Ludvig's Bistro

Ludwig’s restaurant delivered an exceptional dining experience on its opening night, offering a warm and inviting ambiance that immediately set the tone for an enjoyable evening. The carefully curated course meal selections showcased a thoughtful balance of flavors, with each dish executed to perfection. The chowder stood out as a highlight, boasting a well-calibrated blend of spice and richness that kept me craving more. The scallop appetizer was exquisitely prepared, featuring tender, succulent bites that exemplified culinary finesse. Portion sizes were generous and appropriately priced, ensuring a satisfying yet refined experience. The venison medallions, a true standout, were impeccably cooked, offering a harmonious combination of bold flavor and delicate texture. Wine selections were impeccable, complementing the menu with a well-rounded variety suited to discerning palates. This location is a surefire choice for an exceptional meal, further elevated by the convenience of reservations, which ensure a seamless dining experience free from unnecessary wait times. The wait staff excelled in their attentiveness, displaying professionalism and genuine warmth that enhanced the evening. Ludwig’s was a memorable highlight of my Alaska fishing trip vacation, a perfect way to savor the final moments before returning to the hustle and bustle of northern Virginia and the Beltway.

The food was fantastic, the new menu has many options that looked so delicious. Go early, it fills up fast, and the pistachio cheesecake might be gone. Go online and make a reservation.

Delicious food and amazing atmosphere. Staff members are also very polite. I went with a group of ladies and we had an amazing time! Chef Edith came to greet us and made sure everything was great for us. Definitely can’t wait to go back again.

This is the hot spot in town. Get your reservations early. Don’t forget your wallet! $$ $ Ludwig’s Bistro is great. They combine Spanish notes and rich flavors to bring their colorful dishes alive. Chorizo plays a big role in the chowder and beef I the paella. The steak was the all star. The paella came in next. The chowder did not live up to the hype for me, but I was happy that I tried it and finished a full bowl. I’ll go to the cart next time. Overall the flavors were there and they were unique. The interior of the restaurant was creatively designed with a Spanish Mediterranean eye for detail. Crafty and cute. It was very cozy and the window seat allowed a perfect view of the sunset. The service was five stars. They were friendly and we won shirts! Visit this place. Order anything. Enjoy. Cheers.

Ludvig’s made a strong first impression during its soft opening, offering a cozy and intimate space that feels thoughtfully curated. The atmosphere is warm and charming. Although we had a reservation for the upstairs dining area, we sat at the bar due to diners lingering at their tables—this suggests there is room for improvement in managing reservations. We started with the artichoke appetizer, which was bright, flavorful, and perfectly portioned. The Elk Ragu Pappardelle Crown was the standout dish: rich, deeply savory, and elegantly plated. Parking is limited, so it's wise to plan accordingly. The service was attentive, and the wine selection included a well-rounded list that beautifully complemented the menu. Overall, Ludvig’s is another favorite spot to dine out in Sitka, AK.

10 of us were lucky enough to be able to sit on the balcony at Ludvigs on a beautiful spring night. Right off the bat the service was impeccable,by Emmy. had the Tuscan prawns for appetizer, the Shrimp romesco as an Andreand Picasso for the dessert. Everything was Prepared beautifully. And was absolutely delicious. I’m embarrassed &happy to say most of us cleaned our plates. It was such a lovely night, as we were celebrating a friend’s birthday. Then Chef Edith came to give well wishes to birthday girl-she also thanked us for coming in. I cannot wait to eat here again. A++

Ludvig’s is pure Sitka magic. If you’re lucky enough to get a table (reserve early!), you’re in for a truly special meal, and get a taste of what Sitkans love most about our home. Chef Edith’s menu celebrates Indigenous ingredients and whole food delicacies; she’s got innovative pairings unlike anywhere else I’ve eaten, but Ludvig’s is also just GOOD eating, nothing flashy for flash’s sake. This feels like ‘real food’ at its finest; harvest and hook/line to table, handmade, and served up in a spot that feels like your cool friend’s well-decorated home. Good music, art, and easygoing but attentive service. Zero complaints, love this place and what means to Sitka. Plus I could eat their bread & oil until my last breath.

