Anchorage presents a wide-ranging culinary landscape, where hungry folks can eat every type of food. Eateries features fresh seafood alongside international cuisine. Visitors can enjoy popular spots like Snow City Café for breakfast, Moose’s Tooth for pizza, and Tia’s Reindeer Sausage for authentic Alaskan street food.
For those seeking international flavors, Bombay Deluxe Indian Restaurant and Siam Cuisine provide welcome alternatives to traditional Alaskan fare. Whether seeking a quick bite between Anchorage activities or a fine dining experience, you’ll find something for every taste.
Coffee enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Kaladi Brothers Coffee. When the sweet tooth calls, Wild Scoops offers artisanal ice cream that provides a delicious end to any Anchorage dining adventure.
Whether you’re dining indoors or enjoying a meal al Fresco, be sure to try locally sourced salmon, halibut, and king crab.
Tourist Favorites In Anchorage
Anchorage’s dining scene offers visitors several standout establishments that combine Alaskan flavors with memorable dining experiences. These tourist hangouts charge typical tourist pricing, so they aren’t necessarily favorites amongst locals.
Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse
Humpy’s has two locations in Anchorage, one downtown and the other near the airport. The restaurant offers an impressive selection of Alaskan beers with over 40 brews on tap, making it a paradise for craft beer enthusiasts.
Their varied menu caters to most budgets, from a bowl of smoked salmon chowder to market-price Alaskan king crab. For Alaskan flavors, the choices are endless, from the crabby patty melt and reindeer meatloaf to the Humpy’s halibut tacos. Humpy’s is one of the top places to eat crab in Anchorage.
Many consider their halibut fish and chips among the best in the city. We liked that the king crab was sold as an appetizer and a full dinner. Being a small eater, I prefer to order crab by itself.
We appreciated the rustic décor and lively atmosphere of its downtown location. It captures the spirit of the Last Frontier with fishing memorabilia and local artwork adorning the walls.
The Pantry
The Pantry offers a cozy dining experience within the Hotel Captain Cook. If you’re booked on a cruise and land tour with Princess Cruises, this spot provides convenience without leaving your hotel. This restaurant specializes in hearty breakfast options, including reindeer sausage.
Their menu features locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, with specialties including applewood bacon and wild Alaskan salmon benedicts. So, if you’re heading to Denali from Anchorage, a hearty breakfast here is a good option before checking out.
49th State Brewing
49th State Brewing combines exceptional craft beers with elevated pub fare, making it one of the most recommended dining destinations in Anchorage. Their spacious location features indoor seating and an outdoor deck with mountain views.
The brewery produces award-winning beers, including their popular “Nitro McCarthy Stout” and “Solstice IPA.” Their food menu focuses on Alaskan ingredients with standout dishes, including halibut tacos, salmon burgers, and wood-fired pizzas topped with local seafood.
The place was packed during our visit, and we had to wait for people to leave to get a seat. I always say the sign of good food is a busy venue where you have to wait for a table. We found the service fast, even though they had a full house during our lunch stop.
Brian tried the yak burger made from locally raised yak. He remarked it was juicy with great flavor. I tried the smoked pulled pork tacos made in a lager BBQ sauce. Mine was just as delicious, and the portions generous. In fact, I couldn’t eat all of mine.
Top International Restaurants
Anchorage offers a diverse range of multinational dining options showcasing global flavors. We like international food and never pass up the opportunity to try a different culture’s cuisine.
Mei’s Kitchen
Mei’s Kitchen is an unassuming midtown restaurant serving authentic Chinese cuisine. It’s renowned for its handmade noodles and sizzling stir fry dishes. We found their pricing fair and portions generous.
The Chow Mein was delicious with the right amount of sauce and flavoring. While we are meat eaters, we liked that they offered various vegetarian dishes. Mei’s Kitchen is only open for dinner.
My Thai
We ate at My Thai because of its great reviews and easy walk from our downtown hotel. My Thai delivers authentic Thai flavors in a cozy setting within the Anchorage mushing district. Across the street, you’ll find the Fur Rondy Shop and Balto, a mushing legend.
The menu features regional Thai specialties with adjustable spice levels to accommodate different preferences. Standout dishes include pad Thai, green curry, and tom yum soup made with traditional ingredients.
We tried a curry dish and drunken noodles. Both were packed with flavor, and we liked the fact that we could adjust the level of hotness. Be warned, even the lightly spiced can be hot. Don’t let the simple restaurant décor detract from the fantastic food.
Ronnie’s
Ronnie’s brings authentic Filipino cuisine to Anchorage, offering home-style cooking in a casual environment. Popular menu items include adobo (marinated meat), pancit (noodles), and lechon (roasted pork). Many dishes are served family-style, encouraging sharing among diners.
Ronnie’s prices are notably affordable. Portion sizes are generous, providing excellent value for money. Weekend specials often feature regional Filipino specialties not found elsewhere in Anchorage.
