Excellence in every way food service ambiance all excelled they should get a James Beard or a Michelin star .

This was a great restaurant. The food was excellent, so excellent that I'm going back tomorrow. It's expensive for Sitka, but the chef is really making very special food. I had garlic soup, which was really unusual. Then I had this halibut which was perfectly cooked, but in this sauce that was fantastic. It came with perfectly grilled asparagus and artichoke risotto. For dessert, I had a lemon cream tart, served with fresh currants from the chef's garden. I decided to go back because I want to try different food, and I'll add to this review if there's anything special to say from that visit. They also have a pretty good wine selection considering we're in Sitka. My complaints are about non-food related things. The place is very small, which means you absolutely have to make a reservation. When I called for a reservation for either Thursday or Friday, the woman on the line told me that there was nothing for Friday, and she could only accommodate me at 5 or 8:30. That was a pain, but I dealt with it. During my dinner, I decided to see if there was a reservation for Friday, even though the night earlier, the woman had made it perfectly clear that there was nothing. But now the two waitresses liked me, and so lo and behold, there was an opening at 7:15 (a prime time!). I took it, of course, but it made me wonder about the whole reservation thing. I think if you're going to be around for awhile, going to the restaurant and making a reservation might be your best bet. The size of the restaurant, which I realize is sort of out of their control, is the reason why I wouldn't give this 5 stars. They're really cramming a bunch of people in (and for good reason, the food is great), but it makes for a very NYC dining experience, and we're in a town of maybe a few thousand. Anyway, if you're in Sitka, try to go here. It lives up to the hype. read more

Delicious seafood and great service! They are open with limited seating with a reservation. Call for a reservation and if there isn't an open table, put in an order for take out. They have a few tables on a lovely patio if the weather is nice. Highly recommend! read more

I know that is Sitka, but it's not all that. Heard from several people that Ludwig's was the best restaurant in Sitka. From some of the other restaurants that this lovely Alaska hamelet has to offer, Ludwig's did not meet the expectations, from the cramped seating that saged, the chiped china, the wait staff that missed timed the meals and reserving, to preparation of the meal that was a little heavy for Mediterranean. read more

We were there back in May and everything was amazing, from the service, to the bread and big salads, the delicious appetizers and entrees! All 4 of us enjoyed our food and we'll definitely visit again if we go back to Sitka. Everything was perfect! read more

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Great place next to the science museum. Delicious sandwiches and chowder!!! Outdoor seating you can watch planes take off and land. Highly recommend. Cute gift shop too. read more

We called made a reservation. We got a voicemail with a confirmation for a time. We called and just wanted to share how delighted we were but the tone changed. And it was gone. Disappointed to say the least. read more

This is a fantastic spot for seafood in Sitka AK! Super personable staff, delicious food, and a great location make this a must stop for dinner in the area. Online reservation system worked perfectly. read more

Never able to get in but they sell the chowder at the visitor center out near the totem park and it's 5-stars for sure. You can sit over the water and enjoy it and it really is amazing chowder - especially on a raw day. That and their bread is a great lunch. read more

