Newer Restaurants & Dining in Kenai Area
We've lived in the Kenai area for quite a while, and we're familiar with the area's best places to enjoy a great meal including some of the newer restaurants in the area. If you need more information on dining in the Kenai area, let us know. We'll be glad to offer suggestions or recommendations.
The Kenai Peninsula continues to grow as a dining destination. Whether you're a traveler passing through or a local seeking something fresh, these recently opened restaurants offer unique menus, warm atmospheres, and authentic Alaskan hospitality. Discover your new favorite spot below.
Debbie’s Bistro
Location: Kenai Municipal Airport
Opened: April 2025
Debbie’s Bistro is redefining airport dining with a creative, entirely gluten-free menu and cozy, modern vibes. Located in the Kenai Municipal Airport terminal, this charming bistro offers breakfast and lunch options for travelers and locals alike. Signature dishes include savory waffle sandwiches stacked with roast beef, turkey club, or veggie delights, alongside waffle pizzas and crisp hash brown bowls. Fresh pastries and specialty coffee drinks round out the experience.
Beyond the food, what makes Debbie’s Bistro shine is the feeling of comfort it brings. Whether you're waiting for a flight or stopping in for a weekend brunch, the friendly staff and thoughtful menu create a welcoming space for everyone—including those with dietary restrictions.
Martha’s Cocina
Location: Downtown Kenai
Opened: August 2024
Martha’s Cocina brings bold, fresh flavors and a touch of fiesta to downtown Kenai. This lively Mexican restaurant is family-owned and rooted in tradition, offering a vibrant menu that features everything from sizzling shrimp tacos and halibut ceviche to oversized burritos and house-made enchiladas. It’s the perfect mix of comfort and authenticity, with local seafood incorporated into several dishes.
The warm and festive atmosphere is matched by an impressive bar selection, including top-shelf tequilas and house margaritas that pair beautifully with spicy appetizers. The family behind Martha’s Cocina brings heart to every plate, making this a go-to destination for celebrations, casual dinners, or a satisfying lunch break.
The Glaze
Location: Downtown Kenai
Opened: September 2024
The Glaze is Kenai’s newest destination for hand-crafted donuts and morning indulgence. This family-run donut shop delights guests with a creative array of flavors including cinnamon sugar twists, Bavarian cream-filled classics, lemon-glazed rounds, and oversized fritters. Their donut holes and iced coffee are the perfect grab-and-go combo to start your day.
With a plan to expand into a full-service breakfast café in the future, The Glaze already feels like a community staple. Stop in early to catch your favorites—many sell out fast! It’s a must-visit for donut lovers and anyone looking to experience a sweet side of Alaska.
The Angry Salmon
Location: Anchor Point
Opened: May 2024
After a multi-year restoration of the beloved Anchor River Inn, The Angry Salmon has reopened as one of the most exciting new culinary destinations on the southern Kenai Peninsula. Steeped in local history, the restaurant balances rustic charm and contemporary design, with many original features lovingly preserved.
The menu celebrates the best of Alaskan seafood, with fresh-caught salmon, rockfish, and rotating seasonal dishes. Whether you're unwinding after a day of fishing or gathering with friends for a sunset dinner, The Angry Salmon offers both nostalgia and flavor in equal measure. The setting is picturesque, the staff attentive, and the food always memorable.
Siam Noodles & Food
Location: Kenai (next to Jersey Subs)
Opened: July 2024
Siam Noodles & Food brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand to the heart of Kenai. A second location for the beloved Soldotna restaurant, this new outpost continues the tradition of fresh, flavorful Thai cuisine prepared with passion by the Apaipak and Piwon families.
From steaming bowls of pad Thai and creamy green curry to sweet mango sticky rice and Thai iced tea, every dish is crafted with authentic spices and ingredients. The cheerful, family-style atmosphere and beautifully remodeled interior make it a great place to dine in or take out. It’s quickly becoming a favorite for locals and visitors seeking something different yet delicious.
Plan Your Culinary Adventure
Each of these restaurants offers more than just a meal—they serve up stories, community, and creativity. Whether you're craving comfort food or international flavors, the Kenai Peninsula’s growing food scene has something for everyone. Bookmark this page and explore the tastes of Alaska on your next trip!