Glaciers, mountains, and wildlife are some of the biggest draws to Alaska – but there’s a thriving food scene that travelers often overlook.
Alaska is quietly becoming a top destination for food lovers who are looking for exclusive sea-to-plate culinary experiences.
So, if food is one of the main reasons you love to travel, you may just want to add Alaska to your list.
The Alaskan Culinary Scene Difference
Coastal cities like Anchorage, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan are really making names for themselves in the foodie world. Their secret? An unmatched pantry of local ingredients.
Think wild salmon, buttery halibut, giant king crab, and even hand-foraged greens and berries from the forests.
Chefs are taking these raw ingredients and reimagining them in ways that honor traditions, but also give them a modern spin.
The result is dining experiences that offer a refreshing take on Alaska’s heritage in intimate environments that let you focus solely on what’s on your plate.
Signature Seafood Dishes to Look Forward To
It’s no surprise that seafood is a big deal in Alaska, with chefs having the main source at their fingertips.
Wild salmon and halibut are definitely the stars of most menus, and many restaurants embrace a dock-to-table philosophy, which means they prefer to serve each catch within hours of it leaving the water. It’s fresh food at its finest, and you can taste it.
King crab is another delicacy, and top chefs make a point of leaving the meat as untouched as possible. However, you can look forward to some unexpected flavor twists such as a soy-citrus glaze, saffron aioli, and chili-lime crema.
Even dining experiences on Alaskan cruises reflect these practices, with chefs preparing refined plates that celebrate the ocean just outside the ship.
Must-Try Fine Dining Experiences
Alaska is one of those bucket-list destinations, and dining has become a big part of the allure.
There are a few foodie experiences in particular that can’t be missed.
If you find yourself in Anchorage, Crow’s Nest is one spot you have to try. It’s located on top of Hotel Captain Hook, with exceptional views of the Cook Inlet and Chugach Mountains.
The king crab legs and black cod with Parisian gnocchi are just two of the standout dishes you’ll find on the menu. Plus, there’s an award-winning wine list to browse while you wait.
Over in Juneau, there’s In Bocca al Lupo, which is known for bringing an Italian twist to Alaskan ingredients. Their wood-fired pizzas are topped with locally-foraged mushrooms, and their pastas are topped with the catch of the day.
Beak Restaurant in Sitka is another gem. It’s run by Renee Trafton, who sources her seafood from local fishermen who make personal deliveries right to her establishment. The menu is a celebration of fresh catches, so definitely one for the seafood fans. Plus, you’ll get that fine dining experience without any pretension.
Beyond the Plate
If you’re looking for some extra foodie experiences outside of local restaurants, there’re plenty to choose from.
Tutka Bay Lodge is highly recommended if you’re in the mood to take a chef-led cooking class with ingredients like wild herbs, seaweed, and seafood.
Local guides in Sitka and Ketchikan also offer local foraging tours if you feel like getting out into the wilderness for an hour or two.
And if you appreciate a good pairing, be sure to head to Anchorage Distillery for a tasting.
A New Taste Sensation
If you’re in the mood to take a trip that’s further away from all the usual suspects and really tuck into seafood at its finest, Alaska is it. Aim for five to seven days if you want enough time to experience at least one or two of the coastal cities, but if you can, 10 to 12 days will give you more time to try it all.
