Jack and Aiva Restaurant

crimsonfalcon07

2022-05

We took the Discovery tour, which gives you 2 hours in Seldovia, and while most of the other people seemed to just go straight across the street to the bar, we went a little further afield. Turn left as you exit the ramp, and you'll find Jack and Aiva's just across from the post office.Upon entering the restaurant, you're immediately greeted by a friendly gentleman who I believe is one of the proprietors (but not the eponymous Jack; that's actually the young son of the owners), who is there to take care of you. They have several indoor tables of good size (we were easily able to fit our menagerie of four adults and two small children around one of them), and they also have a deck overlooking the waterfront, which was an ideal place for our toddler to explore while waiting for food. The indoor tables have a lovely beach aesthetic, with glass tops revealing a sand diorama with shell and pearl designs. I have included a picture for your perusal. The store is also lined with artwork from a local artist, which is unique and lovely for those of a more artistic bent.But, of course, we are here for food and drink. The restaurant got fairly busy, but there was very little wait; service was efficient and friendly, and you'll have plenty of time to enjoy a meal and get back to the boat if you head there immediately. I'm assuming that this place will become much more popular. At time of writing it has only been open for a couple years and seems to be in the hidden gem category.Coffee was excellent, and frankly far better than I was expecting. I've had far worse in coffee shops. My blended mocha and my wife's hot mocha were both full of great flavor (and caffeine, because as parents of small children, that's essential right now) and really set the stage for the meal to come.The menu, included here, is relatively brief, but I really don't think it needs to be any more extensive. My wife ordered a Build Your Own Burger with their house made salmon burger (not gluten free, as it contains bread crumbs, as well as locally caught salmon), and topped it with pepperjack cheese, an egg, bacon, avocado, and mushrooms, along with the usual lettuce and tomato. I went with the fish and chips, which was locally caught as well. I had just missed out on halibut, so it was cod instead. The grandparents had variations on the aforementioned, and my toddler had their grilled cheese from the kids menu.The food was, to put it simply, superb. The salmon burgers were simply bursting with flavor, and the ability to personalize really makes it a hard to miss experience. If you want your fish and chips bland, dry, and overcooked, this is not the place for you. Each piece was perfectly cooked, moist, even juicy, without the fishy taste you can get from lesser quality fish, and perfectly breaded to a golden brown. They have a house tartar sauce, or you can go with malt vinegar. Chips (french fries) were hearty and delicious, not soggy, and with a little crispness, and servings were generous. It was one of the best meals we had the entire trip, and if I lived next door, I would certainly be a regular.I had missed out on most of the baked goodies; if they had a regular house made cake or something, that really would have rounded out the meal well, but we were very satisfied, and I would likely have been (happily) overfull if I had eaten dessert.The young son after whom the restaurant is named, is also very friendly and well behaved. I think he was five at the time of visit. He was playing out on the deck, and was happy to entertain my two year old.All in all, it was a splendid experience, and if we return to Seldovia, we will certainly eat there again. If you like cafe style seafood, and don't have gluten restrictions, etc, don't miss checking out Jack and Aiva's whenever you're in the area.

Abigail Schneck

2023-08

Jack and Aiva’s, Seldovia’s hidden waterfront gem! If I could add more stars I would! The sweetest place in Seldovia with a dog-friendly deck. We ate here twice on our short stay, for breakfast and lunch! The food was great both times, as was the service, a very friendly and attentive summer helper! If you’re lucky, the famous Jack and Aiva will come out and say hello from the upper deck! :) highly recommend for any meal if you’re in town!

Dylan Astrup

2023-09

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Dave Penhall

2023-07

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Ryatt Summers

2023-07

I get that one can charge a premium piece due to scarcity of product or service, but the prices far exercise expectation due to lack of quality and quantity of food served.I ordered the Mediterranean salad. It was okay, but not for the $20 price tag. The proprietors are clearly taking advantage of the tourist clientele. Friendly people, disappointing meal. 😞

Nicholas Guy

2023-05

Inlet views and tasty brews. A family joint that provides an excellent brew list and deck dining that makes the ferry trip worth it. Bonus points if owner Jack decides to check on his customers. He’s a vicarious 5-year old whose namesake adorns this hidden gem. While his grandparents may be on the mortgage, he’s the face of this business. If you’re in Homer, take a half day and visit this charming all-American town and meet the gracious residents that are quick with a wave as they drive past or welcome you into their shop or restaurant.

Carla Stanley

2022-05

This was an "end of season", visit. They should be open all winter. This restaurant is loved by the locals and our experience is that the coffee is very good roasted at Captains Coffee in Homer.The pizza was made to order with our desire to go light on the Mozzarella and more parmesian. It was perfect and very good!

Steve Parkinson

2022-05

Ate breakfast here each day of our three day stay in wonderful Seldovia. The food was delicious and served in large portion. I had a scramble one day, french toast the next and biscuits and gravy our last day. Also the best coffee shop in town. All their bread products are made fresh on site. Friendly staff and owner.

Rick Benken

2023-09

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Jessica Feenstra

2023-05

Awesome fish and chips! The fish was cooked perfectly and the tarter sauce was excellent. Great atmosphere, friendly staff, and dog friendly patio!

Randy Rue

2023-05

We had great service. Staff was very friendly and accommodating.Took very good care of our party of 8. The food was excellent. Would definitely recommend to anyone.

Sheila Aton

2022-05

Delicious lunch stop, friendly staff and perfect views. Loved the decor.The salmon burger was cooked perfectly and very filling!

FlyinglowAK

2023-08

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Gerald Covert

2023-09

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Lydia Syme

2022-05

Best meal and service I've experienced in Alaska! The fish and chips is excellent and the staff are friendly. I love this place

Gayle V

2023-08

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Mike Jansma

2023-05

Great lunch in Seldovia during our day trip - good food, great service, cool art on the walls, and great view.

T Stanley

2023-07

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Jo Marsh

2023-08

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Michael Wilson

2023-05

Great staff good soup and quick service!(It was the chicken and dumplings)

Zane Henning

2022-05

The pizza is great! Better than Fat Olives in Homer.

Ma Weeks

2023-07

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Angela Wilson (Angel)

2023-08

The best fish and chips

V Henning

2023-05

Best pizza in Seldovia!

Jaymen Brooks

2023-07

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