Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Anchorage's dining scene has, to the relief of repeat visitors and, even more so, locals, been on the rise for the past several years. Established (and still highly recommended) restaurants like Jens’ and Marx Bros. Café have been joined by the likes of the small-plate and wine-focused Crush Wine Bistro and Cellar and the Pacific Rim cuisine–focused Ginger. No matter the restaurant, the local catch is a frequent star. Beware: eating salmon or halibut in-state may ruin you for fish served in the Lower 48. Anchorage also offers up plenty of worldly flavors thanks to the city's ethnic diversity. And nobody should leave Anchorage without trying the local fast-food specialty: a reindeer sausage from the cart in front of the courthouse on 4th Avenue.
The combination of shared small plates and an international wine list makes this Anchorage's most conversation-friendly dining venue. Although it's more fun to share, diners who prefer a plate of their own can also opt for inventive entrées ranging from scallop pad thai to shawarma-spiced lamb chops.
On summer days, Snow City attracts some serious crowds—and for good reason. This modern but unassuming café, convenient to many of the Downtown hotels and just a block from the ocean, serves one of Anchorage's best (and yet reasonably priced) breakfasts. If you're not an early riser, join the virtual waitlist on their website before walking over.
Stop at either the Downtown or Midtown New Sagaya grocery stores for quick lunches, healthy to-go food (perfect for hiking or camping), and Kaladi Brothers coffee. The in-house bakery and deli, L'Aroma, makes specialty breads, sandwiches, California-style pizzas, and a wide range of snack-worthy pastries.
On sunny summer nights, the line at this popular microcreamy snakes down the block. The walk-up window serves Alaska-inspired ice cream flavors like almond birch brittle and rhubarb crumble, but the options rotate constantly. There's a second seasonal location in the 49th State Brewing Company biergarten off 3rd Avenue and a year-round scoop shop in Midtown at 530 East Benson Boulevard.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
Thank you for your interest!
