Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural scenery, outdoor recreational activities, and vibrant food scene.
| Restaurant Name | Cuisine & Highlights |
|---|---|
| Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill | Upscale steak and seafood, historic ambiance |
| Orso | Italian-inspired, intimate and romantic setting |
| Sacks Café | American classics with global accents, artsy setting |
| Fire Island Rustic Bake Shop | Artisanal bakery, organic sourdough breads, pastries |
| Glacier Brewhouse | Brewpub with handcrafted beers, locally sourced food |
| South Restaurant + Coffeehouse | Fusion of urban café and upscale dining, elegant atmosphere |
| Bear Tooth Grill | Award-winning pizzas and pub grub, family-friendly |
| Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria | Creative pizzas, extensive tap list, lively atmosphere |
| Spenard Roadhouse | Modern twist on Alaskan cuisine, hip and laidback |
| King Street Brewing Company | House-brewed beers, hearty pub grub, inviting setting |
| 49th State Brewing Company | Craft beers, gastropub cuisine, bountiful outdoor seating |
| Fat Ptarmigan | Fine dining, seasonal Alaskan seafood and produce |
| Ginger | Pacific Rim fusion, stylish ambiance |
As the most populous municipality in the state, Anchorage has a diverse array of dining options to satisfy any craving. From fresh seafood straight from the icy waters of the North Pacific to international cuisines, here are 12 of the best restaurants in Anchorage that you must try on your next visit.
Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill
Name and Location: Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill is located in Anchorage, Alaska.
History and Significance: Simon & Seafort’s opened in 1981 and is considered an Anchorage classic. It’s known for its scenic waterfront location and upscale seafood menu.
What to Expect: Simon & Seafort’s offers fine dining seafood dishes like crab legs, halibut, salmon, and more. The atmosphere is elegant yet casual with beautiful views.
Visitor Information: Simon & Seafort’s is located at 420 L St in downtown Anchorage. It’s open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended.
Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill is an upscale steak and seafood restaurant overlooking the Cook Inlet in downtown Anchorage. Housed in a historic 1936 building, the interior evokes an old-school saloon atmosphere with dark wood paneling, antique lighting fixtures, and taxidermy mounts on the wall.
The menu features Alaskan seafood delicacies like halibut, king crab, and smoked salmon alongside premium steaks and chops. Standout starters include the jumbo prawn cocktail and Alaska seafood chowder, while entrée highlights include the surf and turf combining filet mignon with garlic butter prawns. With its prime waterfront location, classic vibe, and 5-star dining, Simon & Seafort’s is a quintessential fine dining experience in Anchorage.
Orso
Name and Location: Orso is an Italian restaurant located in Anchorage, Alaska.
History and Significance: Orso opened in 2005 under chef Rob Kinneen and quickly earned acclaim for its handmade pastas and rustic Italian cooking.
What to Expect: Orso serves elevated Italian cuisine like housemade pastas, pizzas from the wood-burning oven, and classic Italian mains. The setting is warm and intimate.
Visitor Information: Orso is located at 737 W 5th Ave in Anchorage. It’s open nightly for dinner starting at 5pm. Reservations are recommended.
For an intimate and romantic dinner, head to Orso in downtown Anchorage. The understated yet elegant interior sets the tone for creative Italian-inspired cuisine made with fresh local ingredients. Start off with delicacies like caramelized onion and goat cheese tart or seared scallops with pork belly.
Move on to housemade pastas such as squid ink linguine loaded with seafood in a light tomato sauce. Or opt for entrees like seared halibut and polenta cake in lemon caper butter sauce.
Extensive wine list and decadent desserts like affogato over hazelnut gelato round out the meal. With its candlelit tables, white tablecloths, and impeccable service, Orso is perfect for a special occasion or date night.
Sacks Café
Name and Location: Sacks Café is located in Anchorage, Alaska.
History and Significance: Sacks Café opened in 1997 in a historic building downtown. It’s been a beloved local spot for freshly baked goods and casual meals for over 20 years.
What to Expect: Sacks Café serves baked goods like scones, muffins, cinnamon rolls plus breakfast items, soups, sandwiches and more. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed.
Visitor Information: Sacks Café is located at 328 G St in downtown Anchorage. It’s open daily from 6:30am-6pm.
