Idaho’s food scene is full of surprises, blending rustic charm with bold, global flavors. Known for its farm-fresh ingredients and famous potatoes, the state offers far more than meets the eye. From cozy historic inns serving hearty comfort food to vibrant spots dishing up Ethiopian spices and Basque specialties, Idaho’s restaurants deliver unique dining experiences you won’t forget.
Picture savoring lamb stew at Epi’s Basque Restaurant in Meridian, enjoying injera with flavorful Ethiopian dishes at Kibrom’s in Boise, or dining in a charming riverside lodge surrounded by breathtaking views. Whether you’re exploring Boise’s thriving food scene or uncovering hidden gems in small mountain towns, Idaho is a foodie’s dream.
In this guide, we’ll explore 22 unique restaurants that showcase the heart, creativity, and rich flavors of Idaho. Let’s dig in!
👉 Pro Tip: The Yellowstone Lower Loop Geothermal Tour has you covered with breakfast, snacks, and lunch included—no food stress here! You might even get to grab a meal at the historic Old Faithful Inn Dining Room, which is seriously cool and packed with rustic charm. Let your guide know if you’ve got any dietary needs, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. Between the epic views and good eats, it’s the perfect way to explore Yellowstone without a worry!
Unusual places to eat in ID
Ready to explore Idaho’s best eateries? We’ve got everything from Persian delights to historic bakeries. Join me on a tour of the quirkiest places to eat in Idaho.
Ever thought about enjoying flavors from Russia or Ethiopia right here in Boise? Idaho’s dining scene has it all, ready for you to discover, making it one of the top places to live and visit in the Pacific Northwest. Let’s dive into the most unique restaurants in ID.
1. Taste of Persia
- 📍 Location: Boise
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Persian / Middle Eastern
- 🔥 Standout Features: Persian stews, kebabs, saffron rice.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Exotic flavors, aromatic rice dishes, and a unique cultural dining experience.
Get ready for a magic carpet ride of flavor at Taste of Persia in Boise! This hidden gem serves authentic Persian cuisine rich with aromatic spices. The air is fragrant with saffron, cardamom, and grilling meats.
Trying their koobideh kebab, seasoned ground meat grilled to perfection, is a great idea. The classic ghormeh sabzi, a savory herb stew with lamb, or the succulent chicken barg (marinated chicken breast kebab) are also fantastic. The saffron rice is divine.
- Find upcoming food festivals in Boise: Downtown Boise Annual Festivals
2. Terraza Waterfront by De Leon’s
Sitting right on the Spokane River, Terraza Waterfront by De Leon’s is the sort of spot you almost don’t want to tell anyone about because then everyone will be fighting for those riverside tables. The menu is creative Mexican – the chili lime guacamole with fresh fried chips is the stuff of local legend – but don’t sleep on the ahi tuna tostadas or the micheladas. Expect bold, modern flavors, and a cocktail list that leans into tropical, summer-by-the-water territory. The ambiance is pure Idaho chill, with string lights, patio heaters, and a fire pit. The river views at sunset? Unreal. The first time I came here, honestly, the margarita flight and views had me hooked before my entrée even hit the table.
- Discover more waterfront gems: 12 Best Things to Do in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
3. Peaceful Belly
- 📍 Location: Caldwell (Farm location)
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person (Farm-to-fork dinners/events)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Farm-to-Table / Seasonal / Organic
- 🔥 Standout Features: Dining on an organic farm with hyper-seasonal menus and special farm-to-fork dinner events.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Locavores, supporters of organic farming, and a fresh field-to-plate dining experience.
It doesn’t get any fresher than Peaceful Belly! This organic farm in Caldwell hosts incredible farm-to-fork dinners and events amidst the fields. Imagine eating a salad made with greens picked just hours before. Menus are hyper-seasonal, making every visit unique.
Their wood-fired pizzas topped with farm-fresh seasonal vegetables are a highlight. Any heirloom tomato dish in season, or their roasted squash with herbs from the garden, are also must-tries. This is where you taste the true bounty of Idaho.
4. Highlands Hollow Brewhouse
If you want funky, mountain-lodge-in-the-city energy, this Boise stalwart is it. Highlands Hollow Brewhouse is a rustic, wood-beamed spot that feels like an old Idaho ski lodge, complete with stone fireplaces and lots of community tables. Their in-house beers are always solid, especially the crispy Pie Hole Pale Ale and the surprisingly smooth Wolf’s Oatmeal Stout. Try their signature Buffalo burger or the homemade beer cheese soup – both perfect after a morning hiking in the foothills nearby. Dogs are welcome on the patio, so it’s popular with locals after a Greenbelt jog. I never leave here without a growler fill – the prices are shockingly reasonable, especially at Happy Hour. Don’t sleep on their trapper pie dessert.
