10 Best Montana Restaurants

Montana is famous for dishes that feature its natural bounty, including bison, beef, elk, trout, and huckleberries. The state's extensive ranchlands produce high-quality beef, making steakhouses a central part of its food identity. For food tourism, the opportunity to eat game meats like bison and elk, which are featured on menus across the state, offers a distinct taste of the American West. The most unique local ingredient is the wild huckleberry, a mountain berry that cannot be commercially grown and is harvested by hand. Huckleberries are used in pies, jams, ice cream, sauces for savory dishes, and cocktails. Other local specialties include Flathead Lake cherries and fresh-caught river trout.

A meal for one person at an inexpensive restaurant ranges from $15 to $21. The cost for a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is between $70 and $108. Dining at a high-end establishment in a resort town like Big Sky or Whitefish will have a higher price point, with entrees often starting in the $50 to $70 range per person.

Montana's fast-food options are a mix of national chains and a few regional favorites. Taco John's, a regional chain, is very prevalent, as are national brands like McDonald's and Subway. The Montana-based sandwich shop Pickle Barrel is a local favorite with several locations. The most popular fast-food restaurants in Montana are listed below.

• Taco John's: A regional chain known for its Mexican-inspired fast food and signature Potato Olés.
• McDonald's: Serves its classic menu of burgers, fries, and breakfast items.
• Subway: Offers made-to-order submarine sandwiches.
• Pickle Barrel: A Montana-based chain famous for its large, hot and cold sandwiches.
• Dairy Queen: A popular spot for burgers, chicken strips, and its signature soft-serve ice cream treats.
• Wendy's: Known for its square burgers, chili, and Frosty desserts.
• Arby's: Specializes in roast beef sandwiches and curly fries.
• Burger King: Features flame-grilled burgers like the Whopper.
• Pizza Hut: A common choice for carryout and delivery pizza.
• Taco Bell: A national chain serving a menu of Mexican-inspired items.

Montana's new restaurants add fresh concepts to the state's food landscape. These new Montana restaurants are listed below.

• J.W. Heist Steakhouse: An upscale steakhouse offering prime cuts and a raw bar in a sophisticated setting. Located at 27 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715.
• Coffee Republic: A coffee shop opening its third location in Great Falls. Located at 1000 Central Avenue West, Great Falls, MT 59404.
• Sweet Junes Freeze Dried Candy & More: A specialty shop offering freeze-dried candy. Located at 525 Central Avenue, Great Falls, MT 59401.
• Pangea: A restaurant with a rooftop bar, featuring a globally inspired menu with dishes from around the world. Located at 223 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59802.
• Last Best Pizza & Pasta: A casual restaurant serving a menu of specialty pizzas and pasta dishes. Located at 12000 US-2, West Glacier, MT 59936.
• Faye's Cafe: A breakfast and lunch spot offering classic American diner fare in a bright, welcoming space. Located at 415 E Lewis St, Livingston, MT 59047.

Downtown Bozeman, which is centered along its historic Main Street, is a primary destination for dining in Montana. The area is known for its well-preserved historic buildings that house a high concentration of the city's top restaurants, offering everything from fine dining to casual eateries, listed below.

• Blackbird: A popular restaurant specializing in rustic Italian cuisine, including wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta.
• Open Range: A classic steakhouse serving Montana-raised beef and wild game in a sophisticated Western setting.
• Plonk: An upscale wine bar and restaurant with a creative menu of small plates, entrees, and craft cocktails.
• Dave's Sushi: A casual and consistently busy spot known for its fresh and creative sushi rolls.
• Ted's Montana Grill: Co-founded by Ted Turner, this restaurant focuses on American comfort food with a special emphasis on bison dishes.
• Urban Kitchen: A modern restaurant offering New American cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

Yes, there are lunch spots in Montana worth trying, including Pickle Barrel, Tagliare Delicatessen, and Jam!. Pickle Barrel is a Montana institution, a casual sandwich shop known for its massive hot and cold sandwiches. Tagliare Delicatessen in Missoula is a go-to spot for authentic Italian-style deli sandwiches made with high-quality cured meats and cheeses. Jam! in Bozeman is a popular breakfast and lunch restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere, serving creative American dishes like crepes, specialty benedicts, and sandwiches.

Yes, there are good places for dinner in Montana, such as Lucca's, the Belton Chalet Dining Room, and Buffalo Block Prime Steakhouse. Lucca's in Helena offers a fine dining Italian experience in a historic downtown building with an award-winning wine list. The Belton Chalet Dining Room, at the edge of Glacier National Park, serves upscale Rocky Mountain cuisine in a restored 1910 railway hotel. Buffalo Block Prime Steakhouse in Billings provides a classic, high-end steakhouse experience in the historic Rex Hotel, specializing in prime and American Wagyu beef.

Montana has restaurants serving vegan food, such as Veera Donuts, Five on Black, and The Good Food Store. Veera Donuts in Bozeman is a fully vegan establishment specializing in donuts, coffee, and other plant-based breakfast items. Five on Black, with locations in Bozeman and Missoula, is a fast-casual Brazilian restaurant where the entire menu is naturally gluten-free and easily made vegan with its build-your-own bowl format. The Good Food Store in Missoula has a deli and hot bar with an extensive selection of vegan salads, sandwiches, and entrees. In Kalispell, Ever-e-day is a vegan cafe that serves a full menu of plant-based meals.

Restaurants in Montana that serve gluten-free food include GF Cucina, Five on Black, and MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub. GF Cucina in Billings is a dedicated 100% gluten-free Italian restaurant, offering pasta, bread, and desserts in a celiac-safe environment. Five on Black, located in Bozeman and Missoula, has a menu that is entirely gluten-free, focusing on Brazilian-style bowls. MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub, with multiple locations across the state, offers a gluten-free crust option for its pizzas. Many of the state's steakhouses, like Open Range in Bozeman, also provide numerous gluten-free choices.

Montana's most famous cuisines are American steakhouse and Rocky Mountain cuisine. These food styles are a direct result of the state's ranching heritage and its wild, natural landscape. Listed below are the most common and popular cuisines in Montana.

• Steakhouse: This is the quintessential Montana cuisine, rooted in the state's history as a major beef producer. Steakhouses across the state serve high-quality, locally raised beef, with a focus on classic cuts like the ribeye and filet mignon.
• Rocky Mountain Cuisine: This style emphasizes ingredients sourced directly from the region. Menus feature game meats like bison and elk, fresh river trout, and foraged items, most notably wild huckleberries which are used in both sweet and savory dishes.
• American Comfort Food: Found in diners, pubs, and cafes, this cuisine consists of hearty, satisfying dishes. Burgers, particularly those made with local beef or bison, are a staple, along with sandwiches, meatloaf, and hearty breakfasts.
• Italian: Cities like Bozeman, Livingston, and Whitefish have a number of restaurants specializing in Italian food. These establishments focus on handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and rustic preparations that often incorporate local Montana ingredients.
• Brewpub Fare: Montana has a high number of breweries per capita, and many operate full kitchens. The food is designed to pair with beer and includes elevated pub classics like gourmet burgers, flatbreads, and creative appetizers.