Kodiak is the second-largest island in the United States and a hidden gem for foodies. This island offers fresh seafood straight from the surrounding waters of the North Pacific, regional Alaskan delicacies, and international flavours.
| Restaurant Name | Cuisine/Style | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Old Powerhouse | Japanese, American | Fresh sushi, local seafood |
| Monk’s Rock | Café, Bakery | Homemade pastries, cozy setting |
| Henry’s Great Alaskan | American, Seafood | Large portions, Alaskan flavors |
| Kodiak Hana | Japanese | Authentic sushi, tranquil ambiance |
| Kingfisher Roadhouse | Seafood, American | Fresh ingredients, scenic views |
| Rendezvous Bar & Grill | American, Bar | Live music, hearty meals |
| Sparrow’s | Mediterranean | Unique flavors, intimate atmosphere |
| Noodles | Italian, Pizza | Homemade pasta, casual dining |
| Java Flats | Café, Healthy | Fresh baked goods, organic options |
| Subway | Fast Food, Sandwiches | Quick meals, customizable options |
| Harborside Coffee | Café | Quality coffee, waterfront location |
| Aquamarine Café | Seafood, American | Fresh seafood, relaxed atmosphere |
With so many options to choose from, narrowing down the 12 best restaurants in Kodiak was no easy feat. However, after extensive research and countless delicious meals, I’m excited to present my list of Kodiak’s top dining establishments.
From fine dining to food trucks, and waterfront restaurants to hidden local favorites, there is something for every palate and budget. The eclectic culture and geography of Kodiak also lend themselves to unexpected culinary fusions, like an underground Japanese ramen shop where you can slurp noodles while gazing at the Bering Sea. Barbeque takes on a new twist when the salmon is smoked with alder wood. Comfort food gets elevated when ingredients are sourced steps away from the kitchen.
In compiling this list, important factors included the quality and freshness of ingredients, creativity in preparation and presentation, service, atmosphere, and uniqueness. Every restaurant featured offers an excellent dining experience that captures the flavours, characters, and spirits of Kodiak. Just one meal at any of these establishments will have you scheduling your return trip before you’ve paid the check.
So loosen your belt, grab your appetite, and get ready to discover the 12 best restaurants that make Kodiak, Alaska a top culinary destination.
Mill Bay Coffee & Pastries
Name and Location: Mill Bay Coffee & Pastries, located in Kodiak, Alaska.
History and Significance: Mill Bay Coffee & Pastries has been serving the Kodiak community for several years, offering a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
What to Expect: Visitors can enjoy a variety of freshly brewed coffee, espresso drinks, and homemade pastries. The café also offers a selection of breakfast and lunch items, such as sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
Visitor Information: Mill Bay Coffee & Pastries is open daily, with hours varying slightly depending on the season. The café has both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a drive-thru option for those on the go. Free Wi-Fi is available for customers.
As the top-rated coffee shop in Kodiak, Mill Bay Coffee & Pastries is a must-visit. Located in a historic 1944 building along the waterfront, Mill Bay doesn’t just offer expertly brewed coffees and teas, but also freshly baked pastries that keep locals and visitors alike coming back every day.
Their almond croissants sell out early and their paninis with homemade bread are perfect for lunch. Or go for their popular waffle breakfast: fluffy sweet potato waffles topped with bee pollen butter and syrup.
Enjoy your treats inside by the stone fireplace or outside on their waterside deck. With walls decorated with works by local artists, taxidermied marlins, and relics from Kodiak’s canning days, dining at Mill Bay feels a bit like stepping into the island’s history.
The Treasury Downtown Restaurant
Name and Location: The Treasury Downtown Restaurant, located in the heart of Kodiak, Alaska.
History and Significance: The Treasury Downtown Restaurant is housed in a historic building that once served as the Kodiak Treasury. The restaurant has been a popular dining destination for locals and visitors for many years.
What to Expect: Visitors can enjoy a menu featuring fresh Alaskan seafood, steaks, and other hearty fare. The restaurant also offers a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as daily specials.
Visitor Information: The Treasury Downtown Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, with hours varying slightly depending on the season. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. The restaurant has a casual, yet elegant atmosphere, suitable for families, couples, and groups.
