Fine Dining

You can’t miss Café Cups (162 W. Pioneer Dr., 907/235-8330, www.cafecupsofhomer.com [1], Tues.–Sat. 4:30–9:30 p.m., entrées $22–30)—four Alaska-size teacups hang from the front of the converted house. Lunches feature creative sandwiches, salads, and savories, and dinners encompass everything from Kachemak Bay [2] oysters and chicken coconut curry to baby back ribs and “Dave’s twisted fettuccine.” I usually opt for the daily specials, especially the fresh seafood. Cups gets crowded and noisy, so call ahead for reservations. A small side patio is fun on warm afternoons.

Homer [3]’s fine-dining place, The Homestead Restaurant (907/235-8723, www.homesteadrestaurant.net [4], daily 5–10 p.m. late Mar.–Sept., Wed.–Sat. 5–9 p.m. Oct.–Dec., closed Jan.–late Mar., entrées $22–34) is eight miles out on East End Road. The ever-changing menu specializes—not surprisingly—in fresh Alaskan seafood, but also features made-at-your-table Caesar salads and melt-in-your-mouth prime rib (just $19 if you get there at 5 p.m.). Homestead is open for dinner only, and it is where locals go for a special-event meal. Reservations are strongly advised, especially for the window seats. Also be sure to check out Fritz Creek Store, directly across the road.

Another place that gets high marks is Fat Olives Restaurant (276 Olson Lane, 907/235-8488, daily 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. summer, 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m. winter, $16–29). The setting evokes a trendy Italian bistro, and the menu stars wood-fired pizzas, calzones, fresh salmon, Kachemak Bay [2] oysters, seafood pasta, and delicious appetizers (including a champagne three-cheese fondue). It’s noisy and fun, perfect for kids and adults. Fat Olives is just off the Homer Bypass as you enter town. In a hurry? Get a giant thin-crust pizza slice to go for $5.

At the very tip of the Spit [5] is Land’s End Resort, where panoramic views and a big beachside deck are the main attractions. The Chart Room Restaurant (907/235-0400 or 800/478-0400, www.lands-end-resort.com [6]) at Lands End is open for three meals a day, serving seafood, steaks, prime rib, and daily dinner specials.