Wasilla is the largest city in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough of Alaska, located just over 30 miles north of Anchorage. As both a growing community and transportation hub, Wasilla offers no shortage of culinary delights.
From casual staples to fine dining, these 12 top restaurants showcase the diversity and quality of Wasilla’s food scene. Whether you’re a locals or visiting, you’re sure to find something to satisfy every palate.
Pike’s Waterfront Lodge
Situated right on Lake Lucille, Pike’s Waterfront Lodge is hands-down one of Wasilla’s most beautiful and unique restaurants. In addition to sweeping views of the lake from the large windows, the rustic yet elegant decor provides an exceptionally charming ambiance. The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal New American cuisine with prominent Alaskan and Pacific Northwest influences.
Signatures include pan-seared scallops, grilled salmon cakes, and a decadent bacon-wrapped filet mignon. The lodge also has cozy rooms if you want to stay the night. With an impressive wine list and attentive service in such picturesque surroundings, Pike’s is perfect for special occasions or anniversaries where you want to truly relax and indulge.
Crust
For homemade pizza, Crust is a go-to favorite among Wasilla locals. Their Neapolitan-style pies are cooked in a blazing hot wood-fired oven to achieve a crisp yet chewy crust with a subtle smokiness. Topping combinations like prosciutto and arugula, chicken pesto, and margherita are crowd-pleasers, but you can also build your own creation.
Salads, calzones, sandwiches and appetizers such as garlic bread rounds and truffle mac & cheese complete the menu. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere and craft beers on tap make Crust a relaxing choice any day of the week. Be prepared for a wait during peak times, but it’s always worth it for food this fresh and delicious.
Snow City Cafe
Fuel up for a day of outdoor activities or warm up after sledding or skiing at Snow City Cafe, located right in downtown Wasilla. This cheery eatery has been serving comfort food to the community for over 30 years. Specialties include hearty breakfast platters, burgers made from local beef, and seasonal soups and stews.
The cafe is also famous for large desserts like deep dish apple crisp, cream cheese brownies, and mile high berry pie—so don’t forget to save room! On weekends, expect a crowd, but you’ll find plenty of camaraderie. With fair prices and consistently satisfying comfort fare, Snow City Cafe is a Wasilla staple. It’s no wonder many consider it their favorite local hangout.
Summit Buffet and Grill
For families and groups seeking excellent value and variety all in one spot, the Summit Buffet and Grill remains a top option. Their buffet, available daily for lunch and dinner, boasts a vast spread of homestyle salads, soups, hot entrees, sides and desserts that are continually restocked.
You also have the choice to order off the a la carte menu, with popular sandwiches like buffalo chicken and reuben, as well as steaks, seafood and more elevated fare. Unlimited coffee, tea and soft drinks are included, as is frozen yogurt for the kids. The casual yet welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal choice for gatherings of any size. Whether you eat buffet or order individually, it’s hard to beat the quality and quantity offered at Summit.
Café Lagoon
For those seeking a sophisticated yet laidback dining experience, look no further than Café Lagoon. The stylish yet unpretentious decor features warm woods, upholstered booths and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Lake Lucille. Chef-owner Jenai Russ presents a seasonally rotating menu spotlighting fresh Alaska seafood alongside steak, poultry and produce from local farms.
Signature dishes may include scallop risotto, halibut piccata or duck confit. Paired with an international wine list, craft cocktails and coffees, the food is undeniably delicious. What sets Café Lagoon apart is the sincere hospitality—staff remember favorite customers and make everyone feel comfortably at home. Whether visiting for weekend brunch or weekday small plates and drinks, it’s easy to make this relaxed gem a regular habit.
The Bake Shoppe
While baked goods are available at most Wasilla cafes, no place does it quite like The Bake Shoppe. In a charming vintage building downtown, entrepreneurs Carol and Mary have been churning out fresh breads, pastries, pies and cookies daily for over 25 years. Favorites include fluffy cinnamon rolls, chocolate croissants, and decadent layered cream cakes and tortes filled with fruits and cream cheese.
Come early on weekends as many items sell out. Their éclairs, fruit danishes, cookies and homemade fudge also make perfect gifts or picnic snacks to go. With homemade soups, paninis and coffee also available, The Bake Shoppe is a one-stop lunch spot providing a nostalgic slice of small-town charm. No visit to Wasilla is complete without indulging in their sweets.
