When you think of Alaska, you might picture towering glaciers, roaming moose, endless summer nights, and the northern lights — but let’s not forget the food! Alaska’s culinary scene is as rich, diverse, and wild as our landscapes. From time-honored Indigenous ingredients to quirky pantry staples, our state’s unique geography and cultural heritage have created a dining experience unlike anywhere else in the world.
Here at Alaskan Sights & Bites, we live and breathe (and taste!) the best of what Alaska offers on our Anchorage guided tours. In this blog, we’ve used our local knowledge to recommend some of our favorite spots and dishes in the city, all of which represent Alaska’s iconic food scene.
If you want to get an idea of what food Alaska is known for, scroll down to find our picks! If you have any questions as we go, please don’t hesitate to contact us for the answers you need.
Get a Wider Perspective on Alaska’s Cuisine
Before we get into specific recommendations, let us point you in the direction of some more blogs that our foodie guests love! When you have finished here, be sure to read 5 Dishes That You Have to Eat in Alaska and 5 Unforgettable Alaskan Desserts.
They are the perfect companion pieces to this blog and a great way to continue growing your appreciation for Alaskan cuisine.
Ice Cream Fans Must Head to Wild Scoops!
If you’re a fan of delectable ice cream and locally sourced ingredients, then you’re going to love Wild Scoops — possibly as much as we do! An Alaskan microcreamery and an Anchorage institution, Wild Scoops develops and produces small batches of fresh, adventurous, and, most importantly, delicious ice creams that showcase local Alaskan ingredients.
The Wild Scoops teams are always hard at work in their Test Kitchen, trying to craft even more unique and inventive flavors. And if you want some of our favorites, try the fireweed and blueberry!
You can find Wild Scoops at the following locations:
- Midtown Scoop Shop – 530 E Benson Blvd (in the Metro Mall)
- Downtown Scoop Shop – 429 E St. (Seasonal opening)
- The Cone-tainer – 717 W 3rd Ave (Outside 49th State – seasonal opening)
Do you want to balance your food adventures with staying active in Alaska’s famous scenery? You’ve got some of our country’s most picturesque landscapes to explore! Read our blog What are Some of the Best Places to Hike in Alaska? and prepare to hit the trails.
Treat Yourself to the Wild AK Salmon Entrée at Kincaid Grill
What’s a trip to Alaska without sampling the world-famous salmon here? One of our favorite spots for this experience is Kincaid Grill and their Wild AK salmon. You’ll find it under the entrées on their menu. The exquisitely prepared salmon is served with Parisian-style gnocchi, asparagus, roasted red pepper yogurt, and chimichurri. It’s as incredible as it sounds!
Kincaid Grill is regarded as one of Anchorage’s finest restaurants and has a stellar reputation for quality Alaskan Regional cuisine. With a firm focus on bringing out the flavors in the very best local ingredients, they always deliver an outstanding dining experience.
You can find Kincaid Grill at 6700 Jewel Lake Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502.
Enjoy Brunch at Tent City Taphouse
Located downtown, Tent City Taphouse takes its name from, and celebrates, Anchorage’s humble roots. If you didn’t know, Anchorage was originally settled near the mouth of Ship Creek as a “Tent City”, housing thousands of prospective workers and merchants who had journeyed to Alaska looking for work on the Alaska Railroad project. Don’t miss our blog What are Some Little-Known Facts About Anchorage, AK? for more unique insights into the place we call home.
This gastropub serves everything from juicy burgers and award-winning chowder to duck fat fries and Alaskan halibut. If you’re in the mood for brunch, this is your spot! Why not indulge in their famous flight of mimosas and the waffles, fried chicken, and ice cream dish?
You can find Tent City Taphouse at 343 W 6th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501.
Order the Seafood Pasta at South Restaurant and Coffeehouse
South Restaurant and Coffeehouse bills itself as “a neighborhood gathering place for friends and families”. This says everything you need to know about the welcoming atmosphere and authentic dining experience waiting for you here.
And as for the menu, expect simple and creative concoctions crafted from scratch using the freshest local ingredients. South Restaurant and Coffeehouse strikes the perfect balance between catering to foodies looking for their next exquisite dish and people who simply want a good hearty meal.
Our recommendation? Head here for dinner and order the seafood pasta, complete with fresh, handmade pasta and locally sourced seafood. The latter includes AK weathervane scallops, cod, and shrimp served with spiced roasted red pepper vin blanc, pistachios, and fresh basil.
Cheers to Alaska: Craft Brews and Local Wines
Alaskan Craft Beer
Alaska has quietly built a world-class craft beer scene, and Anchorage is right at the heart of it. Breweries like Girdwood Brewery, Ship Creek Brewery, and 49th State Brewing produce everything from crisp IPAs to rich stouts using glacial water and local ingredients. If you’re joining our Half-Day Anchorage Wildlife Tour, you’ll get to experience a guided beer tasting in Girdwood — but you can also grab a local pint in town and drink like a true Alaskan.
Alaska Wine
Yes, we produce wine — and it’s as surprising and creative as the rest of our food scene. While we can’t grow grapes easily in Alaska’s climate, that doesn’t stop local winemakers from following their passion. There are numerous approaches a winery can take this far north, but the best results come from wine juice kits! With options sourced from all around the world, you can find locally produced wine with roots in some of the most famous wine-producing regions.
If you’re curious (and have a sweet tooth), don’t miss our Chocolate and Wine Tasting Experience in Anchorage, where local wines are paired with handmade Alaskan confections.
Join Our Guided Anchorage Tours: Come Hungry and Curious
So, what food is Alaska known for? All of the above and much more! Alaska offers a culinary experience that’s just as unforgettable as its wilderness. Join one of our Anchorage guided tours for a taste of the action. We mix bites with stories, introduce you to hidden gems, and give you the chance to eat like a local. Our guides are passionate about what they do, and even more passionate about sharing it with you.
Do you have any pre-booking questions? Please just get in touch with our team! We’re here to help however we can.
