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5 Best Restaurants to Visit in Alaska: A Culinary Journey Through the Last Frontier

Alaska, the Last Frontier, is a culinary gem where rugged wilderness meets innovative flavors, blending fresh seafood with global influences and Native Alaskan traditions. From the wild-caught salmon of Anchorage to the king crab shacks of Juneau, Alaska’s dining scene showcases the state’s pristine bounty in unforgettable ways. Whether you’re searching for the best restaurants in Alaska, exploring Alaska restaurants near me, or planning an Alaska dining 2025 adventure, this guide to the 5 best restaurants to visit in Alaska will inspire your next meal. Discover top Alaska restaurants, best Alaska seafood restaurants, Alaska fine dining, famous restaurants in Alaska, top restaurants in Anchorage, top restaurants in Juneau, best crab restaurants in Alaska, Alaska restaurant guide, Alaska dining experiences, and best places to eat in Alaska.

Use our Alaska food guide to navigate Alaska culinary spots, top places to eat in Alaska, famous places to eat in Alaska, and Alaska restaurant recommendations for an unforgettable gastronomic tour.This guide highlights Alaska restaurant reviews, best food in Alaska, and Alaska culinary experiences, ensuring your visit is filled with flavor and frontier spirit. Let’s explore the top 5 restaurants in Alaska!

Why Alaska’s Dining Scene is a Must-Experience This Year

Alaska’s restaurants capture the essence of the Last Frontier, where fresh, wild-caught seafood like salmon, halibut, and king crab takes center stage, often paired with foraged berries, local game, and craft beers. Alaska is a culinary gem where rugged wilderness meets innovative flavors, blending Native traditions with Pacific Rim influences for dishes that are as bold as the landscape. In 2025, the state’s dining scene thrives with sustainable sourcing over 90% of Alaskan seafood is wild and responsibly harvested, per Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute and events like the Alaska State Fair’s food festivals. Summer’s long daylight hours (up to 19 hours) and mild temperatures (50–65°F) make it ideal for outdoor dining, while winter’s aurora-lit evenings add magic to cozy meals.

Whether you’re a local seeking Alaska restaurants near me or a visitor craving best Alaska seafood restaurants, Alaska’s eateries range from casual crab shacks to upscale fine dining. No trip is complete without trying king crab or fresh salmon, staples that define best food in Alaska. This guide features the 5 best restaurants in Alaska, curated from Valerie Valise’s 2025 Best Restaurants in Alaska and OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice. Use a Alaska restaurant map to plan your itinerary and pair meals with Alaska attractions near restaurants.

1.Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill (Anchorage): Timeless Seafood Excellence

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Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill in downtown Anchorage is a famous restaurant in Alaska and a cornerstone of Alaska fine dining, serving sustainable seafood since 1978. Voted one of Anchorage’s best by Tripadvisor, it’s renowned for its harbor views and classic Alaskan fare.

Why Dine at Simon & Seafort’s?

  • Signature Dishes: The pan-seared king salmon ($48) with seasonal vegetables or the Dungeness crab cakes ($32), made with fresh, local crab—crispy outside, tender inside, embodying best Alaska seafood restaurants.
  • Ambiance: Elegant saloon with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Knik Arm, perfect for sunset dinners and a lively bar scene.
  • Culinary Connection: Alaska is a culinary gem; Simon’s highlights wild Alaskan catches like halibut and rockfish, sourced sustainably from Prince William Sound.
  • Price Range: $40–$80 per person; reservations essential via OpenTable.

Tips

Featured in Valerie Valise’s 2025 Best Restaurants in Alaska, Simon’s 2025 menu emphasizes zero-waste seafood. Book 30 days ahead for weekends; it’s a top restaurant in Anchorage staple.

2. The Cookery (Anchorage): Modern Alaskan Innovation

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The Cookery in Anchorage’s South Addition is a top Alaska restaurant for contemporary Alaskan cuisine, led by Chef Jason Bontrager. Praised by Eater’s Alaska Guide, it’s a 2025 James Beard semifinalist for its foraged and wild ingredients.

