fantastic French dinners for parties that call ahead, and if you're lucky, you'll also taste his quiche lorraine or chicken cordon bleu. Le Barn Appétit is open daily for breakfast and lunch; dinners can be arranged by phone a day in advance.

    11786 Old Exit Glacier Rd., Seward, Alaska, 99664, USA
    907-224–8706

    Known For

    • Best French crepes in Alaska
    • Great hospitality
    • Good for groups

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner (except by special advance reservation)
  • 2. Anchor Bar & Grill

    $$

    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
    907-424–3262

    Known For

    • <PRO>fresh-made bread and hamburger buns</PRO>
    • <PRO>genuine local hangout</PRO>
    • <PRO>beautiful outdoor seating with lake views</PRO>
  • 3. Cadillac Cafe

    $$

    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
    907-357–5533

    Known For

    • Best pies in town
    • Diverse menu
    • Family dining destination
  • 4. China Sea

    $$

    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
    907-472–3663

    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
  • 5. Creekbend Cafe & the Acres

    $$

    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
    907-782–3274

    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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  • 6. Denali Brewing Company BrewPub

    $$

    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
    907-733–2537

    Known For

    • Award-winning microbrews
    • Great outdoor seating
    • Locally produced cider, mead, and spirits also available
  • 7. Dirty Skillet

    $$

    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
    907-349–7777

    Known For

    • Live music
    • Palate-pleasing menu with something for everyone
    • Rustic diner atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch
  • 8. Fat Mermaid

    $$

    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
    907-835–3000

    Known For

    • 15 craft beers on tap
    • Great specialty cocktails
    • Outside harbor-view seating
  • 9. Fat Olives Restaurant

    $$

    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
    907-235–8488

    Known For

    • Classic Italian cuisine
    • Good wine selection
    • Excellent pizza options
  • 10. Kingfisher Roadhouse

    $$

    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
    907-595–2861

    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.
  • 11. Kodiak Hana Restaurant

    $$

    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
    907-481–1088

    Known For

    • Excellent sushi
    • Great views of marine wildlife
    • Diverse fresh fish dishes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Sun.
  • 12. Lazy Otter Café & Gifts

    $$

    Amid the summer shops and docks, this little café offers warm drinks and soups, sandwiches, and fresh-baked pastries, along with an Alaskan favorite, soft-serve ice cream. The busy shop has only a couple of indoor seats, but there's outdoor seating overlooking the harbor, which is quite pleasant on sunny days. They also sell boxed lunches for those embarking on a cruise or day hike.

    Whittier, Alaska, 99693, USA
    907-694–6887

    Known For

    • Excellent seafood chowder and salmon spread
    • Outdoor seating with views of harbor
    • Only good coffee in town

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed late Sept.–early May
  • 13. Linwood Bar & Grill

    $$

    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
    907-234–7674

    Known For

    • Excellent outdoor deck
    • Live music from around the state
    • Great pub food
  • 14. MacMurray's Alaska Halibut House

    $$

    At this very casual family-owned establishment you order at the counter, sit at the Formica-covered tables, and check out the photos of local fishing boats. The battered halibut is excellent—light and not greasy. Other menu items include homemade clam chowder, but if you're eating at the Halibut House, why try anything else?

    208 Meals Ave., Valdez, Alaska, 99686, USA
    907-835–2788

    Known For

    • Old-school fish-and-chips
    • Relaxed atmosphere
    • Amazing fried halibut

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No dinner
  • 15. Meatza Wagon

    $$

    This food truck is like no other: not only is everything made from scratch, but because it's situated so far from the main road system, the chef has no choice but to rely heavily on locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to try the Copper River salmon cakes and the slow-cooked Kenny Lake pork tacos.

    McCarthy, Alaska, USA

    Known For

    • Fantastic pork tacos
    • Grab-and-go meals
    • Vegetarian and gluten-free options
  • 16. Mountain High Pizza Pie

    $$

    Flatbreads, pizzas, calzones, and an excellent array of salads and garlic-filled dishes are the reasons locals congregate at this laid-back downtown eatery all year long. The calzones are true works of art.

    22165 S. C St., Talkeetna, Alaska, 99676, USA
    907-733–1234

    Known For

    • Great pizzas and calzones
    • Family-friendly atmosphere
    • Favorite hangout for locals
  • 17. OK Restaurant

    $$

    This Asian food dining destination specializing in Chinese and Korean cuisine is a favorite with locals who want a little diversity in their palate. OK is particularly known for its outstanding Mongolian beef and fresh sushi in summer.

    616 1st St., Cordova, Alaska, 99574, USA
    907-424–3433

    Known For

    • Only Asian eatery that doesn't require a boat ride
    • Fantastic interiors
    • Delicious homemade kimchi

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 18. Old Town Burgers

    $$

    Not every burger is created equal, and the cooks at Old Town are dead set to prove it with its collection of Hawaiian burgers, mushroom burgers, and cheeseburgers. This restaurant favored by locals also serves up food for those seeking Alaska-specific fare such as halibut sandwiches, halibut and chips, and fried salmon (perhaps the only place in the state where you can find that). Old Town opens at 5 am for breakfast but stops serving at 10 pm.

    139 E. Pioneer Dr., Valdez, Alaska, 99686, USA
    907-461–8335

    Known For

    • <PRO>enormous portions of breakfast plates</PRO>
    • <PRO>best burgers in town</PRO>
    • <PRO>delicious curly fries</PRO>
  • 19. Palmer City Alehouse

    $$

    A hot meeting place in the old train depot, Palmer City echoes with the sound of local chatter. Though it doesn't provide much of a romantic dining experience, it has a great ambience, and the standard pub fare—salads, pizzas made in a firebrick oven, and handmade burgers—are better than average. With 45 beers on tap, there's a flavor to suit just about everyone's taste.

    320 E. Dahlia Ave., Palmer, Alaska, 99645, USA
    907-746–2537

    Known For

    • Historic location
    • Wide beer selection
    • Good pub food
  • 20. Railway Cantina

    $$

    This harbor-area hole-in-the-wall is locally renowned for its flavorful burritos, quesadillas, and great halibut and rockfish tacos. Various hot sauces, some contributed by customers who brought them from their travels, and beer complement the fare.

    1401 4th Ave., Seward, Alaska, 99664, USA
    907-224–8226

    Known For

    • Fantastic blackened halibut burrito
    • Grab-and-go hot food
    • Excellent hot sauce collection

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