Ludvig's is located in the small town of Sitka, Alaska and is a place where you definitely need to make reservations in advance. My friend who lives there made the reservation for a party of 6. The outside of the establishment looks like someone's small house. There is only street parking or parking spaces across the street where you technically aren't supposed to park there. ;) Upon arriving with my party, Ludvig's was not ready for us. On top of that, the place is so small that there is no true waiting area. It was so crammed that the staff rudely told us to step outside and wait in the rain while they quickly cleaned and set our table up. The other half of the party just stayed inside to the staff's annoyance. Just in case Ludvig's didn't know, I did see staff members looking at each other, rolling their eyes, and snickering after getting our table ready. Um... it's not our fault that the table wasn't ready when we were on time there for our reservation. I know it's a touristy area, but we don't do Alaskan time. Way to punish customers with nasty looks for being on time. Okie dokie! Secondly, it's not smart to start off a dinner service with nasty attitudes where your customers can witness it. The restaurant is very tiny and claustrophobic. The seats and tables are very close to each other so if you're looking for a romantic, quiet date, this isn't the place! Fast forward to the food and service. The food is excellent! Everyone in the party enjoyed their dishes. We ordered many items, but the top dishes that stood out were the Ludvig's Chowder and the Wild Alaskan Paella Mixta. Ludvig's chowder is made out of clams, cream, potatoes, chorizo, herbs, and spices. It is like crack and goes for $8/$11 a bowl depending on the size. Who knew that chowder and chorizo would taste so amazing together! The Wild Alaskan Paella Mixta is a traditional Spanish dish with scallops, prawns, calamari, salmon, rockfish, chorizo baked with saffron arborio rice, Spanish vegetables garnished with fresh lemon, and roasted bell peppers. This dish came out sizzling hot! It was very flavorful and delicious! For $44, I say this dish is worth it due to the huge portion and the large amount of seafood that they did not skimp out on. This dish even tastes good as leftovers for the next day! The service was just okay. The lady who tended our table was knowledgeable and knew the answers to our questions about the dishes, but she only showed up a couple of times. I wanted to ask for more lemon wedges near the end of service, but it was very difficult to get her attention. She was either behind the counter sitting down or elsewhere. Mind you, the whole time I was kind of raising my hand to try and get her attention. Finally, someone in my party just got up and asked her to bring me some. Overall, the food is excellent, but I'm not a fan of the "customer service." read more

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High end restaurants in Sitka are geared to the big boat people who can afford to pay high season prices for (usually) mediocre standards stuff. While Ludwig's is a seasonal operation, that's where the similarity with the usual places ends. While prices seem high, portions are gigantic,meaning two may share an entree and a salad, and walk away with a doggie bag. Atmosphere, at least in the downstairs restaurant, is quiet, friendly, intimate. Nine tables, no canned music, Spanish feeling. No glitz. Wine list, exceptionally for Alaska, has a lot of $35 bottles of decent stuff. We shared the house salad (mostly peppery arugula, great vinaigrette dressing), the paella (chorizo accented, totally fresh and ample seafood). The result is not really Spanish, but rather, as described, Alaskan. Dr Loosen Riesling (the bottle) went perfectly. The whole package for two was about $100 with tax and tip. Highest rec. Tip: Ludvig's also has a noontime chowder wagon adjacent to the science museum at the south end of the main town. $12 for a bowl, with bread. Filling, and superb. read more

Ludvig's has the rep for the best place to eat in Sitka. I'd say well deserved. This place can hold it's own with the best restaurants anywhere. Only open during the summer. A small place near the water. Mediterranean in decor & vibe. There's the Bistro upstairs. Entry from the street. A small inside sitting area as well as a deck with views of the water. The happy hour does not give you a break on the wines, you get a chef's choice small plate. Seating in the bistro is first come first serve. We had a glass of wine before our appointed dinner reservation. Even with a dinner reservation we were seated at the bar. The bar seats 4 (our entire party). There's only about 10 tables in the restaurant, it very small space. Thus, the need for reservations. The advantage of sitting at the bar is that you get to watch the food prep and have instant access to the wait staff. We went whole hog, drinks, appetizers, entrees and desserts. The food was excellent. Wait staff was efficient. Expect to drop a dime. on your meal. But it's worth it. read more

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Wow! The restaurant came highly recommended by locals, but it exceeded our expectations. The scallops were to die for, and Margaret was a wonderful waitress that made us feel at home during happy hour upstairs. read more

We had an absolutely delicious dinner here. We just stopped in without a reservation but they worked hard to accommodate us. The calamari was so good, perfectly cooked with such flavorful sauce. Our entrees were fabulous and the dessert a real treat. Yes, our meal was pricey but it was a treat. We sat outside and the tables were close to each other but we enjoyed the meal so much that we did not really mind. When visiting Sitka again, we will be back. read more

