5 Exceptional Food Tours In Anchorage

Anchorage’s unique location and history make it a fascinating place for food lovers. With fresh Alaskan seafood, local specialties, and stories that bring the city’s past and present to life, Anchorage offers some outstanding food tours that go beyond just eating. Whether you want a walk through downtown with historical insights or a lively neighborhood exploration packed with true crime tales, there’s an experience tailored to your interests.

This guide highlights the top five food tours in Anchorage, each with its own special twist, from walking tasting tours that explore local flavors and stories to sightseeing adventures with delicious stops along the way. We’ll compare what each tour includes, what makes it stand out, and provide insights on who it suits best—helping you decide which to book for your trip.

Quick overview of the best food tours in Anchorage

Our list features walking tours focused on Anchorage’s downtown and Spenard neighborhoods, offering tastings of seafood, reindeer sausage, and local donuts, as well as stories about the city’s history and true crime. For those who want a more comprehensive experience, a guided van tour combines sightseeing with tasting local cuisine, all led by knowledgeable guides. All tours are highly rated, with ratings mostly at 5 stars, ensuring quality and memorable experiences.

1. Downtown Anchorage FOOD & HISTORY Walking Tour OUR MOST POPULAR!

At $147.25 per person, this 3 to 4-hour small-group walking tour offers an excellent overview of Anchorage’s history and food scene. The tour visits downtown hotspots like Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse, Biscuitclub, Snow City Cafe, and Tent City Taphouse, with each stop providing a taste of local seafood, craft beers, and Alaska-inspired snacks. The itinerary also includes a stop at the Balto statue and the Wendler Building, where stories about Alaska’s sled dogs are shared.

What makes this tour stand out is the perfect mix of history and food, delivered in a relaxed, small-group setting. Your guide is lively and knowledgeable, making it easy to ask questions and learn about Anchorage’s past while sampling its flavors. The reviews highlight balanced pacing, a variety of foods, and an engaging guide, with many calling it “a fun way to experience Anchorage.”

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a personalized experience with a focus on local history, complemented by delicious bites. It’s also a good choice if you prefer a shorter, afternoon activity that leaves the rest of your day free.

Bottom line: A well-rounded tour perfect for first-time visitors wanting to combine local history with food.

2. City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour – Winter & Summer

Priced at $185.25, this 4.5-hour tour blends scenic sightseeing with local eats. Led by a local certified guide, you’ll visit some of Anchorage’s best restaurants and food venues while enjoying spectacular views and wildlife. The tour emphasizes Alaskan seafood, with stops in public markets and small eateries, offering tastings that highlight the city’s culinary reputation.

What makes this tour distinctive is the balance between urban exploration and natural scenery. Your guide’s stories about Anchorage’s development and local wildlife enrich the experience, making it more than just a food tasting trip. The reviews praise the guide’s knowledge, the variety of food, and the opportunity to see wildlife and mountain vistas.

This tour suits those who want to maximize sightseeing while experiencing authentic Alaskan cuisine. It’s a good pick if you’re interested in wildlife viewing or want a more comprehensive tour that combines food, scenery, and stories.

Bottom line: Excellent for travelers who appreciate a mix of sightseeing and local flavors with a knowledgeable guide.

3. Anchorage: Downtown Food & History Walking Tour

At $145, this 3-hour walking tour promises an immersive experience through downtown Anchorage. You’ll visit local restaurants and shops, sampling foods with Alaskan roots and hearing stories about the city’s characters and past. The guide shares insights into how Anchorage evolved and the importance of small businesses to the local culture.

What sets this tour apart is its emphasis on supporting small, locally owned businesses and storytelling. The reviews note that Shannon, the guide, is “an excellent storyteller,” and that the food was tasty and filling. You’ll get a good mix of culinary delights and cultural context, making this tour especially appealing for those who want to learn about Anchorage through its food.

Suitable for travelers who want a focused downtown experience with local flavor and historical insights. It’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon exploring Anchorage’s core.

Bottom line: A strong choice if you’re eager to combine food tasting with local stories in downtown Anchorage.

4. Spenard Neighborhood FOOD & TRUE CRIME Walking Tour

Priced at $150, this 3 to 4-hour tour explores Spenard, a neighborhood known for its mugshots and crime stories from the late 1960s and early 1970s. The tour includes stops at Chilkoot Charlie’s, Bear Tooth Theatre Pub, and Market Juice, where you sample local foods and drinks. Along the way, the guide shares tales of mobsters, bikers, and serial killers, making it more than just a food tour.

What makes this experience unique is its blend of true crime history and neighborhood exploration. It appeals to travelers interested in Alaska’s darker stories as well as local cuisine. Reviewers mention that the food is good—and that the stories really bring the neighborhood’s past to life.

Ideal for history enthusiasts or those curious about Anchorage’s less-glamorous side, this tour combines cultural intrigue with tasty bites in a lively neighborhood setting.

Bottom line: Perfect if you want a quirky, story-rich experience that goes beyond typical food tours.

5. Anchorage: Guided Food and Sightseeing Tour by Van

At $180, this 4.5-hour small-group van tour combines sightseeing with local food tasting. You’ll visit key Anchorage sights, including notable restaurants, while enjoying beautiful views from the comfort of a van. The guide shares stories about Alaska’s history and culture, with a focus on local foods like seafood and traditional dishes.

What makes this tour stand out is the convenience of transportation combined with delicious samplings. If walking isn’t your preference or you want to cover more ground comfortably, this is a solid option. Reviewers mention that Chris, the guide, is “full of stories and humor,” and that the tour offers a good mix of food, history, and scenery.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a more relaxed, less walking-intensive tour with a focus on sightseeing and tasting. It’s especially useful if you’re short on time or prefer to see the city from a vehicle.

Bottom line: Well-suited for those who want a comfortable, rundown of Anchorage’s sights and flavors.

How to choose the best food tour in Anchorage

When deciding among these options, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. If you’re eager for an intimate, historical walk with a small group, the Downtown Anchorage FOOD & HISTORY Walking Tour offers a balanced mix of food and stories. For those who want a broader experience combining sightseeing and food, the City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour provides scenic views along with tastings.

If you’re fascinated by true crime and neighborhood lore, the Spenard Neighborhood FOOD & TRUE CRIME Walking Tour offers a unique angle. For travelers who prefer comfort and convenience, the Guided Food and Sightseeing Tour by Van is perfect, especially if you want to cover more ground without walking.

Booking early is advisable, especially in peak tourist seasons, and consider whether you want a shorter afternoon walk or a longer sightseeing experience. Think about your interests—history, neighborhood stories, or scenic views—and match those to the tour that aligns best.

To sum it up

Anchorage offers a variety of food-focused experiences that cater to different interests and travel styles. For a comprehensive downtown walk, the most popular tour is a top pick, especially for first-timers eager to combine history and local bites. If you want a scenic tour with substantial sightseeing, the sightseeing and food tour is excellent. For those intrigued by Alaska’s darker tales, the Spenard True Crime tour offers a one-of-a-kind experience.

No matter which you choose, booking in advance will ensure you secure a spot on these popular tours. With options ranging from shorter walks to full-day adventures that combine scenery with tastings, Anchorage’s food tours promise a memorable way to explore the city’s flavors and stories.