9 Best Restaurants in Northwest and the Arctic, The Bush

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.

This old bar with a good selection of beers serves up seafood, steak, noodles, rolls, and sides ranging from onion rings to kimchi. It’s a great place to sip wine or beer while enjoying fantastic views of the Bering Sea.

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.

Look for mostly Thai, Chinese, and American dishes at this spot along the shore. It offers a simple but filling selection of tempura, rolls, burgers, soups, and more, along with fast and friendly service.

Mario's offers a full slate of American dishes, from pizzas, calzones, and pasta dishes to salads, burgers, sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks, chicken strips, and hot wings. Expect basic decor, ample portions, and lots of choices.

This restaurant at the Top of the World Hotel offers a range of American food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including reindeer sausage scramble, chicken fajita salads, and various burgers, along with entrées like steak and halibut. For a good start to the day, try the well-prepared egg dishes for breakfast, with diner-style hash browns. Be sure to get a window seat. Closes early evenings.

This restaurant in the Nullagvik Hotel serves classic American food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Evening entrées include salmon, reindeer dishes like stew and goulash, and standbys like meat loaf and surf-and-turf. You can also choose from a selection of pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, and appetizers. There are great views of the sound and Wi-Fi, too.

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.

Whether you're up early or late, Sam and Lee's has got you covered. They start with an excellent breakfast menu and stay open late with mostly Chinese fare, such as kung pao beef, almond chicken, and Szechwan chow mein. Locals rave about the kimchee too.