Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Anchorage

Start your meal off with a roasted garlic head with beer batter bread served with spreadable gorgonzola cheese. Then press through rest of the menu, which features excellent pizzas and fresh salads. Try the Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Pizza, white pizza (Greek style with artichoke hearts, feta and mushrooms) or the Chicken Picante. Drinks feature home brewed root beer for the kids and kid in you, and award winning ales and lagers for the adults.

This restaurant offers light French cuisine. Teak paneling, candle light and tabletop-to-ceiling windows add to the romance of panoramic sunset views. Feeling indecisive? Try the chef's Tasting Menu and receive five courses plus wine chosen by the wine steward. More than 1,200 labels are available. Dress is formal; the clientele, sophisticated.

A display of delectable desserts greets you as you step into this classy south Anchorage restaurant, established in 1996. Frequent diners include Alaska's governor and Anchorage's mayor. It became an instant success with locals because of a consistently superb fresh seafood menu and innovative preparations of pork loin, venison and peppered steak. Wine is available by the glass or bottle, and microbrewed beer rounds out the meal.

Opened in 1997, this pub took Anchorage by storm. The menu holds a full selection of appetizers from Brewhouse Amber ale-battered halibut and calamari to desserts such as wood oven-roasted bread pudding or outstanding crème brulee. Entrees vary also, from an applewood grilled King Salmon, to a three peppercorn spit-roasted prime rib accompanied by garlic-mashed potatoes. Of course, don't forget to try the house-brewed beers.

One of the best views of the sunset over Cook Inlet and Mt. Susitna is found behind an outstanding piece of Simon's Key Lime Pie. This restaurant offers a full view of the Alaska Range. As incredible as the food, view and service are, do not look for an especially intimate dinner here, as this is a lively spot filled with locals and visitors alike. With the freshest seafood available, your entree is made to order. Prime rib, steaks and plenty of pasta specials are part of the ever-changing menu.

Established in the 60s, the same family still operates this local steakhouse. The signature four-inch thick, 14-ounce filet mignon established the "fine steakhouse" reputation. Other entree options include the 16-ounce New York steak, 16-ounce Prime Rib; as well as appetizers like steamer clams and Cajun mushrooms. Desserts like the macadamia nut pie will likely have to be taken home because portions are so large. The best advice, resign yourself and keep ordering. It is worth every penny and bite.