For fine dining with a uniquely Alaskan twist, make a reservation at the intimate Treasury Restaurant located downtown. Chef and owner Kyle Smith incorporates foraged and locally harvested foods into his seasonally changing menu. Start your meal with their specialty cocktail featuring aquavit infused with wild juniper berries collected right on Kodiak.
Appetizers like the steamed razor clams with brown butter and parsley showcase Kyle’s ability to let the main ingredient shine. Entrees range from reindeer sausage and giant king crab to perfectly seared salmon and tenderloin. Every plate demonstrates the Treasury’s commitment to supporting local fishermen, ranchers, foragers, and producers. With just 8 tables in the rustic yet elegant dining room, be sure to book your table in advance for an award-worthy meal.
Cliffside Bistro
Name and Location: Cliffside Bistro, located in Kodiak, Alaska, with stunning views of the harbor and surrounding mountains.
History and Significance: Cliffside Bistro is a newer addition to the Kodiak dining scene, quickly gaining a reputation for its fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and creative cuisine.
What to Expect: Visitors can enjoy a menu featuring fresh Alaskan seafood, organic produce, and other high-quality ingredients. The bistro also offers a selection of beer, wine, and craft cocktails, as well as daily specials.
Visitor Information: Cliffside Bistro is open for lunch and dinner, with hours varying slightly depending on the season. The bistro has a casual, yet upscale atmosphere, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
For outstanding views and an elevated twist on pub food classics, head to Cliffside Bistro perched high above the harbor. Dine on their expansive deck overlooking the boats bobbing below and the working waterfront stretching into the distance. Sunsets here are spectacular.
While taking in the scenery, enjoy dishes like their tender smoked pork ribs with a mustard and bourbon bbq sauce or their AK digging clams steamed in white wine and garlic butter. Burgers are ground in-house from local beef sourced right on the island. And for dessert, their signature chocolate lava cake with huckleberry ice cream hits the spot every time.
Reasonable prices make Cliffside Bistro an everyday favorite with both tourists and fishermen just getting off the water looking to refuel with hearty, homemade comfort food.
Old Powerhouse Restaurant
Name and Location: Old Powerhouse Restaurant, located in a historic building in Kodiak, Alaska.
History and Significance: The Old Powerhouse Restaurant is housed in a former powerhouse building that once provided electricity to the city of Kodiak. The restaurant has been a popular dining destination for locals and visitors for many years.
What to Expect: Visitors can enjoy a menu featuring fresh Alaskan seafood, steaks, and other hearty fare. The restaurant also offers a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as daily specials.
Visitor Information: The Old Powerhouse Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, with hours varying slightly depending on the season. The restaurant has a unique, historic atmosphere, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Housed in Kodiak’s first power plant built in 1932, the historic Old Powerhouse Restaurant has been serving family-style comfort food for over 50 years. Today, the Powerhouse continues the tradition of good eats in a relaxed, nostalgic atmosphere. With long wooden tables and benches welcoming big groups, this is both a local favorite hangout and tourist destination.
While waiting for your meal, don’t miss their collection of photos documenting Kodiak’s history covering the walls. Then dive into heaping portions of famous dishes like their crab stuffed prawns baked in cheese and wine or the seafood medley simmered in creamy lemon and herb sauce served over rice.
Hefty slices of chocolate peanut butter pie make for the perfect sweet finish. When you leave the Powerhouse satisfied and maybe a belt notch looser, you’ll be carrying on the memories made here for generations.
La Tienda
Name and Location: La Tienda, located in Kodiak, Alaska.
History and Significance: La Tienda is a family-owned and operated restaurant that has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine to the Kodiak community for several years.
What to Expect: Visitors can enjoy a menu featuring traditional Mexican dishes, such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas. The restaurant also offers a selection of beer, wine, and margaritas.
Visitor Information: La Tienda is open for lunch and dinner, with hours varying slightly depending on the season. The restaurant has a casual, family-friendly atmosphere, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Take-out and delivery options are also available.
