15 Best Restaurants in Boise (Updated 2026)

The 15 Best Restaurants in Boise

[Updated February 2026]

I am a big foodie and love finding the newest and hottest restaurants in Boise (the largest city in Idaho) and the entire Treasure Valley. As a Boise local, I like to keep up with the newest restaurants, fun spots, and local favorites. Boise has grown a lot in the past few years, and many new restaurants have popped up! I’m trying my best to keep up with the best places and keep adding my favorite restaurants in Boise, Idaho, to the list!

The majority of these restaurants I’ve listed are sit-down restaurants and more focused on lunch or dinner. Also, these are all restaurants in Boise and not the rest of the Treasure Valley.

Here are some of my other favorite spots:

Best cheap eats in Boise
Best Breakfast in Boise Idaho
The 10 Best Boise Speakeasies
17 of Boise’s Best Coffee Shops

If you want more real-time restaurant recommendations in Boise, let’s be friends on Instagram @travelingspud and Tiktok!

1) The Wylder

The Wylder is one of my favorite restaurants. It’s the perfect place for locally sourced craft pizzas, salads, and shared plates. They are located in the downtown area, near Boise Brewing and Trader Joe’s. The decor is hip and fun, the service is great, and they have excellent cocktails. You can sit outside in the summer, and in the winter, it has a cozy vibe.

If you go, the best things to try are the Honey Badger pizza, mushroom toast, fingerling potatoes, brussel sprouts, and the True Grit cocktail! They don’t take reservations, but they will call you when your table is ready, so you can always have some craft beers at Mother Earth Brewing right next door! This is one of my favorite restaurants in Boise, hands down.

Directions: Wylder, 501 W Broad St, Boise, ID 83702

2) Alyonka Russian Cuisine

Alyonka’s is delicious Russian cuisine and a great way to change up the typical types of food in the Boise restaurant scene. Alyonka is owned and operated by a local woman, Elena DeYoung, who was born and raised in the former Soviet Republic of Kazakhstan. She now owns Alyonka on State St., and it is SO GOOD!

If you’re looking for a date night or a fun friend’s night out to try something new, I highly recommend this Russian food for dinner. It is small inside their dining room, but they do have a patio in the summer. I recommend reservations, especially on the weekends. Please do yourself a favor and order the shuba, the smoked gouda spread, the Pelmeni, the beef stroganoff, and the honey cake! You can also try Russian beers here, which we thought was fun.

Recently, they were featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives—although this feels very far away from a dive!

Directions: Alyonka Russian Cuisine, 2870 W State St, Boise, ID 83702

3) House of the Little Pig (HLP)

If you haven’t made it out to East Boise yet, House of the Little Pig is worth the little detour. This neighborhood spot by the team behind The Lively leans into Mediterranean flavors. They have everything from house-butchered dry-aged meats to seasonal vegetables cooked over fire. Most of the plates are meant to be shared. They have a lovely patio, great cocktails, a gorgeous bar, and even serve brunch now! I love going with friends, ordering a few plates, and chatting over cocktails on the patio when the weather’s nice. It’s relaxed, but has a gorgeous interior, and I love it! 

Directions: House of the Little Pig | 3083 E Barber Valley Dr, Boise, ID 83716

4) Barbacoa

If you’re looking for a true Boise local favorite, Barbacoa is it. Their steak, seafood, and overall exotic ambiance are unmatched o anywhere else in Boise. I always order tableside guacamole, the “Hot Rock” steak, and a dirty martini in an iced glass. Just trust me when I say this place is excellent—and also wild.

It almost looks like you’re walking into a chain restaurant because of its location next to a Red Robin, but its outdoor patio has views of a small pond and the Boise River. Plus, the food is wonderful. They even have a rooftop and outdoor seating when you go in the summer. Sometimes, they’ll have live music as well! This would be a great option for group dining or a birthday party or event.

Directions: Barbacoa Grill, 276 Bobwhite Ct, Boise, ID 83706

5) Terroir

Terroir is one of those places that makes you feel like you’re eating in someone’s perfect dining room. It feels thoughtful, seasonal, and just a little fancy without being intimidating. The menu changes with what’s fresh that week (think steak frites or wild-caught fish). The vibe is intimate and inviting right on 8th Street. I love it for date nights or any night we want food that feels like an experience!

Directions: Terroir | 160 N 8th St, Boise, ID 83702

6) Raibu Sushi Bar

Okay, you probably don’t think of going to a land-locked state like Idaho for sushi, but TRUST ME ON THIS. For one of the best sushi experiences Raibu is your move. They bring true omakase vibes to town with sourced fish and a format that feels special without being pretentious. The owner is a San Francisco chef and the quality is high-level. I recommend doing the omakase if you can! It’s such a great experience. See my experience here!

Directions: Raibu | 808 W Fort St, Boise, ID 83702

7) Luciano’s Italian Restaurant

If you like Italian, this is an independently owned Boise classic. It feels like an old Italian spot that is literally always busy! It’s a pretty casual and informal spot with a Tuscan-inspired space. They have a small bar, so you can get a drink while you’re waiting for your table. They use quality ingredients, and serve all types of Italian classics. If you’re just craving a large Italian meal, this is your spot!

