Experience the best Alaskan cuisine

King Crab lets sitting on top of a plate at an Alaska restaurant.
Close-up of Alaskan King Crab legs.

When traveling on a Princess Alaska cruise, you may not consider sampling the local culinary specialties that can be found off the ship in the ports. After all, on a Princess ship you’ll find robust seafood menus in our specialty restaurants as well as Alaska-themed dinners in the main dining room — there’s a reason the Food & Wine Magazine calls us the best cruise for food lovers. But when you step ashore, you can enjoy the freshest seafood and the most unique and interesting local restaurants. When visiting, here’s the cuisine you will want to try, and locations to experience genuine Alaska flavors.

Table of contents

Tips to get the most out of Alaska’s cuisine

A vibrant seafood display at an Alaska farmers’ market featuring piles of crab legs, prawns and scallops on ice with small chalkboard signs labeling each type.
Indulge in the freshest seafood at an Alaska farmers’ market where crab, prawns and scallops take center stage.

1. Eat local

Dine on seafood straight out of the ocean or on produce grown only miles from your table! To experience the true flavors of Alaska cuisine, check out local restaurants and eateries because that’s where you’ll discover fresh and locally sourced ingredients like seafood, game and produce. 

2. Try traditional dishes

Crab, salmon and reindeer, oh my! There’s no better way to immerse yourself in Alaska culture than by trying its world-famous dishes. Whether you try the wild caught seafood or a bite of reindeer sausage, you can really get a taste of the state.

3. Visit farmers’ markets and festivals

No need to sit at a table to sample all of the best Alaska has to offer! Wander markets and food festivals to try a wide variety of dishes all at once like wild blueberries, fresh lingonberries, or birch syrup. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the yak meat. Consider checking out the Center Market in Anchorage that’s open year-round or the Salt and Soil Marketplace in Juneau. 

Six unique Alaska foods to try

A freshly cooked Alaska king crab with vibrant orange spiky legs and a robust shell, displayed on a light-colored surface.
Feast on the legendary Alaska king crab, known for its sweet, tender meat and massive, spiky legs.

1. King Crab

Picture yourself cracking open a claw as big as your hand and savoring the sweet, melt-in-your-mouth meat. And the best part? You're eating it fresh from Alaskan waters, where King Crab thrives in its natural habitat. The King Crab dwarfs all other crustaceans in the Alaska sea, and they’re considered one of the most dangerous creatures to catch. But anglers keep bringing these crabs to the local restaurants because of its rich, meaty flavor that’s perfect paired with melted butter. The King Crab is famous for its size and for good reason — it can span 5 feet and weigh 24 pounds! Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dig in!

2. Reindeer Sausage

You might know Dasher and Dancer, but have you ever eaten reindeer? This local favorite is the perfect blend of savory, smoky and slightly gamey flavors that make it a true Alaska treat. Whether it's grilled to perfection and served in a bun or tossed into a hearty breakfast scramble, reindeer sausage offers a deliciously unique twist on your typical options. Plus, you can’t beat the bragging rights of saying you've tried something so authentically Alaska! 

3. Wild Caught Salmon

Fresh from Alaska’s pristine rivers and oceans, this salmon is unlike anything you'll find in your local grocery store. There’s a reason most people associate salmon with Alaska. It’s rich, flavorful and packed with a perfect balance of buttery and earthy flavors. Try it grilled, smoked, or baked, and however it’s cooked, wild-caught salmon practically melts in your mouth. So, grab your fork and get ready to experience salmon the way it was meant to be eaten — straight from the Alaska waters!

4. Halibut

What do chickens and barn doors have to do with Alaska cuisine? They’re both nicknames for halibut — small ones are called “chickens” and the big ones that can weigh 500 pounds are called “barn doors.”This fish is known for its mild flavor and firm, flaky texture, making it great for grilling, a juicy filet, or fish and chips. Freshly caught from Alaska’s icy waters, halibut delivers a subtle sweetness that pairs well with lemon, butter, capers, or roasted vegetables. 

5. Wild Berries

Eat like the locals… the local bears! Alaska is home to over 50 types of edible berries, and you could buy a basket at farmer’s market or pick your own as you hike. A must-try is the wild blueberry that’s smaller, tangier and more flavorful than your grocery store variety. Some unique fruits to try are the salmonberry, a bright orange-pink treat that looks a bit like a raspberry’s colorful cousin and cloudberries, often called "baked apple berries" because of their tart and creamy taste. 

