Destination Dining Comes to Denali: Culinary Upgrades at Holland America Denali Lodge

From comfort food to Canyon Ridge cuisine: A Taste of Alaska at every turn with new menus highlighting local flavors

Holland America Denali Lodge is elevating the guest experience with an array of culinary enhancements that bring the flavors of Alaska to life. As part of a broader initiative to align land-based offerings with the cruise line’s acclaimed on-board dining, the 2025 season introduces refreshed menus, a reimagined restaurant and a renewed focus on regional authenticity.

These changes reflect the cruise line’s Destination Dining philosophy, which prioritizes freshness and regional influence in menu development. By extending this approach to its land-based properties, Holland America is working to create a seamless culinary narrative across its travel experiences.

“We’ve taken a thoughtful approach to evolving the food and beverage experience at Denali Lodge,” said Marisa Christenson, director of food & beverage operations and development for Holland America Line. “Our goal is to create memorable dining moments that reflect the flavors and spirit of Alaska — from wild salmon smoked chowder and pan-roasted Alaskan cod to cocktails crafted with Denali Spirits and Anchorage Distillery vodkas, and desserts made with local berries. These offerings are part of our broader commitment to Destination Dining, where freshness and regional character shape every dish.”

At the heart of the transformation is the newly renamed Canyon Ridge Grill, formerly Canyon Steakhouse. The updated name reflects a broader culinary vision, with an elevated menu that includes guest favorites from on board, such as Holland America Line Culinary Ambassador David Burke’s Clothesline Candied Bacon. Guests can also enjoy shipboard favorites such as Alaska cod, jumbo lump crab cakes and Wagyu burgers. Beverages include microbrews from Anchorage Brewing Company and an innovative cocktail menu highlighting regional distilleries like Denali Spirits, Anchorage Distillery and Port Chilkoot Distillery—  all served with the breathtaking Alaska wilderness as a backdrop.

Two standouts on the cocktail menu include:

- Old Sourdough: A classic Old Fashioned with an Alaska spin, featuring Port Chilkook Boatwright bourbon from Haines, Alaska; cassia bark bitter from Denali Spirits and Luxardo over a responsibly sourced iceberg cube.

- Wonder Lake Lemonade: House-made lemonade mixed with fresh berries and vodka flavors from Anchorage Distillery, including blueberry, raspberry and fireweed vodka.

Seafood served at Denali Lodge is now certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), ensuring that selections like Alaska halibut and wild-caught salmon are responsibly sourced and traceable. This certification is part of a broader commitment to environmental stewardship and supports healthy fisheries and ocean ecosystems. The lodge’s participation in Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program brings the same high standards found on board to its land-based dining, offering guests fresh, regional seafood with a conscience.

Karstens Public House — a staple in Denali Square — continues to serve hearty Alaska comfort food. The 2025 menu introduces shipboard favorites, including Dive-In Burgers and Dive-In Hot Dogs, alongside beloved Karstens’ classics such as the Beer Battered Halibut and Chips, all-you-can-eat breakfast, Alder Smoked Salmon Chowder and Beecher’s Mac ‘n Cheese.  Guests can also enjoy a stellar lineup of local craft beers from some of Alaska’s best breweries, including Alaskan Brewing, Denali Brewing, Midnight Sun Brewing and 49th State Brewing.

Whether guests are winding down after a day of adventure or looking to keep the fun going, there are culinary choices for everyone. In-room pizza delivery offers a casual, cozy option, while the Music of Denali Dinner Theater at the Gold Nugget Saloon pairs a hearty, family-style feast of Alaskan salmon and smokehouse BBQ with a lively musical retelling of the first ascent of Mt. McKinley.

For a morning boost or midday treat, guests can stop by Grizzly Grind, the lodge’s cozy espresso bar. Located in the Main Lodge, it features local favorites like Steam Dot coffee and Felicity Loft teas, along with a variety of specialty drinks and fresh pastries — perfect for fueling up before the next adventure or unwinding after a day of exploring.

With more enhancements planned for 2026 — including a new coffee house and a full main lodge renovation — Denali Lodge continues to build on its legacy of warm hospitality and local flavor.