7 Best Restaurants in The Kenai Peninsula and Southcentral Alaska, Alaska

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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.

Cadillac Cafe

$$

Hearty fare fills the menu at this diner-style café, including homemade pies, juicy burgers, burritos, pasta dishes, and pizzas turned out of a wood-fired oven. The owner describes the decor as "Alaska minimalist," but the booths are plush and comfortable, and hand-rubbed wood is evident.

Pittman Rd. and Parks Hwy., Wasilla, AK, 99654, USA
907-357–5533
Known For
  • Best pies in town
  • Diverse menu
  • Family dining destination

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Java Flats

$

This great coffee shop represents the true essence of Kodiak life. Fantastic breakfast burritos, vegetarian sandwiches, and excellent coffee make this the perfect place to stock up on provisions before embarking on exciting bear-watching and salmon-fishing adventures. They have lots of vegetarian options.

11206 W. Rezanof Dr., Kodiak, AK, 99615, USA
907-487–2622
Known For
  • Tasty vegetarian sandwiches
  • Grab-and-go options
  • Best coffee in town
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. and Tues.

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Lazy Otter Café & Gifts

$$

Amid the summer shops and docks, this little café offers warm drinks and soups, sandwiches, and fresh-baked pastries, along with an Alaskan favorite, soft-serve ice cream. The busy shop has only a couple of indoor seats, but there's outdoor seating overlooking the harbor, which is quite pleasant on sunny days. They also sell box lunches for those embarking on a cruise or day hike.

Lot 2, Whittier Harbor, Whittier, AK, 99693, USA
800-587–6887
Known For
  • Box lunches for day trips
  • Outdoor seating with views of harbor
  • Only good coffee in town
Restaurant Details
Closed late Sept.–early May

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Recommended Fodor's Video

A Rogue's Garden

$$

For a quarter century, this downtown natural foods store has been serving Valdez and its visitors espresso and organic coffees, delicious fresh-baked goods, and fruit smoothies. There's also a sandwich bar for paninis and soups made from scratch.

354 Fairbanks St., Valdez, AK, 99686, USA
907-835–5880
Known For
  • Best lunch destination in town
  • Fresh rustic bread and bagels
  • Great selection of natural foods and kitchen items
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. and Mon.

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The Sea Bean Cafe

$

This splendid café offers a good selection of teas and organic coffee, as well as soups, wraps, pastries, and smoothies.

225 4th Ave., Seward, AK, 99664, USA
907-224–6623
Known For
  • Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
  • Great place to eat and read or work on your computer
  • Grab-and-go options for those heading off on tours
Restaurant Details
Reservations not accepted

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Turnagain Kayak Coffeehouse

$

This is the only combination kayak rental shop and coffeehouse in Hope—maybe in the whole state. They offer up great coffee, small-batch-roasted coffee beans, fresh fruit smoothies, and house-made pastries.

19796 Hope Hwy., Hope, AK, 99605, USA
907-715–9365
Known For
  • Nearby kayaking excursions
  • Terrific coffee
  • Excellent smoothies and baked goods
Restaurant Details
Closed Thurs. and Fri.

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Vagabond Blues

$

The folks at this aroma-filled bakery café serve up fresh and tasty pastries, quiches, wraps, salads, panini and other sandwiches, and espresso drinks. A convivial setting for meetings, board games, and pleasant conversation by day, Vagabond is a popular hangout. There's Wi-Fi, too.