10 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.

Snow City Cafe

$$ | Downtown Fodor's choice

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.

1034 W. 4th Ave., Anchorage, AK, 99501, USA
907-272–2489
Known For
  • Inventive eggs Benedict with king crab and salmon
  • Vegan and gluten-free options galore
  • A coffee counter while you inevitably wait for a table
Restaurant Details
No dinner

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The Bubbly Mermaid Oyster Bar

$$ | Downtown

This tiny seafood joint easily offers the quirkiest dining experience in Downtown: almost the entire room is taken up by a boat-prow bar. At the helm, owner Apollo Naff has created a convivial environment where fellow diners become fast friends over plates of Alaska oysters and other briny bites, such as crab cake po'boys, seafood chowder, and seared scallops in umami sauce.

417 D St., Anchorage, AK, 99501, USA
619-665–2852
Known For
  • Alaska oysters
  • Nautical ambiance
  • Menu items inspired by chef's Tijuana roots

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Gwennie's Old Alaska Restaurant

$$ | Spenard

Historic photos, mounted animals, and state memorabilia adorn this old family favorite near the airport. Lunch is available, but the restaurant is best known for its old-fashioned all-day breakfasts, which include menu items like reindeer sausage and crab omelets. Don't expect anything fancy; this is diner food in an Alaskana-filled setting.

4333 Spenard Rd., Anchorage, AK, 99517, USA
907-243–2090
Known For
  • Sourdough pancakes
  • Generous portions
  • Endless entertainment from the wall decor
Restaurant Details
No dinner

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Recommended Fodor's Video

Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria

$$ | Midtown

One of the state's most beloved pizzerias, Moose's Tooth is packed all week, despite the ample seating (it can hold up to 300 guests). The reason for the popularity is obvious: exclusive handcrafted beers, and a seemingly endless roster of pizzas topped with inventive options like jalapeños, cream cheese, reindeer, and even macaroni.

3300 Old Seward Hwy., Anchorage, AK, 99503, USA
907-258–2537
Known For
  • Energetic outdoor waiting area
  • House-made brews, root beer, and cream soda
  • Alaska's most popular pizza
Restaurant Details
Reservations not accepted

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Organic Oasis

$$ | Spenard

Part eatery and part community center and event space, this café offers plenty of healthy (or, at least, healthy-sounding) fare, including fresh-squeezed juices, smoothies, organic sandwiches, fresh soups, and tempeh wraps. While vegans and vegetarian visitors to Anchorage should definitely make a beeline to Organic, omnivores are not left out in the cold: the menu also includes Thai chicken salads, grass-fed burgers, and lamb.

2610 Spenard Rd., Anchorage, AK, 99503, USA
907-277–7882
Known For
  • House-baked breads and buns
  • Inventive juice bar
  • Live music throughout the week

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Palmeira Tropical Fusion

$$ | Downtown

This luminous lunch spot supplies an instant burst of sunshine no matter the month, with vibrant ingredients, tropical drinks, and a dining area filled with lush, greenery. The out-of-the-way cafe specializes in dishes from lower latitudes, like tortas, tostadas, and chilaquiles.

329 Barrow St., Anchorage, AK, 99501, USA
907-669–2626
Known For
  • Super-fresh ingredients
  • Seafood ceviche
  • Plenty of vegan options
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. No dinner

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Peanut Farm Sports Bar & Grill

$$ | South Anchorage

What started as a creekside log cabin is now a 70-screen sports bar with room for athletic fans of every stripe, from hockey (of course) to mushing and beyond. There's also an outdoor deck, pool tables, and a large and varied menu of tasty bar favorites. 

5227 Old Seward Hwy., Anchorage, AK, 99518, USA
907-563–3283
Known For
  • Best wings in the city
  • Patio on the bank of Campbell Creek
  • Fireside seating in an original log cabin building

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South Restaurant + Coffeehouse

$$ | South Anchorage

Perched on the edge of the city, South's expansive menu and bright airy space make it a destination brunch spot in Anchorage. The menu offers fresh Alaska spins on brunch classics like sourdough pancakes, cod tacos, and reindeer sausage as well as a wide range of salads, sandwiches, and tapas. If you need a caffeine jolt or grab-and-go dish as you drive south out of town, the attached coffeeshop is open all day long.

11124 Old Seward Hwy., Anchorage, AK, 99515, USA
907-770–9200
Known For
  • Destination brunch spot
  • Cocktails on the firepit patio
  • Plenty of vegan and gluten-free options

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Spenard Roadhouse

$$ | Spenard

The amusing assortment of wall art here pays homage to the roadhouses that dot the state, but Spenard Roadhouse is by no means just a place to grab a quick meal while traveling. The warm and inviting restaurant offers creative comfort food, plus a daily brunch menu; the cocktails alone are worth the journey.

Tequila 61

$$ | Downtown

Whether you're at the cozy cocktail bar or on the wraparound lounge couches, this atmospheric fusion restaurant brings upscale Mexican flavors to the far north (the "61" in the name references the city's latitude). Though known for its tacos—including a duck confit option—the restaurant also prepares rib eyes, shrimp ceviche, and chipotle-glazed king crab.

445 W. 4th Ave., Anchorage, AK, 99501, USA
907-274–7678
Known For
  • Gourmet taco Tuesday deals
  • Mezcal cocktails
  • Fresh oysters
Restaurant Details
No lunch

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