Alaska is a hardened frontier, where rugged individualism and frontier mentality shine. The fiercely cold winters in Alaska make it a perfect place for people who want to get away from the heat and bustle of busy cities.
Anchorage is one of the most remote cities in America, with its isolated outpost having little in common with the surrounding areas. Anchorage’s unique culture reflects the state it inhabits.
While you can find Alaskan favorites like salmon and halibut at many of the restaurants in Anchorage, there is also a wide variety of non-native foods available to discover.
It’s hard to name the ten best Anchorage restaurants, but I’ve done just that, while showcasing what sets these restaurants apart from the others in Anchorage.
I’ve also included the dish that makes each restaurant famous. So, if you’re planning on a visit to Alaska or you’re an Alaskan native yourself, be sure to visit these great restaurants while you’re here!
Table of Contents
The 10 Best Anchorage Restaurants
Snow City Cafe
1034 W. 4th Ave., Anchorage // +19072722489
You can start your day off at Anchorage’s most trendy spot by having breakfast at the Snow City Cafe.
Located downtown, on a corner, near many offices, this warm cafe offers breakfast in a modern setting. The style is very casual, with booths and counter seating.
The palette of eggs benedict recipes, hash browns, wild mushroom omelet, and oatmeal combos are among the intriguing menu items.
And, if you want to wash it all down, order a milkshake or one of their specialty coffee blends.
Spenard Roadhouse
1049 W. Northern Lights Blvd., Anchorage // +19077707623
With a colorful setting and a creative take on classic American dishes, Spenard Roadhouse serves comfort food in a casual dining spot.
A tasty and delicious burger at Spenard Roadhouse is a bacon jam burger, which comes with fresh ground beef and smoked paprika aioli, ground beef patty, cambozola, grilled apple, rocket, house mayo, and smothered with bacon jam atop a toasted bun.
Alaskan reindeer Polish sausages are a must at Spenard Roadhouse. Lastly, the Spenard Roadhouse is famous for having the best whiskey and bourbon selection in Alaska.
Ginger
425 W. 5th Ave., Anchorage // +19079293680
An Anchorage native with intimate knowledge of Alaskan cuisine, Chef Guy Conley serves Pacific Rim cuisine at Ginger’s.
In addition to being a James Beard Foundation nominee for Best Chef Northwest, Chef Conley brings an innovative fusion of Asian flavors and fresh Alaskan seafood to Ginger.
For an authentic Alaskan dining experience, try Ginger’s sweet & spicy chicken, lobster, glazed duck breast, and Panang beef curry.
Kinley’s Restaurant and Bar
3230 Seward Hwy., Anchorage // +19076448953
Known among Alaskans for his innovative approach to fine dining, Chicago-born Chef Brett Knipmeyer opened Kinley’s Restaurant and Bar last year.
A semi-finalist for the James Beard Foundation Award considered the Oscar of food in the United States, Knipmeyer has attracted national attention for his culinary prowess.
In addition to serving Alaskan seafood, Kinley’s Restaurant and Bar offers friendly service and classically prepared cuisine with contemporary rustic décor.
In addition to a whole section of sushi rolls created from wild Alaskan seafood, Kinley’s offers a variety of delicious dishes. Additionally, the menu includes fresh local ground beef and Japanese Kobe beef.
Using fresh Alaskan herbs, fruits, and vegetables grown in Palmer, Alaska, Chef Knipmeyer’s menu changes with the seasons.
You can also eat at Kinley’s even if you follow a gluten-free diet – all menu items can be made gluten-free – no substitutions – just fresh Alaskan fare that is always delicious.
ORSO
737 W. 5th Ave., Anchorage // +19072223232
ORSO specializes in wild Alaskan seafood prepared with the best ingredients and paired with an extensive drinks menu that includes offerings by Glacier Brew House, as well as a selection of wine and cocktails.
Offering classic décor reminiscent of Alaska, ORSO brings fine dining to Alaska, utilizing the richness of the pristine Pacific Ocean to serve the freshest seafood. Among its specialties are halibut, salmon, cod, and king crab.
Additionally, ORSO offers seasonal vegetables that are grown locally during the summer. On the menu, standouts include halibut crusted with Alaskan cedar and calamari.
In addition to the giant cinnamon roll and the smoked salmon scramble, ORSO is also a great spot for a laid-back brunch on the weekends.
Rustic Goat
2800 Turnagain St., Anchorage // +19073348100
Comfort food is always a hit, and The Rustic Goat elevates typical rustic cuisine with an original modern twist.
