Top 10 certified Alaska Grown restaurant meals

When in Alaska, do as the Alaskans do and eat local! If you’re looking for some of the best homegrown meals in the state, you’ve come to the right place. Alaska Grown is a program of the Division of Agriculture to promote foods grown within the state. Here are some of our favorite restaurants that use Alaska Grown products whenever possible.

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1. Lavelle’s Bistro in Fairbanks is a local favorite. It’s a great place for dinner or just drinks and appetizers. It boasts an 18-page wine list and a selection of Alaska microbrews on tap. For a special Alaska treat, order the honey apple halibut. Pan-seared and topped with honey-apple cream sauce, this local Alaska white fish is served with mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables.
2. Marx Bros. Café is a downtown Anchorage classic. Dinner at Marx Bros. is about more than just the food. Dining in this little house on 3^rd Avenue is an experience unlike any other. For 30 years this elegant establishment has been serving up Alaska specialties. Try the house-made, Yukon gold gnocchi for an appetizer featuring king crab and Yukon gold potatoes, and follow it up with Kodiak scallops and spot shrimp for an authentic Alaska meal.
3. 229 Parks Restaurant & Tavern, named after its mile marker on the Parks Highway near Denali National Park, is committed to serving up classic culinary favorites with a uniquely Alaska twist. The menu at 229 Parks is always changing based on availability of ingredients. If Alaska octopus is on the menu, you have to try it!

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4. The Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge offers several dining options, but we especially love the Riverview Deck. Nothing is better than munching on Alaska Grown treats with a beautiful view of the Chena River. Try a grilled salmon sandwich or the Glacier Salad that features locally sourced greens and a raspberry vinaigrette.
5. Two Sister’s Bakery in Homer serves up a mac and cheese that can’t be beat. The classic gets an Alaska twist with locally made macaroni and smoked salmon covered in a blend of cheddar and Gouda, topped with bacon, tomato and kale.
6. Café 817 in Anchorage makes everything from scratch in the historic Art Tile Building using Alaska Grown products for all of its quiches, soups, sandwiches and more. Try a Reindeer Sausage Sub or a Shrimp and Avocado Salad.
7. Flying Squirrel Bakery & Café in Talkeetna caters to everyone from carnivores to vegans with an array of breads, sandwiches, salads and more that use organically grown local ingredients. The Trust Me, I’m Vegan dish showcases whatever veggies are in season on house-baked bread smothered in house-made hummus. It’s so good we almost forgot it was vegan.
8. Ivory Jack’s in Fairbanks has everything from classic bar favorites to fine dining. Our favorite taste of Alaska at IJ’s is Rick’s Halibut Sandwich or Alaska King Crab Legs if we’re feeling particularly fancy.
9. Bear Tooth Theatrepub is not only committed to local ingredients but local experience. It’s not just a place to eat, it’s a place to come together for a First Tap concert, a once-a-month show that celebrates the first tap of a new beer, or a movie screening that everyone is sure to enjoy with dinner. The Blackened AK Cod Tacos are always a hit, but check out the monthly specials for a real Alaska treat.
10. Fresh Catch Café on the Homer Spit is one of our favorite places for dinner with a view. Mountains, ocean, wildlife, maritime activities and tourists come together into a wonderful picture that ensures dinner here will never be boring. The Fresh Catch philosophy guarantees that your plate supports local, sustainable, fresh seafood and produce. We love the clam chowder and Alaska Crab Risotto.