Top 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Alaska

ByDara Brewton Updated on

Salmon. Crab. Halibut. These are just a few of the reasons why seafood lovers flock to Alaska.

As a seafood lover myself, I can attest to the deliciousness of Alaska seafood. The state’s 34,000-mile coastline provides an abundance of fresh, wild-caught seafood. And because finfish farming is prohibited in Alaska, you can be sure that the seafood you’re eating is pure and unadulterated.

But it’s not just about quantity. Alaska seafood is also renowned for its excellent flavor and texture. I should know – I grew up in Alaska! Living in Alaska as a kid definitely made me a picky seafood eater!

If you’re looking for a great seafood restaurant in Alaska, then you’re in luck, as there are many amazing options to choose from. In this article, I will share with you my top 10 picks for the best seafood restaurants in Alaska. So whether you’re looking for a casual spot to get some fish and chips or a more upscale experience, you’re sure to find a place that suits your needs on this list.

Let’s get started!

Best Seafood Restaurants in Alaska

1. Alaska Fish House – Ketchikan

Alaska Fish House can be found in Ketchikan, the cruise ship gateway into the state. You’ll find the establishment on Main Street in the downtown area, and it is in walking distance from the cruise ship dock.

Alaska Fish House in Ketchikan, Alaska
“Great seafood here” by roy.luck is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Restaurant patrons can get a free sample of their famous Smoked Salmon Corn Bread while they admire the stunning view. Try one of their three fish and chip options or the halibut tacos! You’ll also find locally roasted coffee on offer.

They don’t take reservations, so it is a good idea to try and arrive early. During peak season, people will start lining up even before the Fish House opens to try and snag a seat!

  • Address: 3 Salmon Landing, Ketchikan, AK 99901
  • Hours: Sun-Thurs 11 am – 6 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am – 8 pm
  • Price Range: $$
  • Website

2. Annabelle’s Famous Keg and Chowder House – Ketchikan

Located in the Historic Gilmore Hotel in Ketichakan, Annabelle’s Famous Keg and Chowder House offers super fresh seafood and “made from scratch” desserts.

A serving of clam chowder in a bread bowl

Open for both lunch and dinner, Annabelle’s walks the line between casual and fine dining.

Patrons love the friendly service, and the plethora of menu options including bacon wrapped scallops, the chowder sampler, and halibut macaroni and cheese.

Annabelle’s is also in walking distance from the cruise ship dock.

  • Address: 326 Front St, Ketchikan, AK 99901
  • Hours: 11 am – 9 pm daily
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Website

3. Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill – Anchorage

An Anchorage landmark, Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill (or just Simon’s as the locals call it!) has been serving classic American fare with an Alaskan twist since 1978.

A dish with crab and mussels

You can kick off your meal with a delicious order of Oven Roasted Crab and Artichoke Dip and follow up with a fresh Alaskan catch.

You’ll get to nosh while staring out at Cook Inlet and Mount Susitna. The locals love the excellent service, and it often becomes a favorite spot for business lunches.

  • Address: 420 L St, Anchorage, AK 99501
  • Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:30 am – 9 pm, Fri-Sat 11:30 am – 10 pm
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Website

4. Louie’s Steak & Seafood – Kenai

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Louie’s Steak & Seafood in Kenai is home to the peninsula’s most extensive Alaskan trophy animal collection.

A serving of bruschetta with shrimps

A unique breakfast favorite is the Fisherman’s Benedict which features specially harvested shrimp and crab. If you really want to be adventurous, you could try the non-seafood Reindeer Scramble!

Customers love the friendly staff and the very reasonable prices.

  • Address: 47 Spur View Dr, Kenai, AK 99611
  • Hours: 6 am – 9 pm daily
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Website

5. Kinley’s Restaurant & Bar – Anchorage

Kinley’s Restaurant in Anchorage focuses on contemporary American fare in an upscale environment.

A plate of fresh oysters

The fresh oysters are a fan favorite with their roasted shallot cream sauce, but there is truly something for everyone on the menu.

Reservations are required, and people love the impeccable customer service almost as much as the food.

  • Address: 3230 Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99503
  • Hours: Tues-Sat 4 pm – 9 pm
  • Price Range: $$
  • Website

6. The Bubbly Mermaid Oyster Bar – Anchorage

Located in downtown Anchorage, The Bubbly Mermaid Oyster Bar is a little bit quirky but 100% amazing. Let the staff tell you the tales and history of oysters while you feast in this limited seating establishment.

A plate of fresh oysters with wine

The Mermaid likes to craft excellent experiences for its guests, so reservations are generally required. Be prepared to spend some time sampling the extensive oyster options!

  • Address: 417 D St, Anchorage, AK 99501
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 11 am – 2 am, Sat-Sun 10 am – 2 am
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Website

7. Bridge Seafood Restaurant – Anchorage

Helmed by award-winning seafood chef, Al Levinsohn, the Bridge Seafood Restaurant is open seasonally on Ship Creek Ave in Anchorage.

You can snack on everything from seafood chowder to reindeer corndogs at Bridge, but you should be prepared to sample the delectable salmon options.

Being on the bridge, it is easy to mistake this spot as a tourist trap, but the chefs really pull out all the stops to create outstanding menu options for even the most serious foodie.

  • Address: 221 W Ship Creek Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
  • Hours: Varies by season
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Website

8. The Hangar on the Wharf – Juneau

What was once a hanger for airplanes in Juneau is now the spot “where the locals go”. The waterfront view is probably draw enough to get you into this historic location, but the menu options will definitely keep you coming back.

With 26 years of serving customers under their belt, The Hangar offers tasty treats like an in-house made smoked salmon spread and a macadamia nut crust halibut entree.

People love the reasonable prices, easy-going vibe, and the friendliness of the staff — and of course the view!

  • Address: 2 Marine Way Ste 106, Juneau, AK 99801
  • Hours: 11 am – 9:30 pm daily
  • Price Range: $$
  • Website

9. Jens’ Restaurant – Anchorage

An Anchorage fine dining staple since 1988, Jens’ Restaurant is led by Chef Nancy Alip and features an array of Alaskan seafood and Danish dining options.

A plate of marinated herring

Unassuming on the outside, Jens’ menu includes items like Onion Crusted Rockfish and marinated herring.

The service is highly-rated, and the prices while on the higher end are also reasonable for what is on offer.

  • Address: 701 W 36th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99503
  • Hours: Tues-Sat 2 pm – 10 pm
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Website

10. The Pump House Restaurant – Fairbanks

On the Chena River in Fairbanks, The Pump House offers fresh Alaska seafood, prime aged beef, and a Sunday brunch.

Billed as Alaska’s northernmost oyster bar and one of the top restaurants in North America, this Fairbanks resturant has become an institution.

The diverse menu offers sweet and savory halibut cheeks, seafood risotto, and grilled salmon with blackberry glaze.

  • Address: 796 Chena Pump Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709
  • Hours: Tues-Sat 5 pm – 10 pm
  • Price Range: $$
  • Website

Dining Options Abound

As a massive state, it isn’t surprising that there are so many excellent places to dine on the Last Frontier’s fresh seafood. You’ll find the same innovative spirit found in Alaska’s way of life imbued in the culinary scene as well. You would be amiss if you didn’t dine at least once on Alaska salmon, halibut, and crab legs while visiting this wild and beautiful state.