The 15 Must-Try Restaurants in Missoula, Home to the University of Montana

Ammar Omar and his family, originally from Iraq, launched Ragheef and Kamoon food trucks in 2021 to bring Arabian flavors to Missoula. In addition to the trucks, they operate a small restaurant under the same names at different times. Ragheef specializes in manakeesh, flatbreads topped with options like meat, cheese, vegetables, cooked tomatoes, and zesty sauces and spices, including pomegranate molasses and za’atar. Don’t miss the labneh and falafel man’oushe, a customer favorite, or opt for the sweet cheese and honey flatbread. At dinner, Ragheef transforms into Kamoon, offering shawarma, kebabs, and baba ghanoush. The restaurant is open from fall to spring, while the food trucks can be found at the Clark Fork Market and community events during summer.

Imagine Nation Brewing Co. merges a microbrewery with a hub for community transformation. Alongside serving beers, hard seltzer, and house-made kombucha, this venue hosts workshops and events aimed at promoting social change in Missoula and beyond. Outside the brewery five days a week, the Garden City Taqueria food truck serves up tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Owner Alejandro Regalado, hailing from Tarimoro, Guanajuato, uses his mother's recipes with his own creative flair. Be sure to try the quesabirria, a delightful combination of crispy corn tortillas filled with savory ingredients, accompanied by rich consomé broth.

For an energizing breakfast or satisfying late-night bites, Golden Yolk Griddle has you covered. Founded by Ethan Siegel and Erin Hale as a stand at the Clark Fork Market in 2009, they began by serving popular sandwiches featuring locally sourced ingredients. After several rebrands, they now operate from a permanent walk-up window, offering a menu that includes the classic Farmer’s Market Sandwich (eggs, cheese, and meat or avocado on Le Petit Outre’s Birdman bread), as well as burritos, bowls, tacos, and a complete drink and coffee selection. Don’t miss their hearty late-night specials on Friday and Saturday, perfect after an evening out.

Situated in the heart of downtown, Break is the perfect place to study, thanks to its spacious atmosphere and exceptional coffee and baked goods. You’ll find students and locals engaged in conversations, reading, and hustling to finish their work any time of the day, every day of the year. Kick off your morning with a caffeine boost and a breakfast sandwich, or stop by later for a slice of pie. Professors might be spotted cramming for exams here too.

Asia Caluori and Dustin Anglen launched Pearl Boba Tea as a stand at the Clark Fork Market in 2021 after their travels in East Asia sparked a love for the Taiwanese dessert drink. Pearl offers a diverse range of tea-based and specialty beverages, featuring flavors like taro, strawberry matcha, and dirty horchata, which can be topped with fruit jellies, egg pudding, and popping boba. Stop by the downtown location for the complete menu and to explore the Missoula Makers Collective in-store, or grab a drink and some Japanese snacks at the smaller outlet in the University Center. 

While a student at the University of Montana, Tom Snyder aimed to create a quick-service restaurant in Missoula that focused on healthy, flavorful meals. Together with his partner Lauren, he envisioned a Brazilian Mytoury, winning a statewide business plan contest that enabled them to travel to Brazil and immerse themselves in the cuisine. Two years post-graduation, they opened the first Five on Black location in downtown Missoula, serving build-your-own bowls filled with traditional Brazilian dishes. Don't forget to try the spicy coconut sauce and pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread) in your bowl.

Whether you stop by the downtown location or queue up at the Clark Fork Market stand on Saturdays, Morning Birds serves up some of the finest baked goods in town. Indulge in flaky, creamy breakfast pastries; soft focaccia; and a variety of bagels and breads. Don’t miss the fruit custard Danish, featuring a crisp exterior and delicate layers inside, or enjoy a freshly baked baguette that crunches with each bite. The shop also offers sandwiches and beverages from the coffee bar, and you can even order a custom cake for any special occasion.

Cousins Belle Gratton and Trevor Diehl launched the Wishbone food truck in honor of their grandmother, Patty Sutton, who was famous for her Buffalo wings and subs at Pat’s Wings and Things in Fort Collins, Colorado. Staying true to this culinary legacy, they offer gourmet fair food, including made-to-order wings, hand-battered corn dogs, fries, and chicken and waffles. Wishbone focuses on sourcing local ingredients whenever possible, crafting their spice blends, batters, and sauces from scratch. Don't miss the Ugly Dog, a rotating special that reimagines the Korean corn dog: a hot dog and mozzarella covered in dough, topped with potato cubes and panko breadcrumbs. You can often find Wishbone stationed outside local breweries like Draught Works, OddPitch Brewing, or Cranky Sam Public House. Follow the truck on Instagram for menu updates and scheduling.

