As a Registered Dietitian in Anchorage I feel it’s was my duty to seek out delicious healthy places to eat for not only myself but my clients. Not only did this give me an excuse to branch out and try new restaurants but it challenged me to analyze menus for balanced meals that will leave you satiated and nourished.
Now don’t take these suggestions wrong, I encourage going out to eat and getting the entrée or comfort food you enjoy! However, for my clients that eat out frequently I feel it’s important they have some “go to” balanced meal options that make them feel good when they aren’t cooking at home. I created this blog post to inspire nutritious and delicious dining out options.
Favorite satisfying places to eat in Anchorage, Alaska
Where do I even start? Anchorage has so many unique local restaurants making it easy to find healthy options.
Local Pizza Favorites:
If you are following more of a Mediterranean diet, try the hummus plate! It’s packed with veggies and comes in two flavors.
Salads- Every salad is amazing. My favorite is the sesame soy with Alaska grown bean sprouts!You can always ask for toppings and dressing on the side and I encourage adding a lean protein option which sometimes are also locally sourced.
Pizza- If you go for pizza which you could always pair with a side salad for some extra nutrients and fiber. This can help you leave feeling full and you might get leftovers. Moose’s tooth will also cut your pizza in thinner slices upon request. Try something crazy like the Thai chicken pizza with yummy shredded carrots on top!
Fish Tacos are “Plate Method” friendly meal with lean protein, veggie salsa/slaw and tortillas. Seared and blackened is a great way to go.
Salads: So many flavor combos, add what you want or skipping the ones you don’t care about. Adding a lean protein option like chicken, tofu or fish may supply longer lasting energy.
Kids Menu: Looking for smaller portions or a snack? They have chicken quesadillas, veggie and fruit plates and a kid’s salad.
All the veggie apps (roasted brussel sprouts, cauliflower, walnut beet balls, veggie plate). Lemon cumin cauliflower steak or housemade kimchi, anyone?
Salads: you won’t regret getting the Tuscan salad with quinoa, kale and pumpkin seeds. Nutrient packed with vitamins, minerals and is a plant based protein option.
Homemade Bone Broth or Green Posole
Any pizza! Try one with beets or sweet potatoes, it’s a fun way to try new veggies on pizza.
Top Anchorage Sushi Restaurants:
Sushi Ideas/Modifications worth a try: Cucumber wrapped rolls, getting sauces on the side, miso soup, seaweed salad or going with sashimi and portioning out your own rice. They typically always have steamed veggies and edamame too! Sip on some green tea and enjoy.
Top Anchorage Pho Restaurants:
Things to try: Ask for your pho with extra veggies and less rice noodles or get a smaller portion if it leaves you a little too satisfied. Fresh spring rolls vs. fried gives you at least a serving or two of veggies! Other great options include lean proteins that are light on sauces (chicken, fish, shrimp, tofu, etc) with steamed veggies. Be mindful with noodle and rice portions to avoid going over your carb budget.
Top Indian Restaurants in Anchorage
Indian food has a ton of great choices from tandoori style meats to dal (lentils) it’s easy to make it a filling antioxidant packed meal with all the amazing spices. Go easy on the naan, rice, higher fat sauces/cheese and fried foods, take time to savor and indulge every bite.
Grilled lean meats, salads, lentil soup, hummus, baba ghanoush, shakshuka, tzatziki or carrot yogurt dip with veggies.
Marinated mushrooms
Amazing flavorful chicken dishes include: Chicken Himalaya, Chicken Tikka or Chicken Achari
Tandoori Shrimp always is a home run. Marinated and seasoned perfectly.
Looking for something plant based? Garbanzo Beans, Eggplant, and Vegetable Curry are always a good idea!
Healthy Anchorage Restaurants
Mexican Fusion:
Love getting together with my girlfriends for a fresh marg!
Shareables: Shrimp Ceviche, Guac and Salsa (could ask for veggies to dip in), Mushrooms, Artichokes
Favorite Entrees:
Salads, Chicken Tortilla Soup
Jicama Shrimp Tacos are a winner, most of the entrees have a flavorful protein option with veggies and a carb source. Get what you enjoy and portion carbs according to your goals!
Awesome taco and taco salad options if you’re looking for extra veggies. Choose from the lean protein options including tofu, chicken, or shrimp, bump up the veggies (the pickled veggies are so good) and ask for sauces/toppings/tortillas on the side to fit within your goals.