5. Reef
- 📍 Location: Boise (Downtown)
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Seafood / Tiki Bar / American
- 🔥 Standout Features: Rooftop tiki bar featuring city views, island-themed decor, and tropical cocktails.
- 🎯 Perfect For: A fun night with tiki drinks and seafood.
Escape to a tropical paradise in downtown Boise at Reef! This lively spot boasts a fantastic rooftop tiki bar with great city views and an interior decked out in full island regalia – think bamboo and tiki torches. The air smells faintly of coconut.
Sipping on a classic mai tai or a creative Painkiller cocktail is a good plan. For food, share some coconut shrimp with a sweet chili dipping sauce, their popular fish tacos with mango salsa, or the crispy calamari. It’s a fun, unpretentious place.
6. Mojo’s Donuts & Ice Cream
This place is pure, happy chaos in the best way. Mojo’s Donuts & Ice Cream in Boise doesn’t just serve up classic glazed – their donut menu reads like a sugar-fueled fever dream. Think banana pudding donuts or blue raspberry with Pop Rocks, and their signature Fries & Frosting – waffle fries topped with a donut, soft serve, and all manner of toppings. The space is super playful with neon signs, arcade games, and retro diner seating, making it my go-to for birthday mornings or late-night cravings. They crank fun beats over the speakers and constantly have new specials, so there’s always something wild to try. Right near Ann Morrison Park and the Boise River, so you can walk off your sugar crash with waterfront views.
7. Alyonka Russian Cuisine
- 📍 Location: Boise
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Russian / Eastern European
- 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic homemade Russian dishes, cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and unique cultural specialties.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Exploring Eastern European flavors, lovers of dumplings and hearty stews, and a taste of Russia in Idaho.
Get ready for a hearty, comforting hug of a meal at Alyonka Russian Cuisine! This Boise gem serves authentic, homemade Russian food packed with flavor and made with love. The aroma of dill and simmering borscht will transport you.
Trying their incredible pelmeni (meat dumplings) served with sour cream and dill is essential. The classic beef stroganoff with tender beef and creamy mushroom sauce, or their flavorful borscht (beet soup) with a dollop of smetana, are also delightful.
8. Raw Dead Fish
This sushi joint wouldn’t be out of place in Tokyo’s Shibuya – the vibe at Raw Dead Fish is edgy, hip, and full of food-obsessed locals. With its muraled walls, tight booths, and upbeat soundtrack, the energy is high and the sushi is even better. Their Dragon Slayer roll is as dramatic as it sounds (think torched spicy tuna, jalapeño, and tempura flakes) and their sashimi melts in your mouth. They pour creative sake cocktails – I recommend the Lychee Saketini if you’re feeling adventurous. Go during dinner for a lively crowd, or stop by for a slightly calmer lunch. The sushi here honestly blew me away – fresh, inventive, and massively photogenic.
9. Anderson Reserve
- 📍 Location: Sweet
- 💲 Price range: $50 – $100+ per person (Often special event/reservation only)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale American / Farm-to-Table / Wild Game
- 🔥 Standout Features: Dining on a ranch featuring estate-raised meats, Wagyu, exclusive culinary events.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Foodies looking for a unique ranch-to-table experience and high-quality meats.
For an exceptional culinary adventure, look to Anderson Reserve in the tiny town of Sweet. This working ranch offers exclusive, intimate farm-to-table dining experiences, often by reservation, featuring their own estate-raised meats, including incredible Wagyu beef.
Savoring a perfectly cooked Wagyu steak, like a ribeye or New York strip, is a must. Their estate-raised pork chops or seasonal wild game preparations are also highly praised. The commitment to quality and unique ranch setting make this a true dining destination.
- You may also like: These 12 Places in Idaho Will Make You Pack Your Bags Immediately
10. BACON Boise Breakfast & Brunch
This place does exactly what you’d expect, but better. BACON Boise is the undisputed bacon capital of Idaho, with a brunch menu entirely devoted to crispy, smoky, creative bacon flights – yes, you read that right. My can’t-miss? The Bacon & Eggs Benny, featuring thick-cut, house-cured pork goodness. Even the cocktails lean in: try their Bacon Bloody Mary for a serious wake-up call. The space is modern but warm, with brick walls, fun local art, and window-facing bar seats for prime people-watching on 8th Street. Drop in early to avoid the brunch rush, and afterward, you can hit Freak Alley Gallery, which is just a stroll away. I’m still thinking about the bacon-infused maple syrup situation they had last time I visited – next level.
11. Feist Creek Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Bonners Ferry
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Comfort Food / Rustic Lodge
- 🔥 Standout Features: Remote lodge in the woods, hearty meals.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurers seeking an off-the-grid meal, and experiencing North Idaho hospitality.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s truly off the beaten path, Feist Creek Restaurant near Priest River is your destination. This rustic lodge is nestled deep in the Idaho wilderness, offering a cozy haven and hearty, home-style cooking for those exploring the great outdoors.