Located in the historic Fourth Avenue Theatre downtown, Sacks Café serves creative cuisine in an artsy, laidback setting. The menu focuses on American classics with global accents, ranging from Korean fried chicken wings and burrata caprese salad to pork schnitzel and green chili mac & cheese.
There’s also a great selection of brick oven pizzas, including fig and prosciutto and smoked salmon with crème fraiche varieties. And the drink menu offers local craft beers, signature cocktails, and a solid wine list. The interior marries industrial chic decor with hints of vintage theater glam.
With menu options for all tastes and budgets plus a cool atmosphere, Sacks Café is a local favorite for delicious food and drinks.
Fire Island Rustic Bake Shop
Name and Location: Fire Island Rustic Bake Shop is located in Anchorage, Alaska.
History and Significance: Fire Island opened in 2008 and is considered one of Anchorage’s best bakeries. Everything is baked from scratch daily.
What to Expect: Fire Island bakes artisan breads, pastries, pies, cookies, and more daily. Favorites include the croissants, sourdough loaves, and cinnamon rolls.
Visitor Information: Fire Island has two locations in Anchorage at 1720 Post Rd and 10950 O’Malley Centre Dr. Both are open Tuesday-Sunday.
For breakfast or lunch with seriously good baked goods, head to Fire Island Rustic Bake Shop. The renowned artisanal bakery crafts organic sourdough breads along with sweet and savory pastries baked fresh daily.
Popular picks include cranberry walnut levain, croissants, cinnamon rolls, and giant cookies. Hearty sandwiches and salads are also available on housemade bread.
Seating spills out into an outdoor garden area during warmer months. And the smell of freshly baked goods will have you drooling before you even walk in the door. For some of the best bread in town and delightful pastries, Fire Island is a must-visit.
Glacier Brewhouse
Name and Location: Glacier Brewhouse is a brewpub located in Anchorage, Alaska.
History and Significance: Glacier Brewhouse opened in 1995 and was Anchorage’s first brewpub. It’s known for its award-winning craft beers and hearty Alaskan cuisine.
What to Expect: Glacier Brewhouse offers house-brewed beers, burgers, seafood, salads, and more. The setting provides views of the Alaska Range.
Visitor Information: Glacier Brewhouse is at 737 W 5th Ave in Anchorage. It’s open daily 11am-late. Free brewery tours are offered daily at 2pm.
Located along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Glacier Brewhouse overlooks the picturesque Turnagain Arm inlet. The brewpub specializes in handcrafted beers along with hearty, locally sourced comfort food. Kick things off with fresh-baked pretzel bites while you sip a pint of Oosik Amber Ale.
Move on to entrees like wild Alaskan salmon, prime rib dip with au jus, and local reindeer sausage. And be sure to save room for dessert – their tableside s’mores with homemade marshmallow flambé is a showstopper. In addition to the scenic waterfront deck seating, cozy fireplaces inside make Glacier Brewhouse a wonderful spot year-round.
South Restaurant + Coffeehouse
Name and Location: South Restaurant + Coffeehouse is located in Anchorage, Alaska.
History and Significance: South opened in 2004 with a mission to serve seasonal, sustainable, farm-to-table cuisine. It quickly became a local favorite.
What to Expect: South offers locally-sourced breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as Intelligentsia coffees. The ever-changing menu features ingredients from Alaska farms, ranches, and fisheries.
Visitor Information: South is located at 1120 Huffman Rd in Anchorage. It’s open daily from 7am-9pm.
South Restaurant + Coffeehouse fuses urban café and upscale dining in one hip, contemporary space. Begin your visit at the coffee bar with a specialty latte or poured-over single origin coffee. Breakfast offerings include several Benedict varieties along with blueberry almond granola bowl and hashes.
Later in the day, the dinner menu brings elevated yet comfortable dishes like thyme roasted chicken, seared scallops, and lamb burger with goat cheese. Desserts are sublime, with choices like honey orange mascarpone cake and brown butter apple galette.
South’s ambience is energetic and elegant, with modern aesthetics and large windows overlooking the bustling downtown. It’s an ideal spot for everything from morning coffee to celebratory dinners.
Bear Tooth Grill
Name and Location: Bear Tooth Grill is located in Anchorage, Alaska.
History and Significance: Bear Tooth Grill opened in 1995 and quickly became a local favorite for its hearty portions of grilled meats and live music venue.
