The Seven Glaciers Restaurant is a distinctive fine dining experience located in Girdwood, Alaska, perched atop Mount Alyeska at the Alyeska Resort.
What Makes it Unique
The restaurant’s primary unique feature is its spectacular location and access:
- Mountain-Top Setting: Situated 2,300 feet above sea level, it offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the Turnagain Arm, the Chugach Mountain range, and the surrounding glaciers. The name pays homage to the seven majestic glaciers visible from its vantage point: Crow, Raven, Eagle, Clear, Goat, Milk, and Alyeska Glaciers.
- Aerial Tram Access: The only way to reach the restaurant is via a scenic, complimentary five-to-six-minute aerial tram ride from the base of the mountain (with an advance dinner reservation). This journey itself is part of the extraordinary dining experience.
- Awards and Recognition: It consistently earns the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award and is recognized by Wine Spectator with the Best of Award of Excellence, and has been named one of Wine Enthusiast’s “America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants.”
History
Seven Glaciers is part of the Alyeska Resort complex, which began as a ski resort. Alyeska Resort itself opened its first ski lift and the historic Roundhouse in the 1960s. Seven Glaciers was established as the resort’s premier dining venue, offering a luxurious experience to complement the world-class outdoor adventures. Its position atop the mountain, accessible by the aerial tram, has been central to its identity since its inception.
Highlight Menu Items and Cuisine
The restaurant specializes in Alaska Contemporary cuisine, focusing on high-quality, local, and seasonal Alaskan ingredients. The menu is typically a prix fixe chef’s tasting menu (often 3- to 6-courses) that emphasizes:
- Local Seafood: Featuring Alaska’s freshest catches, such as King Salmon, Alaskan Halibut, and shellfish.
- Wild Game and Produce: Incorporating local wild game and seasonally foraged produce.
- Signature Desserts: A must-try is the Baked Alyeska, the restaurant’s famous version of the classic Baked Alaska, often featuring local berries or unique flavors.
- Award-Winning Wine List: The restaurant maintains an extensive and highly-regarded wine cellar to pair perfectly with its menu.
Iconic dishes mentioned in customer feedback often include the Scallop Bisque, Ceviche with Alaskan halibut, and local seafood and game preparations.
Customer Feedback
Customer feedback generally praises the following:
- Atmosphere and Views: The panoramic views are consistently described as spectacular, breathtaking, and the main draw, often cited as some of the best bar and dining views in North America.
- Food Quality: Reviewers frequently compliment the high quality of the food, the delicious flavors, and the creativity of the chefs.
- Service: The staff is often described as professional, knowledgeable, and attentive, providing exceptional fine dining service.
- Value: While acknowledged as a very high-end and expensive experience, most guests feel the overall experience (tram, view, food, and service) is worthwhile for a special occasion.
Significant Events
While the restaurant itself hosts many private events, weddings, and special dining series (like multi-course wine dinners), the most significant recurring events tied to its prestige are the consistent annual receipt of the AAA Four Diamond Award and its various Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast recognitions, underscoring its status as one of Alaska’s top fine dining establishments.
Contact and Location Information
As Seven Glaciers is part of the Alyeska Resort, much of its information is tied to the resort.
- Address: Upper Tram Terminal at Alyeska Resort, 1000 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood, AK 99587, United States.
- Phone Number: +1 (907) 754-2237
- Website: The restaurant’s information, reservations, and sample menus are typically found on the Alyeska Resort website. Look for the “Seven Glaciers” page under the Dining section (e.g.,
alyeskaresort.com/seven-glaciers/).