The open seating, a large amount of natural light, and hip menu make it similar to places you’d find in Seattle or even San Francisco. Rustic Goat provides a great gathering spot for friends and family to meet, eat, and enjoy each other’s company.
The restaurant is located in Midtown Anchorage, and its decor has a modern industrial design. Additional seating is located upstairs.
The handmade chips are delicious when topped with slow-cooked pulled pork. Strawberry bacon pizza with hints of jalapeno and surprisingly complementary flavors will please you. Don’t forget to save room for sweets – specifically Rustic Goat’s Smores.
Fat Ptarmigan
441 W. 5th Ave. Ste. 100, Anchorage // +19077777710
There is an immediate scent of pizza and a wood/brick interior that fits perfectly with the downtown Anchorage warehouses.
The Fat Ptarmigan has been designed for a foodie like me and you, who enjoys a great crust and farm-fresh ingredients. There is even non-dairy cheese for vegans.
To enjoy a fast and delicious pizza with friends, try Fat Ptarmigan. Although you can create your own sauce from the sauce selection, the creative and distinctive combinations already provided should not be overlooked.
There’s a wood fire oven, the pizzaiolos spin the pizzas by hand and top them with fresh toppings for each order. Fat Ptarmigan also offers some fantastic Italian desserts, including Guy’s cannoli and gelato.
Moose’s Tooth Pub and Pizzeria
3300 Old Seward Hwy., Anchorage // +19072582537
A Portlander and an Anchorage native, Moose’s Tooth Pub and Pizzeria brings a Portland-inspired combination of craft beer and gourmet stone-baked pizza to the Alaskan region.
In addition to American favorites like hearty breadsticks and pizzas with a variety of toppings that range from fun to funky, the menu also includes America’s heart-warming favorites for “cozying up” during the Alaskan winter.
I highly recommend that you try the Moose’s Pie, which features a chocolate cookie crust, coffee ice cream, fudge, roasted almonds, and fresh whipping cream (yet it easily feeds two to four people).
Bear Tooth Theatrepub
1230 W. 27th Ave., Anchorage // +19072764200
Bear Tooth Theatrepub is a treasure of a place, with a menu featuring some of the best food in Anchorage. The atmosphere is lively and fun, and there’s a great selection of drinks to accompany the food.
If you’re on a date or an outing with friends, Bear Tooth Theatrepub is sure to deliver—and leave your date or group raving about it, as well as eager for their next visit.
A superb combination of great food, tempting drinks, and excellent second-run films can be found at Bear Tooth Theatre pub.
This sister restaurant of Moose’s Tooth serves a selection of handpicked craft beers, as well as freshly prepared wraps, pizzas, breadsticks, and a decadent dessert menu.
Glacier Brewhouse
737 W. 5th Ave. #110, Anchorage // +19072742739
There are many restaurants in Anchorage, but some restaurants like Glacier Brewhouse, really attract crowds.
This is an excellent restaurant, and just like the name suggests, this restaurant brews beer, and they also serve food prepared by the chef. They also keep their customers happy by frequently replacing broken glasses and checking if their guests are happy or not.
Featuring timbered rafters and ample seating around the large fireplace, the dining room creates a rustic, gastropub atmosphere.
Grilled baby back ribs with Jamaican jerk rub and spicy BrewHouse signature whiskey BBQ sauce are some of the restaurant’s favorites.
There is a great atmosphere in this place as well as a wide selection at the bar. Sports fans will enjoy the comfortable stools to watch sporting events. Additionally, they often have live music, so you’ll never get bored here.
Summary Of The 10 Best Anchorage Restaurants
Here in Anchorage, Alaska, they have some of the best restaurants in the world. It is not an exaggeration to say that, when it comes to eating out, this is one of the most exciting destinations in the world.
No matter what you are craving, you are probably in luck when in Anchorage.
And if you are cunning enough to decide to visit Anchorage on your next vacation, then you are in for an exceptional treat.
While natives claim that Anchorage is just like any other city, those from away have a particular love affair with the place, as it has been ranked as one of the best places to visit by National Geographic and Money magazines.
Visiting other destinations in Alaska? Check out our other guides:
- Interview with The Longest Way to Alaska: Extreme Budget Travelers
- 10 Must-Try Alaskan Dishes To Try
- 11 Best Restaurants In Fairbanks, Alaska
Which of these Anchorage restaurants will you try first? Let us know in the comments section below!
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever