5 Best Restaurants in Juneau, the Inside Passage, and Southeast Alaska, Alaska

Food lovers pack into Ludvig's to sample chef-owner Colette Nelson's remarkably creative cuisine, which means there's often a wait, but rest assured that your meal will be worth it. Seafood (particularly king salmon and scallops) is the specialty, and organic ingredients are used whenever possible. The interior evokes an Italian bistro, with rich yellow walls and copper-topped tables. Ludwig's also operates a soup cart near the Sitka Sound Science Center—a good option for those who can't commit to dinner or score a reservation.

Upscale American and Mediterranean fare is served at Salt, one of Juneau's nicest dining options, and though it's a bit pricey, the ambience and service make it worth the extra expense. It's also a good spot to stop for a cocktail if you can snag a spot at the tiny bar in the back. As with many Juneau restaurants, the service can be outstanding or maddening depending on the night; it's not recommended for those in a hurry.

With views overlooking the water, the Stikine Inn's restaurant (often called the Stik) is easily the prettiest place to dine in Wrangell. Given the town's scarcity of options, the place could just assemble a get-by menu, but the salads, pizzas, burgers, and hearty soups here are seriously tasty. For lighter early-morning or midday fare, there's the Stik Cafe, which serves breakfast sandwiches and panini, among other items.

King, Dungeness, and tanner (or snow) crabs are served in various forms when in season at the Crab Station, an outdoor stand with tables on the docks extending out over the water. During Dungeness season, crabs are caught in the surrounding waters of Port Frederick and kept alive until your order is prepared.

Downtown Juneau's liveliest eatery, housed in a log-frame waterfront building adjacent to the base of the Mt. Roberts Tramway, serves fish as fresh as you'll find. Grab a seat on the deck and enjoy prime-time Gastineau Channel gazing over a glass of wine or locally brewed beer.