What to Expect: Bear Tooth Grill serves burgers, steaks, ribs, seafood, salads, and more in a casual, energetic setting with a bar and concert venue attached.
Visitor Information: Bear Tooth Grill has two locations in Anchorage at 1230 W 27th Ave and 4660 Old Seward Hwy. Both are open daily 11:30am-11pm.
For award-winning pizzas and pub grub, Bear Tooth Grill is a local institution. Family-friendly and energetic, the expansive menu has something for all tastes. Best-selling pizzas range from Hawaiian with ham and pineapple to BLT with bacon and tomato on creamy garlic sauce.
Appetizers include jalapeno poppers, calamari, and loaded nachos. Beyond pizza, entrées span burgers, ribs, salads, and sandwiches.
There’s even Alaskan game options like reindeer sausage and bison burgers. And the generously sized dessert menu will satiate any sweet tooth. With its laidback vibe, quirky decor, and packed daily schedule of events, Bear Tooth Grill is a one-of-a-kind Anchorage dining experience.
Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria
Name and Location: Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria is located in Anchorage, Alaska.
History and Significance: Opened in 1996, Moose’s Tooth quickly gained fame for having some of the best pizza in Alaska along with its own microbrews.
What to Expect: Moose’s Tooth offers hand-tossed pizzas, calzones, beers brewed in-house, and typical pub fare in a casual setting. It’s family-friendly with a sports bar vibe.
Visitor Information: Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria is located at 3300 Old Seward Hwy in Anchorage. It’s open daily from 11am-midnight.
Consistently ranked among Anchorage’s top restaurants, Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria serves hand-rolled sourdough crust pizzas, pub fare, and a stellar tap list. Creative pizza toppings like potato bacon, asparagus cream cheese, and pork Korean BBQ set their pies apart.
Equally inventive salads, calzones, and sandwiches are also available. Of course, they offer appetizers and entrees you’d expect at any good pub too – wings, burgers, fish & chips, mac & cheese, etc.
With nearly 40 draft beers, the tap list leans heavily local. The lively atmosphere and uniquely Alaskan character make this a quintessential Anchorage experience.
Spenard Roadhouse
Name and Location: Spenard Roadhouse is located in Anchorage, Alaska.
History and Significance: Spenard Roadhouse opened in 2004 in a historic 1950s building. It’s popular with locals for its laid-back vibe, hearty comfort food, and excellent craft beer selection.
What to Expect: Spenard Roadhouse serves burgers, wings, poutines, fish and chips, salads, and more along with Alaska craft beers on tap. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming.
Visitor Information: Spenard Roadhouse is located at 1049 W Northern Lights Blvd. It’s open daily from 11am-2am.
Spenard Roadhouse brings a hip, modern twist to Alaskan cuisine in a laidback neighborhood setting. Start with shareable apps like charcuterie boards, wild mushrooms on toast, or cheese & cottonwood smoked salmon dip.
Seafood shines in dishes like Dungeness crab cakes, seared scallops in brown butter sauce, and alder smoked king salmon.
Carnivores will delight in options like lamb merguez sausage or sous vide pork chops. Brunch brings crave-worthy entries like crab cake Benedict, chicken & waffles, and lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberries. Locally sourced ingredients, skilled technique, and creative flair make Spenard Roadhouse a new Anchorage favorite.
King Street Brewing Company
Name and Location: King Street Brewing Company is located in Anchorage, Alaska.
History and Significance: King Street Brewing opened in 2016 as Anchorage’s first production brewery. It offers house-brewed beers in a hip, modern taproom.
What to Expect: King Street serves 40+ craft beers on tap alongside artisan pizzas and bar fare. The taproom has an industrial chic vibe with games and an outdoor beer garden.
Anchorage’s first brewpub, King Street Brewing Company offers house-brewed beers alongside hearty pub grub in an inviting, laidback setting. Flagship beers range from King Street Amber and Oatmeal Stout to fresh hop IPA and Belgian Tripel depending on seasonality.
Their food menu centers around hand-pressed burgers, with gourmet varieties like Hawaiian teriyaki, French onion burger, and reindeer sausage burger. Platters, sandwiches, giant pretzels, and salads round out the options. Daily specials might include prime rib dip or mac & cheese.
With its neighborhood vibe and balcony views overlooking scenic Ship Creek valley, King Street Brewing is perfect for kicking back over craft beers and delicious pub fare.
