5 Best Restaurants in Sitka, Juneau, the Inside Passage, and Southeast 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.

On a clear day, the deck at this popular eatery typically overflows with a lively local crowd devoted to the creative dishes of chef Renée Trafton, a James Beard Award semifinalist. Trafton believes in sustainable practices—that includes a living wage for staff and no tipping (if you do leave a tip, it will be donated to local charities). Beak is near the bridge in a historic building that also houses the local radio station, KCAW. 

Travelers flying out of Sitka's airport retreat to the Nugget while waiting for their plane to arrive. The Nugget serves American classics for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but the homemade pies are the real attraction.