The North Pacific produces a bounty of seafood that’s unmatched by just about anywhere else on the planet and one of the best places to sample it fresh is Homer. Set along Kachemak Bay with a stunning mountain backdrop, it’s known as the world’s halibut capital. Those glistening sapphire waters are also inhabited by five species of salmon, lingcod, and rockfish.
During your visit to this incredibly scenic and friendly town, you’ll want to take the opportunity to try the seafood at one or more of these eateries. Here is where you’ll find the best seafood in Homer, Alaska.Â
The Chart RoomÂ
Long a favorite among visitors and locals alike, The Chart Room is located at Land’s End Resort, the only hotel on the Homer Spit. It sits at the tip, boasting one of Alaska’s most breathtaking waterfront dining experiences with everything from the view and service to the meals all sure to impress.Â
Enjoy the unrivaled beauty of Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains from the dining room windows while indulging in some of the most mouthwatering local, sustainably harvested seafood. Or, head to the outdoor deck for a close-up look at the wide array of seabirds like puffins, bald eagles, and abundant marine life, including whales.Â
The innovative menu has a focus on Homer’s bounty, including wild-caught seafood, salmon, and halibut. Indulge in the creamy clam chowder or fresh Alaskan oysters served on the half shell to start, and then look forward to delectable entrees like the signature Colossal Alaskan King Crab Legs, or favorites like the Alaskan Halibut Illiamna, a filet of halibut topped with the restaurant’s famous crab and artichoke dip, served with saffron risotto.Â
You’ll find plenty of Alaskan classics too, including Alaskan Halibut Fish and Chips, and Elk Burgers. If you have room, the dessert menu is heavenly, featuring a long list of decadent treats like the Crème Brûlée and Chocolate Molten Lava Cake.
Fresh Catch Cafe
One of the local hotspots, the Fresh Catch Cafe offers casual yet upscale dining while enjoying enchanting views of the huge tides, mountains, and wildlife on the Homer Spit. Keep an eye out for spouting whales in the summer. The menu is centered around fresh seafood and steak dishes using locally grown ingredients that can be paired with the carefully selected list of beer and wine.Â
You might start with the Syrian Kale Pistachio salad and then enjoy entrees like the Teriyaki Salmon, with the salmon so fresh it’s as if it just caught out of the bay, and it probably was. The Homer Halibut fried in a panko crust is light and delectable while the Rhubarb Crumble is worth saving room for dessert.Â
Captain Patties FishhouseÂ
Captain Patties is a great place to go after you’ve caught your own fish as you can bring it with you and the chef will cook it up just right. Even if you aren’t that fortunate, you can take advantage of the tasty meals offered for lunch and dinner with a bay view in a fun and friendly atmosphere.Â
Located on the Homer Spit, the menu features salmon, halibut, king crab, and more. Order the king crab by the pound, enjoyed with drawn butter, or the halibut deep-fried, char-grilled, and baked.Â
The salmon can be baked or grilled and there are seafood pasta entrees featuring halibut, salmon, scallops, or prawns. We like the mussels or steamer clams to start followed by a sampler plate if you want to try a little of all the Alaskan seafood greats.
Fat Olives Restaurant
This iconic Homer Restaurant sits within an old-school bus barn. Not only can you enjoy a unique atmosphere at Fat Olives, but a menu of seasonal dishes made with fresh ingredients. The biggest focus is locally-caught seafood and fish, including the first fresh salmon of the season, featured on the special’s board.Â
You might start with six oysters served on the half shell, but if it’s available, go for the especially memorable Seared Scallops & Shrimp with a ribbon of peach habanero sauce. The Brown Butter Shrimp & Scallops, wood oven-fired, is another favorite entree, and if you’re here with non-fish eaters, the Chicken Cannelloni is sure to please.Â
Start with the Best
While not every restaurant recommendation list is in order starting with the best, in this case, there’s little doubt that The Chart Room surpasses all. You’ll want to start sampling Homer’s seafood here and if you only try one of these eateries, it’s the place to go, with the food just the start. The service and the stunning environment at the end of The Spit with magnificent views are what make it truly stand out over the rest.
Even better, you can even stay right here at the Land’s End Resort. After your unforgettable meal, your comfortable accommodation, whether a beachfront room, log cabin, or luxurious home, will be just steps away.Â