For a city nestled amidst the stunning wilderness of Alaska, Anchorage boasts a surprisingly vibrant and diverse culinary landscape. From unassuming, cash-only coffee nooks to elegant dining establishments steeped in history, the Anchorage restaurant scene offers something to tantalize every palate. A short visit might only offer a glimpse into the city’s gastronomic offerings, but certain local hotspots are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression, defining the unique flavors of Anchorage.
Imagine savoring bleu cheese-infused steaks at the iconic Club Paris, or diving into a massive plate of crispy, deep-fried halibut at the aviation-themed F Street Station. A culinary exploration extends into the city’s diverse neighborhoods, where hidden gems await. In Spenard, the aroma of time-honored pasta creations wafts from Pizza Olympia, while towering sandwiches beckon from Charlie’s Bakery in Midtown. Further south, Mexico in Alaska promises soul-warming, chocolatey mole that transports you to a different world.
This guide unveils ten of the most exceptional restaurants in Anchorage, each offering a unique dining experience that captures the spirit of Alaska.
1. Best Overall: Simon & Seafort’s
Address: 420 L St, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA
Phone: +1 907-274-3502
Website: simonandseaforts.com
Simon & Seafort’s, a long-standing favorite among locals and visitors alike, commands a prime location perched atop a hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Cook Inlet. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time, with a lively dining room adorned with décor reminiscent of the opulent grills of the early 20th century. The atmosphere is one of convivial energy, complemented by the attentive and friendly service of the staff.
The menu is a celebration of Alaskan bounty, with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Patrons can expect a rotating selection of daily specials featuring the catch of the day. However, certain dishes have cemented their place as perennial favorites. The delicate halibut cheeks, prepared with a light touch to highlight their natural sweetness, are a must-try. For those craving something heartier, the steaks and prime rib are cooked to perfection and can be paired with fresh seafood for the ultimate surf-and-turf experience. The succulent king crab legs are a testament to Alaska’s maritime riches. To complement the exquisite cuisine, Simon & Seafort’s boasts an extensive list of expertly crafted cocktails, perfect for enjoying while soaking in the stunning views.
2. Best Fine Dining: Marx Bros. Café
Address: 627 W 3rd Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA
Phone: +1 907-278-2133
Website: marxcafe.com
Marx Bros. Café, nestled within one of Anchorage’s oldest homes, offers an intimate and unforgettable fine dining experience. With seating for only 16 tables, the restaurant exudes an air of exclusivity and charm. For nearly half a century, Marx Bros. Café has been synonymous with culinary excellence in Anchorage, consistently delivering innovative and refined dishes.
The menu is a carefully curated selection of sustainable seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Diners can expect to find dishes like Alaskan sockeye salmon en papillote, a delicate preparation that preserves the fish’s natural flavors, or a luxurious lobster bisque, enriched with king crab and a fragrant truffle salad. A signature experience at Marx Bros. Café is the tableside preparation of Caesar salads, often performed by the restaurant’s co-owner, adding a personal touch to the dining experience. The chef, the other co-owner, ensures the kitchen operates with precision and creativity, making Marx Bros. Café a true culinary gem.
3. Best Mediterranean: Pizza Olympia
Address: 2809 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK 99503, USA
Phone: +1 907-561-5264
Website: pizzaolympia.us
Pizza Olympia, a Spenard Road landmark, has been family-owned and operated since 1984, establishing itself as a beloved purveyor of Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant embodies the essence of family dining: fresh, generously portioned food served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. While the menu features a classic selection of American-style Greek and Italian dishes, one particular entrée has earned a legendary status: Zoi’s Special.
This signature dish features spaghetti tossed with baby shrimp, tender clams, fragrant fresh garlic, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, all brought together by a homemade vegetarian red sauce. The result is a symphony of flavors and textures, a comforting and satisfying meal that keeps patrons coming back for more. For those who wish to order in Greek, the bilingual staff is always happy to accommodate, adding to the restaurant’s authentic charm.
4. Best Steak: Club Paris
Address: 417 W 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA
Phone: +1 907-277-6332
Website: clubparisrestaurant.com
Club Paris, another venerable Anchorage institution, offers a unique dining experience that transcends mere steakhouse fare. Despite its name, there’s nothing overtly French about this cozy downtown establishment. Its enduring appeal lies in its well-worn furnishings and a charmingly retro ethos that permeates everything from the menus to the service ware. However, when it comes to steak, Club Paris reigns supreme.
The steaks arrive sizzling on hot iron platters, cooked to your exact specifications and bursting with flavor. For those seeking an extra touch of indulgence, the bleu cheese stuffing elevates the steak to another level of decadence. Fresh Alaskan seafood also plays a prominent role on the menu, with offerings such as beer-battered halibut "fingers," succulent steamer clams, and an imposing entrée-sized king crab leg. Club Paris offers a comforting blend of classic steakhouse fare and Alaskan seafood specialties.
