4 Best Restaurants in Side Trips from Homer, The Kenai Peninsula and Southcentral Alaska

At the top of the dock overlooking Halibut Cove, this is one of Southcentral's most beautiful places to sit and soak up the pleasures of a summer afternoon. Locally caught seafood, the restaurant's specialty, is prepared with finesse, and there's always a mouthwatering vegetarian option. Before or after dinner you can stroll Halibut Cove's boardwalks and visit the Experience Gallery, which features works by 18 local artists, or just relax on the dock. Reservations are essential for the ferry, which requires that you return the same way in which you came unless you've secured lodging on the Cove.

HCL hosts this dining event several times throughout each summer. Seating is outside on an enormous deck that overlooks the bay, and live jazz music is performed on a floating stage. Each event, raises money for a community nonprofit in Homer, features a renowned guest chef from somewhere in the state, locally grown produce, and fresh seafood. Dinner is a set price and includes boat transportation from Homer.

Located at the harbor with splendid outdoor seating, this laid-back eatery features smoked meats, fresh baked goods, and an array of rotating specials on the menu, including barbecue ribs on Friday. On the weekends they have fantastic dinners and live music.

With a great outdoor deck and a heap of local company, the Linwood emphasizes its "bar" side at night and serves up hearty grilled burgers, pizzas, and seafood by day and into the early evening. Musicians from all over the state take the boat over to perform for Seldovians here.