The 30 Must-Visit Restaurants in Boise

At Kibrom’s, James Beard semifinalist chef Kibrom Milash and Tirhas Hailu serve robust Ethiopian and Eritrean fare, including spicy doro wot and tibs in both fiery red and mild white sauces. Vegetarian options like shiro, a spiced chickpea dish, and tikal gomen alicha, featuring potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and onions, are also available. For the full experience, consider ordering a selection of entrees to share.

Elena DeYoung, who helped launch Boise’s Russian Food Festival, brings a taste of her Kazakh roots and the culinary traditions of her Tatarstan and Ukrainian sous chefs to Alyonka Russian Cuisine. The menu features modern spins on Russian classics like cabbage rolls, beef stroganoff, piroshkis, and blinis. Unique offerings include vegetarian borscht and shuba, a layered dish with smoked salmon instead of the traditional herring, along with shredded potatoes, carrots, and beets—a rare treat in Boise.

Art Robinson, the visionary behind Wepa Cafe, began his journey with a simple food cart serving Puerto Rican favorites at local breweries. His venture has since expanded into a vibrant multistory restaurant with a rooftop patio in Garden City. While his initial offerings included pastelillos, carne frita, and arroz con pollo, the menu now features a broader Caribbean selection, such as mofongo and pastelón, a plantain-based lasagne. Robinson is committed to giving back, pledging 5 percent of his annual profits to a Puerto Rican nonprofit dedicated to rebuilding homes and offering carpentry training.

The Shams sisters, originally from Afghanistan, founded Sunshine Spice to bring a taste of their homeland to Boise. In 2022, Khatera Shams, the talented baker and chef, earned James Beard semifinalist honors for her delightful creations. The menu features treats like pistachio opera cake, fluffy mantoo with spiced beef and garlic sour cream, and avocado toast on Afghan bread. Named after the saffron spice prominent in their dishes, Sunshine Spice operates both a cozy, art-filled spot on Fairview Avenue and a bustling downtown location.

Once a trailblazer in Boise’s dining landscape, the Modern, located in a stylishly renovated former Travelodge in the Linen District, was a hub for inventive cocktails and innovative cuisine under chef Nate Whitley. Though it closed during the pandemic, it made a comeback in 2021 with chef Kelly Grindstaff at the helm. The updated menu now includes dishes like hamachi crudo, coq au vin, and a vegan curry.

This Boise Mytoury boasts serving up literal tons of bacon each year. Run by father-son duo John and Gibson Berryhill, their Southern-inspired menu includes hearty omelets, biscuit sandwiches, and a tasting of their five distinct bacon flavors in shot form. The restaurant's indulgent offerings, such as mac and cheese loaded with tomatoes, mushrooms, and — of course — bacon, have earned them several TV features.

Just a stone's throw from the state capitol and around the corner from Boise’s bustling 8th Street, Saint Lawrence Gridiron is a place that announces itself with mouthwatering aromas. What began as a food truck now serves up robust Southern flavors, with a massive smoker on the front patio doing the heavy lifting. While the brisket platter is a must-try, the pulled-pork sandwich, shrimp and grits, and succotash are equally enticing options.

Blending contemporary flair with a touch of Old West decadence, Diablo and Sons is a tribute to the art of open-flame cooking. Featuring a cutting-edge Argentine grill and a crank wheel for perfect charring, this spot offers locally sourced meats and vegetables. Indulge in a wagyu steak or a pair of tacos, and pair it with an inventive cocktail or one of many craft beers dispensed from Czech side-pull taps.

For almost three decades, Bittercreek Alehouse has been a family-friendly staple, boasting one of the most extensive beer selections in the city. The menu is packed with beer-friendly fare such as poutine, polenta fries, beer-cheese pretzels, and succulent house-ground burgers. Savor the Huntsman cheeseburger with bacon and cheddar, or the locally sourced spicy lamb burger topped with feta and jalapenos, all while enjoying the wall decorations featuring local farmers and food purveyors.

Located in the historic Boise City National Bank building, this lively osteria brings a taste of Italy with locally inspired dishes and delicate house-made pastas. Enjoy the action from the U-shaped bar while sipping on a classic or seasonal cocktail. Begin with antipasti like burrata paired with apricot-cherry mostarda or freshly baked focaccia. For the main course, choose from an assortment of pastas, including mezzelune filled with house-made duck sausage or a seasonal local risotto.