An incredible culinary experience that should be a requirement when visiting Sitka. Although only open seasonally, this restaurant joins a long list of reasons why you should visit Sitka in the summer. The food is amazing, service is impeccable and ambiance is fantastic. Don't forget to make a reservation! You won't regret it.

We had the pleasure of having dinner for our 40th wedding anniversary here. It was amazing! The staff went out of their way to make sure we had had wonderful evening. The food was amazing! I would recommend a trip to Ludvig's if you get the chance!

Spicy! The clam chowder had good flavor with the chorizo and bacon, but those were the dominant flavors in the *clam chowder*. I found 2 little clams in my 8 oz cup. More on the watery side, it was more like a soup than a thick, creamy chowder. Served with a slice of bread, it did hit the spot when the weather turned a bit chilly. At $11 for an 8 ounce container, this is pricy even for Alaska standards. My 8 oz cup and my niece's 16 oz bowl was almost $29 including tax!

About the best food you will find in Sitka. Wonderful ambience and quaint location, a small refined yet unassuming little hideaway near the docks. Ludvig's brings a touch of class and Mediterranean cuisine to the sleepy Alaskan town. Upon arriving the restaurant was only about half full, a counter style bar and traditional table seating downstairs and a nice enclosed upstairs area as well. My server greeted me and quickly brought me a coffee. She offered me drip or french press, I actually ended up trying both, with a noticeable increase in quality and flavor with the latter! The menu looks great, I was leaning toward the wonderful madame cristo but ended up going with a croissant Benedict after my servers suggestion, which may have been a mistake! The Benedict was reasonably tasty, the hollandaise was well prepared and tasty, but the eggs were definitely over cooked sadly, more soft boiled than poached. The potatoes on the side were very crispy, to the point I feel it was a mistake from sitting out, and lastly I found the croissant, which is traditionally a dainty thing to be massive and kind of too much to be honest. Overall I did like the dish, the thin sliced ham was delicious, but next time I'll definitely be having one cristo or another I should think. In conclusion I do recommend the place! There are precious few good restaurants in Sitka, and more to the point I was pleasantly surprised at the value as well. Come in and try!

Wow!! What an amazing experience! Jeremy did a great job. I ordered the Cavatelli. The restaurant is small but they were able to accommodate us even though it was a last minute. No complaints at all!!

This place is amazing. High-quality service food is phenomenal. Best place in Sitka by far. If you're in the area and want a great meal this is the best place to go

You'll need to plan ahead with reservations to get into this restaurant. Sat on the balcony on a lovely sunny day. Enjoyed the halibut and scallops. My colleagues enjoyed their pasta and the salmon. They're known for their chowder which I had tried at the Chowder Cart at The Science Center, and it was excellent. The service at the restaurant was great. A relaxed and friendly place.

If you want to get the best meal in Sitka, you need to go to Ludvigs!! I've been trying to get a table here for a while, but because of my schedule when I am in Sitka, it hasn't worked out, BUT today! Today was the day!! I was able to get a seat and enjoy some amazing food along with top-notch customer service. And I can say from the moment I walked in the front door I knew I was going to enjoy everything about this. Thank you to my server, Casey!! She was so wonderful and knowledgeable in helping me select a wine to go with my Spot Prawn Carbonara. Thank you to the chefs who made this delightful dish, too. I was even able to talk with the owner of the restaurant, Edith. Which was just the cherry on top. Recommended fully and will be back.

We were really looking forward to a fabulous dinner and were very disappointed. The service was excellent from our waitress which was the best part. We started with a wild mushroom appetizer and it was wonderful. The sauce was rich and earthy which went well with the various mushrooms and the surprise of feta cheese went very well, best thing we ate all night. Next we ordered the chowder and it was ok. I liked the spice of the chorizo with lots of clams and potatoes. It could have been just a bit thinner, very thick. We spit an order of paella and it came in a bowl not a skillet as it should. The rice was thick and gooey like a bad risotto. We tried a few bites and sent it back. It was not paella by any definition. The prawn special was ok. They took the paella back and brought the prawn special. The prawns were good, well cooked a bit of char and spice with well cooked. The rice again was awful. It was the same mushy over cooked rice and no flavor. Very disappointed. They did remove both entrees from our bill. I believe there are new owners and the group we were with have been going for 20 years and were also disappointed with the food and said it was not the same. If you go I would order the pasta it was very flavorful, good sauce and chorizo.

