Altura Bistro — Restaurant in Alaska

Well i can honestly say this is my first google review, and it took me a year to write. I can’t rate the food, we never received our food.

My mom had a bad break on her leg, my papa had to go out of town so mom and I were enjoying some great quality time together. She mentioned she’d love a good burger…that is when I got the this idea of getting her the best burger you can buy in anchorage. According to many friends and family members no place but this would do. It was so hyped up, and was the biggest disappointment.

I arrived 10 minutes past when my order was suppose to be ready. I waited for over an hour closer to an hour and a half for the order that never came. Every 10 minutes the hostess would look at me roll her eyes and hide in the back for 5 minutes then come back out and tell me it would just be a couple more minutes. 5 minutes later repeat the same move. It was incredibly uncomfortable. I had budgeted enough time to pick up my order go to my parents have a nice dinner and head into work.

At an hour and 22 minutes, I had no more time to wait. I was very upset and asked for my money back. The same hostess (there was two equally unapproachable) says to me, ‘It will be out in a minute, you can just wait’ 😂 yes i could hardly believe it myself. My response was short and to the point. ‘I didn’t ask how long it would be, I said I need a refund because I'm leaving.’

This apparently Involves a Manager , and i was forced to wait another 5 minutes for that… oh guess what the manager says to me, ‘oh it will be out in just a minute if you want to wait for it.’ Like he was unaware it was coming up on almost two hours past due. They were very hesitant to give a refund, it was so awkward people were looking at us, it was a little mini drama playing out at the front desk of me repeatedly (3 times) asking for a refund and being assured the food was on its way. I would have waited even longer but i had to go and i was horribly embarrassed over the entire thing. I did get a refund eventually.

The back of the house is always important but the front of the house is your first impression. It was a very bad one. People sat down ate and left in the time i was waiting.

I don’t think I would care so much if it wasn't for the absolute rudeness of the hostess, and the complete lack of regard from the manager over an issue that at the very least deserved an apology and it was for my mom!

I’m so upset by this place and the way they treated me and lied to me and had me uncomfortably wait for so long. In the time I waited I could have heated my grill, seasoned and mixed my meat, pressed my burgers, hand cut my fries , fried them and eaten dinner. I Should have, I make a great burger, but i wanted something better then i could make, i wanted to treat my mom to something special and delicious.

( i did spend the time waiting on the manager to order from red robin two burgers to go, which they had ready as soon as I arrived so don’t worry my mom got fed even if I was late to work and basically threw food at her and ran...

Overall: 4.6/5 (dine in)

We had a reservation at 7:30 PM so were seated within a few minutes. Our server, Logan, explained the specials of the day as soon as we were seated and handed the menu since these aren't on the menu itself.

He also made great red & wine recommendations for our dinner - Louis Jadot Pouilly Fuisse ($14) & Shea, Pinot Noir ($13). Note that there's a 5% alcohol tax.

Pork Belly ($17): This tasted like Vietnamese braised pork belly with a bit of a twist. The sauce & the texture was very interesting and different that it was a bit mind boggling. It's really good with the green sauce as well. My husband said this is one of the best pork belly he's had and he's eaten a lot.

Sweet Prawn Bisque ($12): This was really good but it was a bit too salty & heavy for me. I felt like I needed to eat it with bread or have it diluted.

Duck Pate ($28): Wow, this was super unique and delicious with the thin bread it came with. The red onion marmalade with mustard seed was divine and went well with the duck pate and bread. It was so good, my husband was eating it by the spoonful. We did get pretty full from it but it was worth it.

Seared Foie Gras ($24): I didn't enjoy the taste of texture of this foie gras. It was too much for me so I could only eat a little piece with bread. Definitely something you can skip, especially if you have the duck pate.

Alaskan Black Cod ($42): This had great reviews on Yelp but it tasted terrible to us. The cod was too fishy that we couldn't even finish it. The dumplings were actually better than the cod sadly. Super disappointed after being so excited to try...

So. My and the 51%'s 1st time here. Only into the 1st part of the meal. Had the new menu appetizer item....roasted oysters on the half shell. Your life will be devoid of true meaning if you do not at least try these gems! I will admit that it was my very 1st time trying oysters like this. I am hooked! Had their Ceasar salad! Fresh and very tasty! The 51% had their tomato salad and a little sample of that told me that I would not be disappointed should I order this the next time. The main course will be a Yagu 16oz ribeye. I am totally stoked! This Australian Cow gave up it's Cow existence to give me an awesome dining experience. Moar to come! The steak was cooked as ordered. Medium well for me. Melted in my mouth! This is not a normal offering. If they offer it....be sure to call them and reserve a cut, you can do that! The asparagus was crispy and seasoned nicely. Very well done! The Hasselbeck potato was perfect! Not large and very tasty! Overall entire presentation was well done. 'Chef' was on top of his game!! Now....desert. OoooLaLa! We had the tableside French press coffee. Mmmmm.....tasty! With that coffee came my slice of cheesecake heaven. The cappuccino cheese cake and the 51% had the Cremé Brule!! So tasty! A great topper to the night. The staff was amazing! Steven our waiter was on target! The wait team here works well together. We no more finished our food and the empty plate would disappear! Wait ninjas 🥷! The evening's dining experience was beyond belief. Would highly recommend this place for lunch and dinner. Nice atmosphere!...