13 Boise Restaurants That Prove Idaho Isn’t Just About Potatoes and Whitewater
By Maria Rodriguez | April 13, 2025
Boise restaurants generally don’t try to impress with foam or fuss; instead, they give you lamb ribs that taste like someone’s Lebanese grandmother moonlights as a pitmaster, or sourdough bread so good it makes the rest of your dinner feel like an afterthought. One of the best meals I had came from a place where they cure their own duck prosciutto and also hand you a laminated cocktail menu with a drawing of a bear in sunglasses. Boise isn’t trying to be Portland, and thank God—it’s weirder, better, and you don’t have to wait 90 minutes for a table. Here then are the best restaurants in Boise right now.
Corso Italian Steak
1. Kin
Kin is where Boise’s fine dining scene finds its pulse. Their prix fixe menus push creative boundaries, served in a sleek downtown space that blends art and food seamlessly.
2. Alavita
At Alavita, “handmade pasta” isn’t just a tagline—it’s a mission. Located downtown, it’s a love letter to Italian cuisine with a Northwest twist.
3. Corso
Corso arrived in Boise with the swagger of a steakhouse that knows exactly what it is—Italian, dramatic, and allergic to subtlety. It’s got red velvet banquettes, a mural of celebrities, and a cocktail list that includes something called a caprese martini, which somehow tastes better than it sounds. The food—Snake River Farms ribeye, housemade pasta, all of it overseen by chef Dana Brizee—is reason enough to go, but mostly I was there for the vibe, which lands somewhere between mid-century movie set and the place Sinatra would've taken his mistress.
4. The Wylder
The Wylder takes wood-fired pizzas to the next level. Their crust, kissed by a scorching-hot oven, is the foundation of creations that feel both familiar and entirely fresh.
5. Richard’s
Set within the Inn at 500 Capitol, Richard’s delivers contemporary American dishes with a nod to global flavors. It’s where you go for a meal that feels like an occasion.
6. The Avery Brasserie
The Avery is a French-inspired brasserie feels intimate and sophisticated. Their wine list is as thoughtful as their seasonal menu, which delivers on every visit.
7. Amano
Amano, slightly outside Boise in Caldwell, is worth the trek. They bring authentic Mexican flavors to life with dishes that feel soulful and personal.
8. Diablo & Sons Saloon
This modern saloon serves up bold flavors and a nod to Idaho’s history. Diablo’s tacos and margaritas make it hard to leave after just one round.
9. Ansots Basque Chorizos
A celebration of Boise’s Basque heritage, Ansots focuses on chorizo and cured meats that transport you straight to northern Spain.
10. Modern Hotel and Bar
This isn’t just a hotel bar; it’s a Boise institution. The Modern’s inventive small plates pair perfectly with craft cocktails, making it a local favorite.
11. Fork
Fork champions regional ingredients with dishes that celebrate the Pacific Northwest. Their location in a historic building adds to its charm.
12. Little Pearl
A newcomer with a focus on sustainable seafood, Little Pearl has quickly become a darling of Boise’s dining scene.
13. Terroir Bistro
Here, farm-to-table isn’t a trend; it’s a philosophy. Terroir Bistro sources locally and lets Idaho’s seasons dictate what’s on the plate.
With a day job that requires constant travel, Maria Rodriguez is likely a frequenter of a restaurant near you, wherever you are. She has a knack for finding the best pastry in a new city, a talent that makes her popular among her coworkers.
