12 Best Restaurants in Sitka, Alaska
Sitka is a beautiful seaside town located on the west coast of Baranof Island in southeast Alaska. With a population of around 8,500 people, Sitka serves as the borough seat of Sitka City and Borough. Sitka has a rich history as the former capital of Russian America and today retains much of its Russian charm mixed with Native Alaskan and American influences.
Restaurant Name | Specialty | Unique Features/Ambiance |
---|---|---|
Ludvig’s Bistro | Seafood, Mediterranean | Fine dining, local ingredients |
Mean Queen | Pizza, American | Casual, local favorite, vibrant setting |
Raven Dining Room | Alaskan, American | Elegant, scenic views, fine dining |
Channel Club | Steakhouse, Seafood | Classic, waterfront views |
Beak Restaurant | Contemporary Alaskan | Modern, local seafood, chic |
Highliner Coffee | Coffee, light eats | Cozy, community hub |
Ashmo’s | Food truck, Mexican | Casual, fresh local eats |
Bayview Pub | American, Pub food | Lively, local brews |
Dock Shack | Snacks, Seafood | Casual, waterfront location |
Westmark Sitka Hotel | American, Buffet | Traditional, convenient location |
Kenny’s Wok & Teriyaki | Asian, American | Casual, family-friendly |
Baranof Island Brewing Co. | Brewery, American | Relaxed, local beers |
Visitors to Sitka will find no shortage of fantastic dining options showcasing the bounty of seafood from the surrounding waters as well as traditional Russian and Alaskan native dishes. From casual cafes to upscale restaurants, there is something to satisfy every palate and fit various budgets.
This article explores 12 of the best and most recommended restaurants to try during your visit to lovely Sitka, Alaska. For each restaurant, you’ll find information on the cuisine, top menu items, price range, and why it’s considered a must-visit dining establishment.
Ludvig’s Bistro
Name and Location: Ludvig’s Bistro, located in Sitka, Alaska.
History and Significance: Ludvig’s Bistro is a beloved local restaurant that has been serving the Sitka community for over a decade. The restaurant was founded by chef Ludvig Balducci, who brought his passion for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine to the rugged coast of Alaska. Over the years, Ludvig’s has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike, known for its warm atmosphere, fresh ingredients, and innovative dishes.
What to Expect: Visitors to Ludvig’s Bistro can expect a cozy and inviting dining experience, with a menu that features a mix of classic and contemporary Mediterranean dishes. The restaurant is known for its seafood, with fresh catches from the nearby waters featured prominently on the menu. Visitors can also expect a selection of handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list, as well as friendly and knowledgeable service from the staff.
Visitor Information: Ludvig’s Bistro is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, with hours from 5pm to 9pm. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist season, and can be made by phone or online. The restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Sitka, within walking distance of several hotels and attractions. Visitors are encouraged to dress casually and come with an appetite for delicious food and warm hospitality.
Ludvig’s Bistro is consistently ranked as one of the top restaurants in Sitka thanks to its intimate and cosy atmosphere, the focus on using fresh, local ingredients, and the skilful presentation of each dish. Owned by classically trained chef Colette Nelson, Ludvig’s offers a changing menu that highlights the best in-season produce, fish, meat, and shellfish.
Standout starters include oysters on the half shell, buffalo carpaccio, and foraged mushroom toast. For mains, you can’t go wrong with Alaskan halibut with lemon caper beurre blanc or slow-braised bison short ribs.
Leave room for tasty desserts like the popular crystallized ginger creme brûlée. With most main dishes costing $28-38, Ludvig’s offers fine dining quality at reasonable prices. The knowledgeable waitstaff provides excellent recommendations to complement your meal. The cozy dining room seats around 50 people so be sure to make reservations in advance.
Highliner Coffee
Name and Location: Highliner Coffee, located in Sitka, Alaska.
History and Significance: Highliner Coffee is a popular local coffee shop that has been serving the Sitka community since 2015. The shop was founded by a group of local entrepreneurs who wanted to bring high-quality coffee and a welcoming gathering space to the town. Over the years, Highliner has become a beloved institution, known for its friendly baristas, delicious pastries, and commitment to sustainability and community involvement.