Popular among Boise locals and visitors alike, Fork is a go-to spot for a taste of local flavor. Located in the same historic Boise City National Bank building as Alavita, this restaurant boasts a diverse menu of locally sourced fare. Whether you’re in for taco Tuesdays, juicy burgers, or weekend specials like buttermilk fried chicken with waffles or slow-roasted prime rib, Fork has something for everyone.

After a hiatus to focus on the Avery hotel project, Cal and Ashley Elliott have reopened Little Pearl with a refined menu. This downtown gem invites you to savor oysters from both coasts and indulge in classic seafood dishes like shrimp cocktail, lobster roll, and fish and chips. Be sure to drop by during Champagne hour for discounted oysters.

Formerly known for their Genki Takoyaki cart, Rhett Atagi and Christy Beavers have upgraded to a whimsically decorated full-size food trailer for their Japanese street food venture, Bochi Bochi. Indulge in hearty flavors like karaage fried chicken or yaki udon with beef and a fried egg. Their menu also includes the beloved takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kimchi tater tots that first won them a dedicated following. Keep an eye on their social media to find out where they're popping up next in Boise.

The Ansotegui family—Dan, Tamara, and Ellie—bring both traditional and modern Basque cuisine to the Old Boise Pioneer Building on Main Street. Dan Ansotegui, a multiple James Beard Award semifinalist and founder of Bar Gernika and Basque Market, has a rich history in Basque culinary traditions. At Ansots, enjoy a selection of sausages, including the savory motzak chorizo with roasted garlic, as well as newer offerings like beef tongue in tomato and pepper sauce, and cod with clams in salsa verde. Ansots also caters and sells croquetas, chorizo, bacon, and other meats by the pound.

For over 20 years, Epi’s has been serving up traditional Basque fare to the Treasure Valley community. Rooted in the recipes and legacy of Maria Epifania Lamiquis-Inchausti, this Meridian gem has transitioned from the original matriarch’s granddaughters to her great-grandson. (The family is also connected to the Ansoteguis of Ansots). Enjoy their outstanding croquetas, hearty lamb stew with green peppers and pimentos, flavorful meatballs in a Basque-style tomato sauce, and tender baby squid in a rich, briny broth. Don’t miss the gateau Basque for a perfect finish to your meal.

True to its name, The Stil, short for Sweetest Things in Life, is a haven for anyone with a sweet tooth. This beloved ice cream spot offers custom flavors like churro, lavender and berries, or vanilla cream cheese that are perfect for any time of year, especially during the sweltering high-desert summers. Whether you're craving dairy-free or vegan options, or even alcohol-infused treats, The Stil has you covered. Enjoy your ice cream solo or in a variety of ways—try a custom ice cream sandwich, an affogato, or a float with beer or wine. For those who can’t decide, ice cream flights paired with beer or wine flights make for an ideal choice.

Hailing from the post-Yugoslavian Balkans, Dusanka and Ermin Kurtigac brought their unique touch to Boise with this charming café and small grocery store. Their menu features hearty sandwiches made on house-baked bread, with the beef goulash being a standout. Don’t forget to explore their grocery selection, where you can pick up Eastern European wines, ajvar red pepper spread, and assorted pates before you head out.

For nearly 30 years, James Beard Award semifinalist chef Richard Langston and his wife Melinda have been cornerstones of Boise’s dining scene. Situated within the Inn at 500 Capitol, Richard’s offers a fusion of Italian and Northwestern cuisine, featuring dishes like house-made pappardelle with meatballs and vodka sauce, or cannelloni stuffed with sausage and spinach. The restaurant is renowned for its extensive wine selection and hosts occasional wine dinners. Guests staying at the inn can also enjoy room service from Richard’s.

Known for its artisanal pizzas and crafted cocktails, The Wylder in downtown Boise uses a time-honored sourdough starter for its dough. Popular choices include the Honey Badger (a white pizza topped with Italian sausage, ricotta, caramelized onions, and a drizzle of spicy honey), and the Bronco (a red pizza with salumi, pickled Fresno chiles, and creamy burrata). They also offer nightly specials like fried chicken and lasagna, made from a cherished family recipe. Besides The Wylder, Lizzy and David Rex also operate the Wyld Child burger joint on the Bench and the “elevated yet friendly” Percy nearby.

Located close to Boise State University, this stylish taqueria serves up inventive tacos with fillings like Idaho spuds and chorizo or tender braised short rib paired with kimchi and peanut sauce. In addition to tacos, enjoy house-made salsa and guacamole with crisp chips, or opt for a refreshing chicken tinga salad featuring beans, fresh vegetables, corn, pickled onions, and a cilantro vinaigrette. For an extra kick, don’t miss the Madre’s Temper hot sauce.

