3 Best Restaurants in Anchorage, Alaska

Background Illustration for Restaurants

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.

Crow's Nest Restaurant

$$$$ | Downtown Fodor's choice

An absolute must for epicures and adventurous eaters, Crow's Nest uses inspired combinations to highlight, but never overpower, the freshest ingredients Alaska has to offer. Located on the top floor of the Hotel Captain Cook, this is also the best restaurant view in Anchorage, spanning the Chugach Mountains to the east, the Alaska Range to the north and west, and the city 20 stories below. The dress code, like everything in Alaska, is relaxed: business casual, but no sandals and no shorts.

939 W. 5th Ave., Anchorage, AK, 99501, USA
907-276–6000
Known For
  • Unforgettable views and atmosphere
  • Top-tier steaks and seafood
  • 10,000-bottle wine cellar
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
Reservations essential

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Seven Glaciers

$$$$ Fodor's choice

This refined yet relaxing mountaintop restaurant is perched 2,300 feet up Mt. Alyeska, accessed by a 60-passenger aerial tram (free with dinner reservations, otherwise $48 round-trip). The forward-thinking prix fixe menu capitalizes on local produce and seafood and rotates seasonally. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook seven glaciers in an unforgettable panoramic mountain view.

1000 Arlberg Rd., Girdwood, AK, 99587, USA
907-754–2237
Known For
  • Alaska-grown ingredients and top-tier seafood
  • 32-page wine menu
  • Unforgettable panoramic mountain views
Restaurant Details
No lunch
Reservations essential

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Jens' Restaurant and Wine Bar

$$$$ | Midtown

Don't let the Midtown strip mall that houses Jens' put you off: this is a true fine-dining establishment. The late chef-owner Jens Haagen Hansen's culinary legacy has led to the frequently changing menu that includes Alaska black cod, halibut, and rockfish. The Danish berry pudding with cream is a delightful way to cap a meal. The light and airy restaurant has a playful, energetic feel.

701 W. 36th Ave., Anchorage, AK, 99503, USA
907-561–5367
Known For
  • Danish appetizers
  • "almost world famous" pepper steaks
  • Light bites at the bodega bar
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
Reservations essential

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