Authentic Mexican flavors merge with local island ingredients at family-owned La Tienda, making it one of Kodiak’s most beloved restaurants. Little sister to two locations down in Homer, Alaska, La Tienda opened its doors in Kodiak in 2021, quickly earning acclaim for its scratch-made classics bursting with bold flavors.
From their signature tableside guacamole, freshly made tortilla chips, and addictive salsa verde to perfectly seasoned meats like al pastor and chili verde, La Tienda delivers crave-worthy Mexican cuisine. Of course, they also serve up epic burritos packed with the likes of spiced pinto beans, cilantro rice, queso fresco, and their legendary mojo chicken or shredded barbacoa.
Pair your meal with a margarita featuring their homemade sweet and sour mix for a truly authentic experience. With vibrant decor and liveliness flowing from the kitchen, La Tienda brings a festive, delicious dose of Mexico to Kodiak.
Java Flats Food Truck
Name and Location: Java Flats Food Truck, located in various spots around Kodiak, Alaska.
History and Significance: Java Flats Food Truck is a newer addition to the Kodiak dining scene, offering a unique and convenient way to enjoy fresh, locally-sourced cuisine.
What to Expect: Visitors can enjoy a menu featuring fresh Alaskan seafood, gourmet sandwiches, and other creative dishes. The food truck also offers a selection of coffee, espresso drinks, and other beverages.
Visitor Information: Java Flats Food Truck can be found at various locations around Kodiak, with the schedule and menu updated regularly on their social media pages. The food truck offers a casual, grab-and-go dining experience, perfect for those exploring the city or enjoying the outdoors.
For casual bites that deliver huge flavours, track down the Java Flats Food Truck. Parked alongside the floating docks down in the commercial boat harbour district, Java Flats slings out fresh, deckhand-approved grub from breakfast through late night. Fueled fishermen will appreciate their triple-stacked smoked salmon BLT on Dutch Harbor sourdough or the hearty reindeer chili bowl piled high with toppings.
Those with a sweet tooth will devour the heaping helpings of their legendary waffles blanketed in berry compote, Nutella, and whipped cream. Of course, they also brew a stellar cup of fresh java to jumpstart your day or night.
With picnic tables perched waterside and bonus views of seals frolicking on nearby piles, a meal from Java Flats offers the quintessential Kodiak ambiance.
Sam’s Downtown Dawg House
Name and Location: Sam’s Downtown Dawg House, located in the heart of Kodiak, Alaska.
History and Significance: Sam’s Downtown Dawg House has been serving gourmet hot dogs and sausages to the Kodiak community for several years, quickly becoming a local favorite.
What to Expect: Visitors can enjoy a menu featuring a variety of gourmet hot dogs, sausages, and toppings, as well as sides such as fries and onion rings. The restaurant also offers a selection of beer and other beverages.
Visitor Information: Sam’s Downtown Dawg House is open for lunch and dinner, with hours varying slightly depending on the season. The restaurant has a casual, counter-service atmosphere, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Take-out options are also available.
For cheap, tasty eats in a funky setting, Sam’s Downtown Dawg House can’t be beaten. Located in a bright fuchsia food truck trimmed in teal with a hot dog statue manning the window, Dawg House is pretty hard to miss. And with loaded hot dogs, sausages, and burgers made from locally-raised meats for just $5-6 bucks, passing by is pretty hard too.
Sam simmers his plump links in beer then chars them on the flattop before piling them high with loads of creative toppings. The Kodiak King with grilled king salmon, nom sauce, pickled onions, and capers wows.
As does their Coney Island Dawg smothered in beef chili, mustard, and onion. Make sure to grab some crispy Yukon gold fries, best dipped in one of Sam’s house-made ketchup, to complete your meal. With covered outdoor seating and the occasional live local musician, Dawg House keeps its relaxed, quirky vibe even on rainy afternoons.
Pier 77 Sushi
Name and Location: Pier 77 Sushi, located near the harbor in Kodiak, Alaska.
History and Significance: Pier 77 Sushi has been serving fresh, high-quality sushi and Japanese cuisine to the Kodiak community for several years, earning a reputation as one of the best sushi spots in town.