Absolutely smashed the summer menu out of the park. The place smelled like fresh flowers and the staff were super attentive and knowledgeable. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the ambience and food. I am a die-hard fan of the linguine but the Katlian special , recommended by our server Casey, was the surprise star of the night. I'd eat here every day if I could!

Introduction: This is for the Ludvig's lunch chowder restaurant part of the science museum east of downtown on the way to the Sitka National Historic Park. My parents & I were on a cruise in southeastern Alaska in September 2016. I had written a Yelp review on a somewhat isolated place in Virginia, and I was thinking of the most isolated place I could come up with was Sitka, AK as you can't get it by car. Juneau is about 850 miles by car/ferry to a major city, Anchorage. Ketchikan is about 800 miles a combo of ferry & road to Victoria, BC. Sitka is between the two. Cruise Recommendation/Parents vs My Mindset: At one of the events on the cruise ship, the presenter talked about various things to see when we stopped in Sitka. She went on about how she highly recommended that people should definitely try Ludvig's chowder and was the best she's had in her opinion. So, I kept that in mind and mentioned that I wanted to try to my parents. My parents & I had different mindsets for the cruise regarding the food. Their position was the food is included on the ship and that we should only eat what's included on the ship, and while I agree to generally eat on the ship, I figured to splurge and eat maybe experience a couple of the local cuisine off the ship. I had suggested we eat at some restaurant in Juneau, and that's where my parents first said we aren't eating in town. So, we waited to eat on the ship. However, with Ludwig's I would just get myself, and my parents would just chill. Food/Price: It was $12 for a chowder bowl with came with a hunk of bread and got a cup of water. The price is steep for a modest size bowl of soup, but I wanted to try the local cuisine because it was a rare opportunity for me plus the presenter on the cruise raved about the place. I will even say the soup was excellent. WATER: However, my dad NEEDED water and asked the woman for a cup. She rudely said you have be a paying customer. She could clearly see he was with me, and that I forked out the $12 for the soup. Note: Prior to 2017 when my dad had surgery, my dad had a choking/swallowing problem, and he had some food from breakfast on the ship that morning of Thursday, 9/8/16 that was stuck in his throat (which was common for him on any given meal). It would take him a very long time to finish a meal and would need way more water to get through a meal. Frankly, this woman was not friendly to me. I felt she could care less about my experience or anyone, and really seemed like her main motivation was obtaining the tourists (& locals) money. Ultimately, I had to share my cup with my dad. She completely soured the experience, and a cup wouldn't cost anything, and she could've had a 4 or 5 star review. And while I was half paying attention as I was mostly focused on my chowder. My dad talked about it after the fact, and he was right! My dad thought that Ludwig's could be paying Holland America (or any of the cruise lines) to highly recommend and suggest to passengers. It wouldn't surprise me if my dad was right on that, but can't really say for sure. Conclusion: Overall, I do NOT recommend because giving a water cup was not an expensive request and the humane thing to do. The reason it gets 2-stars and not 1 was that it was excellent and I was not the one being denied the water, but the fact is that anyone who operates a business this way is not one I will support.

We didn't realize the need to make reservations at Ludvig's far in advance. So we showed up at 5p taking a chance at a cancellation. Initially we thought we were out of luck. Then a waiter chased after us, as someone phoned in a cancel. It was our lucky day. The food presents as a work of art. I had the Wild Alaska Paella Mixta. Scallops, rockfish, calamari, prawns, chicken, chorizo, and Spanish rice. There was a lot of food. And it was excellent. All with a great atmosphere and great view of the channel. We highly recommend. But make your reservations well in advance.