What to Expect: Visitors to Highliner Coffee can expect a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with plenty of seating for working, studying, or socializing. The shop offers a wide selection of coffee and tea drinks, from classic drip coffee to specialty lattes and cappuccinos. Visitors can also expect a variety of fresh-baked pastries and light breakfast and lunch options, as well as free wi-fi and a small selection of retail items like mugs and coffee beans.
Visitor Information: Highliner Coffee is open daily from 6am to 6pm, with extended hours during the summer tourist season. The shop is located in the heart of downtown Sitka, just a short walk from the harbor and several popular attractions. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own reusable cups for a discount on their drink, and to check the shop’s social media pages for information on special events and promotions.
Highliner Coffee sits right on the harbor in downtown Sitka, boasting postcard views of fishing boats bobbing on the waves with the rugged mountains in the distance. More than just a coffee shop, Highliner serves an extensive all-day breakfast and lunch menu focused on using ingredients and produce from local providers in Sitka and SE Alaska.
Generous portions, friendly staff, and reasonable prices make this cafe popular with both tourists and locals alike. Must-try dishes include eggs benedict topped with smoked salmon or halibut, handmade corned beef hash, wild Alaska salmon chowder, and blackened rockfish tacos.
Most menu items range from $10-18. The dessert case offers fresh house-baked pastries, cakes, and pies that pair perfectly with the Quebecois craft roast coffee sourced through True North Coffee Roasters. With free wifi access, ample seating, and gorgeous views overlooking the harbor, Highliner Coffee makes a welcoming and lively spot to start your day in Sitka.
The Homestead Restaurant
Name and Location: The Homestead Restaurant, located in Sitka, Alaska.
History and Significance: The Homestead Restaurant is a historic dining establishment that has been serving the Sitka community for over 50 years. The restaurant is housed in a beautiful Victorian-style mansion that was built in the late 1800s and has been carefully restored and preserved over the years. The Homestead is known for its elegant atmosphere, classic American cuisine, and commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
What to Expect: Visitors to The Homestead Restaurant can expect a refined and sophisticated dining experience, with a menu that features classic dishes like prime rib, seafood, and homemade desserts. The restaurant also offers a full bar and an extensive wine list, as well as several private dining rooms for special events and celebrations. Visitors can also expect attentive and professional service from the staff, who are dedicated to making every dining experience memorable.
Visitor Information: The Homestead Restaurant is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, with hours from 5pm to 9pm. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by phone or online. The restaurant is located just outside of downtown Sitka, with ample parking available on-site. Visitors are encouraged to dress up for the occasion and come with an appetite for classic American cuisine in a historic and elegant setting.
For wonderful comfort food in a rustic setting, head to The Homestead Restaurant located a short drive north from downtown Sitka. Family-owned and operated for over 25 years, The Homestead specializes in made-from-scratch soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, seafood, and American classic entrees served in generous portions at affordable prices. Popular picks include prime rib dip sandwiches, bowls of seafood stew or smoked salmon chowder, and seared teriyaki salmon over rice.
With most dishes under $25 and free shuttle service offered from downtown hotels, The Homestead is a local favorite for both visitors and Sitkans craving some stick-to-your-ribs dining. The cozy cabin atmosphere and pet-friendly covered outdoor patio make this restaurant welcoming for all. Leave room for a slice of their popular chocolate cream or wild huckleberry pie. Cash only but an ATM is available on-site.
Little Tokyo
Name and Location: Little Tokyo, located in Sitka, Alaska.
History and Significance: Little Tokyo is a popular Japanese restaurant that has been serving the Sitka community for over 20 years. The restaurant was founded by a Japanese-American family who wanted to bring authentic Japanese cuisine to the town, using fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Over the years, Little Tokyo has become a beloved institution, known for its friendly service, delicious sushi, and cozy atmosphere.
What to Expect: Visitors to Little Tokyo can expect a warm and welcoming dining experience, with a menu that features a wide variety of Japanese dishes, from classic sushi rolls to hearty noodle bowls and teriyaki entrees. The restaurant also offers a selection of sake and Japanese beers, as well as green tea and other traditional beverages. Visitors can also expect a casual and laid-back atmosphere, with plenty of seating for groups and families.
Visitor Information: Little Tokyo is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, with hours from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm. The restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Sitka, just a short walk from several popular attractions and hotels. Visitors are encouraged to come as they are and enjoy a taste of Japan in the heart of Alaska. Takeout and delivery options are also available for those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home or on the go.