Since opening in 2022, Nahm Thai & Burmese Cuisine has quickly won over Boise’s food enthusiasts. While you can find Thai cuisine elsewhere, their Burmese offerings are a unique treat for the area. Enjoy a zesty and crunchy fermented tea leaf salad brimming with tomatoes, nuts, seeds, and citrus, or try the shan noodles, featuring sweet pork and tomato sauce in a light broth, accompanied by broccoli and bean sprouts.

Starting with selling vegetables at local farmers markets, Amina Mohamud and her family transitioned to crafting sambusas about ten years ago. Her son, Chubangu Mnongerwa, took the helm in 2018. Now, this East African gem serves crispy, deep-fried sambusas filled with beef, onions, and potatoes, paired with hearty portions of spicy goat, chicken, and beef stews. These are served over rice, fufu (Amina’s twist on grits), or pasta, ensuring you’ll leave satisfied.

Salvador Alamilla blends modern twists on traditional Mexican and Mexican-American cuisine with local ingredients in a vibrant, airy setting that was once a bank lobby in Caldwell, Idaho. Originally from Michoacán, Mexico, and having grown up in Southern California, Alamilla, along with his wife Rebecca, crafts unforgettable birria tacos and succulent carnitas. These dishes are perfect with a michelada. The chef has been a James Beard Award semifinalist three years in a row. Note: The restaurant will relocate to a new location a few blocks away in 2025.

Since opening in 2013, Moshit Mizrachi-Gabbitas and her husband Chuck have been delighting Boise with lavish pastries that feel straight out of a Parisian bakery. Janjou features sleek, minimalist decor in a cozy spot where you can find an array of freshly baked delights, including croissants, pain au chocolat, brioche, fruit tartlets, cheesecakes, and more. The bakery’s offerings frequently draw a queue of eager customers.

Named in honor of his mother, Noel Argote-Herrera’s Cuban food cart brings traditional flavors from his childhood in Havana, Miami, and Los Angeles. Enjoy classic dishes like ropa vieja, carne con papas, and paella, served with rice, black beans, and plantains. Don’t miss the succulent and tangy lechon. You can catch him at the Boise Farmers Market, local breweries, and food truck gatherings.

Wild Root Café is a beloved spot for all-day dining, offering a vibrant selection of salads, bowls, keto-friendly options, and inventive plant-based dishes. Located on Boise’s bustling restaurant row, it's an ideal place to dine al fresco when the weather is nice. Dan Watts, the restaurateur behind Wild Root, also owns Saint Lawrence Gridiron, a barbecue joint nearby, and Suite 104, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar next door.

In 2023, Kris Komori of Kin made history as the first chef from Idaho to win a James Beard Award. At Kin, the focus is on artfully prepared, seasonally and locally sourced dishes. Their ever-evolving tasting menu, served at a communal table with optional wine pairings, is updated monthly. If you’re not ready for a full tasting experience, visit the Art Haus Bar next door for craft cocktails and shareable bites like house-made sausage and black cod skewers. In the summer, you might enjoy refreshing cold noodles, while winter calls for hearty ramen or posole. The restaurant also hosts outdoor dinners featuring local arts and music.

At Terroir Bistro, you’ll find a contemporary twist on French classics such as steak frites and chicken Lyonnaise, alongside unique offerings like wild-caught sablefish in miso broth and smooth smoked sturgeon. Co-founded by Nate Whitley and Remi Courcenet, who began their culinary partnership over a decade ago at the Modern Hotel and Bar—where Whitley was a James Beard semifinalist—Terroir has evolved from a butchery to a supper club, then a food trailer, and now a celebrated spot on Boise’s 8th Street restaurant row.

In 2023, Cal and Ashley Elliott transformed the historic Hotel Manitou into the Avery, a boutique hotel featuring a brasserie and the gastropub Tiner’s Alley. Both Elliott’s are seasoned veterans from the New York dining scene, where Cal led Dressler to a Michelin star. At the brasserie, enjoy robust dishes like cassoulet and classic French fare, or venture to Tiner’s Alley for shepherd’s pie and a pint of Guinness in a British pub setting. Both venues boast Brunswick bars, with Tiner’s Alley housing what’s said to be the oldest bar in Boise.

Jamie Burns aims to evoke a sense of vintage glamour at Stardust, reminiscent of the iconic Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas. The menu offers hearty, no-fuss fare, including a satisfying chicken pot pie and a classic club sandwich. During happy hour, enjoy deeply discounted cocktails and a succulent fontina burger for under $10.