5. Best Fast Food: Lucky Wishbone
Address: 1033 E 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA
Phone: +1 907-272-3454
Website: facebook.com/Luckywishbonealaska
Lucky Wishbone, a historic restaurant located conveniently on the way into town, has been serving up classic American comfort food to Anchorage residents since 1955. The restaurant’s enduring popularity is a testament to its commitment to quality and its nostalgic charm.
The star of the menu is the pan-fried chicken, available both on and off the bone, offering a satisfying crunch and juicy flavor. In addition to chicken, Lucky Wishbone also serves burgers, sandwiches, and creamy milkshakes. A notable side dish is the coleslaw, made with a unique homemade pineapple dressing that adds a touch of sweetness and tang. Nostalgic diners can indulge in old-fashioned ice cream sodas, smothered fries, or crispy onion rings alongside their orders, completing the classic American fast-food experience.
6. Best Seafood: F Street Station
Address: 325 F St, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA
Phone: +1 907-272-5196
F Street Station, a beloved bar-and-grill, has long been a favorite among international flight crews, as evidenced by the aviation stickers adorning the walls around the bar. The restaurant is renowned for its generously portioned, deep-fried halibut, with the "Texas" portion offering a smaller and more affordable option compared to the colossal "Alaska" portion.
However, F Street Station offers more than just delicious seafood. A giant block of Tillamook Sharp Cheddar Cheese sits atop the bar, a quirky tradition that adds to the restaurant’s unique character. While the sign explicitly states that the cheese is "for display only" (due to liability concerns), regulars know that discreetly shaving slices off the top while waiting for their meal is a part of the F Street Station experience.
7. Best Breakfast: Snow City Café
Address: 1034 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA
Phone: +1 907-272-2489
Website: snowcitycafe.com
Snow City Café has achieved near-celebrity status in Anchorage, drawing both locals and visitors with its creative breakfast and lunch offerings. Its proximity to the Hotel Captain Cook makes it a popular spot for actors and other notable figures, including President Obama, who famously bought out the café’s entire stock of cinnamon rolls during a visit in 2015.
On ordinary mornings, diners can warm up with a bowl of homemade tomato soup with pesto, indulge in French toast stuffed with walnut mandarin orange cream cheese, or tackle the infamous "Heart Attack on a Plate," a mountain of hash browns smothered in bacon, cheese, onion, mushroom, tomato, and sour cream. Snow City Café offers a diverse menu that caters to both health-conscious and indulgent diners.
8. Best Brewpub: Glacier Brewhouse
Address: 737 W 5th Ave #110, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA
Phone: +1 907-274-2739
Website: glacierbrewhouse.com
Glacier Brewhouse, affectionately known as "The Brewhouse" by locals, is the perfect antidote to a cold winter evening in Anchorage. Upon entering, patrons are greeted by the warmth and inviting aroma of the wood grill, creating a cozy and convivial atmosphere.
The brewpub offers a wide selection of handcrafted beers, brewed on-site, that pair perfectly with the menu’s offerings of rotisserie meats and Alaskan seafood. Longtime favorites include the bleu cheese salad with caramelized pecans and red grapes, the flavorful jambalaya pasta, the delicate crab-stuffed halibut, and the "world-famous" bread pudding. Glacier Brewhouse is a place to unwind, enjoy good food and drink, and experience the warmth of Alaskan hospitality.
9. Best Latin American: Mexico in Alaska
Address: 7305 Old Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99518, USA
Phone: +1 907-349-1528
Website: mexicoinalaska.com
Mexico in Alaska, located in a distinctive mission-style building on Old Seward Highway, has been serving authentic family recipes from Mexico since 1972. The restaurant is committed to using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and all of its moles, sauces, and salsas are made in-house daily.
For those dining in, it’s hard to beat a combination plate featuring a mole-covered tamal, a cheesy enchilada, and the restaurant’s unique "crispy dog," a beef frank with cheese wrapped in a tortilla, deep-fried to golden perfection, and topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and crema Mexicana. Mexico in Alaska offers a vibrant and flavorful taste of Mexico, right in the heart of Anchorage.
10. Best Asian: Charlie’s Bakery
Address: 2729 C St, Anchorage, AK 99503, USA
Phone: +1 907-677-7777
Website: facebook.com/charliesbakeryandchinesecuisine
Charlie’s Bakery, tucked away in a strip mall on C Street, is a hidden gem that offers a surprising combination of baked goods, sandwiches, and Chinese cuisine. The bakery is best known for its freshly baked bread, used to create towering workday sandwiches that are a favorite among locals.
In addition to sandwiches, Charlie’s Bakery also offers an extensive menu of Chinese dishes, including dim sum and whole roasted duck. The bakery is also a popular place to order special occasion cakes, available in flavors like decadent mocha and strawberry pineapple. While the seating is simple and functional, the food is the undisputed star attraction at Charlie’s Bakery.