This was one of our favorite restaurants EVER, in any state or country. We've made yearly reservations for the past 20 years every time we head to Sitka for our annual fishing trip. We often ate there twice in one week, it was that good! This year we heard the restaurant sold - new ownership, new chef. We hoped it would be the same if not close enough. Sadly, this wasn't the case. The menu is the same, but the taste of the dishes we always get were sub-par. It was extremely disappointing...we lost the jewel of dining there. We won't go back. Super expensive too. For example, paella is served in a cast iron skillet. Ours came in a white bowl; the rice should be a bit crispy on the top & bottom; it was all mushy. The signature chowder was "ok" but again, not the same as before. Salad over-dressed. We did enjoy the bread, however. We had to pay for it, previous owner provided a basket with different types and a delicious seasoned olive oil for dipping. That is gone. And to be fair, our server was a DELIGHT. Professional, kind, helpful, & courteous (hence the 2 stars for her). We are heartbroken! read more

We love eating here whenever we can. Local foods made to melt in our mouths. When we want a lite night we head upstairs to Rio's, their tapas bar. read more

Ludvig's Bistro - New American Near Me - Sitka, Alaska

If you are Stopping in after a fish hatchery tour, you must try the clam chowder! Delicious.

This place was wonderful. I went the last night of my trip in Juneau and was wonderfully surprised by the quality of the food and service.

Best Paella I've ever had!! Best restaurant in Sitka by far. Make reservations early in your planning!

BEST FOOD IN SITKA!! Hands down. This restaurant is very small and intimate; the kind of place where you go to enjoy the people or person you're with and don't mind the menu prices. To eat here you have to have a reservation which are usually full so I would call days in advance. My husband and I sat at a small two seat table that had bread, oil with garlic, water, menus and a cute little tea candle light waiting for us. We first ordered drinks then an app of calamari. He ordered the special- duck breast with a spinach/pea/cherry tomato and gnocchi and I had the grilled salmon with tomato orzo broccolini and pickles yellow beats. Both dishes were perfect! Overall experience was great aside from the group of seven drunk (they had just come from P bar) tourists that came in and were practically screaming at each other from across the table to the point I had to ask them to keep their voices down as this is a small romantic area. For this reason I couldn't give 5/5 stars because me, a customer, having to ask other guests to quite down should have been done by the employees. I could tell in our servers face that she didn't know what to do in this situation which is shocking because other reviews also complain of it being too loud. Our bill came to about $200 with three glasses of wine, one appetizer, two main dishes and the tip. Would recommend if your money is not too tight and don't mind sitting elbow to elbow! read more

Not overrated. Staff friendly, local and competent; food perfection itself; intimate setting. Book ahead. Happily accommodated special dietary requests. read more

Ludvig's Bistro - Bent copper pipe wine rack - New American Near Me - Sitka, Alaska

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We had dinner at this highly recommended place and we are going back tonight. Tiny cozy place with excellent service and tasty food. We sat at the counter (reservations are made in advance and hard to get a table). Our favorite dish was king salmon collars. We almost swallowed our tongs it was so good. Exactly what we expect from food in Alaska: exceptional fish. Thumbs up to the chef Colette Nelson and her team! read more

I have read the reviews here and have to laugh at some of the lower ratings that include "too noisy" "too pricey' etc. Well - I get that but deal with it. It's worth it for the food and the ambiance is what it is and you go in knowing it's a small venue. We are pretty well traveled and love dining out, so just because we live in Juneau it doesn't mean we are food deprived. I would put Ludvigs up against the finest that Seattle has to offer. We were so glad to get a spot (yes we called ahead) at the counter during a Sitka visit and for what will be our last Ludvigs meal of the season. The servers are on top of it, they are professional, and very knowledgeable about wines. Collette and her staff in the kitchen are superb and our food was beyond delicious. I can wait only wait until spring because this meal will sustain me. We shared a Caesar (great dressing, which is the trick with Caesar) and I had the king salmon on orzo with artichoke etc. My husband had Cioppino with yellow eye, calamari and salmon. Then the chocolate torte. Paired with great wine. If you get the chance do not miss this opportunity and yes, call ahead as far in advance as you can. If you get seated at the counter, that is not 2nd choice, it's actually quite nice. Thank you Colette for offering a small SE community such an amazing fine dining experience. read more