49th State Brewing Company
Name and Location: 49th State Brewing Company is located in Anchorage, Alaska.
History and Significance: 49th State Brewing opened in 2012 with a goal of showcasing unique Alaskan ingredients in its craft beers. It has helped put the Alaska beer scene on the map.
What to Expect: 49th State Brewing offers flights, pints and growlers of its various house-brewed beers in a laid-back taproom. Food trucks are on site.
Visitor Information: 49th State Brewing is located at 717 W 3rd Ave in Anchorage. The taproom is open daily from 2pm-8pm. Brewery tours run Saturdays at 3pm.
49th State Brewing Company takes its name from Alaska’s distinction as the 49th state, serving craft beers and gastropub cuisine that reflect Anchorage’s unique culture.
Nearly twenty house beers on tap include mainstays like Dawson Trail Kölsch and Golden Ticket Blonde Ale along with specialty brews that rotate seasonally.
Food options range from starters like Korean barbecue wings and seared ahi tuna to burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and Alaska seafood. Bountiful outdoor patio seating allows guests to soak in the sunny summer days. With its pioneering role in Anchorage’s modern craft beer scene and festive yet laidback ambiance, 49th State Brewing is a local favorite.
Fat Ptarmigan
Name and Location: Fat Ptarmigan is a pizza restaurant located in Anchorage, Alaska.
History and Significance: Fat Ptarmigan opened in 2020 with a mission to serve authentic New York-style pizza. It quickly became a local favorite pizza joint.
What to Expect: Fat Ptarmigan offers thin-crust pizzas by the slice or pie, along with antipasti, salads, and housemade desserts. The vibe is casual and welcoming.
Visitor Information: Fat Ptarmigan is located at 540 W International Airport Rd. It’s open daily from 11am-9pm. Takeout and delivery available.
Fat Ptarmigan offers fine dining focusing on fresh Alaskan seafood, meats, and produce in an upscale yet unpretentious atmosphere.
The selection evolves seasonally based on availability, but often includes dishes like caribou medallions, pan-seared scallops with corn purée, and wild mushrooms over polenta. Don’t skip dessert – their housemade ice creams like vanilla brown butter and mint chocolate chip are sublime.
Extensive wine list provides fine pairings. Charming interior with candlelit tables makes it great for a special night out. And the staff are consummate professionals. For an elegant dining experience highlighting Alaska’s pristine natural bounty, Fat Ptarmigan is a prime choice.
Ginger
Name and Location: Ginger is an Asian fusion restaurant located in Anchorage, Alaska.
History and Significance: Ginger opened in 2007 under chef Pang Vangdavong. It quickly earned acclaim for its creative pan-Asian dishes melding Thai, Vietnamese and Pacific Rim flavors.
What to Expect: Ginger offers a contemporary blend of Asian cuisines in a sleek, modern space. Dishes range from curries to noodle bowls to sushi.
Visitor Information: Ginger is located at 425 W 5th Ave in Anchorage. It serves dinner nightly 5pm-10pm. Reservations are recommended.
Ginger offers an upscale fusion of Pacific Rim flavors and local Alaskan ingredients in a sleek, modern space downtown. Dishes like miso black cod, tuna poke nachos, and short rib Shanghai noodles merge Asian cuisine with fresh regional seafood and produce.
Specialty sushi rolls reveal flavors like tempura salmon, mango shrimp, and Mt. McKinley featuring halibut, salmon, crab & avocado. Small plates allow sampling diverse menu items.
Cocktails are another highlight, including ginger margaritas and lemongrass mojitos. With its creative fusion fare, stylish ambiance, and top-notch service, Ginger is among Anchorage’s best dining spots for globally inspired cuisine.
Conclusion
From casual brewpubs to fine dining overlooking the Cook Inlet, Anchorage offers remarkable culinary variety showcasing Alaska’s natural bounty. Seafood arrives daily from the surrounding waters, craft breweries serve beers honed against the northern elements, and chefs creatively fuse global techniques with regional ingredients.
The restaurants on this list represent the city’s diverse settings and flavors. Beyond these spots, a thriving food truck scene, ethnic eateries, neighborhood cafés, and more await exploration.
With such an appetizing array of options, it’s no wonder Anchorage has emerged as Alaska’s culinary capital. So bring your appetite to discover the complex and authentic delights defining this city’s taste and spirit.