The 10 Best Places to Eat in Fairbanks, Alaska

There are many things to see and do in Fairbanks, Alaska, that will suit all tastes. It is particularly known for the diversity of the surrounding landscape, so it is a fantastic place to visit for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. During your visit to this city, it is likely that you will want to eat out in some of the local restaurants. There are many restaurants from which to choose, serving a diverse range of cuisines and with options to suit all tastes and budgets. To help you choose the best venues to enjoy a delicious meal, here are the 10 best places to eat out in Fairbanks, Alaska.

10. The Hungry Robot

If you just fancy a casual pizza, then one of the best places to eat in Fairbanks is The Hungry Robot. At this restaurant on Old Steese Highway, the pizza dough and the sauces are made fresh every day, and the pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven. It is a small family-run business, and the customer service is excellent. You are made to feel welcome, and the servers are very friendly.

9. Pagoda

For fans of Chinese food, the best venue in Fairbanks is Pagoda, which is a favorite amongst the locals. There is a Chinese interior décor style in this restaurant, and it has a casual atmosphere. Even when the restaurant is busy, diners are usually seated quickly. There is a diverse menu of meat, seafood, and vegetarian Chinese dishes, and the portions are generous. Diners will find something to suit all tastes on the menu, and Pagoda has received praise for the excellent customer service and the relaxed atmosphere.

8. Chena’s Alaskan Grill

***temporarily closed as of December 2020

There are two reasons why Chena’s Alaskan Grill is one of the best places to eat in Fairbanks, Alaska. First, the food served is of outstanding quality. As the name of the restaurant suggests, many of the dishes on the menu are cooked on the grill. There is a good selection of both meat and seafood dishes on the menu, with options including grilled chicken, glazed pork, king crab cakes, and traditional meatloaf. The second reason why Chena’s Alaskan Grill is such a popular spot is the waterside views. Diners can enjoy the views from in the dining room while they dine, although the views are best from the heated outdoor patio, which is open in the summer months. Chena’s Alaskan Grill is part of River’s Edge Resort.

7. Lavelle’s Bistro

Lavelle’s Bistro is a French-style restaurant on 1st Avenue in downtown Fairbanks. A combination of American favorites and French cuisine is served at Lavelle’s bistro. It also serves a variety of international cuisine. Some of the specialties on the menu include Porterhouse pork and Alaskan king crab legs. Lavelle’s Bistro is also known for having one of the largest wine cellars in Fairbanks, so there is an extensive wine list from which you can choose to accompany your meal.

6. Chatanika Lodge

Chatanika Lodge is almost as much an attraction as it is a restaurant, as the interior is decorated with Alaskan artifacts. It is a hotel, restaurant, and bar that sits just outside Fairbanks, and you do not need to be a guest to enjoy a meal at the hotel’s restaurant. It is popular with tourists and locals alike, and having artifacts to look at while you dine makes this restaurant stand out against its competition. The menu at Chatanika Lodge consists of classic home-cooked food. Each dish on the menu is freshly prepared to order.

5. Wolf Run Restaurant

***temporarily closed as of December 2020

Wolf Run Restaurant is a fine dining establishment with a difference. The focus of the restaurant is on serving food that harmonizes with the diner’s digestion and with the environment. This nutritionally sensitive eatery serves both American and Middle Eastern cuisine, and there are light options available for those with a smaller appetite. The restaurant is located on Wolf run in Fairbanks.

4. Lemongrass Thai Cuisine

Lemongrass Thai Cuisine offers a menu of freshly prepared authentic Thai dishes. On the menu, you can expect to see a range of noodle dishes, soups, paad thai, and green, red, and yellow curries. The service is excellent, and the staff is happy to make recommendations from the menu. You will find this restaurant on Chean Pumps Road.

3. Silver Gulch

An interesting fact about Silver Gulch is that it is the most northern brewery in the United States. The brewery has its own restaurant, and it serves gastropub fare with a hearty, Alaskan twist. There are four regular beers brewed by the brewery, and these are available in bottles or draft form. There are also other drink options on the menu at this Fairbanks restaurant.

2. Pike’s Landing

A popular eating establishment in Fairbanks is Pike’s Landing, says The Culture Trip. It is the restaurant at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge Hotel, and its location is one of the most appealing features. To make the most of the surroundings, many diners opt to eat on the outside patio during the summer months. This restaurant serves a revolving menu of locally-sourced produce, including smoked seafood and cheeses. This Fairbanks restaurant is famous for its outstanding brunches.

1. The Pump House

According to The Wanderlust Diaries, the best place to eat in Fairbanks, Alaska, is The Pump House. There are different dining options at this restaurant, and each is amazing in its own way. The main dining room offers a formal menu that features a combination of traditional Alaskan dishes alongside classics such as filet mignon and blackened halibut. For informal dining, there is the option to eat in the bar area, which has a separate bar menu. In the summer months, there is an outdoor patio for alfresco dining. Finally, if you visit The Pump House at brunch, there is an all-you-can-eat buffet.