10 Best Restaurants in Northwest and the Arctic, The Bush

Background Illustration for Restaurants

We've compiled the best of the best in Northwest and the Arctic - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Airport Pizzeria

$$ Fodor's Choice

Don't let the name fool you: Airport Pizza bakes pies, for sure, but also serves an impressive variety of dishes, including Korean specialties, burgers, sandwiches, ramen, beer-battered halibut, nachos, and even sushi. A few decades ago, the restaurant used to fly pizzas out to remote villages with the help of a regional airline with no added delivery charge. They don't do that anymore, but they do serve reliably good food, and they serve cold beer and other beverages.  

Bering Tea & Coffee

$ Fodor's Choice

This little coffee shop, in a repurposed old A-frame house, is an adorable place and the perfect spot for a breakfast sandwich or midday coffee. Tasty beverages and delicious homemade scones, cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, and muffins are a welcome respite from Nome's wind and the industrial surroundings. The homey atmosphere is helped along by soft benches, stained glass lamps, local art, original wood floors, and bookshelves full of magazines, books, and games.

Osaka Restaurant

$$$ Fodor's Choice

This cozy, bright Japanese and American eatery offers sushi rolls, fried rice dishes, tempura, udon, bento boxes, burgers, sandwiches, and more, as well as fillings breakfasts. It opens early and closes late.

980 Stevenson St., Barrow, AK, USA
907-852–4200
Known For
  • Cozy, thoughtful dining decor
  • Great selection of creative sushi rolls
  • Plenty of warming dishes like udon and bibimbap

Something incorrect in this review?

Recommended Fodor's Video

Pingo Bakery-Seafood House

$$ Fodor's Choice

Open early for breakfast and into the afternoon, Pingo serves up freshly made bread and fresh seafood meals Wednesday through Sunday. The menu changes daily, with items like seafood omelets, waffles, breakfast sandwiches, and burritos often making an appearance, along with sandwiches, soups, noodles, and pizza, plus an assortment of fresh pastries. They have gluten-free items on the menu, and can also cater to special diets.

Cruz's Mexican Grill

$$$

Try the tamales and flan at this eatery specializing in tasty Mexican fare. The owners were born in Cuba and Mexico, met in Utqiaġvik, and teamed up to make the food they grew up eating. The menu includes an array of dishes like camarones rancheros, enchiladas verdes, tacos, and choices for vegetarians as well as meat and seafood lovers. They've got great fresh baked goods and desserts, too. Seating is limited, and they close early in the evening.

3210 Paneatak St., Utqiaġvik, AK, USA
907-852–2253
Known For
  • Large portions of authentic Mexican food
  • Great baked goods and desserts
  • Cozy space with a laid-back feel
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun.

Something incorrect in this review?

Golden China

$$

You'll find Japanese and Korean food, burgers and bento boxes, and seafood baskets and pho along with standard Chinese fare at this casual spot on Front Street. It truly has something for everyone and ample seating, too.

231 Front St., Nome, AK, 99762, USA
907-443–2300
Known For
  • Lots of cuisine choices
  • Comfy booths
  • Fast and friendly service
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun.

Something incorrect in this review?

Husky Restaurant

$$

This American and Asian spot offers everything from tempura, burgers, steak, and deep-fried halibut and shrimp to fried rice, noodle dishes, and Japanese and Chinese favorites like teriyaki chicken and kung pao beef.

235 Front St., Nome, AK, 99762, USA
907-443–1300
Known For
  • Japanese dishes
  • Crab rangoon
  • Economical prices for Nome

Something incorrect in this review?

Little Louie's

$$

This basic but cozy eatery offers a range of food from morning to night. The menu includes pizza, burgers, omelets, wraps, nacho burritos, milkshakes, barbecue, and even packaged candy to go.

Milano's Pizzeria

$$

This popular Front Street restaurant has a casual atmosphere and offers dine-in service as well as takeout from midmorning to late. They serve pizzas with a wide assortment of toppings, along with steak dinners and Japanese (including sushi), Korean, and Italian food. One side of the restaurant has an Italian theme and the other a Japanese style.

2824 Front St., Nome, AK, 99762, USA
907-443–2924
Known For
  • Arguably the best sushi in town
  • Lots of local customers
  • Good value pizza

Something incorrect in this review?

Polar Café

$$$

If diner fare with a side of true Nome life is what you're after, this is the spot. Traditional hearty breakfast options are served all day, plus steak, chili, crab legs and other seafood, a modest salad bar, and unexpectedly tasty burgers. It's the type of place where old-timers gather for coffee or lunch at the same time, same table each day. While you eat, get the complete Nome experience: endless views of the vast Bering Sea while local radio plays in the background.

224 Front St., Nome, AK, 99762, USA
907-443–5191
Known For
  • Breakfast served all day
  • Standard diner fare (with local clientele to match)
  • Views of the Bering Sea

Something incorrect in this review?