1. Stick A Fork In Me. I’m Done. This Is All I’ll Ever Need.
Fork
199 N 8th St
Boise, ID 83792
(208) 287-1700
Yelp: 4 Stars; 344 Reviews.
This Boise staple specializes in serving up American classics with a twist. Take the “urban burger,” for example. It’s a patty topped with an egg, avocado, maple bacon, and white cheddar. Food that rewarding doesn’t just get served up anywhere, you know.
It doesn’t stop there. There’s chicken and waffles, asparagus fries, a “grown up grilled cheese” and more. Oh, yah, and a full bar. No matter what you order, the creative entrees at Fork will have you leaving happy.
2. A Beer And A Bite, Everything’s Alright
Portneuf Valley Brewing
615 S 1st Ave
Pocatello, ID 83201
(208) 232-1644
Yelp: 4 Stars; 67 Reviews.
Portneuf Valley Brewing is a great place to head if you love good food and great craft beers. Not only does the menu feature something for everyone, with options like lasagna, wings, and giant pretzels, whatever your order will pair up perfectly with one of their homemade brews.
When it comes to beer, you can’t go wrong with the Krystal Weizen or the Midnight Satin.
3. The Name Doesn’t Lie, This Place Is The Best
Best Sandwich Shack
518 Best Ave
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
(208) 625-0629
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 39 Reviews.
Voted top dog when it comes to sandwiches in Idaho, this tiny sandwich shack never falls short on flavor. Offering up tons of bunned classics, nothing on the menu will lead you wrong.
Two of the fan favorites include the Philly cheesesteak and the “Meet Your Maker,” a French roll topped with a half-pound of sausage, pepperoni, marinated sirloin, onions, peppers, cheese, and more Italian sausage. It’s not for the weak of heart but it is DEFINITELY worth toughening up for.
4. Soda Shoppes Are Alive and Kickin’
Bleubird
224 N 10th St
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 345-1055
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 94 Reviews.
If you want a great place to stop and relax for a quick bite and a good drink, Bleubird in Boise is the place for you. With tons of fresh ingredients and unique combinations, the kitchen here sends out some of the best plates around.
Plus, with all of the special drinks they make in house like the basil lemonade, this place is sure to become an instant favorite.
5. This Might Sound Nuts, But Head To Moscow For Good Peruvian Food
Sangria Grille
2124 W Pullman Rd
Moscow, ID 83844
(208) 882-2693
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 99 Reviews.
Sangria Grille is a carnivore’s delight. They’ve got some of the best steak and chicken in the state, with options like the asado borracho, a marinated and tender skirt steak cut leading the charge.
If you happen to find yourself in the small town of Moscow, this place is a must-try. It’s got a fun college town vibe with Seriously. Good. Food.
6. The Slices Here Are Straight Fire
Fire Artisan Pizza
517 Sherman Ave
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
(208) 676-1743
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 118 Reviews.
If authentic Italian pizza is what you’re craving, look no further, the menu at Fire Artisan Pizza is filled with tons of classics, as well as several of their own unique topping combinations.
For simple and delicious, go for the margherita with soppressata. For something a little more creative, try the “Gordy,” a pizza topped with dates, gorgonzola, mozzarella cheese, and a balsamic reduction. Feeling fancy yet?
7. THIS Is What Happens When Food Meets Art
State & Lemp
2870 W State St
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 429-6735
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 26 Reviews.
State & Lemp is probably as close to perfection as one can get. Beyond the great service, the rotating art exhibits add flair and the plated cuisine is so simultaneously gorgeous and delicious, it’s like a work of art, itself.
It’s one of the pricier places on the list so go for a special occasion. Hey, while you’re at it, try the wine pairing and create and lasting memory.
8. Get Your Sushi Fix At Sumisu
Sumisu
309 East Center St
Pocatello, ID 83201
(208) 232-5610
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 44 Reviews.
When one thinks “awesome sushi,” they probably don’t think small town Idaho. However, Sumisu will quickly change this mindset.
Umm… have you heard of the “Tiny Dancer,” stuffed full of avocado, spicy tuna, tempura shrimp, crab, cilantro and ucumber before being deep fried and served with firecracker sauce? How about the “Godzilla” with crab, spicy tuna, tempura shrimp, avocado, asparagus, cucumber, seared salmon and wasabi aioli?
This place is truly a standout amongst sushi restaurants even at a national scale.
9. No Wonder People Love Hawaii So Much
Island Kine Grinds
3116 Garity Blvd
Unit 4
Nampa, ID 83687
(208) 389-8475
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 17 Reviews.
While Idaho might not have spectacular beaches like those found on Maui, a trip to Island Kine Grinds is a great substitute for actually visiting the Aloha State.
With a menu stacked full of authentic Hawaiian cuisine, Island Kine Grinds delivers an eating experience you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the state. If it’s your first time trying this type of food, you can’t go wrong with the beef curry or the Kahlua pig sandwich. You’re welcome.
10. Satay Bistro Delivers On Every Level
Satay Bistro
2501 N 4th St
Coeur d’ Alene, ID 83814
(208) 765-2555
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 53 Stars.
This upscale restaurant and wine bar in Coeur d’ Alene will never let you down. Offering up a sophisticated menu with dishes like sea bass and filet mignon, Satay Bistro is worth every penny.
Just make sure you save some room for some bread pudding at the end of your meal, truly one of the best desserts around.
11. 7,600 Miles Away Never Felt Closer
Thailand Express
2025 12th Ave Rd
Ste 130
Nampa, ID 83686
(208) 475-4447
Yelp: 5 Stars; 45 Reviews.
Nampa’s Thailand Express consistently delivers some of the most authentic Thai food around. The staff is extremely friendly and personal, always willing to help if you aren’t yet familiar with this style cuisine.
After trying dishes like the Tom Kah and the Spicy Drunken Noodles, you’ll soon be back for more.
12. Comfort Food With A New Twist
Brick 29 Bistro
320 11th Ave S
Nampa, ID 83651
(208) 468-0029
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 115 Reviews.
Brick 29 Bistro has somehow found a way to make comfort food taste even better. With most of their dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, every option on the menu will exceed your expectations.
No matter what you end up ordering, you’ll be leaving happy.
13. There’s No Better Way To Start Your Day
The Egg Factory
8061 Fairview Ave
Boise, ID 83704
(208) 322-0191
Yelp: 4 Stars; 44 Reviews.
By now, you’ve probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Even if you’re not a believer, the Egg Factory will have you never wanting to skip breakfast again. It’s cheap, staff is friendly, and the portions are huge.
If you’re craving something a little different that simply eggs & bacon, they’ve got options like the Hawaiian pancakes and the enchilada omelet that you should seriously consider.
14. You Can Never Have Too Much Pizza In Your Life
Villano’s Italian
165 N Main St
Pocatello, ID 83204
(208) 904-0679
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 8 Reviews.
A must-try nestled in the town of Pocatello, Villano’s Italian never shies away from a little extra cheese. If you’ve got a hankering for pizza, calzones, or baked pastas, look no further. Villano’s will have absolutely everything you need.
15. Steak Never Tasted So Good
Chandlers
981 W Grove St
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 383-4300
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 120 Reviews.
When it comes to steak, Chandlers knows best. With some of the best cuts around cooked to perfection every time, this restaurant is one of the finest places to dine in Boise.
A few of the local favorites include the 20 oz. Cowboy Rib-eye and the Filet Oscar, topped with a generous amount of crab meat. When it comes to a great steak dinner, you won’t top Chandlers.
What’s your go-to for great grub in Idaho? Tell us in the comments below!