6. Fresh Brewed Beer

There’s nothing like kicking back with a cold one after a day of exploring the great outdoors! With pristine water sourced straight from glaciers and mountains, Alaska brewers craft some seriously refreshing beers that are as bold and adventurous as the state itself. Whether you're sipping on an Alaskan Amber, a Skagway Boomtown Brown, or trying something a little wild like a spruce tip ale, every pint is a nod to Alaska’s rugged nature. Raise a glass to the fresh, local brews that capture Alaska’s spirit of adventure in every sip. 乾杯! 



Start your Alaska adventure

Sun Princess in Alaska

Our top spots to experience Alaskan cuisine

An aerial view of Juneau, Alaska, taken from Mount Roberts Tramway, showcasing the city, cruise ship port, and surrounding green mountains with clear blue skies and waterways in the distance.
A breathtaking view of Juneau, Alaska, and its bustling cruise ship port from the Mount Roberts Tramway, surrounded by lush green mountains and sparkling waterways.

トレーシー・キングクラブ・シャック

ジュノーで最高のクラブレッグをお探しでしたら、トレーシー・キングクラブ・シャックがお勧めです。Although you might think the Crab Shack's main draw is the fresh Alaskan king crab legs that give this restaurant its name, Tracy's is also home to snow crab, Dungeness crab and award-winning crab bisque. 2006年の開業から、トレーシー・キングクラブ・シャックはジュノーの誇りであり宝となりました。このレストランは短期間でTripAdvisorでナンバー1の座を獲得し、ロンリー・プラネットなどの人気メディアソース、トップ・シェフなどのTV番組でも紹介されてきました。次回のアラスカ・クルーズでトレーシー・キングクラブ・シャックに行くお客様は、遠くまで行く必要はありません。This famous eatery’s main shack is located right by where the cruise ship docks, at 432 South Franklin Street. There’s also a second smaller shack located at 300 Whittier Street.

A vibrant scene of Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska, featuring colorful historic buildings on wooden stilts above reflective water, framed by dense green trees.
The colorful wooden boardwalk of Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska, lined with historic buildings perched above the shimmering water and surrounded by lush forest.

アラスカ・フィッシュ・ハウス

ケチカンの地元で水揚げされたサケ、オヒョウ、タラを食べるには、アラスカ・フィッシュハウスへ行きましょう。This treasured establishment offers freshly prepared Alaskan cuisine including fish and chips, fish burgers, fish tacos and more. With the restaurant's location along on the docks and views of the sea from your table, you can rest easy knowing you couldn't get a fresher meal unless you were out on the boat yourself!
アラスカ・フィッシュ・ハウスは、クルーズ船が停泊している波止場からわずか数分のところ(住所:3 Salmon Landing)にあります。

An aerial view of Skagway, Alaska, showcasing its colorful historic buildings, vibrant streets, and surrounding forested mountains under a cloudy sky.
The charming town of Skagway, Alaska, nestled in a valley surrounded by towering mountains, features historic buildings and vibrant streets that capture its rich Gold Rush history.

ボナンザ・バー・アンド・グリル

シーフードチャウダー、スタンドアップ、ビンゴ、カラオケ、ライブミュージックまで揃ったthe Bonanza Bar and Grill has cold draft beer, hot local food and plenty of fun to be had. 満足感の高い家庭料理と飲み物、カジュアルな雰囲気、フレンドリーなサービスを提供するこのレストランではゆっくりとリラックスできます。
Bonanza Bar & Grill(ボナンザ・バー・アンド・グリル)の住所:3rd, Skagway, AK 99840

Enjoy the best Alaska has to offer with Princess

Star Princess ship sailing by Dewas glacier in Alaska.
Alaska adventures await you aboard the Star Princess.

Trust us, there is nothing like experiencing it yourself. Sail on a Princess Alaska cruise and indulge in the rich, authentic flavors of the state. From fresh seafood to traditional dishes, every meal is an opportunity to savor Alaska’s unique culinary heritage. Let the tastes of Alaska guide your journey, creating unforgettable memories you’ll love both on and off the ship.

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