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I know why this is the best restaurant in Alaska!!! I haven't actually been to Ludvigs yet, but I've been upstairs to the wine bar, Rio's, multiple times. Both places are owned by the same couple and are named after their dogs that passed. Rio's has a very homey and local feel to it. The ambiance is wonderful, so warm and inviting, and I love all the colors. The food is expensive but it is SO worth every dollar!! Rio's has a select number of tapas, salads, entrees, and desserts that are also served at Ludvig's (I think..). They also have a very nice wine list! And their homemade bread is AMAZING!! I cried when I ate my dessert as well. It was too good. The sea salt reallyyy makes it. I'm finally going to Ludvig's next week and I will update this review once I experience there! I'm sure it'll be just as wonderful! read more

Ludvig's Bistro - Mediterranean platter w/ dolmades, olives, hummus, tahini, crackers, &feta Caesar salad w/ baguette slices Glasses of Pinot Grigio & Malbec - New American Near Me - Sitka, Alaska

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We left our house at 5:30am on a Thursday and two flights later we were in Sitka. We had gained 3 hours so we had plenty of time to explore the town. We shopped like crazy fools and when it felt like it was 11:00 pm at least we decided to seek a place for dinner. Since it was only 5:00 pm in reality we thought, no problem. Thursday night 5 pm we can go anywhere we want and where we wanted was Ludvig's. It was the only recommendation we got from the locals. About 5:05 pm we walk through the door to a full restaurant and after greeting us the lovely women who work here asked us "Do you have a reservation?" We did not and there were no tables for hours and hours. But, they offered us a spot at the front bar/counter. YES! We sat our tired bodies down and had the meal of a lifetime. Fabulous but spicy chowder, divine salad and salmon that was exquisite. Finished it off with a coffee and chocolate dessert. The ladies were super friendly to us and a local couple who snapped up the last two chairs at the counter chatted us up the whole meal. This kind of magnificent cooking does not come cheap, our tab was 150.00 with tip and we didn't have any booze. And it was worth every penny. If you're not prepared to drop that kind of coin, move on down the road. We went back to the hotel and crashed our sleep fueled by fabulous food and total sleep deprivation. If you're ever in Sitka you have to try this restaurant, it's magnificent. But make a reservation first! read more

Best food in town. Have the smoked black cod with cream sauce and blueberries. Great God Almighty. $$$$ but worth it.

We stood outside this restaurant today and a young lady volunteered it was "the best restaurant in alaska." I can't say whether that is true but it was the best place we dined in our 3 day stay in Sitka. We had appetizers of scallops with prosciutto, cow's milk cheese with figs, Caesar salad, clam chowder with chorizo, and a truly unique white king salmon with gazpacho. All were expertly prepared and memorable. There were only 4 tables available given our group of 8 taking up the bulk of the space in this tiny eatery a couple hundred yards from the bay. Had a delightful Elk Cove Pinot noir with the salmon. Ludvig's borders on 5 stars, maybe one short given the confined space. Good service, great food. Clearly worth a try! Reservations essential. read more

Ludwig's runs a chowder cart next to the science center in the mill building. The clam chowder is spicy and delicious served with complimentary homemade rosemary bread. House made chorizo makes it spicy. Great rest stop on way from Sitka national historical park. read more

Hands down must-visit restaurant in Sitka. Food was amazing. We ordered the Black Cod and Linguini, both were very delicious and portions were plentiful. The atmosphere is very classy and makes you feel like you're in a local restaurant in Spain. The waitresses were very friendly and it was just an amazing experience. read more

Aye at the little satellite location beside the science Center that's open for lunch. Chowder was the best I've ever had. Followed by king salmon. Fresh, moist, tender and tasty. read more