Directions: 11 N Orchard St, Boise, ID 83706

8) Amano

If you’re up for a short drive (about 30 minutes), Amano in Caldwell is a destination worth scheduling into your trip. Chef Salvador Alamilla, a James Beard Award winner, makes the best elevated Mexican food, with house-made tortillas, mole, birria, and mezcal cocktails that I can’t stop thinking about. The space is beautifully designed in a restored building. I highly recommend and now they have a speakeasy upstairs!

Directions: Amano | 802 Arthur St, Caldwell, ID 83605

9) Avery Brasserie + Bar 

The Avery Brasserie + Bar is located inside the new historic hotel in downtown Boise, The Avery Hotel. Their restaurant serves French-inspired brunch, lunch, and dinner. The vibes in this restaurant are elevated and timeless. It feels like you’re in a fun and casual restaurant in a big city. I have loved everything I’ve had here, and it might be because the chef is Michelin-starred Chef Cal Elliot; who knows what he’s doing! This is a go-to for a casual date night, a special occasion, or just a fun night out. Also, in the back of the restaurant is Tiner’s Alley, a fun pub-like restaurant that reminds me of being in England!

Directions: 1010 W Main St Suite 100, Boise, ID 83702

10) Fork

The same people that own Alavita above own Fork. Fork has been a Boise staple for many years downtown and has great Idahoan local favorites. Come here for a relaxed atmosphere, delicious appetizers (don’t miss their famous asparagus fries), their great entrees, and yummy brunch. The decor isn’t my favorite, but the vibe is fun, and it’s always packed no matter what time of the day it is! Go here for great service and food that will make the whole family want to come back!

Directions: Fork, 199 N 8th St, Boise, ID 83702

11) KIN

KIN is a prix fixe dining and cocktail bar that offers a five-course food and beverage experience served in a communal setting. This is one of Idaho’s most awarded restaurants, as KIN chef Kris Komori has won Idaho’s first James Beard award! They offer a few dining options, including prix fixe dining, where they run seatings at 7 pm (6 pm on Fridays and Saturdays), and then a late-night Supper Club on Fridays and Saturdays that starts at 8:45 pm.

If you still want to try their food but don’t have time for prix fixe dining, you can head to their Art Huas Bar, where they don’t take reservations and serve Asian-fusion-inspired dishes, including ramen (my favorite thing to order here). Their cocktails are also super unique and elevated. Ask them about their speakeasy on the 14th floor of the building as well! 😉

Directions: 999 W Main St Suite P101, Boise, ID 83702

12) Andsots Basque Chorizos

Boise is known for its large population of Basque people outside of Spain, and it’s a great place to try some Basque cuisine! I love Andsots because they only do a few things, and they do them really well! This is a great way to try Basque food if you haven’t done so before. They are owned and operated by a local Basque family, Dan, Tamara, and Ellie Ansotegui, and specialize in homemade chorizos, marinated Solomon, and Basque bacon, among a few other dishes. I love their chorizo platter with fresh bread, grilled onions, and peppers. The patatas bravas and croquetas are also amazing! Note that they are not open for dinner and only are open Wednesday – Saturday from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Directions: 560 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702

13) Tavolata

Okay, yes, Tavolàta is technically a small chain out of Seattle, but it’s a good one. It’s one of my go-to spots for Italian downtown, especially if I’m craving fresh pasta and a glass of wine. They have a great happy hour, and the space feels fun and vibey! I also love that they offer gluten-free pasta that is actually good! It’s the kind of place that works for a casual dinner with friends or an easy date night.

Directions: Tavolata | 524 W Grove St, Boise, ID 83702

Read More: The 9 Most Romantic Restaurants in Boise

14) Red Feather Lounge

Red Feather is an award-winning staple in downtown Boise and has been here for a long time. There’s a reason why! It’s an awesome spot to sit outside on the patio or sit inside the swanky and cozy inside. They have a seasonal menu and offer great food with different types of American/Italian dishes. I love sharing plates and usually get a pizza and brussel sprouts just about every time I come!

Directions: 246 N 8th St, Boise, ID 83702

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15) Chandler’s

This is known as one of the City of Trees’ fanciest and most expensive restaurants but for good reason! Chandlers is a white tablecloth dining experience and is perfect for a date night. I recommend it when craving something fancier or prime steaks and a martini. It’s located in Hotel 43 in downtown Boise, and the food and service are great.

Directions: Chandler’s, 981 W Grove St, Boise ID 83702

More great restaurants in Boise

A few other restaurants are still worth mentioning because they are also delish!

• Saltbrush – This is one of Boise’s newer restaurants with a seasonal menu, great cocktails, and a huge wine list. The vibes are perfect for Boise.
• Stardust – The decor mimics the mid-century modern Stardust Hotel and Casino in Vegas. The food is delicious and it’s perfect for a fun night out when you want some good food and a vibey atmosphere!
• Coa di Jima – A fun, colorful downtown spot for upscale Mexican food and margaritas.
• Hemlock – Another super fancy spot in Boise perfect for date night. I love the large potato cart!
• Little Pearl Oyster Bar – This is a small, fine seafood restaurant located in downtown Boise. It serves great oysters and fresh seafood dishes.
• Bittercreek Alehouse – If you’re looking for a casual pub food spot, this is it! Order the cheese curds!
• Bardenay – A Boise staple located on the Basque block near the Basque market. They serve great pub fare in a fun atmosphere.
• The Percy – This is a new dining option from the same people that made The Wylder. I love the vibes in here.

Are you a Boise local or did you visit Boise and love a specific place? If so, I’d love to hear which are the best Boise restaurants in your mind! Leave me a comment below. 

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