Best Restaurants in Boise

by The OpenTable Team

Updated January 18, 2022

Food pilgrims now have a surprising new stop in the Northwest – Boise, Idaho. Like many modern American cities, this exploding capital city is experiencing a culinary renaissance inspired by creative young chefs, winemakers, brewers, and artisans. Boise is home to the second-largest Basque-American community in the United States, a factor that has led to a burgeoning food scene propelled by culinary traditions from all over the world melding with homegrown talent. The city is coming into its own as a culinary capital in the Northwest, and from trendy restaurants to eclectic spots to sidewalk bistros, Boise has it all. Whether sweet or savory, Boise’s restaurant scene has something for everyone, and the city’s young chefs are primed to take their homegrown farm-to-table cuisine to the next level. Downtown Boise is the spot where culinary adventure looms and where the city’s award-winning chefs depict their depth and creativity, extending far beyond the beloved potato and rainbow trout.

Vine Wine Shop & Lounge

4.9

4.9 (58)

$31 to $50

Wine Bar

Boise

About the restaurant

Vine Wine Shop and Lounge is an upscale, chic, down-tempo wine shop and lounge that opened its doors in Downtown Boise back in 2010. It is the best place for people looking for a spot for their next night out or an intimate evening for two or a larger group. The warm, upscale interior immediately relaxes, and people are welcome to try some of the appetizers (finger steaks, cheese board, peri-peri shrimp, garden salad, etc.) as they enjoy a glass of wine. Vine Wine Shop and Lounge has an impressive wine selection of old and new wines as well as wines from lesser-known regions such as South Africa, Bulgaria, and Uruguay, all available by the glass or bottle.

Top review

Chris

Dined 7 days ago

Always an amazing experience! This is why Vine is our go-to wine shop.

KIN

4.9

4.9 (610)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Boise

About the restaurant

Opened in 2021 in Downtown Boise, KIN is an upscale restaurant offering seasonal and locally sourced fare. KIN specializes in American cuisine, with their five-course prix-fixe meal being their main specialty. Diners will also find drinks on the menu, including innovative cocktails and wines by the glass to go with their meal. Chef Kris Komori is in charge of the kitchen, and diners will find the restaurant stylish and hip, thanks to the big bar. The casual, friendly atmosphere at KIN invites casual dining.

Top review

David

Dined on Dec 6, 2024

This is a special restaurant for Boise. It is as much art as dining. The creativity of the dishes, both in terms of their content and presentation is remarkable. So much thought and work must go into each menu… it’s a great experience worth the splurge. Highly recommend it.

Chandlers Steakhouse

4.8

4.8 (5341)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Boise

About the restaurant

Established in 2007 by the award-winning restaurateur Rex Chandler, Chandler’s Steakhouse is an upscale dining establishment located in Downtown Boise under the luxurious Hotel 43. Chandler’s menu covers all the bases of fine American-style dining, from steak to seafood to pasta. The restaurant specializes in Kobe-style beef and premium prime rib, all prepared by the talented chef Luis Flores. With impeccable service, a martini lounge, and an extensive wine list with over 650 choices, all complemented with a nightly live jazz performance, dining at Chandler’s Steakhouse is an experience. Insider tip: staff sommeliers are happy to recommend the right pairing from their well-stocked wine cellar.

Top review

Raul

Dined 3 days ago

We’ve been dining at Chandlers for 5 years now. It is every bit as outstanding as it was the first time we were here. That speaks volumes! We will be clients forever. Food quality, cocktails quality, service quality, entertainment quality are unmatched. You pay for what you get as the saying goes. Chandlers is worth the value!

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Popular dish

classic chocolate soufflé

4.9

4.9 (2430)

$30 and under

Italian

Boise

About the restaurant

Located in Downtown Boise in the historic 1890 Boise City National Bank Building, ALAVITA is an Italian restaurant ideal for meeting with friends or colleagues or a romantic date night. Cameron and Amanda Lumsden’s restaurant is an aesthetic treat for the eyes, and the designer Mitch Thompson went above and beyond to create a beautiful space by blending natural textures with the glamor of custom-made chandeliers, blue-granite countertops, and custom butcher block tables. Every piece of the restaurant was carefully chosen to reflect the spirit of ALAVITA, with the locally inspired Italian menu featuring fresh pasta and decadent desserts. Diners can dine on delectable dishes such as squid ink linguini, porcini tagliatelle, and broiled halibut all prepared in their open kitchen. The restaurant offers vegetarian and gluten-free options and a variety of handcrafted cocktails and wines.

Top review

Ellen

Dined 3 days ago

We had a great dinner tonight. Excellent drinks, food and service. The seafood dishes were fresh and delicious. Our server was friendly, fun, and attentive. We’ll definitely be back.

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4.7

4.7 (301)

$30 and under

American

Boise

About the restaurant

Bittercreek Alehouse is an eco-conscious Downtown Boise restaurant offering a variety of draft microbrews alongside locally sourced pub fare. It has an impressive tap list and comfortable atmosphere, indoor and patio seating, and is a longtime member of the 8th String of fine dining restaurants in Downtown Boise. Established in 1995, Bittercreek Alehouse’s menu leans heavily on beer-friendly offerings, like polenta fries, poutine, smoked Idaho trout, and juicy house-ground burgers. The restaurant is the ideal place to sample many pints from Boise’s exploding craft beer scene.

Top review

LindyB

Dined on Nov 2, 2022

I had the Apple/Walnut Salad with grilled chicken - it was amazing! Others in my group had the burgers and fish & chips. All the burgers are made with grass fed beef. My brother-in-law said the fish & chips was very good. This is a casual place with over 40 local beers on tap - it’s a great night out with friends and family.