For high quality sushi and other Japanese favorites, look no further than Little Tokyo in downtown Sitka. This small eight-table restaurant excels in serving exceptionally fresh sushi and sashimi courtesy of the daily catch from local fishermen.
Alongside nigiri, sashimi, and specialty rolls, Little Tokyo’s menu features udon noodle bowls, teriyaki stir fries over rice, and steaming bowls of ramen. The appetizer agedashi tofu delivers crisp-fried silken tofu cubes in a light dashi broth for an absolute must-order starter.
With rolls running $12-18, noodle bowls $14-22, and nigiri/sashimi $20-market price, the prices reflect the premium fresh seafood as well as air shipment costs since many ingredients are not available locally in Southeast Alaska.
Still, the quality makes it worth the extra cost for many visitors seeking an authentic Japanese dining experience. Note the restaurant only seats eight so reservations are strongly recommended to guarantee a table.
La Bodega
Name and Location: La Bodega, located in Sitka, Alaska.
History and Significance: La Bodega is a charming little wine bar and tapas restaurant that has been serving the Sitka community since 2018. The restaurant was founded by a local couple who fell in love with the flavors and culture of Spain during their travels and wanted to bring a taste of that experience back to their hometown. Since opening, La Bodega has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike, known for its cozy atmosphere, delicious small plates, and extensive wine selection.
What to Expect: Visitors to La Bodega can expect a warm and inviting dining experience, with a menu that features a variety of Spanish-inspired tapas, from classic patatas bravas to more creative dishes like octopus salad and stuffed piquillo peppers. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of wines from Spain and beyond, as well as craft beers and signature cocktails. Visitors can also expect a lively and convivial atmosphere, with plenty of seating at the bar or at intimate tables throughout the space.
Visitor Information: La Bodega is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, with hours from 5pm to 10pm. The restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Sitka, just a short walk from several popular attractions and hotels. Visitors are encouraged to come as they are and enjoy a taste of Spain in a casual and welcoming setting. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season, and can be made by phone or online. Private events and catering options are also available for those looking to host a special occasion or gathering.
For Spanish tapas and wine in an upscale yet casual environment, visit La Bodega along the waterfront boardwalk in downtown Sitka. La Bodega sources fine Spanish imports as well as regional vintages to offer 50+ wine selections alongside a menu of classic Spanish tapas plates and entrees.
Best enjoyed with friends and family for sharing, standout tapas picks include gambas al ajillo (shrimp sautéed in garlic), albóndigas (housemade pork and beef meatballs simmered in tomato sauce), and paella de mariscos (saffron seafood rice studded with mussels, clams, shrimp, squid and fish). Make sure to also carve out room for one of their speciality desserts like torrijas (Spanish-style French toast) or churros con chocolate.
Most tapas plates run $8 to $16 while paellas cost $36 to $44 to serve two people. The elegant atmosphere lined with wine bottles and flickering candles makes La Bodega a favorite choice for a romantic date night. The spacious dining room and heated outdoor patio ensure prime views overlooking the boat harbor below.
Larkspur Cafe & Bistro
Name and Location: Larkspur Cafe & Bistro, located in Sitka, Alaska.
History and Significance: Larkspur Cafe & Bistro is a charming little restaurant that has been serving the Sitka community since 2015. The restaurant was founded by a local chef who wanted to bring fresh, seasonal, and locally-sourced cuisine to the town, using ingredients from nearby farms and fisheries. Over the years, Larkspur has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike, known for its creative dishes, friendly service, and commitment to sustainability and community involvement.
What to Expect: Visitors to Larkspur Cafe & Bistro can expect a cozy and inviting dining experience, with a menu that changes seasonally to showcase the best local ingredients available. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, from classic eggs benedict to more creative options like halibut tacos and wild mushroom risotto. Visitors can also expect a selection of fresh-baked pastries, artisanal coffees and teas, and a small but curated selection of beer and wine.
Visitor Information: Larkspur Cafe & Bistro is open daily for breakfast and lunch, with hours from 7am to 3pm, and for dinner Thursday through Saturday, with hours from 5pm to 9pm. The restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Sitka, just a short walk from several popular attractions and hotels. Visitors are encouraged to come as they are and enjoy a casual and welcoming dining experience. Takeout and catering options are also available for those who prefer to enjoy their meal on the go or for special events. Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season, and can be made by phone or online.