Very disappointing. Notwithstanding its reputation, which it continues to take seriously as evidenced by its $35.00 reservation fee, it fails drastically to meet expectations. The restaurant reportedly serves excellent paella, a quintessential Spanish dish. Before ordering, we asked our server if the restaurant considered itself Spanish. She said that the previous owner considered it Spanish, but that the current owner bought the restaurant a year ago and was making changes. An understatement. Not as glimmer of a star. We have enjoyed paella in several places in Spain and the US and have made it frequently at home, so we knew what to expect. Instead, we were served a soggy wet, rice-based seafood paste in a bowl. Not a whiff of saffron or any wonderful crusty rice from the bottom of the steel pan. Reminiscent of college food service goo from a steam table. The service was attentive and personable (*****) in a pleasant setting upstairs (****).

Wow. We lucked out on our last evening in Sitka with a last-minute table at Ludvig's. Normally reservations are needed so plan well in advance. When we found out they were booked, we turned to leave but a young waiter chased us down and said they had a table for us. Great customer service there! I had the Katlian Special - king salmon and grilled scallops over corn polenta. My husband had the Wild Alaskan Paella Mixta with scallops, prawns, king salmon and more over a bed of saffron rice. It was a great meal with great service and a warm, friendly atmosphere. They also had several good Alaskan craft beers and a good selection of wines. We noticed another table brought their own bottle of wine that the restaurant decanted and served. Pretty sure I've never seen that at any Ohio restaurant I've been to. Overall this was a great dining experience and I'm so glad it worked out for us.

Fantastic service and great food - celebrated Mel's 23rd birthday. Enjoyed the quietness and ambiance.

Loads of yummy celiac safe options here! Our server, Brooks, was amazing and very knowledgeable about the menu ingredients! We ended up sharing the Mushrooms for an app and then shared the calamari, beef skewers and clam chowder. All gluten free!! We even shared the crème brûlée for dessert. Had a lovely glass of montepulciano vino which was perfect with the meal. You have to make a res and pay a deposit of like $70 and they refund you when you show up. Would recommend the food was super tasty and cooked perfectly!

Had a great night sharing drinks and desserts with friends in the upstairs bistro! I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent there and greatly appreciated our server Caroline's service!

A quick visit to Sitka included a last minute reservation at Ludvig's- we got lucky! A small space, they do their best with sound mediation and it got loud when a big party arrived. Wine list offered a good selection and out party was very happy with our entrees of Salmon, Paella, Chorizo Linguini! Appetizer was scallops and dessert choices included crème brûlée and chocolate cake. I feel like we are our way through a significant portion of the menu- fabulous! Great service too, attentive fun and respectful!

Excellent King Salmon and Chocolate Torte. Excellent Service Ambiance Good but unfortunately so mixed up all I can say is that it is a restrauant in search of an identity. The name, wall art/decor, menus, Mexican music (are you kidding me) all send different messages as to the image that they are trying to convey. It is very pricey but was worth the cost of an excellent meal. The $140.00 (that's right folks) reservation fee was a bit steep don't you think? We would return hoping to find a little more cohesive ambiance.

Choices are always changing and that makes coming here so much fun! The ambience at this establishment is very welcome and intimate.

NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE!! A $300 dinner for 4, mostly appetizers and only one main dish (paella) that was too salty to eat! I'm usually one to add salt to meals but this was inedible. The scallops were delicious but the sauce, capers and prosciutto were too salty as well. We let our waiter know and there was no offer to make things right. We have been to Ludwig's several times over the last 10 years. Was hoping the quality would be the same or better. Not what it used to be...Disappointing!

While on a short excursion in Sitka, I visited the Sitka Sound Science center, the gift shop had a small popup from Ludvig's Bistro. They offered a clam chowder, cookies, sandwiches and drinks. I would suggest trying their chowder, it was delicious. It does have a slight bite from the chorizo but has a wonderful flavor. I love clam chowder and am a stickler on it. When I say it was delicious, it was delicious. It is pricey however, a small bowl and I can of coke totaled like $15. I would buy it again, however to me it is costly.

Ludwig's is, by far, the finest dining in Southeast Alaska and maybe all of Alaska. I've lived in Southeast for 20 years and the finest piece of fish I've ever eaten was a perfectly done chunk of White King. The entire menu is solid and I am sad that the last several times I've been to SIT they were closed. It's a very small place, so reservations are a must and as far in advance as possible.