Vincenzo Trattoria - Idaho

4.7

4.7 (337)

$30 and under

Italian

Boise

About the restaurant

Vincenzo Trattoria opened its doors in 2017 in Garden City. It is an upscale restaurant with a beautiful and welcoming interior serving classic Italian fare. Vincenzo and his wife are the driving force of this Italian kitchen. Vincenzo is dedicated to serving Italian cuisine using only the freshest local ingredients. Each meal can be had with a craft beer or a wine pairing, and the menu features classic Italian dishes like pasta, lasagna, dal forno, and homemade desserts.

Top review

Shirley

Dined 7 days ago

Food was outstanding. New owners, same delicious menu, more bread allowed! Restaurant had a very large party arrive before us so I thought the food service would be slower but it was not! Everything arrived quickly and fresh. Looking forward to our next visit!

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Popular dish

Caprese

Popular dish

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Popular dish

Spaghetti alla Vincenzo

The Lively

4.5

4.5 (552)

$31 to $50

American

Boise

About the restaurant

Stepping into The Lively is like being transported into a hip big city. Everything about The Lively is cool, from the décor to the cocktails to the menu. The Lively has been operational in Downtown Boise since 2021, and Michelin-starred chef Greg Higgins is the main driving force and the brains behind the menu that can best be described as continental, featuring offerings from Italian, Japanese, and French cuisines. The dishes at The Lively are prepared from locally-sourced produce, and options range from a gin cured salmon served with potato latke and cucumber raita to a classic meatball dish served with Bolognese sauce.

Top review

Mark

Dined 1 day ago

Best newer restaurant I have been to in Boise for a long time. Impressive experience from start to end, might be the only place in Boise that is not trying to turn a table quickly, you’re able to take your time and enjoy. Tables were nicely spaced, felt cozy and quiet even though the space is fairly large. Food was top notch, made me want to go back and try some of their more adventurous starters. Great to see a place like this in Boise that is seemingly thriving and can’t wait to return.

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Experience

Christmas Eve Menu

Huck House Brunchette

2.4

2.4 (209)

$30 and under

Breakfast

Boise

About the restaurant

The Huck House Brunchette just opened its doors to Boise diners in 2021. The décor and atmosphere in this restaurant are fun, and the menu focuses on offering brunch prepared from fresh local ingredients. Owner Boomer Godsill works with the talented kitchen staff to provide classic breakfast dishes, and some of the favorites include the Huckleberry French toast, Bunny Mary, and the classic breakfast: eggs, toast, bacon, and potatoes. The portions at Huck House Brunchette are not for light eaters, and diners should come hungry. There are a variety of drinks to complement the meals, and the mimosa with glitter is a huge hit.

Top review

Laurie

Dined on Aug 31, 2024

I love this place! Wonderful daily specials and the staff is so kind and helpful consistently. Wonderful food! Everyone there really cares about you and your experience. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Trillium

4.6

4.6 (693)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Boise

About the restaurant

Located inside the Grove Hotel in Downtown Boise is Trillium Restaurant, a Boise gem that has been operational since 2013. Trillium Restaurant specializes in New American cuisine, offering classic tastes with chic presentations made from locally sourced produce. Chef Chris Hain is the leader in the kitchen and the main force behind the one-of-a-kind menu offering dishes like huckleberry short ribs, smoked trout poutine, and bison meatloaf. Trillium Restaurant has a cool interior with unique tile patterns, contemporary ceiling details, an open kitchen, and a mixed media wall to complement the culinary experience.

Top review

Chuck

Dined on Nov 23, 2024

For a grand dinner experience at reasonable prices, this is the place! Reservations would be a good idea. The food was superb with very reasonable prices. Our server was beyond awesome. The evening manager spoke to us personally and thanked us for choosing Trillium. We will be back!

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Crispy Brussel Sprouts

Popular dish

Huckleberry

Tupelo Honey - Boise

4.6

4.6 (1942)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Boise

About the restaurant

Since opening in Downtown Boise in 2019, Tupelo Honey has been serving inventive Southern dishes at the heart of Boise. The restaurant features an upscale interior with outstanding decor to create the ideal atmosphere for an enjoyable dining experience. The menu features classic Southern dishes with inventive twists, all prepared from locally-sourced produce. Executive chef Eric Gabrynowicz helms the kitchen, and his creativity and passion can be felt in every meal. Tupelo Honey offers Southern favorites like fried green tomatoes, cheese balls, macaroni, and fried chicken, as diners would expect from a Southern restaurant, but with a honey dusting glaze.

Top review

Tyler

Dined 1 day ago

Good drinks. Great food. Beautiful downtown overlook.

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Experience

Hoot & Holler Happy Hour

Experience

Holiday Brunch

Capitol Cellars

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Boise

About the restaurant

Capitol Cellars is an upscale subterranean restaurant in Downtown Boise specializing in American cuisine prepared from locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant was opened in 2015 by Melinda and Skip Smyser with a focus on seasonal farm-to-table meals, with prime rib being the restaurant’s signature entrée. Capitol Cellars also has a vast selection of wines to complement the meal, a full bar, and the executive chef Mark Junge is the main driving force in the kitchen. The restaurant’s décor is pure fun, with everything having a political theme, including the nameplates on the tables having monikers like The Speaker and The Senator, and the menus are made from old Idaho code statute books.

Top review

JanisMVIP

Dined on Jul 26, 2023

We absolutely love this place🙏 so sad they are closing. Please someone buy it and keep it going

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