10 Best Meridian Restaurants

Meridian is famous for dishes that reflect its Idaho heritage, including finger steaks, potato preparations, and Basque cuisine. Finger steaks, which are strips of steak battered and deep-fried, are a regional specialty that originated in nearby Boise and are a staple of local pub fare. The state's famous potatoes are featured prominently, not just as fries but as a key ingredient in many dishes. The most distinct food tourism draw is the area's Basque cuisine, a legacy of the large Basque immigrant community in the Treasure Valley. This is showcased at restaurants like Epi's, which offers a traditional, multi-course, family-style dining experience not commonly found elsewhere in the United States.

The cost of a meal in Meridian varies by restaurant style. A person can expect to pay between $12 and $25 at a fast-casual eatery. For a couple, a mid-range dinner at Bodovino falls between $50 and $100. At a fine dining establishment such as Epi's, a meal for two will start around $80 and can go up to $150 or more.

Meridian's popular fast-food scene includes national chains and several beloved regional institutions that highlight local tastes. Boise Fry Company is a local favorite that celebrates the state's famous crop by offering fries made from a half-dozen different potato varieties. Sid's Garage offers a more modern and indulgent take on fast food with its extreme burgers and milkshakes. These spots are part of a larger quick-service landscape in the city. The most popular fast-food restaurants in Meridian are listed below:

• Boise Fry Company: A local chain famous for its selection of fries made from different types of Idaho potatoes, served with a wide array of dipping sauces.
• Big Jud's: An Idaho institution known for its giant burgers, including one-pound and two-pound options.
• Arctic Circle: A Utah-based chain with a strong presence in Idaho, known for its Black Angus burgers and signature fry sauce.
• BumbleBee’s Baja Grill: A local fast-casual spot serving fresh, Baja-style Mexican food, particularly its fish tacos.
• Cafe Zupa's: A regional chain offering a menu of fresh soups, salads, and sandwiches in a quick-service format.
• Culver's: The Midwestern chain is popular for its ButterBurgers, cheese curds, and fresh frozen custard.
• Five Guys: The national chain is a popular choice for its made-to-order burgers and fresh-cut fries.
• Panda Express: A national chain serving American Chinese food in a fast-casual setting.

Meridian's dining landscape continues to grow with the city's expansion and new restaurants here include The Roosevelt, Eight Thirty Common and others listed here:

• The Roosevelt: A restaurant and bar offering upscale pub fare, craft cocktails, and a raw bar in a polished, contemporary setting. Located at 3690 E Monarch Sky Ln #100, Meridian, ID 83646.
• Eight Thirty Common: A modern gastropub serving American comfort food, craft beer, and cocktails in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Located at 830 S Main St, Meridian, ID 83642.
• Certified Kitchen and Bakery: A daytime eatery specializing in high-quality breakfast and lunch items, including pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. Located at 3690 E Monarch Sky Ln #130, Meridian, ID 83646.
• Slaybaugh's: A steakhouse focusing on premium cuts of meat, seafood, and an extensive wine list in an upscale environment. Located at 660 S Rivershore Ln, Eagle, ID 83616 (in the neighboring city of Eagle).

The best restaurants in downtown Meridian are clustered along Main Street and the surrounding area. This historic core of the city is home to a growing number of independent, locally-owned establishments, from long-standing alehouses to modern taprooms, all contributing to a walkable and lively dining district. The best restaurants in downtown Meridian are listed below:

• Epi's A Basque Restaurant: A family-owned restaurant in a historic house serving traditional Basque cuisine.
• Kahootz Steak and Alehouse: A classic, no-frills pub known for steaks and a large craft beer selection.
• Heritage Hop Haus: A modern taphouse in a historic building with a self-serve beer wall and elevated pub fare.
• Eight Thirty Common: A contemporary gastropub offering American comfort food in a family-friendly setting.

Yes, Meridian has a strong selection of restaurants for a midday meal, such as Grant's Neighborhood Grill, The District Coffee House, and BumbleBee’s Baja Grill. Grant's Neighborhood Grill is a reliable spot for a classic American lunch, with a menu of burgers, sandwiches, and fish tacos. The District Coffee House offers a lighter lunch option, serving avocado toast, breakfast burritos, and specialty coffee in a modern cafe setting. For a quick and fresh meal, BumbleBee’s Baja Grill is a go-to for its Baja-style fish tacos and burritos.

Yes, the city offers excellent places for dinner, including unique cultural experiences like Epi's A Basque Restaurant, classic pubs such as Kahootz Steak and Alehouse, and modern establishments like Vintage '61 Wine Bar and Kitchen. Epi's A Basque Restaurant provides a memorable dinner with its authentic, multi-course Basque family meal in an intimate, home-like setting. For a classic steak dinner and a large selection of craft beers, Kahootz Steak and Alehouse is a long-standing local favorite. Vintage '61 Wine Bar and Kitchen offers a more contemporary, upscale dinner experience with its New American menu and extensive wine list.

Meridian has restaurants that serve vegan food, including establishments with dedicated plant-based options like The District Coffee House, Lalibela, and Certified Kitchen and Bakery. The District Coffee House offers several vegan items, including acai bowls and plant-based milk alternatives for its coffee drinks. The Ethiopian menu at Lalibela is very vegan-friendly, with its popular vegetarian combination platter being entirely plant-based. Modern eateries like Certified Kitchen and Bakery also provide marked vegan options on their menus.

Restaurants in Meridian offer gluten-free options, with many establishments like Vintage '61, BumbleBee's Baja Grill, and Sid's Garage able to accommodate dietary needs. Vintage '61 can modify many of its New American dishes to be gluten-free. The menu at BumbleBee's Baja Grill is centered on corn tortillas, making its tacos and bowls a safe choice for gluten-free diners. Sid's Garage also offers gluten-free buns for its burgers, providing options for those with sensitivities.

Meridian's most famous cuisines are American and Basque. The city's food culture is deeply rooted in its agricultural surroundings and the unique heritage of the Treasure Valley. Listed below are the most common and popular cuisines in Meridian.

• American: This is the most dominant cuisine, encompassing everything from the classic pub fare and steaks at Kahootz Steak and Alehouse to the creative burgers at Sid's Garage and the neighborhood comfort food at Grant's Neighborhood Grill.
• Basque: The Treasure Valley has one of the largest Basque populations in the United States, and this is reflected in its food. Epi's A Basque Restaurant is a celebrated institution dedicated to preserving this unique culinary heritage.
• Mexican: A wide range of Mexican food is available, from the fresh, Baja-style offerings at BumbleBee’s Baja Grill to more traditional fare.
• Steakhouse: As part of a state with a strong ranching history, steakhouses are a popular and integral part of the dining landscape.
• Ethiopian: The presence of Lalibela in the metro area provides a unique and authentic option for international cuisine, centered on communal dining.