For California-inspired cuisine with an Alaskan twist, schedule a table at Larkspur Cafe & Bistro. Larkspur offers a creative rotating menu tapping inspiration from various global cuisines while relying predominantly on regional seafood and locally foraged plants and produce.
Appetizers not to miss include the pan-seared oysters with bacon lardon and gorgonzola cream as well as the shonedel greens salad topped with chilled seafood like spot prawns, mussels, and rock crab. For entrees, house favorites include cedar-plank wild sockeye salmon served with brown sugar and chili-spiked sweet potatoes and pan-roasted halibut on a bed of chanterelle mushroom risotto.
Most entrees run $28-$38. Extensive wine selections and specialty cocktails like the spicy passionfruit Sitka Sound provide drink pairings to complement Chef Richard’s skillfully prepared dishes. Located in a converted house, Larkspur creates an intimate upscale but unintimidating dining experience. Be advised Larkspur enforces a smart casual dress code.
Pho Nome
Name and Location: Pho Nome, located in Sitka, Alaska.
History and Significance: Pho Nome is a popular Vietnamese restaurant that has been serving the Sitka community since 2017. The restaurant was founded by a Vietnamese-American family who wanted to bring the flavors and traditions of their homeland to the rugged coast of Alaska. Over the years, Pho Nome has become a beloved institution, known for its delicious and authentic Vietnamese cuisine, friendly service, and commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
What to Expect: Visitors to Pho Nome can expect a warm and welcoming dining experience, with a menu that features a variety of classic Vietnamese dishes, from steaming bowls of pho to fresh spring rolls and banh mi sandwiches. The restaurant also offers a selection of Vietnamese coffee and tea, as well as beer and wine. Visitors can also expect a casual and laid-back atmosphere, with plenty of seating for groups and families.
Visitor Information: Pho Nome is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, with hours from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm. The restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Sitka, just a short walk from several popular attractions and hotels. Visitors are encouraged to come as they are and enjoy a taste of Vietnam in the heart of Alaska. Takeout and delivery options are also available for those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home or on the go. Reservations are not required but are recommended for larger groups or during peak tourist season.
For piping hot pho noodle soup and other Vietnamese classics, look no further than this humble restaurant along Katlian Street in downtown Sitka. Run by Vietnamese immigrant Trang Pham for over 15 years, Pho Nome serves fragrant pho noodle bowls heaped with rice noodles, tender meat, and fresh garnishes.
Beyond pho, the menu stretches to include Vietnamese subs called banh mi, rice plates, and chilled vermicelli bowls bursting with Granny Smith apples, mint, and peanut sauce.
Menu prices range from $9 for banh mi up to $15 for large pho bowls. The cozy eight-table dining room features Vietnamese art and decor while the open kitchen lets you watch the chef preparing each dish fresh. Pho Nome stands out for wonderfully authentic flavors you’d expect in Vietnam alongside exceptionally friendly service that makes guests feel right at home. Cash only but an ATM is available inside.
Rockwell Bar & Grill
Name and Location: Rockwell Bar & Grill, located in Sitka, Alaska.
History and Significance: Rockwell Bar & Grill is a popular local restaurant and bar that has been serving the Sitka community for over 20 years. The restaurant is named after the historic Rockwell Lighthouse, which has guided ships through the treacherous waters of Sitka Sound since the early 1900s. Over the years, Rockwell has become a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors alike, known for its friendly atmosphere, delicious pub fare, and live music and events.
What to Expect: Visitors to Rockwell Bar & Grill can expect a lively and welcoming dining experience, with a menu that features a variety of classic American pub dishes, from burgers and fries to fish and chips and nachos. The restaurant also offers a full bar, with a selection of local and regional beers on tap, as well as cocktails and wine. Visitors can also expect regular live music performances, trivia nights, and other special events throughout the week.
Visitor Information: Rockwell Bar & Grill is open daily for lunch and dinner, with hours from 11am to 10pm Sunday through Thursday, and 11am to midnight on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Sitka, just a short walk from several popular attractions and hotels. Visitors are encouraged to come as they are and enjoy a casual and lively dining experience. Takeout options are also available for those who prefer to enjoy their meal on the go. Reservations are not required but are recommended for larger groups or during peak hours.
For delicious pub fare paired with local microbrews on draft, Rockwell Bar & Grill can’t be beat. Family-owned and operated since 2005, Rockwell offers an extensive menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner paired with constantly rotating beer and cider taps highlighting the best of Alaskan regional brewers.