Ok...we are from San Diego...looking for fresh salads and great grilled meats...guess what?! You will find it at Ludwig's... we ate at the wine bar both b nights...u should too! read more

Managed to get a couple of seats at the bar without a reservation, lucky us! One of our best meals during our 8 days in Sitka! We shared the grilled king salmon over asparagus and creamy angel hair pasta, slightly lemony...just fabulous! Then since we watched the chef prepare the creme brule so lovingly, we had to try it, and found many complex flavors and textures, just incredible. The waitress, April, was attentive, kind and efficient. Wonderful, wonderful. Best to make a reservation! read more

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Ludvig's is a one of a kind eating experience. I used to live in Sitka and the only thing I really miss about this little town is Ludvig's. Never had a bad meal here and I used to eat here regularly. The service is excellent and the food even better! This restaurant in any big city would be a landmark due to the quality of the meal and it's owners who are amazing chefs. If you find yourself in Sitka, eat here, this is a true Sitka experience. read more

Got a hot date and don't know where to take them? Try Ludvig's! Take that wonderful person to a fine dinner (downstairs) or go straight to the wine bar (upstairs) and enjoy your drinks either inside or outside the balcony. Although, I don't remember what wine my girl friend and I were drinking but it was deliciously-strong white wine, I'm guessing Pinot, finished a bottle of that and woo! It was great. On the side, we ordered a cheese platter. Everything was excellent including the service. read more

Ludvig's Bistro - We gettin all fancy here. - New American Near Me - Sitka, Alaska

We were lucky to get reservation here on the last night of season. All the selections are large volume and high quality. You will spend some money here but the quality and quantity is worth it. The chowder was excellent and very meaty with good spice. The seafood paella was outstanding and hearty. It was much better than what we had in Spain. We split an order and took left overs home. The chocolate torte was also outstanding. This place reminds us of places in Europe but the food quantity is much more. The only negative was our house salad was a little acidic - too much vinegar. read more

Think again about dining at Ludvig's. Overpriced, very dry, heavily salted meals; specifically, the halibut and rockfish. Atmosphere cramped and noisy. Its owner and chef, Colette Nelson, reacted to politely voiced complaints with apathy. The water was good. (Where's a Long John Silver's when you need one!) read more

Due to all the praise and clearly content foodies, I reserved a table for two several days before arriving in Sitka---thank goodness. Just two handfuls of tables available, in a darling setting. Great waitstaff too. We had previewed the food by trying out the chowder at lunchtime in another location (next to science center). Yummy, with a nice spicy kick to it. The gal running that venue highly recommended the paella or steak at Ludvig's. She further advised that the food was plentiful and we could easily share. Ludvig's did not disappoint. I would be tempted to fly back to Sitka someday soon, just to enjoy another meal of outstanding food. read more

Ludvig's is the best in Sitka, hands down. Excellent food, polite service, and Colette is a primo chef! It rivals downtown Seattle small restaurants, has a great atmosphere, and the food is fresh, fresh. Try the calamari - if it was prepared like this everywhere, squid would be an endangered species! Get reservations - the word is out. read more

We had two lovely dinners here. The service is exceptional, food expertly prepared, and the ambiance, while a bit dark, does have an intimate, warm feel. Call early for reservations. If booked, leave your number and they will call if space becomes available! Our favorites included the chowder (so rich and flavorful), scallops appetizer, lamb and duck entree, and the chocolate torte (heavenly). Portions are generous! Definitely worth the splurge. read more

Ludvig's Bistro - The lamb and duck entree - New American Near Me - Sitka, Alaska

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As good a restaurant as I have found with outstanding service. We first found Ludvig's thanks to Hank's Cab 2016 They were packed but we go a seat the bar and Fairweather scallops and White King Salmon from Kodiak were fantastic. My friend has been in Alaska for 42 years and I have traveled a lot of the world and we both just rave about Sitka and everything is the best. We are headed back June 27-July1 2018 for Sitka Music Festival and Jazz Festival and Hank's Cab Festival. Just a super super super for a short vacation. read more