In Anchorage, where fresh seafood is practically a birthright, restaurants don’t need to excel to draw a crowd. Yet the establishments on this list truly earn their place. So when you’re craving pristine halibut, wild salmon, or king crab, and you want it prepared with genuine skill, start your search right here.
Muse
$$ | (907) 929-9210 | WEBSITE
Muse isn’t the main attraction, which is why it works so well. This quiet spot inside the Anchorage Museum has a fairly limited menu compared to other seafood restaurants, but that’s fine because everything on it is satisfying.
They serve our favorite salmon dish in Anchorage, the perfectly cooked Salmon Katsu with crispy panko, as well as other solid options like the Alaskan Cobb salad with its generous portion and tasty mix, the seafood chowder with the right balance of clams, salmon, celery, and potatoes, and good vegetarian choices including baked mac and cheese, falafel, grilled cheese sandwiches, and bowls.
The friendly and quick service brings meals to your table after ordering at the counter, the space is immaculately clean with comfortable seating, and there’s a nice selection of wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks. It’s not a destination restaurant, but it’s a convenient and pleasant spot to relax with a light meal while exploring the museum.
Glacier Brewhouse
$$ | (907) 274-2739 | WEBSITE
You’re obviously drinking beer at this Anchorage restaurant. But Glacier Brewhouse also makes good fish and chips, garlic prawns, halibut entrées, Alaska calamari, and pizza with local flair. Rely on this place whenever you need a lively seafood meal with a couple of friends.
Taste of India
$$ | (907) 222-2422 | WEBSITE
Taste of India is tucked away in a modest strip mall in the heart of Anchorage. It’s perfect for a satisfying yet efficient dinner featuring their signature Gulab Jamun, tender Karai Chicken, or the flavorful Vendi Bhaji. The chicken samosa, keema naan, butter chicken, and chicken bunha are all standout choices. This place closes at 9pm, so keep that in mind.
The Hott Spot
$$ | (907) 440-1818 | WEBSITE
Everybody we’ve ever brought to The Hott Spot has become a fan. That includes our family, friends, and even our foodie acquaintances who are pickier than we are. The cozy seafood spot in Anchorage achieves what many casual restaurants struggle with: they deliver bold flavors in generous portions. You can get excellent spicy options like the red curry soup, or dishes with Vietnamese influence like the pho.
Our regular order is the seafood hot pot served boiling over a tabletop flame with large shrimp, fresh oysters, clams, and enoki mushrooms, or the chef hott pot special that steams as it arrives at the table.
Palmeira tropical fusion
$$ | (907) 669-2626 | WEBSITE
Debates about the finest seafood in Anchorage will always rage on. But for tropical fusion, Palmeira is widely recognized as the absolute pinnacle. Begin with the Red Ceviche and then sample a couple of the signature dishes. The Crunch Wrap consistently satisfies, as does the Drunken Panini with its bold, layered flavors.
Simon’s Kitchen
$$$ | (907) 274-2825 | WEBSITE
A cozy seafood spot in Anchorage serving consistently good food with excellent service? Absolutely, we’re sold. Their pan-seared haddock is always satisfying (served with green beans and couscous, and just the right amount of seasoning), but we love the halibut cheeks, though the breading could be a bit lighter and crisper. If you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, the Caesar salad is a permanent menu fixture, with its slightly vinaigrette-based dressing.
And don’t skip the cherry pie with vanilla ice cream and caramel—it’s the perfect sweet ending to a meal in this warm, inviting space.
Momma Os Seafood MR
$$ | (907) 278-2216 | WEBSITE
There just aren’t that many modest seafood spots in strip malls that deliver this well, but that’s not why we love Momma Os so much—the Anchorage restaurant is superb in its own right. The kitchen serves halibut that’s tender, moist, and lightly seasoned, loads combo plates with huge shrimp, crispy fried cod, and clam strips, and pairs everything with excellent sides like okra and homemade tartar sauce.
Everything is solid, including the burgers (get the popular halibut burger with that fresh, local seafood). And good news if you’re dining with family: Momma Os has a chill, kid-friendly atmosphere with table service and generous portions.
Flying Machine Restaurant
$$ | (907) 266-2249 | WEBSITE
Most seafood restaurants in Anchorage are downtown or near the harbor, but Flying Machine Restaurant is at Lakefront Lodge with a spectacular view of the lake. Order the Alaskan breakfast with all the fixings, or the Alaskan seafood benedict served with perfectly poached eggs and rich hollandaise. They also have hot tea and other beverages on the menu, but if you’re looking for something heartier, we like the benedict or the breakfast platter instead.
