Visit this Alaskan cruise ship port of call with an appetite, because there’s lots of good stuff to devour in this little tourist town. These are our favorite restaurants in Seward, Alaska.
Article Overview: Best Restaurants in Seward, Alaska
Welcome to the picturesque town of Seward, nestled along Alaska’s rugged coastline where towering mountains meet the glistening waters of Resurrection Bay. While Seward is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures, it’s also a treasure trove for food enthusiasts seeking a taste of the Last Frontier’s flavors. In this culinary journey, we’ll embark on a gastronomic exploration of the best restaurants in Seward, where fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients, and innovative culinary creations combine to create an unforgettable dining experience.
Seward’s culinary scene is a reflection of its coastal charm and natural bounty. With the ocean as its neighbor and the surrounding wilderness providing a diverse array of ingredients, Seward’s restaurants offer a fusion of Alaskan traditions and international influences. From quaint cafes overlooking the bay to elegant eateries offering gourmet delights, Seward’s culinary landscape promises to captivate both the curious traveler and the seasoned food connoisseur.
Why Trust Us Regarding the Best Restaurants in Seward, Alaska
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My Experience With Restaurants in Seward, Alaska
The first time I visited Seward, Alaska I was still a teenager and my idea of a good restaurant was Outback Steakhouse. Since then I’ve been back to Seward multiple times and I’d like think my taste has improved by multiples as well.
Seward is always a destination I enjoy hitting. Even if I’m working in Anchorage for an extended run, I’ll try and make a weekend visit to the port town. The restaurants in Seward, Alaska are some of the best in the state, as the busy summer cruise ships keep them filled up.
I love to hike Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, chow down at one of the many restaurants in Seward, and then finish the night at the infamous Yukon bar for some live music and cold beers.
Best Restaurants in Seward, Alaska
Table of Contents: Restaurants in Seward, Alaska
The Cookery
Local farm to table fine dining without all the pretension is what The Cookery claims it’s all about. And this Seward, Alaska restaurant delivers on its promise. Easily the best restaurant in Seward, Alaska and possibly on the entire Kenai Peninsula.
Grab a seat in the unassuming yet elegant dining room or pull up a stool at the wood paneled bar. Enjoy the local art hanging on the walls while you decide what to order from the cold bar; michelada oysters shooters, scallop auguachili, or just some classic raw oysters. You can’t go wrong. Then good luck choosing your entree, but I strongly suggest the local seafood, whatever it is that evening.
Make sure to reserve a table at this Seward, Alaska restaurant; as wait times can be long, especially in peak summer season.
Woody’s Thai Kitchen
Woody’s Thai Kitchen, is named after a sea lion that lived at the towns “SeaLife Center” for most of its life. Unfortunately, Woody’s dead, but thankfully this delicious Seward, Alaska restaurant is still swimming. And while they couldn’t save the sea lion, there is a big fish tank in the dining room.
Woody’s claims to be making Bangkok style Thai classics with an Alaskan Pacific Northwest influence; but I can’t quit find the Alaskan Pacific influence. Gimme that Halibut curry Woody! Anyhow, this Seward, alaska restaurant still nails the first half of their claim.
Their curries are fantastic, the Panang in particular. Soups, noodles, rice dishes, canned be er and a few sake selections round out the menu.
Ray’s Waterfront
Wood paneled walls adorn baleen, a beluga whale and plenty of photos of dead fish. Huge single pane windows open up to the boat harbor and resurrection bay. This place is Alaska on full display. Grab a seat at one of the many window side tables, or pull up a chair at the inviting bar.
This place is Alaskan classy. Rain jackets, xtratuf’s, and hoodies won’t prevent you from getting top notch service and a really good meal here. Watch the boats roll in and the otters play while you crack open some king crab legs. There specials are always on point.
Open from mid April to late September.
Chinooks
Chinooks is another good harbor side Seward, Alaska restaurant. They kept the wood paneling but swapped out the fish molds for a hand drawn mural of Alaskan sea life; complete with a giant octopus and cliche sailor quotes. All aboard for this seafood menu with fun dish’s like smoked scallop mac’n cheese or spot prawn ceviche. If you’re not in the mode for seafood try the caribou meatloaf.
Full bar with decent cocktails.