What to Expect: Visitors can enjoy a menu featuring a wide variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes. The restaurant also offers a selection of sake, beer, and wine.
Visitor Information: Pier 77 Sushi is open for lunch and dinner, with hours varying slightly depending on the season. The restaurant has a casual, yet elegant atmosphere, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Hidden upstairs in a nondescript building in downtown Kodiak lies Pier 77 Sushi, an underground omakase and ramen destination that attracts visitors from around the world. Behind an unmarked black door, guests at this petite 8-seat sushi counter are treated to a personalized tasting menu from Japanese owner and executive chef Ken Yokotani showcasing extra fresh seafood creatively presented.
Think sea urchin with steelhead roe wrapped in juniper berry smoke salmon or sockeye salmon and ikura gunkan made with hangarak (fermented salmon ribs). Ken’s ever-changing selection amazes night after night thanks to his relationships with local fishermen and foragers. Pier 77 Sushi also serves up amazing housemade ramen packed with umami. Slurping noodles while watching the sun dip behind the Bering Sea makes for an only-in-Kodiak experience.
The Chartroom Lounge & Restaurant
Name and Location: The Chartroom Lounge & Restaurant, located in the Best Western Kodiak Inn in Kodiak, Alaska.
History and Significance: The Chartroom Lounge & Restaurant has been serving hotel guests and locals for many years, offering a convenient and comfortable dining experience.
What to Expect: Visitors can enjoy a menu featuring a variety of American-style dishes, such as burgers, sandwiches, and entrees. The restaurant also offers a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as daily specials.
Visitor Information: The Chartroom Lounge & Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with hours varying slightly depending on the season. The restaurant has a casual, family-friendly atmosphere, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Room service is also available for hotel guests.
Since opening in the 1950s in the Kodiak Inn, the dimly lit, nautical-themed Chartroom Lounge & Restaurant has been an island icon. Its storied history includes hosting the likes of Ernest Hemmingway and Jay Leno at the bar and serving up meals to Russian cosmonauts training in Kodiak in the 1960s. Today, overflowing plates of steak, seafood, and American classics keep both visitors and born-and-raised locals coming back.
Sit at the bar crowded with devoted regulars and try their top-selling panko parmesan-crusted Alaska weathervane scallops baked in garlic butter. Tuck into the Walter Special prime rib served with horseradish sauce, loaded baked potato, and sautéed veggies.
Or opt for their local beer-battered fish and chips, best enjoyed on the sunny rooftop deck. Don’t expect anything fanciful about the Chart Room; just hearty portions, stiff drinks, and servers who make you feel like family. After over 70 years in business, they’ve got the recipe down pat.
Mill Bay Coffee food truck
Name and Location: Mill Bay Coffee food truck, located in various spots around Kodiak, Alaska.
History and Significance: Mill Bay Coffee food truck is an extension of the popular Mill Bay Coffee & Pastries café, offering a mobile version of their delicious coffee and treats.
What to Expect: Visitors can enjoy a menu featuring freshly brewed coffee, espresso drinks, and a selection of pastries and light breakfast items. The food truck also offers daily specials and seasonal beverages.
Visitor Information: Mill Bay Coffee food truck can be found at various locations around Kodiak, with the schedule updated regularly on their social media pages. The food truck offers a quick and convenient way to enjoy high-quality coffee and treats while exploring the city.
In addition to their popular coffee shop highlighted earlier, Mill Bay Coffee operates a stellar food truck doling out some of Kodiak’s best breakfast sandwiches. Usually parked next to the Harbormaster’s Office or down by the floating docks, Mill Bay Coffee’s food truck opens early to cater to those in need of a quick bite and quality fuel for the day ahead.
Their signature sandwich stars a housemade buttermilk biscuit sandwiching local egg, melty gouda cheese, and your choice of smoked salmon, Portuguese linguica sausage, or fried chicken breast. They also serve hearty steel-cut oatmeal piled with fresh fruit and crunchy toppings like bee pollen granola.
And changing daily specials always satisfy, especially their tender slow-roasted pork banh mi. If you want to eat like a local, get your morning started right with Mill Bay Coffee’s food truck.