Expect classic comfort food. Their big burgers with all the fixings are a popular choice. A hearty country fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy, or their homemade pies for dessert, are also perfect rewards after a day of hiking or fishing.
- Plan your North Idaho wilderness trip: Idaho State Parks outdoor recreation guide
12. Coeur D’Alene Cellars
This is Idaho wine country in a glass, tucked away just outside of downtown Coeur d’Alene. Coeur D’Alene Cellars is known for small-batch, estate-grown wines – Rosé all day with a view? Yes please. Their Malbec is earthy and bold, and the wine flights are a fun way to taste what Idaho vineyards can do. The industrial-chic tasting room has bright murals, comfy couches, and huge windows overlooking leafy streets. It’s artsy and unfussy, perfect for a girls’ afternoon or date night. Locals rave about their live jazz nights and regular art shows. It’s a quick trip to the lakeshore or Tubbs Hill Trail if you want to really soak up the North Idaho vibes. Every time I go, I’m amazed at how it still feels like a hidden gem – and I never leave without nabbing a bottle for later.
13. The White House Grill
- 📍 Location: Post Falls
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Mediterranean / Turkish / Garlic-Focused
- 🔥 Standout Features: “Garlic Lovers’ Paradise” – tons of garlic, Mediterranean dishes.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Garlic lovers, energetic group dinners, and Mediterranean flavors.
Calling all garlic lovers! The White House Grill in Post Falls is your pungent paradise! This lively spot is famous for its unapologetic love of garlic – it’s in practically everything. The air is thick with the glorious aroma of roasted garlic.
Trying their garlic-drenched lamb skewers (shish kebab) is highly recommended. Any of their flaming cheese saganaki presentations, or the flavorful garlic chicken, are also fantastic choices. Be prepared for a loud, fun, and incredibly flavorful experience.
14. Ansots Basque Chorizos
Bosie’s Basque scene feels so authentic at Ansots – this mom-and-pop deli bathed in sunlight specializes in sausages like your Spanish grandma (or someone’s grandma) would make. They crank out the juiciest, most flavorful Basque chorizos in town – try the house plate with picon peppers and fresh bread. Honestly, the lamb chorizo is insane too. Set in a brick-walled space with black-and-white family photos, this spot is super approachable (you order at the counter), and the sidewalk tables are perfect for people-watching in the Basque Block. Pro tip: grab a jar of their garlic aioli to take home. Basque Market is next door, so make a whole afternoon of it, and don’t be surprised if you see accordion players drifting by. This is as Boise as it gets.
15. Kibrom’s Ethiopian & Eritrean Food
- 📍 Location: Boise
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Ethiopian / Eritrean
- 🔥 Standout Features: East African stews (wots), communal dining with injera, vegetarian and meat dishes.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Unique African flavors, group meals, and a hands-on dining experience.
Ditch the silverware at Kibrom’s Ethiopian & Eritrean Food! This Boise favorite serves authentic, richly spiced stews (wots) that you scoop up with soft, tangy injera bread. The aroma of berbere and other exotic spices is intoxicating.
Their vegetarian combo platter, a vibrant mosaic of deliciousness featuring misir wot (red lentils) and kik alicha (yellow split peas), is a must-try. The doro wat (spicy chicken stew) or the savory beef tibs are also excellent choices. Sharing is encouraged.
16. The Wylder
If you’re serious about pizza, The Wylder’s your spot. This downtown Boise pizzeria serves up big, wood-fired pies with chewy crusts and inventive toppings – my pick is the Honey Badger with spicy fennel sausage, whipped ricotta, caramelized onion, and a drizzle of local honey. The starters are no afterthought: get the warm, cast iron cheesy bread or their market vegetable salad. The bright, open dining room has a mid-century feel, complete with terrazzo tiles, globe lights, and tons of plants. It works for a date or a group celebration, and they offer cocktails that use Idaho spirits. Downtown shops and galleries are steps away, and there’s a hidden patio out back that’s gold during warm weather. One slice into a Wylder pie and you’ll be hooked.
17. The Pie Safe Bakery & Kitchen
- 📍 Location: Pocatello
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Bakery / Cafe / American Comfort Food
- 🔥 Standout Features: Homemade pies, cozy cafe, sandwiches.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Pie lovers, sweet treats, and a cozy bakery experience.
Get ready for a slice of heaven at The Pie Safe Bakery & Kitchen in Pocatello! This charming spot is a haven for pie lovers, serving an incredible array of homemade sweet and savory pies. The aroma of baking crust and sweet fruit fillings is irresistible.