Top picks include Rockwell staples like the Napoleon burger with cheddar and fried egg or the Sitka Sound seafood fettuccine made with halibut, salmon, shrimp, and scallops in a house beer cream sauce. Emerging star dishes include beer-can rotisserie chicken and house-cured pastrami on rye with plenty of pickled onions and Russian dressing. Main courses generally range from $12 to $30.
The bar runs happy hour specials on pints and pub snacks while also hosting frequent events like trivia and live music nights that draw energetic crowds. Thanks to its downtown location, tasty comfort food and a welcoming casual vibe, Rockwell serves as a popular gathering spot for both tourists and Sitkans alike.
Silver Moon Cafe
Name and Location: Silver Moon Cafe, located in Sitka, Alaska.
History and Significance: The Silver Moon Cafe is a charming little coffee shop and bakery that has been serving the Sitka community since 2010. The cafe was founded by a local couple who wanted to create a cozy and welcoming space for people to gather, relax, and enjoy delicious homemade treats. Over the years, the Silver Moon has become a beloved institution, known for its friendly service, creative baked goods, and commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
What to Expect: Visitors to the Silver Moon Cafe can expect a warm and inviting atmosphere, with a menu that features a variety of fresh-baked pastries, cakes, and breads, as well as artisanal coffees and teas. The cafe also offers a selection of light breakfast and lunch options, such as quiches, soups, and sandwiches. Visitors can also expect a cozy and relaxed environment, with plenty of seating for reading, working, or socializing with friends.
Visitor Information: The Silver Moon Cafe is open daily from 7am to 5pm, with extended hours on weekends. The cafe is located in the heart of downtown Sitka, just a short walk from several popular attractions and hotels. Visitors are encouraged to come as they are and enjoy a relaxing and delicious dining experience. Takeout options are also available for those who prefer to enjoy their treats on the go. The cafe also offers catering services for special events and celebrations.
For all-day breakfast and lunch comfort food at affordable prices, visit the Silver Moon Cafe just north of downtown near Sitka National Historic Park. This cozy 20-seat cafe excels in big portions of stick-to-your-ribs classics like chicken fried steak smothered in sausage country gravy alongside crispy hashbrowns or eggs; hearty omelets stuffed with salmon, cheese, and veggies; fluffy buttermilk pancake and waffle stacks; eggs benedict laden with wild red salmon or Dungeness crab cakes; and pan-seared cod cheeks paired with two eggs any style, potatoes and sourdough toast.
Lunch options include various burgers along with daily specials like meatloaf or pot roast. Nearly everything on Silver Moon’s menu costs less than $15. Add bottomless drip coffee and downhome service and you’ve got all the makings of a cherished neighborhood gem. Cash only but an ATM is available on-site.
The apparently long-closed restaurant Bayview Grocery sounds like an absolute gem I wish I could have experienced in its heyday. This beloved Sitka institution overlooking scenic Sitka Sound operated for over 75 years until its closure in 2002. In its prime during the 60s, 70s and 80s under various owners, Bayview Grocery offered incredible views looking out over the bay and surrounding mountains paired with fantastic dishes spotlighting the best of Alaskan seafood.
Popular menu items ranged from custom oyster sandwiches, fish n’chips, clam strips or halibut cheeks, to reindeer sausage and sauerkraut, to decadent cream pies and luscious berry crisps made from local berries. Patrons adored the welcoming atmosphere where locals would chat over coffee refills for hours as fishing boats bobbed along the picturesque blue waters. Many lament Bayview’s closure to this day, remembering this cherished staple as a quintessential Sitka dining gem.
Angel Seafoods Market & Deli
Name and Location: Angel Seafoods Market & Deli, located in Sitka, Alaska.
History and Significance: Angel Seafoods Market & Deli is a beloved local institution that has been serving the Sitka community for over 30 years. The market was founded by a local fisherman who wanted to bring the freshest seafood and deli products to the town, using sustainable and responsible fishing practices. Over the years, Angel Seafoods has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike, known for its high-quality products, friendly service, and commitment to supporting the local fishing industry.