The restaurant hosts special yearly events celebrating Filipino holidays and traditions, creating a cultural hub for the local Filipino community while welcoming anyone interested in experiencing authentic cuisine.
Siam Cuisine
Siam Cuisine offers traditional Pho dishes south of downtown Anchorage. They offer lunch and dinner combo meals that are a bit pricier than other places. However, the food was delicious.
We tried Thai spring rolls and Mongolian beef and greens. The latter was done just to our liking. Along with authentic Thai dishes, the restaurant brings a taste of Alaska with its halibut offerings. Choose from a halibut Penang curry, garlic halibut, or halibut with peanut sauce.
If you’re a foodie and like to sample from more than one venue, taking a food tour might satify your taste buds. The following food tour covers some top restaurants with a bit of sight-seeing in between.
Anchorage Comfort Foods
If you’re not into international flavors, don’t fret. Anchorage offers a variety of comforting dishes that warm both body and soul. Local establishments create satisfying meals that residents and visitors crave year-round.
Moose’s Tooth
Moose’s Tooth is Anchorage’s go-to spot for pizza and craft beer. Known for creative pies, it draws steady crowds. Servers know the menu well and can recommend pizzas. It was also great to request half-and-half pizzas with two different toppings on each side.
Their signature Avalanche pizza features blackened chicken, bacon, and pepperoni. Don’t miss the moose pie dessert—perfect for sharing.
They brew beer through Broken Tooth Brewing, pairing well with their pizzas. Expect long waits at peak times; locals suggest coming early or ordering takeout.
Tia’s Hot Dogs
For food on the go, you can’t go wrong with a quick bite from Tia’s street cart. The street vendor delivers simple comfort with a gourmet twist. Choose from a reindeer sausage hot dog, a German bratwurst, or a veggie option.
This modest place has gained a dedicated fan base for elevating the humble hot dog to culinary art. Tia’s also offers more adventurous options, including elk and caribou gyros. Their house-made toppings include more than just ketchup, mustard, and relish.
The mild reindeer sausage has some heat, and the hot has a nice kick, which we liked. Tia’s accepts credit cards, which is an added bonus for street food.
Spenard Roadhouse
Spenard Roadhouse offers elevated comfort food, blending casual dining and quality ingredients. Whether you want brunch or dinner, it’s a good spot to eat.
Their tater tots with smoked paprika aioli are yummy for a light snack. Their Bacon Jam Burger is a local legend, pairing sweet-savory bacon jam with sharp cheese and a perfect patty.
The Korean rice bowl is another favorite. They prioritize local sourcing and feature creative cocktails that pair well with the hearty menu. Beware, the Spenard Roadhouse gets busy on weekends.
Anchorage Sweet Spots
Anchorage offers delightful dessert destinations that satisfy every sweet tooth with unique Alaskan flavors and cozy atmospheres.
Wild Scoops
Wild Scoops has two shops downtown and a ‘cone-container’ next to 49th State Brewing. They make their own wild and Alaskan-flavored ice creams in their test kitchen.
Enjoy handcrafted small-batch ice cream featuring locally sourced ingredients like spruce tips, birch syrup, and wild berries.
Their midtown “test kitchen” develops flavors, and pints can be purchased. Their commitment to Alaska extends beyond ingredients; they collaborate with local businesses for special flavors and participate in yearly community events.
We heard about their rhubarb for ice cream trading event, which we thought was genius. Locals can trade their ripe rhubarb for ice cream coupons on certain days.
Snowy Berry Cafe
Snowy Berry Café brings a modern twist to Anchorage’s dessert scene with its signature Korean-inspired bingsoo (shaved ice desserts) and bubble tea selection. Located in Midtown, this café attracts locals and tourists seeking refreshing treats.
The texture of their shaved milk ice resembles fresh powder snow—light, fluffy, and melting instantly on the tongue. Beyond shaved ice, Snowy Berry offers a variety of bubble teas with customizable sweetness levels and toppings.
Tips For Dining Out In Anchorage
Reservations are highly recommended for popular Anchorage restaurants, especially during the summer tourist season. Places like 49th State Brewing and Crow’s Nest at Hotel Captain Cook often book up weeks in advance.
Even if you’re on a cruise where food is included, try the eateries on land to support local businesses. Many Anchorage restaurants feature locally sourced ingredients. Halibut, salmon, and king crab are regional specialties worth trying while visiting.
During the warmer months, Anchorage also boasts a vibrant farmers market scene. Here, visitors can sample fresh, locally grown produce and artisanal goods. Pop-up eateries and food trucks help shape the city’s lively food landscape.
Don’t miss the opportunity to try Alaska’s craft beverage scene. Double Shovel Cider Co. offers unique local ciders, while Broken Tooth Brewing focuses on small batch, innovative brews.