Ok, so this is universally renound as the best restaurant in Sitka, AK...I can tell u that it isn't even close to a casual place like Beaks (which I reviewed earlier). The atmosphere was nice, and the staff was great!! Even the presentation of the food was pretty damn high quality. All signs pointed towards a great dinner. But eventually, when seated on an outdoor balcony, the gnats become a little much when there isn't any bug deterrent nearby. That being said, the food; the bread was cold and the olive oil mix was flavorless, but overall the bread was fine. The beef skewers were actually really really good. Perfectly cooked tender pieces of beef, with a nice char, great marinade, served along with feta cheese, red bell peppers and tsziki (spell check haha) sauce. Delicious!! But the entrées were the main problem, and for the price point, a pretty big problem. The Salmon, was cooked perfectly, but tasted like it had no flavor at all. Served over an overcooked, yet still separated risotto in a far too thin sauce (which is how over cooked risotto doesn't stick together). The linguine with chorizo, pancetta, and a tomato cream sauce topped with parm and pecorino Romano...cooked au dente!! Can't go wrong, right? Well the sauce seemed like kraft mac no cheese sauce when u add too much milk or don't cook it down enough...not thick. But the main problem was that somehow with chorizo, pancetta, and cheese...there was no hint of flavor or salt in the dish. It is as if they ran out of salt, or had a chef with a goiter they didn't want to offend by using sodium in their dish. I was excited about this dish too!! But it wasn't just the lack of salt, there was no acidity either...had the sauce not been a reddish color I wouldn't have known tomatoes were used in anyway. It was bizarre, like eating plain pasta, covered in a "blank sauce" (which is a term im copyrighting). I wanted to love this place, had to make reservations weeks in advance...but the hype makes the disappointment more palpable. No salt, no seasoning...an odd meal. Harissa beef skewers were the saving grace of this meal.

I hold to the belief that the best place to eat in South East Alaska is somewhere in a home with friends or family with seafood you caught yourself earlier. If you are not so fortunate to have this arrangement, Ludvigs bistro is not a bad option. It's actually quite amazing and is a real gem in Sitka's food scene. I have been here on 2 occasions, both with groups in different years and it has always been fabulous. The menu is constantly changing so nothing is ever the same when I come back. Stuff tried: Cioppino: lovely seafood stew in tomato based sauce, the critters in it were so fresh! Dungeness crab, mussels, clams and rockfish Pasta with wild boar ragu: so incredibly good. Porky but not a swiney. Nice Bolognese using ground boar meat. I would eat this all day Cheese plate: manchego cheese and some other cheese maybe edam?, marcona almonds and olives Mediterranean sampler with lamb chops: house made hummus, dolmades, baba ghanoush, feta and olives. Why not throw some lamb chops on top? Creme brulee: eggy, cracks like glass! The staff is always delightful! The place is pretty small but expands upstairs to a nice outside patio seating when the weather is nice. Come to Ludvigs and check out what's new on the menu!

Pros: great flavors Good bread Great steaks Fresh sea food from the blue building across street Good wines Negatives Wait times for food Extreme wait time 25mins for desserts. No comps for waiting for ever.

My last night in Alaska, my brother and I came to Ludvig's Bistro for a nice dinner and some wine. For you tourist people, they advertise that they have happy hour but it's not the happy hour that you think! Here in California, we are use to half prize alcohol or appetizers or really cheap items. Here, if you buy a glass of wine or beer, they give you a little appetizer (chef's choice). My brother and decided to have dinner first and happy hour is only held upstairs. We shared the order of the clam chowder and the seafood paella. The clam chowder was delicious and had so much flavor!! Lots of chunky stuff, not what I expected but it was super filling. The complimentary bread was also good! We shared the paella and they asked if we wanted for them to split it for us. That was super nice, although I wish they would tell people that they do a $3 split charge. I would have been content eating out of the same bowl as my brother. I think they do give you a little more if they split it since they need to make it look presentable but I ended up having leftovers anyways. The paella I thought, was good but not amazing. I have had better paella before here in California. After that, my brother and I went upstairs and had a glass of wine. We both got the Basa Rueda, which was sweet and light. We also had the free appetizer that came with our drink too! Super good!