Why Dine at The Cookery?

  • Signature Dishes: The seared king salmon with foraged mushrooms ($48) or tasting menu ($125), featuring reindeer heart and wild berries—bold yet refined.
  • Ambiance: Cozy log cabin with intimate seating, evoking Alaska’s wilderness.
  • Culinary Connection: Highlighting subsistence traditions, The Cookery uses hyper-local ingredients like beach greens and Copper River salmon.
  • Price Range: $60–$120 per person; reservations via OpenTable.

Tips

A James Beard semifinalistc, The Cookery’s 2025 foraged menu rotates weekly. Book 45 days ahead; it’s among best places to eat in Alaska.

3. Tracy’s King Crab Shack (Juneau): Iconic Crab Shack

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Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau is a famous restaurant in Alaska for its casual king crab feasts, a must for best crab restaurants in Alaska, per Alaska.org

Why Dine at Tracy’s King Crab Shack?

  • Signature Dishes: King crab legs ($50/lb, market price), steamed fresh with butter—sweet, briny, and addictive.
  • Ambiance: No-frills shack with picnic tables overlooking Gastineau Channel, buzzing with cruise crowds.
  • Culinary Connection: Celebrating Alaska’s red king crab fishery, Tracy’s sources from local boats.
  • Price Range: $40–$70 per person; BYOB.

Tips

A Cruise Critic favorite, Tracy’s 2025 season starts May; arrive early for tables. It’s a top restaurant in Juneau icon.

4. Seven Glaciers Restaurant (Girdwood): Mountaintop Fine Dining

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Seven Glaciers Restaurant at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood is a top Alaska fine dining spot with panoramic views, AAA Four Diamond-rated, per Alaska.org.

Why Dine at Seven Glaciers?

  • Signature Dishes: Seared halibut with morel mushrooms ($58) or tasting menu ($145), featuring wild Alaskan game.
  • Ambiance: Elevated dining room at 2,300 feet, with views of seven glaciers and Turnagain Arm.
  • Culinary Connection: Using foraged and local ingredients like king salmon and reindeer.
  • Price Range: $80–$150 per person; tram access included.

Tips

OpenTable Diners’ Choice winner, Seven Glaciers’ 2025 menu adds vegan options. Book 60 days ahead; it’s Alaska fine dining at its best.

5. The Rookery (Juneau): Waterfront Seafood Gem

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The Rookery in Juneau is a top restaurant in Juneau for fresh Alaskan seafood, with harbor views, per Valerie Valise.

Why Dine at The Rookery?

  • Signature Dishes: Dungeness crab cakes ($32) or seared rockfish ($38), using local catches.
  • Ambiance: Cozy waterfront spot with patio seating overlooking Auke Bay.
  • Culinary Connection: Focusing on sustainable Southeast Alaska seafood.
  • Price Range: $30–$60 per person.

Tips

A Travel Juneau favorite, The Rookery’s 2025 happy hour (4–6pm) features $1 oysters. Book via OpenTable; it’s a best places to eat in Alaska.

In Summary

Alaska’s 5 best restaurants to visit in Alaska, from Simon & Seafort’s timeless seafood to The Cookery’s innovative foraged dishes, capture the Last Frontier’s culinary soul. Alaska is a culinary gem where rugged wilderness meets innovative flavors, blending king crab with Native traditions. Whether exploring famous restaurants in Alaska, top restaurants in Anchorage, top restaurants in Juneau, or best crab restaurants in Alaska, this Alaska restaurant guide covers top Alaska restaurants and Alaska famous restaurants. Use an Alaska restaurant map for best places to eat in Alaska, top places to eat in Alaska, and famous places to eat in Alaska. Plan your 2025 Alaska food guide adventure and savor the best food in Alaska from seared salmon to sunset crab feasts!

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