I get the shrimp taco salad and skip the crunchy tortilla bowl and choose to use my carbs on beans for extra fiber and nutrients.
Soups, Salads and Sandwiches:
I love this up and coming southside restaurant. They do a great job with variety and keeping the menu fresh.
Brunch:
Omelet (could sub in egg whites, if reducing saturated fats), add in savory seasonal veggies!
Huevos Divorciados (portion out half or compromise on rice/beans or tortillas for carbohydrate if needed)
Lunch/Dinner:
Salads + Lean Protein of Choice (I personally love the Caesar Kale with shrimp, dressing on the side)
Avocado Melt, I love adding tomatoes, spinach and sprouts.
EVERYTHING. Middleway is my all-time favorite go to restaurant. I love their fresh ingredients and delicious salad combinations, not to mention their amazing coffee and smoothies.
Breakfast: Tofu or Egg and Veggie Hash Options, Egg Veggie Omelets (I encourage getting in protein and veggies at breakfast to fill up on protein and fiber)
Lunch:
Sandwiches, Bowls, Burgers, Greens (if looking for lower carb), Smoothies and Juices (can add protein supplementation)
My favorite salad is the modern salad with chicken and the spicy chicken sandwich.
Pro tip: they have amazing salsa and coffee.
All of it, just all of it.
Check out their beautiful salads and creative wraps/bowls. If you haven’t tried tempeh this is a good place to do it!
Pro tip: they have amazing house made salad dressings.
Snow City is a must when it comes to brunch. They have got it all with amazing Alaskan creations.
Build your own omelet, eggs-a-licious options (anything from a vegan scramble to a crabby omelet), and valley hash.
I could eat the green eggs and ham toast every day. With lean protein (egg white/ham), healthy fat (pesto) and complex carb (whole grain toast, spinach), it keeps me happy and full past lunch!
SALADS are amazing. They also deliver. The Talkeetna ginger sesame salad is awesome and I haven’t had one I don’t like.
Pro Tip: A macaroon is included and a must try.
Make a sandwich or salad with lean meats and extra veggies, sauces and cheeses in moderation. Hummus is a great alternative to cheeses and mayo if reducing saturated fay and they have delicious soups packed with protein and veggies including thai chicken.
Best Anchorage Grocery Stores:
This grocery store has an awesome hot food and salad bar. So many healthy options to choose from! Load up on the delicious veggie options including broccoli salad, curried chickpeas, and grilled vegetable medleys.
New Sagaya: Best spicy poke and edamame salad in town! This grocery store also has a great salad bar and a variety of unique produce and ingredients.
Bring your lunch bag!
Honorable Anchorage Restaurant Mentions:
Great atmosphere and does a great job with vegetable options!
Breakfast: Farmer’s Market Scramble (can sub tofu for eggs), Vegetable Hash, and the Bowl Parfait all are nutrient dense choices.
Small Plates: Vegetable Plate, Chicken Satay (my favorite), Grilled Vegetable Napoleon, Verde Tacos, Scallops and Succotash, and…if you haven’t tried the Super Tots you need to (share them and eat in moderation).
Salads are all packed with healthy ingredients, ask for dressings or toppings on the side to adjust as needed. Check out the vegatopia sides!
Large Plates: Blackened salmon, chicken curry and the Korean rice bowl covers all the macro bases including a lean protein, veggies and carb.
On the menu, they have “fitness plates” making it easy to hit your macro goals.
Apps: Caprese, Hummus Plate, Steamed Edamame
Main Plates: Blackened Halibut Sandwich (could do open faced or eat 1/2), Roasted Chicken with Veggies, Fitness Plate (Chicken or Halibut), Salads with toppings/dressings on side.
This place is easy to make a balanced plate!
Protein: Grilled halibut, cod, shrimp, salmon, chicken
Veggies: Stir-fry veggies, salads
Complex Carb: Brown rice or double veggie
May look like a dive bar but actually has some excellent flavorful meals choices that meet the “Plate Method”.
Cod or Halibut Tacos
Blackened Alaskan Salad
Dinner or Spinach Salad with Lean Protein
Lean Protein Burger Options including Chicken, Veggie, Mushroom or Salmon
Need some more ideas for chain restaurants and fast food?
Check out my Guide to How to Make Healthy Choices When Eating Out
