Our Top 5 Restaurants in Boise

by Lysi Bishop Real Estate

Boise may not be viewed as a foodie's capitol city yet, but the food scene is definitely unfolding. With restaurant owners coming in from different areas, Boise has become an ecclectic melting pot of flavors from all around the world. We share our Top 5 Restaurants in Boise that will be sure to make your taste buds come alive. Bon appetit!

1) Best Breakfast - Goldy's Breakfast Bistro

No top places to eat in Boise list would be complete without Goldy's. This long-time staple in downtown Boise is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, and usually has a long waitlist, and for good reason. This tiny (and we mean tiny) space is a hole in the wall. If it weren't for the scattering of folks standing outside waiting for their turn, you'd walk right by it and miss it.

Once in, you'll find that this is a classic breakfast place with delicious made-to-order meals, friendly staff, and a cozy atmosphere. Due to it's intimate and charming setting, it is not the place for large group dining.

Our picks: Spicy Chicken and Bacon Benny with a side of Goldy's Potatoes (chef's kiss!)

2) Best Local Flavors - Fork

Fork Boise — Photo: Doug Petersen Photography

Fork is the restaurant we think of when we are asked what Idaho dining is like. Retrofitted into a beautifully renovated historic bank building in the heart of downtown, this restaurant offers truly local flavors that are sourced right here in Boise and regionally in the Pacific Northwest. It's not just the food, the owners have a "Loyal to Local" pledge that extends to their beverage offerings, as well as having local artisans craft the dining room's tables/chairs/dinnerware out of reclaimed materials.

Their menu rotates seasonally to offer quality ingredients including grass-fed meats sourced from nearby ranches, rainbow trout fished right from Idaho rivers, locally made cheeses, and fresh produce from local farmers. These hand-crafted meals are the qunitessential Northwest palette, and when paired with regional spirits... make an unforgettable meal that is authentically Idaho.

Our picks: Build Your Own Mimosa bar, Redwine Braised Short Ribs, and the Grown Up Grilled Ham and Cheese.

3) Best Pizza - The Wylder

The first thing that makes for a great pizza is the dough, and boy does Wylder dough it right. Their signature 100-year old sourdough pizza crust has a beautiful chewy consistency and is full of rich flavor. When topped with clever pairings of whole ingredients (like fennel pollen, fingerling potatoes, and honey), you get a hand-crafted pizza that can't be replicated anywhere else.

Located in the Fowler building in downtown, the restaurant has an elegant and organic atmosphere that is the perfect photo-ready backdrop. The owners have several culinary ventures throughout town, including an honorary mention for quick fare Certified Kitchen + Bakery in Hyde Park.

Our picks: Housemade Ricotta, Honey Badger pizza, and Star Chips for dessert

4) Best Exotic Flavors - Pho Nouveau

Boise has a surprisingly large refugee and immigrant population that has gifted the area with exotic flavors and culturally diverse restaurants. Whether it's Ethiopian, Russian, or (featured here) Vietnamese, you'll likely find at least one place in town that offers cuisine from every corner of the world. Now, for our favorite asian-inspired restaurant, Pho Nouveau.

Located on Main Street in Downtown Boise, Pho Nouveau is a go-to for take out and casual dine in. Described to offer 'Vietnamese Comfort Food', Pho Nouveau does just that. Their flavors are brilliant and perfect for year round enjoyment. From a warm bowl of savory pho to make the colder weather more bearable to refreshing summer rolls made with whole vegetables to beat the summer heat, you're sure to find something just as colorful as it is delicious.

Our picks: Shrimp Pho, Lemon-Grass Chicken, Fresh Summer Rolls

5) Best for Fine Dining - Barbacoa Grill

For a multi-dimensional dining experience that is just as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food, you must try Barbacoa. Located on the water off of Parkcenter Boulevard, this exquisite restaurant is also an art gallery and museum. Filled with unique art pieces hand-selected (and event created) by the owner, Barbacoa has a sensual dining space that was artfully curated by award-winning interior designers. In the warmer months, the rooftop deck overlooks incredible views of the mountains and adjacent Parkcenter Pond.

The smells of the food here are divine, with expertly prepared culinary dishes that explore the tongue's various flavor palettes. Not to mention, the cocktails are just as flavorful. This is the place for celebrating in fashion or indulging in a romantic date night. It can get busy and reservations are recommended. Try Coa de Jima, a kind of spin off of Barbacoa in downtown Boise for a similar and smaller scale experience.

Our picks: Tableside Guacamole, Paella, and the Ribeye