Middle Bay Pot Pies
Name and Location: Middle Bay Pot Pies, located in Kodiak, Alaska.
History and Significance: Middle Bay Pot Pies is a newer addition to the Kodiak dining scene, specializing in hearty, homemade pot pies using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
What to Expect: Visitors can enjoy a menu featuring a variety of savory pot pies, with fillings such as chicken, beef, and vegetables. The restaurant also offers a selection of sides and desserts.
Visitor Information: Middle Bay Pot Pies is open for lunch and dinner, with hours varying slightly depending on the season. The restaurant has a casual, cozy atmosphere, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Take-out and delivery options are also available.
Offering Kodiak’s best pot pies in heartwarming flavors, Middle Bay Pot Pies is a cozy cottage industry run by the talented Paige Conrad out of her home kitchen. After honing her craft by filling pastries with creative savory fillings down in New Orleans, Paige brought the concept up to Kodiak with great success. Islanders simply can’t get enough of her creations bursting with locally sourced ingredients.
Standouts include her roasted chicken pot pie swirled with tender veggies in a velvety sauce topped with flaky pastry. Savory options range from classic beef stew to Asian-inspired chicken lemongrass. Sweet pies are satisfied with fillings like wild blueberry crumble, chocolate caramel sea salt, and Biscoff cookie butter.
Order individual-size pies for eating out of hand or full-size to feed your crew. However you slice it, Paige’s pies bring comfort and joy with every bite. Preorder online or visit Paige’s cottage to sample her latest tasty batch. Just be prepared to be wowed by Kodiak’s best pot pies crafted with skill and soul.
Resurrection Bay Seafoods
Name and Location: Resurrection Bay Seafoods, located in Kodiak, Alaska.
History and Significance: Resurrection Bay Seafoods is a seafood market and restaurant that has been serving fresh, high-quality Alaskan seafood to the Kodiak community for many years.
What to Expect: Visitors can enjoy a menu featuring a variety of fresh seafood dishes, such as fish and chips, crab legs, and seafood chowder. The market also offers fresh seafood for purchase, including salmon, halibut, and crab.
Visitor Information: Resurrection Bay Seafoods is open for lunch and dinner, with hours varying slightly depending on the season. The restaurant has a casual, family-friendly atmosphere, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. The market is open daily, offering fresh seafood for those looking to cook their own meals.
No list of Kodiak’s best restaurants would be complete without mention of Resurrection Bay Seafoods. This waterfront seafood wholesaler selling the freshest catch from local boats also houses a stellar café turning out beastly seafood sandwiches, fish tacos, chowders, and more dockside.
Run by generations of seasoned fishermen, Resurrection Bay knows quality, fresh seafood. Load up your tray cafeteria-style then grab a seat by the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking fishing boats unloading the day’s haul as you enjoy Kodiak’s ultimate sea-to-table experience. Their signature halibut sandwich—chargrilled buttery halibut fillet on a bun slaw and lemon caper tartar sauce—consistently ranks as locals’ favourite lunch in town.
Resurrection Bay Seafoods proves that you don’t need fancy digs or fine dining prices to serve extraordinary cuisine in Kodiak, Alaska. Tasting the riches pulled from the sea just hours before while watching the crews that reeled them in creates an unbeatable culinary experience unique to this island fishing community.
Conclusion
From leisurely brunches to romantic date nights, and family dinners to meals on the go, Kodiak’s dining scene has something tantalizing for every occasion that captures the culture, characters, and flavors of Alaska’s Emerald Isle.
Fresh seafood takes centre stage on menus, complemented by meat from local ranchers and produced from regional farms. Tacos come filled with tender reindeer meat, and teriyaki bowls topped with succulent king crab, while pot pies bring comfort through clouds of flaky pastry.
The restaurants featured on this list represent Kodiak’s favorites and hidden gems loved by visitors and lifelong residents alike. Dining at any one delivers a quintessential taste of the island sure to have you planning your return before paying the check.
Because once you experience the creative cuisine, genuine hospitality, and stories that flavor every meal in Kodiak’s top restaurants, your heart will be hooked on Alaska’s island paradise.