As you step into this cozy corner shop, the aromas of cumin, coriander, and freshly baked naan greet you. Masala skillfully blends Indian flavors with organic ingredients sourced from local farmers and ranchers. Owner Theo Smith is dedicated to employing refugee and immigrant chefs from countries such as Syria, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, collaborating with the nonprofit Soft Landings to support these communities in Missoula. Explore a variety of curries, chutneys, and both crispy and soft sides to create your ideal bowl, ideally enjoyed with a glass of house-made chai. Starting at just $8 or $9, the basic Curry Combo provides a budget-friendly meal, complete with rice and extra curry. Dine in to witness chefs grilling naan in the open kitchen surrounded by artful dog portraits, or grab your curry to enjoy on the go to a concert at the Wilma ThMytour.

This quirky Missoula treasure is packed with unique items and curiosities, from patterned kitchenware to jewelry, candles, perfumes, and gift wrap. The shop features a wall dedicated to bulk spices and herbs, an old-fashioned candy counter, and a cozy coffee nook at the back, offering beverages crafted from local tea and coffee blends. Amidst a bulletin board filled with flyers and local artwork, regulars can be seen reading newspapers while enjoying coffee and chatting with friendly staff. Treat yourself to a $6 sandwich (with chips included), or indulge in a signature coffee milkshake made with Big Dipper Ice Cream. If you're ordering coffee, make sure to bring cash or use the ATM available inside.

Cycle or take a leisurely walk along the Clark Fork River to discover one of Missoula's most vibrant culinary hotspots. Open every Saturday for half the year, the Clark Fork Market features nearly 100 vendors offering everything from fresh produce and honey to baked treats, kombucha, meats, flowers, jewelry, art, and more. At least half of the market consists of ready-to-eat food trucks and stalls, such as Aiko’s Japanese fusion, El Gordito for authentic Mexican street fare, Banh Missoula with classic Vietnamese sandwiches and soups, Ibn Al-Sham for traditional Syrian sweets, Nourishing Cultures' kombucha and pickled veggies, and Wok-ee Mountain Asian Cuisine serving Chinese and Thai dishes.

Michi is the perfect spot for an evening out. With a diverse menu of beverages, appetizers, and ramen, this underground bar and restaurant sets the stage for group gatherings or romantic dinners. Enjoy the enchanting atmosphere with twinkling lights and hand-painted murals while sipping on a cocktail or mocktail, accompanied by grilled shishito peppers drizzled with yuzu mayo, sweet soy, and bonito flakes. Then, dive into their ramen and rice bowls, featuring the yellow curry ramen crowned with crispy wontons, lime, shallots, and grilled chicken.

The display at Veera is a feast for the eyes, showcasing a variety of beautifully glazed and decorated doughnuts. Owner Haniah Sweeney began her journey in 2017, selling her vegan and organic delights at local farmers markets before opening a downtown shop in 2019. The creme brulee doughnut is as indulgent as it appears, featuring a crackly caramelized shell, a soft interior, and rich vanilla custard filling. In addition to doughnuts, the shop serves plant-based breakfast and lunch items like burritos, crunch wraps, sandwiches, and tacos, along with veggie burgers and sides available on Sunday nights.

Founded in 1977 by John Kordonouris’s great-grandparents, this beloved gyro establishment remains a family-run operation in Missoula, conveniently located across from Orange Street Food Farm and a short bike ride from the university. Adorned with wallpaper depicting the beautiful shores of Greece, the shop’s staff expertly slice fresh lamb from the rotisserie to create traditional gyros. Accompanying the gyros are crispy falafel, flaky spanakopita, and sweet baklava. A local favorite, the Special Fries are generously topped with garlic tzatziki, feta, and a sprinkle of cayenne. Enjoy your meal at one of the outdoor picnic tables.

Tagliare is a paradise for those craving authentic Italian flavors, featuring a tempting display of imported meats, cheeses, and antipasti. The original location on Wyoming Street has been a local favorite, and a new branch near the University of Montana campus ensures that students can easily access the deli's hefty sandwiches. In collaboration with local bakery Le Petit Outre, Tagliare offers a selection of around 20 sandwiches, including vegetarian options and customizable builds. Be sure to browse their shelves filled with pickled vegetables, sweet wafers, imported wines, and other delightful finds before you leave.