Experience a taste of Alaska. As the largest city, Anchorage offers visitors some of the best flavors of the North, from fine dining establishments serving the freshest Alaska seafood to local chefs sharing their culinary magic at food truck festivals and weekend markets. Explore some of Anchorage’s top restaurants, breweries, and coffee houses to find your favorite sweet, spicy, or savory flavor.
Downtown
For a truly Alaska culinary experience, you’ll find a little bit of everything downtown. Upscale restaurants offer wild Alaska king crab, halibut, and salmon dishes. Regional breweries pour craft beers infused with local fireweed or spruce tips. In summer, check out farmer’s markets and street vendors for a sampling of local favorites; reindeer hot dogs, salmon spread, and wildflower honey.
You may have heard that Alaskans consume a lot of ice cream — try a cup or cone of wild blueberry, the Sitka Swirl, or a Baked Alaska and see why for yourself.
Hillside & Surrounding Areas
Find an assortment of bistros, breweries, and breakfast houses in the Lower Hillside and Southside neighborhoods. A variety of dining establishments offer day and evening menus, perfect for family dinners, or weekend get-togethers. Find a fusion of modern American, Italian, and Mediterranean selections paired with fun and fresh mimosas, craft beers, and gin cocktails.
And before heading south for a day trip, stop by any one of the roadside coffee shops for an espresso and muffin to go.
Mountain View/Russian Jack & Airport Heights
A melting pot of new and old cuisine, Mountain View and neighboring areas are expanding the international food scene in Anchorage. With a variety of family-owned German, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Hawaiian eateries, the diverse selection of dishes makes this a must-try neighborhood for anyone wanting to expand their palate. And for visitors craving soul food, the area boasts several tasty BBQ spots.
Midtown & Surrounding Areas
Midtown is all about local favorites and comfort food, from classic diner burgers to zesty halibut tacos, and savory chicken sandwiches. An assortment of restaurants offers traditional and reimagined casual fare great for business lunches or a quick bite. Consider yourself a pizza connoisseur? Sample a variety of pies and see why locals and visitors claim Anchorage has some of the best pizza in the U.S.
Spenard & Turnagain
With a booming array of organic and vegan-friendly cafes and juice bars, this revitalized neighborhood is the perfect area to grab a southwestern rice bowl or glass of wine while soaking up the sun on a neighborhood patio. To spice up (or sweeten) your lunchtime, visit a food truck festival on Thursdays or Saturdays and be wowed by local chefs’ culinary creations.
Girdwood
Besides amazing pizza, soups, salads, and sandwiches, this ski resort town is known for unique dining experiences, from an upscale mountaintop restaurant to a woodsy roadhouse to a bustling mountainside bakery. Girdwood flaunts signature Alaska halibut, salmon, and king crab entrees, as well as New Orleans-inspired dishes. Pair with local beer, wine, or sake. Find creative and delicious vegetarian and vegan options within walking distance of Alyeska Mountain.
And what would a resort town be without cinnamon rolls? Imagine a decadent, lightly spiced sweet roll with lemon glaze.
All make the 39-mile scenic drive from downtown Anchorage well worth it.
These are just the tip of the iceberg. There are great dining options all over Anchorage; click here to find your next new favorite restaurant.
Terika Kons
Visit Anchorage Content Specialist Terika loves exploring Anchorage and beyond. A road trip junkie, pursuer of fish, a coffee hut connoisseur, and a photographer, Terika finds endless inspiration in the beauty and wildness Alaska has to offer.