I heard a lot about this place, so when my husband made reservations for a "make up" birthday dinner I was excited. First glance...ok, it's small, but I expected that. We were seated promptly but noticed that there was a two-top available in a more private alcove by the window. We asked if we could be moved there once the table was cleaned, and the hostess "went to check." She indicated there was a party of four coming soon, so no, we couldn't have it. As it turned out, the party of four never materialized, nor did they ever SET the two tables there for a four-top, so that was disappointing. Next, the prices...yes, I read they were expensive, but really -- $60 for Paella? What?? We started out with the mushrooms al ajillo for an app. THEY were phenomenal, I will admit. And, reasonably priced. Then, we shared a Caesar salad. It was no better or no worse than your run-of-the-mill Caesar. Then, we had decided to share the Ludvig's Linguini. We were charged $3 to share the plate (although we had asked no to have it split), the portions were huge, but...the pasta was dreadful. It sounded so good -- proscuitto, chorizo, harissa...-- but it turned out to be a brown, flavorless glop. And, for the price, it was a waste of money and calories. We weren't aware that there was the wine/tapas bar upstairs, but we could tell from all the action of chefs/sous chef/waiters heading out the main restaurant that there was SOMETHING going on somewhere else. I guess if I'd read enough reviews, I would have been clued in to the upstairs scene. IF I ever go back, I'll try that because I was quite disappointed overall with what we got here in the main restaurant. Ok, it may be the "best" fine dining in Sitka, but really, it's the ONLY "fine dining" in Sitka and it was NOT that fine. Especially not for the price.

Food outstanding! Had katlian special and caesar salad with scallops. All so good! Finished with gallette that was delicious!

Was in Sitka for work and fortunate to have my mom visit, so I knew I had to make a reservation here as I'd heard great things! It did not disappoint. Our server recommended the vinho verde wine which paired great with their delicious seafood paella. Very intimate setting downstairs (be sure to make advanced reservations), but a more casual dining option is available upstairs (which I also took advantage of one night by myself!)

Very disappointing meal. The chowder was decent but too salty. The salad was good. The main dish was spaghetti and it was horrible. Covered the plate entirely and was not good at all; store spaghetti sauces were better. The next day for lunch we ate at Mangiare. Far better food and service. Don't waste a lot of money at Ludvig's as it's not worth it. Drinks were good as was the wine, but that's about it. Also crowded and stuffy.

They literally have not changed the menu since 2016. Waitstaff has to check their "are you cool enough" meter to let you in the door, even tho the place is EMPTY.

This spot is not very hospitable. There's no easy way to make a reservation and they treat guests as if their food is so special they can be rude to you. Not hospital to outsiders either.

This review is for Rio's Tapas and Wine Bar: We decided to try the upstairs tapas and wine bar when we could not get into the restaurant. When we went upstairs around 8:20 and we were told the kitchen was closed for tapas which the website states was open until 9:00. They said they could do some desserts for us, and since it was our 1st day in town we decided to give it a try. For the desserts, we ordered the chocolate torte with raspberry sauce and the creme brulee, both were sinfully good and we ate every bite. The whole experience was lovely, the atmosphere was quint and charming and the service we received was excellent. If you can't get into the restaurant you will find the trip upstairs to the tapas and wine bar to be a surprising delight.

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

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.

Unquestionably the best restaurant in Sitka, this small restaurant has big city sophistication, a locavore sensibility, and amazing food. Book days in advance if you want to get in during the summer, as the word is out. Pricey, intimate, and comfortable, it's a great place to celebrate a special occasion. They have a good wine list, and several beers, but no hard liquor. Last night I got a tasty Barolo which I enjoyed with their fresh breads and herb infused olive oil. My favorites are their chowder and the paella, but don't get both at once as that's way too much food. The Moroccan beef skewers, halibut over faro in squid ink, and salads are good too. Tapas are popular, but I didn't get to that part of the menu.

I didn't get a chance to actually eat here, I tried a couple times but not seats available. Also they are known for their clam chowder which they over by the marina in the Science Center Gift ship. Be aware there is always a line for that!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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."

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.