The relaxing atmosphere is a given, of course.
Southside Bistro
$$ | (907) 348-0088 | WEBSITE
This Anchorage seafood spot has been a local favorite for years, and is considered one of the best seafood restaurants in the city. The name reflects its location on the south side of town, where it offers a cozy retreat from the Alaskan chill. Despite focusing on fresh seafood, the menu has something for everyone with dishes like perfectly prepared troll caught king salmon, scallops, and even a satisfying skirt steak.
The atmosphere is as warm and welcoming as described: comfortable seating, bright lighting, and exceptional service. The duck and Brussels sprouts salad are particularly memorable, while the chocolate terrine makes for a decadent finish. Prices are reasonable for the quality, with most entrees in the $25-$40 range. Just be sure to arrive early if you have your heart set on the Alaskan salmon—it’s popular enough to sell out by evening.
Yamaya Seafood
$$ | (907) 276-6388 | WEBSITE
Yamaya Seafood is the authentic Japanese izakaya where you escape the ordinary or treat a close friend to something special. The space, tucked away in Anchorage, is cozy, and the reasonably priced menu includes all the expected favorites, from shirashi bowls and sashimi to karaage and gyoza. And, given the dedication to fresh seafood, you might as well add some signature dishes like the king crab roll or shrimp tempura udon to your order.
The roasted black cod and pork belly, both prepared with high-quality ingredients, are excellent choices. The warm, friendly atmosphere, with chef Sam handling everything from cooking to service, makes you feel like you’re visiting a friend’s home. While the one-man operation means longer waits, the exceptional food and hospitality are well worth it. Reservations are smart for groups, as the intimate size adds to the authentic ambiance, transporting you straight to the backstreets of Japan.
Jade Steak & Seafood
$$ | (907) 343-3112 | WEBSITE
Meet one of Anchorage’s top seafood spots, and a pricey one at that. Begin with the breakfast buffet to sample your seafood selections and steak options. Then settle in for the slow service and high tabs. You’ll notice a nice setting throughout the dining room, but keep in mind that the staff seems stretched thin.
Cajun Corner
$$ | (907) 865-7911 | WEBSITE
Standout dishes at this cozy Cajun spot include the king crab with spicy butter, and a seafood platter with fried shrimp, catfish, and perfectly seasoned okra. But if you’re going big, order the generous seafood boil that’s cooked to order and served with fresh bread. However, if that last option is a bit much, go for the Cajun fried shrimp instead, or split the hearty Cajun platter meant for sharing.
Altura Bistro
$$$ | (907) 561-2373 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of seafood spots along the Anchorage waterfront, including some of the city’s most celebrated fine dining establishments. Altura Bistro, a gourmet restaurant with a seafood and steakhouse focus, stands apart from the rest. The menu here is exquisite, but get the New York steak, the pork belly appetizer, the Alaskan white salmon special, and the creme brulee with garlic crumble to finish everything off.
Pho’ Vietnam #8
$ | (907) 929-0999 | WEBSITE
This Vietnamese spot in Anchorage has one of the most satisfying comfort food experiences among the city’s Asian restaurants. It’s in a decent-sized space with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, with plenty of generous portions and reasonable prices. In terms of food, the menu goes heavy on pho (naturally), as well as nicely prepared pad Thai. We like the veggie pho, summer rolls, and pho combo with extra noodles and meat, plus the standout durian shake for durian lovers.
Inferno Seafood Boil
$$$ | (907) 463-3766 | WEBSITE
Unlike other seafood spots, this lively Anchorage restaurant specializes in seafood boils with a welcoming atmosphere. We usually like to order the Denali feast, a popular choice that never disappoints, plus some recommendations from the friendly servers who explain the process. The restaurant’s location means parking can be challenging when busy, but the interior features appealing art on the walls and is wheelchair accessible.
Overall, the plentiful food and attentive service make it easy to enjoy a delicious meal and have a good time.
Orso
$$$ | (907) 222-3232 | WEBSITE
If it’s seafood that you’re after, Orso is the spot for you. The dishes here are always thoughtfully prepared, so you don’t have to search for flavor under any heavy, unnecessary sauces. Get the Alaska Seafood Spiedini with its perfect char or the garlic prawns. Both pair well with the unique calamari appetizer, the standout fig and date salad, and the fall-off-the-bone ossobuco. One more thing: order the desserts. Our favorite is the impressive pistachio cake.