Trying a slice of their classic apple pie or a seasonal fruit creation like huckleberry or peach is essential. Don’t overlook their savory chicken pot pie or their popular quiche. They also make great sandwiches and soups for a comforting meal.
- For more reading: 18 Bucket-List Things to Do in Idaho
18. Diablo & Sons Saloon
On the edge of downtown Boise, Diablo & Sons Saloon brings the energy of an old Western bar crashing together with bold Southwestern eats. The interior is all brick walls, local art, and community tables, with a bar that specializes in tequila and whiskey. Standout menu items: the smoked green chile cornbread and the smoky, stacked brisket tacos. Local bands play here regularly, and the upbeat atmosphere makes solo trips or group hangs equally fun. Their “Devil’s Margarita” comes with a dramatic black salt rim and house-made spice mix – a photogenic winner. You’re also just steps from Boise’s downtown hot spots and the Freak Alley mural scene. I went in expecting Tex-Mex and left obsessed with their mole and whiskey sour specials.
19. Epi’s A Basque Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Meridian
- 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Basque / Family-Style Dining
- 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic multi-course Basque family-style meals.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Experiencing traditional Basque culture and cuisine, large groups, and a hearty feast.
Prepare for a feast, Basque style, at Epi’s A Basque Restaurant in Meridian! This beloved spot offers an authentic, multi-course family-style dining experience that’s all about hearty food and warm hospitality. You’ll be treated to course after course of deliciousness.
The meal includes soup, salad, and sides like Basque beans and French fries. For the main course, the tender roast lamb, flavorful garlic chicken, or the perfectly cooked steak are all fantastic choices. Come hungry and ready to share!
20. Saffron Indian Bar and Grill
If you want legit Indian spices in the heart of Idaho, Saffron has you covered. The menu is packed with all the classic curries and tandoori grilled dishes, but the Lamb Rogan Josh and Paneer Tikka Sizzler are the musts. Their naan comes out fluffy and slightly charred, and the mango lassi is refreshingly tangy. Inside, the decor is vibrant and colorful without feeling over-the-top, and they have a cool mix of traditional music with indie tracks on the playlist. Perfect for big group meals or a solo comfort food session. Take the time to explore the Boise River Greenbelt nearby after your meal. Saffron’s lunch buffet is serious value, and the service here feels genuinely warm. Last time, I left with leftovers and zero regrets.
21. Ishtar Market & Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Boise
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Middle Eastern / Mediterranean / Iraqi
- 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Iraqi and Middle Eastern dishes, attached market with imported goods, and flavorful kebabs and shawarma.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Exploring diverse Middle Eastern flavors, lovers of kebabs and flavorful rice, and a unique cultural market and dining experience.
Take a culinary journey at Ishtar Market & Restaurant! This Boise gem offers a delicious taste of Iraqi and broader Middle Eastern cuisine, with an attached market. The aroma of grilling kebabs and exotic spices will draw you in.
Trying their incredible Iraqi kebabs, juicy and flavorful, is a good plan. The classic chicken shawarma plate with rice and salad, or their rich lamb shank slow-cooked with vegetables, are also highly recommended. Their rice dishes are fragrant.
22. Wepa Cafe
- 📍 Location: Garden City
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Puerto Rican / Caribbean
- 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Puerto Rican “comida criolla,” island flavors.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Craving tropical mofongo, pernil, and a vibrant Puerto Rican escape.
Say “Wepa!” to a burst of Caribbean flavor at Wepa Cafe in Garden City! This spot is bringing the vibrant, soulful tastes of Puerto Rico to Idaho, serving up authentic “comida criolla” that’s packed with love.
Get ready for incredible dishes. Their savory mofongo (mashed plantains with garlic and pork cracklings) topped with shrimp or pernil is a must-try. The tender, slow-roasted pernil (pork shoulder) or their flavorful pastelón (Puerto Rican sweet plantain lasagna) are also fantastic.
- Discover more of Idaho’s dining scene: Visit Idaho’s official food and drink page
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the quirkiest restaurants in Idaho
Are you searching for more information about where to eat in Idaho? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Idaho’s most unique restaurants.
What food is Idaho famous for?
Idaho is famous for its potatoes, and rightly so. They’re versatile, delicious, and the backbone of many comfort dishes.
Is Boise a foodie city?
Boise is definitely a foodie city, offering a surprising array of cuisines that can satisfy any craving. You can find everything from Ethiopian, Middle Eastern, Russian, as well as a wide variety of American and Mexican restaurants.
What is one fun fact about Idaho?
A fun fact about Idaho is that it’s home to one of the top things to do in the state: exploring the deepest river gorge in North America, Hells Canyon, which is even deeper than the Grand Canyon!
Where is the prettiest place in Idaho?
The prettiest place in Idaho has got to be Shoshone Falls, often called the “Niagara of the West.” Its stunning views and thundering waters make it a must-visit natural wonder.