What to Expect: Visitors to Angel Seafoods Market & Deli can expect a bustling and lively atmosphere, with a wide variety of fresh seafood, meats, cheeses, and other deli products available for purchase. The market also offers a selection of prepared foods, such as sandwiches, salads, and soups, as well as a small seating area for those who want to enjoy their meal on-site. Visitors can also expect knowledgeable and friendly staff who are passionate about the products they sell and the community they serve.
Visitor Information: Angel Seafoods Market & Deli is open daily from 9am to 7pm, with extended hours during the summer fishing season. The market is located on the waterfront in downtown Sitka, just a short walk from several popular attractions and hotels. Visitors are encouraged to come and explore the wide variety of fresh and delicious products available, and to support the local fishing industry by purchasing sustainably caught seafood. The market also offers shipping services for those who want to send their purchases home or to loved ones.
Ask any local for an insider tip on where to grab quality seafood in Sitka and most will surely point you to the Angel Seafoods Market & Deli located just past the bridge northwest of downtown. What started as a fish smokery in 1983 grew over the decades to include a specialty market selling just-off-the-boat finds and house-smoked seafood alongside a popular deli churning out made-to-order sandwiches, soups and entree specials.
Favorites include rich seafood chowders, wild salmon salad sandwiches on freshly baked croissants, and breaded fish or shrimp baskets coated in the deli’s signature batter then fried golden crisp. Alternatively, visitors can order prepared seafood like smoked black cod collars or marinated black rockfish skewers from the fresh seafood counter to take home and cook themselves.
Note the market stocks harder-to-find specialty items like seal oil and pickled herring eggs that make quintessential gift items. Prices remain reasonable; a hearty fish sandwich or bowl of chowder costs $12-18 while premium fillets like king salmon cost market rate by weight. Don’t skip the housemade berry pie or decadent chocolate cake for dessert.
Three Sisters Bakery
Name and Location: Three Sisters Bakery, located in Sitka, Alaska.
History and Significance: Three Sisters Bakery is a charming little bakery that has been serving the Sitka community since 2015. The bakery was founded by three sisters who grew up in Sitka.
For freshly baked breads, pastries, and other homemade comfort fare, locals flock to Three Sisters Bakery just north of downtown proper. Family-owned and run by three sisters descended from Russian immigrants, Three Sisters offers an extensive menu of breakfast and lunch items all housemade from scratch each day.
You absolutely can’t leave without trying their specialty – uistoia – melt-in-your-mouth Russian tea cakes bursting with chopped pecans then rolled in powdered sugar. Other Russian favorites include sweet cream porridge, savory piroshky pasties filled with meat or cabbage, and hearty borscht paired with pork belly. Beyond Russian fare
Three Sisters also whips up droolworthy sticky buns, flakey croissants, bread pudding with brandy sauce, wild berry galettes, and elaborate custom-order layer cakes. Given everything is baked fresh daily, early morning is the ideal time to visit. Still warm cinnamon rolls straight from the oven simply can’t be beat! Expect to spend $5-10 per pastry or a few dollars more for a full entree.
Once Upon a Bagel
While you may not expect to find much Jewish cuisine in southeast Alaska, Once Upon a Bagel will happily prove you wrong. This wildly popular local favorite excels in chewy New York-style bagels alongside hearty sandwiches and made-from-scratch Jewish deli classics. Come early to snag fan favorites like sausage and egg sandwiches breakfast tacos, or the beloved Sitka salmon bagel loaded with cold-smoked sockeye salmon, dill caper cream cheese, tomato and onion.
The massive loaded pastrami on rye sandwich stacked sky-high draws hungry followers while homemade soups and potato knishes also certainly warrant trys. Still with bagels made fresh daily as the specialty, Once Upon a Bagel does Jewish comfort food right even deep in the Alaskan panhandle. Expect fresh-baked bagels and most menu items to range $3-12. Grab one of their cookies, scones or cinnamon rolls to complete your nosh.
Conclusion
Whether seeking fine dining or casual fare, visitors to Sitka will discover a vibrant food scene offering freshly caught seafood, classic Russian dishes, regional craft beers, and tempting baked goods around nearly every corner.
The 12 restaurants and cafes covered above represent merely a taste of the beloved eateries and legendary local institutions that should top your must-visit dining list while exploring Alaska’s picturesque former Russian colony.
From romantic date spots to waterfront brewpubs to grab-and-go bakeries, Sitka truly provides something to satisfy every craving. Just come hungry and ready to sample the best flavors this storied seaside town has to offer.