About Us

History

The Homestead Restaurant was established in 1961 by Karlie Baier as a local bar and grill. In 1992 Lisa and Steve Nolan bought the Homestead and Sean Maryott developed a menu that focused on the abundant Kachemak Bay seafood with a southwest twist, culminating in an award-winning Sonoran Seafood Stew. And so the little roadside bar that served meals in red plastic baskets was transformed into a nationally acclaimed fine dining restaurant — "worth walking to if necessary" according to the taste buds of National Geographic Traveler Magazine.

In the spring of 2005, after working for the Nolans for almost 10 years, Rick and Sharlene Cline had the good fortune to purchase The Homestead Restaurant. A highly experienced and skilled staff came along with the reputation and the building. For over a decade wait staff Janet Mayforth and bartender Vern Alberts have bestowed their charm at the front of the house.

The energy of new ownership is pushing our beloved little log restaurant in exciting directions. Regional specials with paired wines and the “Dinner at the Vineyard” series showcase our chefs’ creative and delicious interpretation of flavorful Alaskan cuisine.

The Homestead Restaurant has faithfully served the growing Homer community since 1961. Whether you have already helped contribute to our success or if you happen to become fortunate enough to find us one fine day, we warmly say “thank you” and “bon appétit.”

Chef Biography

Executive Chef Richard Nell

We are excited and honored to have award winning Chef Richard Nell join us with his extensive knowledge, creativity, and experience! He specializes in light and flavorful new American cuisine with an emphasis on local ingredients. Though a Michigan native, he's been cooking up and down the eastern seaboard from Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Florida Keys to Cape Cod, most recently as the Executive Chef for Devon's, Provincetown, MA and Asolare, St. John, US Virgin Islands. Chef Richard is looking forward in cooking for you, fly fishing, gardening and exploring Alaska!

Recognition

Recipient of the Wine Spectator Restaurant Award of Excellence for 2004-2015. We are the only recipient on the Kenai Peninsula, and 1 out of 10 recipients throughout Alaska. As well as recipient of the Wine Enthusiast Award of Unique Distinction for our wine list, feature wines, wine dinners and classes.
Awarded The Culture Trip.com AK 10 Best Restaurants: Dining Among the Wilderness.
Featured in numerous newspaper and magazine articles, most notably the New York Times and the National Geographic Traveler.
The Kenai Peninsula's only restaurant awarded Four Stars and the coveted Bear Paw Best Places Alaska by Sasquatch Press Seattle.
Alaska's only recipient of the Wine Enthusiast Award of Unique Distinction; Wine Enthusiast Award of Distinction.

• Homer's only recipient of Fodor's Choice

Award.