Three Bears Restaurant
Situated just off the main highway, Three Bears Restaurant has become a definitive dining destination for Wasilla locals, Anchorage visitors en route to the Slope and anyone passing through Palmer. Despite its unassuming appearance, generous portions of homestyle favorites like chicken fried steak, hot open-faced turkey sandwiches and beef Stroganoff continue to lure patrons. Those with bigger appetites appreciate the hearty dinner specials like smoked ribs, pot roast or fish and chips.
With fast, friendly service and low prices in a spacious, kid-friendly atmosphere, Three Bears offers consistent, comforting sustenance anytime. Drop by for a filling breakfast or lunch to break up a long drive, or plan on lingering over dinner with extended family night. It’s no wonder this beloved community restaurant has been welcoming Alaskans for over 50 years.
Yukon Salmon Bake
A true northwest Alaskan dining adventure awaits at Yukon Salmon Bake, with its entertaining show kitchen leading right to a lakeside deck. Here, whole king salmon are filleted and flaked before your eyes on large cedar planchas overhead traditional native sod houses. Sample starters like duck fritters or cod brandade before fueling up on heaping plates of wild king or red salmon, halibut, prime rib or barbecue chicken.
Housemade cranberry bread and sides such as rice pilaf, vegetables and salad round out the meal. Finish with bread pudding or other homey desserts. The lively family-style setting makes it a fun experience for all ages, only rivaled by the fresh, expertly prepared seafood. With indoor and outdoor space at either location in Wasilla or Palmer, Yukon Salmon Bake is a worthwhile splurge for true Alaskan coastal flavors.
Bear Tooth Grill
Many consider Bear Tooth Grill the apex of fine dining in Wasilla and surrounding areas. Housed in a stylish, lodge-inspired building, the award-winning restaurant offers sophisticated seasonal American fare with a focus on prime meats and seafood. Choose between the larger seating in the main dining room with a view of the open kitchen, or the more intimate lounge area featuring a fireplace.
Multi-course tasting menus allow chefs to shine using local ingredients, while the a la carte menu holds signatures like roasted salmon risotto or 48-hour braised short ribs. Extensive wine pairing menus guide diners to complimentary varietals. Charming attentive service in peaceful yet lively ambiance rewards a splurge at Bear Tooth Grill with a truly memorable culinary experience on par with Anchorage’s best.
Ray’s Place
For over 30 years, Ray’s Place remains a coveted local’s secret serving authentic German specialties. This cozy restaurant is located in an unassuming strip mall but don’t let the setting fool you—dishes like spaetzle, schnitzel and wienerschnitzel are prepared with care and expertise. Traditional Bavarian delicacies like sauerbraten, potato pancakes and Kasespatzle are also done to perfection.
Wash it all down with a housemade Kölsch, helles, weiss or seasonal beers on tap. Hearty breakfasts like German pancakes or the sausage and potato platter fuel patrons up before heading to work or the slopes. Prices are reasonable and service is convivial, so this hidden gem is a must for those craving high-quality German home cooking off the beaten path.
Spenard Builders Supply
Paying homage to its origins as a genuine hardware store, Spenard Builders Supply retains original details like stamped tin ceilings, salvaged wood panels and hardware displays while completely reinventing itself as a destination restaurant and bar. Order a cocktail or craft beer and nibble on snacks like crispy Brussels sprouts, salmon crudo or short rib poutine in the lounge area.
Or indulge in a multi-course prix fixe tasting menu featuring seasonal creations combining global influences. Dishes may include roasted scallops with espresso barbecue glaze or duck breast with porcini mushroom risotto—elevated and unique yet approachable in execution. The hip, inventive atmosphere is a refreshing change of pace ideal for special occasions, date nights or post-shopping libations and small plates downtown.
Conclusion
From cozy café fare to refined gastronomy, Wasilla has no shortage of memorable culinary experiences. Whether feeding the spirit of adventure with hearty Alaskan specialties or nurturing the soul with comfortable classics, these top 12 restaurants provide a diverse cross-section of all the Mat-Su Valley has to offer. With everything from budget-friendly staples to elegant splurges, foodies and families alike are bound to find favorites amongst Wasilla’s thriving restaurant culture. Bon appétit!