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 12 unique restaurants that showcase the heart, creativity, and rich flavors of Idaho. Let’s dig in!
Before you book anything, don’t miss these deals 👇
- ✈️ Find cheap flights you won't see on Google – Going.com finds mistake fares and flash sales I use to save $200+ per ticket
- 🏨 Book your stay – Great deals on boutique hotels, apartments and vacation homes
- 🚗 Score cheap car rentals – Compare top companies in one spot
- 🎟️ Explore top-rated tours and activities – Skip the line and explore more
👉 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
✈️ Pro Travel Tip:
I use Going.com to find crazy flight deals — think $300 roundtrip to Europe kind of crazy.
It’s free, and I honestly check it more than Google Flights. If you're booking travel, this is the first site I'd check. (Save 25% on Premium and Elite with my special code: JON25)
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.
5. 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.
6. Feist Creek Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Priest River (Nordman area, remote)
- 💲 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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!
11. 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.
12. 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.
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.
Need help planning your trip? Check out these helpful links:
- ✈️ Find cheap flights – I use this to snag deals you won't find elsewhere
- 🏨 Book accommodations – From boutique hotels to budget-friendly stays
- 🚗 Compare rental car prices – Great rates from trusted companies
- 🎟️ Discover affordable tours and day trips – Skip the line and explore more
- 📱 SIM Cards + eSims – My go-to phone plan I've used in 50+ countries
