North Fork Restaurant

This dining room has stunning views of Denali on clear days. Huge windows open onto the Alaska Range and the mountain, and a vaulted ceiling of timber-framed spruce creates a light, airy feel, almost like you’re eating outside.

Accompanying the view and atmosphere, is the finest food at the lodge. Specializing in fresh Alaska seafood entrees, reservations are recommended for dinner but breakfast can be as quick or casual as you’d like. Fuel up for a day of adventure or unwind in the sunset glow of North America’s tallest peak.

The restaurant can seat 155, and is a fast-paced, high energy dining room, particularly in the morning. That’s when the wait staff and kitchen are working hard to get you fed and on your way to a rafting or hiking adventure. They serve Anchorage-brewed Kaladi Brothers coffee, a rich, smooth blend and a great way to start the day. If you’re at the lodge in August or September, you might catch the morning alpine glow on Denali, lighting up the massive peak in peach and orange hues.

If you’re debating breakfast here or at the 20,320 Grill, this view and the fact that it’s a smaller restaurant might just persuade you. And the food. It’s the lodges most upscale dining option, including breakfast. Try their signature dish, blueberry baked French toast or the smoked salmon eggs benedict.

The staff is used to getting food out quickly, but if you’re in a real hurry to, consider their fresh sides, like oatmeal and fresh cut fruit, or the Alaskan Breakfast—two eggs, two strips of bacon, breakfast potatoes and a buttermilk biscuit.

At dinner reservations are recommended, but no need to dress up, it’s Alaskan—great seafood in a relaxed atmosphere. There are meat and vegetarian options, but the seafood is trucked in three times a week from the Gulf of Alaska. If you’ve been waiting for a seafood dinner, this is as good as it gets. Eating fresh salmon while looking at the mountain!

Try the crab-stuffed halibut, with green beans and cheddar-mashed potatoes, or the 28-day-aged rib eye. And they have Alaska king crab, served with wild-caught salmon.

The appetizer and drink menu is extensive, with 50 wines and Alaskan beers on tap, including Denali Brewing, made just down the road and not available outside the state. And if you have room for dessert, try the triple berry shortcake, and get a scoop of vanilla or blueberry ice cream, made near Anchorage.