Best Restaurants in Boise Idaho include Basque pub food, paella, farm-to-table American dishes, and classic breakfast. This guide only includes real, currently open spots with verified links. Boise has one of the largest Basque communities outside of Spain, a legacy of 1800s sheepherders. Therefore, this list leans on the historic Basque Block downtown, along with a few other local favorites.
Bar Gernika has served Basque pub food on the Basque Block since 1991. The building started as a Chinese laundry in 1912, then became a tavern before its current concept. Additionally, the lamb grinder and chorizo sandwiches are longtime customer favorites. Outdoor patio seating makes it a popular downtown lunch spot.
The Basque Market combines a restaurant, wine shop, and deli on Boise’s Basque Block. Paella is prepared fresh on the patio every Wednesday and Friday at noon. However, the market itself keeps limited hours, closed Sunday and Monday. Imported Spanish wines, cheeses, and chorizo fill out the retail side of the shop.
Fork built its menu around Idaho and Northwest farmers, ranchers, and producers. Rosemary-parmesan Idaho fries and a Snake River Farms burger anchor the food menu. Meanwhile, brunch cocktails and a full wine and beer list round out the drink options. The restaurant sits inside a restored, reclaimed-wood dining room in one of downtown Boise’s oldest buildings.
Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro has served made-to-order breakfast in downtown Boise since 1999. The red flannel hash, made with beets and Idaho potatoes, is a signature dish. Because of that, expect a line during peak weekend hours. Homemade hollandaise and scratch pancakes round out a menu built on fresh, local ingredients.
Boise’s best restaurants mix a proud Basque heritage with a strong farm-to-table scene. Still, both traditions share the same commitment to local ingredients and family ownership. Because of that, this list is a solid starting point for a first visit downtown.