The 12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Homer, Alaska

For a casual diner experience, look no further than the Duncan House Diner, located at the intersection of Main Street and Pioneer Drive. Here, you can indulge in delicious blueberry pancakes and hearty club sandwiches. The interior, adorned with antiques and knickknacks, exudes a cozy, farm-fresh vibe. They serve breakfast and lunch every day of the week.

Alice’s Champagne Palace evokes the charm of a gold rush saloon, with rough-hewn wooden walls and corrugated tin accenting its décor. While it serves as a neighborhood bar, the menu offers pub staples like burgers, ribs, and cheesesteaks, all made exceptionally well and in generous portions. The Reuben is a must-try — it might just make you want to settle in Homer for good. The space remains open and airy, even during peak hours, and the stage up front is perfect for enjoying local live music.

If you’re after a relaxed beach atmosphere with delicious treats, Two Sisters Bakery in Old Town Homer is a must-visit. Kick off your day with a walk along nearby Bishop’s Beach, then pop into Two Sisters for an espresso and a warm cinnamon roll. You might also enjoy a cherry-almond scone or the finest gingerbread cookie you’ll ever taste. While you’re there, consider picking up a freshly baked baguette and checking out the community bulletin board. If lunch is on your mind, don’t miss their famous sandwiches alongside that second cinnamon roll.

One of Alaska's hidden gems is the abundance of exceptional Thai restaurants. Vida’s Thai Food, initially a food truck, has transformed over time into a full-fledged restaurant on Pioneer Drive. The menu features a delightful array of northern and southern Thai dishes, along with occasional Vietnamese selections (definitely try the pho!). The seating is minimal and tidy, allowing the flavors to shine. As a beloved establishment in Homer, Vida’s also deserves recognition for its variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

Grace Ridge Brewing Company may be a newer addition to the craft brewing scene on the Kenai Peninsula, but their beers are exceptional. A food truck is typically parked outside their taproom during operating hours (noon to 8 p.m.), serving delicious bites to complement your drink. The bar features four flagship beers on tap at all times, including the delightful Kayak Beach Blonde and Sadie Peak IPA, alongside a rotating selection of specialty brews. Stop by for a pint while you contemplate your next meal, whether it’s time for another stroll along the beach or maybe that third cinnamon roll from Two Sisters.

It’s often said that every restaurant in Alaska must feature a burger and fries to remain competitive. However, the classic hamburger can be elevated beyond a mere afterthought on the menu. The Beluga Lake Bar and Grill on Ocean Drive might not win any beauty contests, but its unpretentious menu boasts the best gourmet burgers in town. The Beluga Blue Burger stands out, piled high with bacon, blue cheese, and caramelized onions. They also serve excellent prime rib and crispy seafood baskets. With ample open seating and a full bar, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring the water, museum, or local farmers market.

There’s little that compares to a warm, fresh bagel with a tasty schmear. The Bagel Shop on East End Road serves some of the finest bagels in the state. Their menu is simple, featuring fresh bagels, a variety of schmears, and a couple of delightful bagel sandwiches. Sometimes, less truly is more for the weary traveler in the morning.

La Baleine Café, located on the iconic Homer Spit, is renowned as one of the best lunch spots in town, and their breakfast is equally impressive. Their take on the classic biscuits and gravy is exceptional, while their eggs Benedict will transport you to another realm of breakfast bliss. For lunch, they serve a commendable hamburger, but their deli sandwiches will spoil you for anything from franchises or grocery stores. Local tip: If you’re in a hurry, both breakfast and lunch sandwiches are available boxed for takeout.

Wasabi’s Bistro, situated on East End Road just past the Alan Drive junction, lives up to its motto of where east meets west and ends up somewhere north. As the only sushi restaurant in town, their menu is extensive, featuring a variety of options, alongside several satisfying non-sushi entrees. They source their vegetables from local market gardeners and frequently incorporate local seafood. This commitment to quality creates an exceptional dining experience complemented by high-end artisan cocktails and a remarkable sake selection. While Wasabi’s offers a fine-dining atmosphere, true to Alaskan spirit, you’ll be welcomed even in jeans and a hoodie. Just be sure to make a reservation in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly.

The Chart Room is the waterfront dining spot linked to the Land’s End Resort at the far end of Homer Spit. Like many Mytouries in Homer, it boasts breathtaking views, placing you right by the saltwater, almost as if you’re navigating the bay on the bow of a ship. The menu leans towards fine dining, yet maintains the easygoing vibe characteristic of Homer. Choices include four varieties of steak, a chicken-mushroom roulade, or the classic hamburger and fries. The large deck, facing both water and mountains, is particularly popular. You’re so close to the shore you can hear the gentle waves lapping against the gravel. It’s an ideal venue for enjoying cocktails with friends on sunny days, and with a bit of luck, you might even spot a sea otter drifting by.

The Saltry is undeniably one of the finest dining experiences in the world. Nestled across Kachemak Bay in the quaint community of Halibut Cove, your culinary adventure begins aboard the Danny J, a charmingly restored antique fishing vessel that serves as the restaurant's ferry. Enjoy a scenic 20-minute cruise across the bay before docking at the restaurant’s entrance. The building itself resembles a whimsical creation crafted by a blend of hippies, Hobbits, and homesteaders, using driftwood, stones, and repurposed cannery wood. Founded by Marian Beck, the daughter of a former state senator, the restaurant offers all outdoor seating on a spacious deck, so come prepared for the weather. Specializing in seafood, every dish is sourced from the local waters and island gardens, featuring light, modern ocean-to-table cuisine with bold flavors that shine on their own. Pair your meal with some of the finest wines and beers available. You can return on the Danny J when you're ready, or opt for an overnight stay, but be sure to book well in advance or plan your entire Homer visit around this unique experience.