Olivia’s Bistro - SKAGWAY

Alaska is an expensive place and Skagway is no different; but when you go to a restaurant here, you at least hope you will get what you pay for. I think Olivia’s Bistro gives you just that. The halibut chowder (although at $18/bowl was more expensive than most we tried) was superb….a lot of halibut, and stand-up-spoon thick. I matched that up w a smoked salmon Caesar salad that was equally delicious…with a load of the best cuts of lettuce (not just a handful of partially wilted store bought greens), a wonderful home made dressing and a “school” of smoked salmon. The price was actually lower than any pre-made salad with a handful of chicken. Lastly my wife had “Bang bang” shrimp ….similar to the shrimp of the same name that Bonefish Grill made famous; BUT, this was made with 6 extra large battered shrimp in a very nice sauce. Again this appetizer (worthy of a meal) was priced very reasonably when compared to other app’s of much less quality. Overall, Olivia’s Bistro is a very very nice place…clean, attractive with great food worth the relatively reasonable prices. (NOTE: while we were there for a light late lunch, I can’t imagine the entrees wouldn’t be equally fantastic) You’ll feel like you struck Yukon gold with Olivia’s Bistro in the Skagway Inn.

Very expensive, but good food. Great gorgonzola fries, the fish and chips were very light and good.

This restaurant had been recommended to us by one of the shuttle bus drivers so we were looking forward to a really good experience. Our server was preoccupied during our entire visit, sitting and chatting with a friend at another table. Our appetizers arrived at the same time as our main course. The food was not hot to begin with so while we were eating our chowder, our main course was sitting there getting cooler. At no time did our server come and ask us if we needed anything or if our food was good. In other words not what one would normally expect during dinner. It was a shame really because the food was tasty, just not served at the proper temperature nor in the proper sequence. Very disappointed.

Adorable low key restaurant with lovely food and great service. The smoked salmon dip was splendid. We felt lucky to get a table after the lunch rush.

The best meal I’ve had in three weeks in Alaska! The salmon gnocchi was superb. Desserts are house made. Well worth walking an extra two or thee blocks to get to. I’m in Skagway another day I’ll be back for lunch tomorrow. I was there for dinner. Cruise passengers are mostly back on their ships by dinner in Skagway, so there were few other patrons for dinner. This made my experience even better. The wait staff was super and genuinely friendly. I felt I had new friends in Skagway, who happen to be great cooks, by the time I left. Highly recommended! One mildly confusing thing: the restaurant seems to be called both “Olivia’s” and “Alaska House.” They are one and the same.