10 Best Idaho Restaurants

The food Idaho is famous for includes its homegrown potatoes, which are featured in unique dishes like potato ice cream. Idaho is also known for originating finger steaks, which are strips of steak battered and deep-fried. A significant part of Idaho's food identity comes from its large and historic Basque community, especially in Boise, which has made dishes like paella, lamb grinders, and croquetas local staples. The state's wild huckleberries are a prized local ingredient used in pies, jams, main dishes, and cocktails.

The average cost of a meal in Idaho at an inexpensive restaurant is $20. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs an average of $80. Prices for meals at fine dining establishments start at $75 to $90 per person and vary based on the specific restaurant and menu selections.

Idaho's most popular fast food includes local icons and major national chains. Boise Fry Company is a local institution, and regional favorites like Arctic Circle have a strong presence. These restaurants are listed below.

• Boise Fry Company: A local fast-casual chain celebrated for its fries, offering a choice of different Idaho potato varieties and cuts, served with a large selection of dipping sauces.
• Big Jud's: A local burger joint famous for its massive one- and two-pound burgers, which have been featured on television.
• Arctic Circle Restaurants: A regional chain popular in Idaho for its Black Angus burgers, onion rings, and thick milkshakes.
• Taco Bandido: A Boise-based chain serving quick and inexpensive Mexican-American fast food, with the "Crisp Burrito" being a local favorite.

The Idaho dining scene features several new restaurants that bring fresh concepts to the state. Recent openings include The Lively and Percy in Boise, offering modern American cuisine. These new Idaho restaurants are listed below.

• The Lively: An American restaurant and bar focused on seasonal ingredients and craft cocktails. Located at 505 W Bannock St, Boise, ID 83702.
• Percy: A restaurant located in the Grove Hotel serving a contemporary American menu. Located at 400 S. 4th Street, Boise, ID 83702.
• Coa de Jima: A downtown Boise restaurant and bar specializing in contemporary Mexican cuisine and agave spirits. Located at 615 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702-5968.

Downtown Boise serves as Idaho's main hub for top-rated restaurants, concentrating the state's best fine dining, Basque eateries, and modern American concepts. The best restaurants in this area are provided in the following list.

• KIN: An upscale restaurant and art gallery offering a prix-fixe tasting menu experience.
• Chandlers Steakhouse: A classic prime steak and fine seafood restaurant with live jazz music.
• The Basque Market: A specialty food store and cafe on the Basque Block serving tapas and giant outdoor paella.
• Bar Gernika: A landmark Basque pub on the Basque Block known for its lamb grinders and croquetas.
• Ruth’s Chris Steak House: A high-end steakhouse chain famous for its sizzling USDA Prime beef.
• The Avery: A modern, upscale restaurant and bar with a focus on craft cocktails and a chef-driven menu.
• Coa de Jima: A contemporary Mexican restaurant with an extensive selection of tequila and mezcal.

Yes, there are lunch spots in Idaho worth trying such as Boise Co-op Deli, Lemon Tree Co and Paddles Up Poke. Boise Co-op Deli is a popular spot for custom sandwiches and an extensive salad bar. Other establishments like Lemon Tree Co. specialize in gourmet sandwiches, and Paddles Up Poke offers quick-service poke bowls. 

Yes, there are good places for dinner in Idaho such as Epi’s Basque Restaurant, Chandler's Steakhouse, and Amano. Epi’s Basque Restaurant in Meridian offers a traditional, multi-course Basque dinner in a homestyle atmosphere. Other notable dinner spots include Chandlers Steakhouse in Boise, which provides a classic fine dining experience with prime steaks and live jazz, and Amano in Caldwell, serving artisan Mexican cuisine in a chef-driven, casual setting perfect for a complete dinner.

Idaho offers a selection of restaurants serving vegan food, such as High Note Cafe, BBQ4LIFE, The Funky Taco, and Guru Donuts. High Note Cafe is a completely vegan diner in downtown Boise serving comfort food classics like burgers and sandwiches. BBQ4LIFE features a full menu of smoked, plant-based proteins like jackfruit and tofu alongside its traditional meat options. The Funky Taco provides creative tacos with a dedicated section for vegan fillings, while Guru Donuts makes several vegan donut varieties daily.

Idaho restaurants that serve gluten-free food include Gluten Free Galaxy, the Boise Co-op, Chandlers Steakhouse, and The Basque Market. Gluten Free Galaxy is a dedicated gluten-free bakery and cafe in Boise, offering breads and pastries with no risk of cross-contamination. The Boise Co-op deli provides a wide selection of gluten-free breads for sandwiches and marks its prepared foods clearly. Upscale restaurants like Chandlers Steakhouse can accommodate gluten-free requests for steak and seafood dishes, and The Basque Market offers many naturally gluten-free options like its paella.

Idaho's most famous cuisines are Basque and American, particularly steakhouse fare. The state's food identity is strongly shaped by its agricultural roots and unique immigrant history. Listed below are the most common and popular cuisines in Idaho.

• Basque: Boise is home to one of the largest concentrations of Basque people outside of Spain. This has resulted in a unique culinary landscape featuring authentic Basque restaurants, pubs, and markets, especially on the Basque Block in downtown Boise.
• American Steakhouse: Reflecting its Western heritage, Idaho has a strong steakhouse culture. The state is known for its beef, and local specialties like finger steaks are a point of pride.
• New American: A growing number of restaurants in Idaho focus on contemporary American cuisine, using local and seasonal ingredients to create innovative, chef-driven menus.
• Mexican: There is a significant and growing number of authentic Mexican restaurants in Idaho, ranging from taquerias to artisan establishments like Amano, which has received national acclaim.
• Afghan: The presence of a refugee community in Boise has introduced unique cuisines, with Afghan-American cafes like Sunshine Spice Bakery and Cafe gaining popularity for their fusion flavors.