Le Barn Appetit Inn & Creperie
Longtime owner operators Yvon and Janet opened this Seward, Alaska restaurant all the way back in 1987. They’re still pumping out Belgian waffles, and sweet or savoy crepes in this cute log cabin style inn. If you stay here you get 20% off the crepes!
Chat it up with the lovely couple while you decide between the a blueberry dessert crepe or the savory southwestern crepe, and then watch them cook it up right in the dining room. This Seward, Alaska restaurant is located jut outside of town and closed on Monday’s and Tuesday’s.
If you want a book a room and wake up only a few steps from the crepes. Click here.
Resurrection Roadhouse
Start your day at this Seward, Alaska restaurant with eggs Benedict or French toast, then come back for dinner and smash some burgers and pizza on their huge outdoor deck. They also have the standard Alaskan staples like cod, halibut, and Salmon.
Located just north of town, this Seward, Alaska restaurant is open everyday but closed for lunch. Great selection of local Alaska beers and a good lineup of tasty cocktails.
Seward Brewing Company
Couple Erik Slater and Hillary Bean have been in the Alaska restaurant scene for decades. They bought the Seward Brewing Company back in 2014 and have elevated the brewpub into a really great Seward, Alaska restaurant. Now just as many folks come for the food as they do for brews.
With fun specials like pesto pizza, and deconstructed Mexican Street Corn, you can see why. Salmon Pastrami Tostadas, Halibut Curry, and Salted Watermelon Salads are just few of the menu highlights. The vibe is more modern industrial Seward, Alaska restaurant with a sheet metal bar, hanging exposed light bulbs, and again metal halibut sculpture.
And oh yeah, the beers good too. Great stouts, a mango cider, and even a seltzer are all on tap. There’s something for everyone at this Seward, Alaska restaurant.
Los Chanchitos
There are a couple food trucks in town and even a taqueria opened by the same folks behind the Cookery (Seward, Alaska’s best restaurant). But forget all that, if you want the best damn tacos in town, get your butt down to Los Chanchitos.
This tiny but mighty taco truck is doing it right. They crank out excellent Birria (beef brisket), and carnitas tacos. But the secret to there success is there dedication to using only fresh, local, high quality ingredients. Their salmon burritos and halibut tacos are the proof in the… Tres Leches?
Once they sell out of a protein that’s it for that menu item. Closed on Tuesdays.
Flamingo Lounge
The Flamingo Lounge opened in an old history building that used to house the “Thorn’s Showcase Lounge”. They borrowed the Flamingo name from a former Seward cocktail bar that was around in the 1950’s. And man, did they really run with that fun retro concept.
While they kept most of the fun exterior signage and decor the entire interior has had major remodel. Its a trip just hanging out at the long red apolstered bar, under the intricate metal plated roof and drinking from the fun glassware with flamingo toothpicks. But this is a Seward, Alaska restaurant list, so how’s the food?
Damn fine food here at the Flamingo Lounge, their website advertises themselves modestly as a simple steakhouse, but owners Matt & KellyAnn, have been in upscale hospitality serve for years and the menu reflects that. Pickled Black Cod, Tomahawk Steaks, and Fresh Kodiak Tanner Crabs are a couple stand outs.
Firebrand BBQ
Thankfully, former fire fighter Chad Higgins is now stoking flames instead of putting them out. Him and wife Stephanie opened this fun and casual Seward, Alaska restaurant in 2017 and have been serving up mouth watering Texas Style BBQ ever since.
Order at at the counter and grab a seat at a picnic table under their covered roof. Wash down their fall-off the bone, Wagyu Beef Ribs, with a sweet tea or a Texan Shiner Bock. Their brisket and pork belly can draw a crowd too. Open every day except Monday from May 15 – September 15.
Best Restaurants in Seward, Alaska (Post Summary)
- The Cookery
- Woody’s Thai Kitchen
- Ray’s Waterfront
- Chinooks
- Le Barn Appetit Inn & Creperie
- Resurrection Roadhouse
- Seward Brewing Company
- Los Chanchitos
- Flamingo Lounge
- Firebrand BBQ
Map of the Best Restaurants in Seward, Alaska
Here’s a map of our favorite restaurants in Seward, Alaska.
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