Shellfish. Halibut. Salmon. Alaska is a popular destination for fish lovers for many reasons, including these. You can get your hands on delicious, freshly caught seafood from the state’s 34,000 miles of coastline. You may rest assured that the seafood you consume is 100% authentic, as finfish aquaculture is illegal in Alaska.
Quantity isn’t everything, though. The texture and flavor of seafood from Alaska are also well-known. Being an Alaska native, I should know. My upbringing in Alaska certainly conditioned me to be selective when it came to fish.
There are a plethora of fantastic possibilities in Alaska if you are seeking for a high-quality seafood restaurant. Here are ten of my favorite seafood spots in Alaska, hand-picked by me. This list has something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back fish & chip joint or something fancier.
Alaska Fish House – Ketchikan
Ketchikan, the port of entry for cruise ships into Alaska, is home to Alaska Fish House. The establishment is conveniently located on Main Street in the downtown area, just a short stroll away from the cruise ship pier.
Diners can have a complimentary taste of the restaurant’s renowned Smoked Salmon Corn Bread while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Their halibut tacos or one of their three fish and chip dishes are worth a try! Coffee that is roasted right here in the area is also available.
Since they do not accept reservations, getting there early is highly recommended. People will be waiting in line well in advance of the Fish House’s opening time during busy seasons in the hopes of getting a table.
Annabelle’s Famous Keg and Chowder House – Ketchikan
Super fresh seafood and “made from scratch” desserts are offered at Annabelle’s Famous Keg and Chowder House, which is located in the Historic Gilmore Hotel in Ketichakan.
Guests can enjoy lunch and supper at Annabelle’s, which offers a mix of informal and sophisticated dining options.
Customers rave about the helpful staff and extensive menu, which includes crowd-pleasers like halibut macaroni and cheese, bacon-wrapped scallops, and chowder sampler.
You can also reach Annabelle’s on foot from the cruise terminal.
Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill – Anchorage
Known as “Simon’s” by the locals, Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill has been a staple in Anchorage since 1978, when it first opened its doors to serve traditional American dishes with an Alaskan touch.
Start your dinner off right with some Oven Roasted Crab and Artichoke Dip, and then finish it off with some fresh Alaskan seafood.
Indulge in your meal as you take in breathtaking views of Cook Inlet and Mount Susitna. Business lunches became popular here because of the great service, which the locals adore.
Louie’s Steak & Seafood – Kenai
At Kenai’s Louie’s Steak & Seafood, which serves all three meals daily, you may see the peninsula’s largest collection of Alaskan trophy animals.
Because it uses crab and shrimp that have been hand-picked, the Fisherman’s Benedict is a popular yet unusual morning dish. The non-seafood Reindeer Scramble is a great option for those who are feeling really daring.
The affordable costs and helpful staff are two of the main draws for customers.
Kinley’s Restaurant & Bar – Anchorage
In a refined setting, Kinley’s Restaurant in Anchorage serves up modern American cuisine.
The roasted shallot cream sauce atop the fresh oysters is a crowd pleaser, but the menu has something for everyone.
You have to call ahead to get a reservation, and the service is nearly as beloved as the cuisine.
The Bubbly Mermaid Oyster Bar – Anchorage
In the heart of downtown Anchorage is the delightfully eccentric Bubbly Mermaid Oyster Bar, which is really delightful. While you chow down at this little spot, the staff can fill you in on the oyster’s history and legends.
Guests are typically requested to make reservations at The Mermaid in order to ensure that they have an unforgettable experience. Expect to spend a considerable amount of time sampling the wide variety of oysters!
Bridge Seafood Restaurant – Anchorage
The Bridge Seafood Restaurant, located on Ship Creek Ave in Anchorage and run by the acclaimed chef Al Levinsohn, is open for business seasonally.
Bridge offers a wide variety of snacks, like seafood chowder and reindeer corndogs, but if you visit, be sure to try the delicious fish.
The location on the bridge makes it seem like a tourist trap, yet the cooks go above and beyond to make dishes that would satisfy even the pickiest eater.
The Hangar on the Wharf – Juneau
“Where the locals go” is now held at Juneau’s former airplane hangar. Even if the historic site’s waterfront vista is likely to be enough to bring you in, it’s the food alternatives that will ensure your return.
The Hangar has been in business for 26 years and has a menu that includes delicious dishes like macadamia nut crust halibut and smoked salmon spread created in-house.
Everyone adores the view, the laid-back atmosphere, the affordable costs, and the helpful personnel.
Summary
The abundance of great spots to enjoy the fresh seafood of the Last Frontier is hardly unexpected, given the size of the state. The culinary culture in Alaska is just as inventive as the rest of the state’s way of life. When you visit this breathtaking and wild state, you owe it to yourself to indulge in some Alaskan seafood, such as crab legs, salmon, or halibut.