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. Chinooks Bar

    $$$

    Just about everything at this restaurant in the small-boat harbor is made on-site, from the salad dressings to the infused liquors in the inventive libations. The award-winning chef prepares only sustainable Alaskan seafood, and information is provided about where it comes from and when it's in season. The wine and beer selections are first-rate. Upstairs window seats have stunning views. The menu changes frequently depending on the freshest catches of the day, so be sure to check out Facebook or Instagram to see what the chef has in store for diners on any given day.

    1404 4th Ave., Seward, Alaska, 99664, USA
    907-224–2207

    Known For

    • Fantastic cocktail menu
    • Inventive fresh seafood dishes
    • Upstairs seating with views of the harbor and mountains

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Tues., Jan., and Feb.
  • 2. The Saltry Restaurant

    $$$

    At the top of the dock overlooking Halibut Cove, this is one of Southcentral's most beautiful places to sit and soak up the pleasures of a summer afternoon. Locally caught seafood, the restaurant's specialty, is prepared with finesse, and the dish for vegetarians is always a mouthwatering delight. Before or after dinner you can stroll Halibut Cove's boardwalks and visit the two art galleries, or just relax on the dock. Reservations are essential for the ferry, which requires you return the same way in which you came unless you've secured lodging on the Cove.

    9 W. Ismilof Rd., Halibut Cove, Alaska, 99603, USA
    907-399–2683

    Known For

    • One of the best Alaskan culinary experiences
    • Romantic dining
    • Location on art-filled boardwalk

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Mon, and late Sept.–early May, Reservations essential
  • 3. 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
  • 4. Halibut Cove Live

    $$$$

    Set on a superb floating stage on Halibut Cove, HCL hosts dinner several times a summer, each featuring a renowned guest chef from somewhere in the state, locally grown produce, and fresh seafood. There's also live jazz music. Dinner is a set price and includes boat transportation from Homer.

    USA
    907-235–0541

    Known For

    • Unique (and expensive) dining and music experience
    • Fantastic fresh seafood dishes
    • Very romantic ambience

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sept.–May
  • 5. 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.
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. 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
  • 7. Powder House Bar and Grill

    $$$

    On clear summer evenings, you can relax on this roadside bar's deck overlooking Eyak Lake and enjoy whatever the cook's in the mood to make. Located inside a former storage shed for railroad explosives, this place serves homemade soups, burgers, and sushi (on Friday); seasonal seafood, including shrimp, scallops, razor clams, and whatever else is fresh, is also available every night.

    Copper River Hwy., Cordova, Alaska, 99574, USA
    907-424–3529

    Known For

    • Rustic charm
    • Scenic mountain views from the back porch
    • Fantastic burger specials
  • 8. Reluctant Fisherman Restaurant

    $$$

    This restaurant is about the closest thing to fine dining in Cordova, and it's generally packed with tourists, fishermen, and locals who appreciate both the food and the drinks. Each summer, the chef blows the menu up with something new and fabulous, but you're guaranteed to find a number of excellent fish dishes always fresh and right off the fishing boats. During the summer, the restaurant offers breakfast on Wednesday through Sunday until 11 am.

    407 Railroad Ave., Cordova, Alaska, 99574, USA
    907-424–3272

    Known For

    • Great outdoor seating
    • Location next to the boat docks
    • Ceviche and grilled salmon
  • 9. Varly's Swiftwater Seafood Café

    $$

    The epicurean heart of Whittier for more than two decades, Varly's offers delightful surprises like its famed calamari burger—squid tenderized and fried in a secret batter. Other menu items include burgers, homemade chowders, rockfish, halibut, and salmon.

    Whittier, Alaska, 99693, USA
    907-472–2550

    Known For

    • Best fried fish in the state
    • Fresh seafood straight out of the water
    • True fishermen's wharf atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed mid-Sept.–May

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