Boise Local Restaurants Focus on Rich Northwest Flavors

Featured for its “culinary Renaissance” and growing food scene by Vogue, Boise is earning a reputation for cuisine. Award-winning chefs, brew-masters and wine makers are all making contributions, helping the city delight foodies from all over the world. For a quick peek, find some Boise local restaurants to visit asap.

Boise Local Restaurants: 8 Options for Visiting Guests

Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro

This is the place for breakfast in Boise. For over 20 years, this hot spot has served made-to-order breakfast and earned accolades for best breakfast. Even better, it’s conveniently located downtown.

After arriving at Goldy’s, create a breakfast combo with eggs, choice of meat, potatoes and bread. Or select from a collection of Benedicts, frittatas, breakfast burritos, pancakes and French toast. For something lighter, Goldy’s serves oatmeal, seasonal fruits and house granola.

Although the restaurant is best known for breakfast, Goldy’s Bistro stays open until 2 p.m., and offers a small lunch menu. Options include sandwiches, burgers, wraps and salads. No matter what time of day, the bistro gets busy but guests say it’s worth the wait.

Boise Local Restaurants: Lunch and Dinner

Fork

Ranked among the best Boise local restaurants for its dedication to local producers, Fork serves dishes made with fresh ingredients. In fact, most key ingredients are sourced from Boise and northwest bakers, farmers, cheese makers and brewers.

Fork opens for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. The restaurant serves American fare with savory shareables, salads, burgers, sandwiches and entrees. Signature dishes include Idaho rainbow trout, roasted garlic lemon chicken, short ribs and northwest prime rib. Meat-free options range include artichoke hearts and ricotta ravioli.

Chandlers Steakhouse

For fine dining in downtown Boise, visit Chandlers Steakhouse. This local favorite specializes in steak, seafood, live jazz and has an extensive wine list. Additionally, it has earned accolades by Wine Spectator and Trip Advisor.

Chandlers Steakhouse opens for dinner and late-night only. Those dining during regular dinner hours order starters featuring escargot, clams, oysters and tuna. Then try a steak from Midwest beef, Northwest beef or imported options. For fresh seafood, select swordfish, shellfish, and surf and turf. Chandlers Steakhouse’s late-night menu includes steak and seafood as well.

Goodwood Barbecue Company

Looking for good barbecue in Boise? Search no further than Goodwood Barbecue Company. This gem has served slow-smoked goodies for over 20 years. Goodwood Barbecue Company ranks among the best Boise local restaurants for food and affordability.

For lunch, try barbecue brisket, Carolina pork and in-house burgers. Platters features fresh ribs, turkey breast, brisket or German-style sausage. Dinner offers the same, but adds smoked prime rib and full racks of ribs made different ways. In addition, Goodwood Barbecue Company serves fresh salads, soups and homemade sides.

Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery

Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery is known for local cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. However, most come here for northwest dishes served in a friendly atmosphere.

Bardenay serves lunch, dinner and late-night goodies. Options range from shareables and sandwiches to tapas, burgers and large entrees. For major flavor, try sea bass, ribeyes, pork chop, trout, pasta and fillets. For handheld dishes, spicy satay, fusion tacos and burgers deliver some kick. Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery also has gluten-free and kids options.

Barbacoa Grill

Barbacoa Grill’s open-fire grilling process helps it earn designation with other top Boise local restaurants. The process pairs with local ingredients to pay homage to Northwest culture and history.

Barbacoa Grill serves Spanish-American fare and steaks. Start with an appetizer – such as fresh guac. Then select from fire-breads pizzas, soups, salads and house entrees. Examples include chicken pot pie, seafood grill mix, Idaho trout and pasta. However, the steaks are the stars here. Meat lovers order filet mignon, ribeye, ribs, kabobs and prime porterhouse.

Bittercreek Alehouse

This Idaho beer bar ranks among the best Boise restaurants for beer, comfort and food. Bittercreek Alehouse welcomes guests during lunch, dinner and late-night.

Find Bittercreek in downtown Boise. Once seated, select snacks, sandwiches, tacos, burgers and house specialties. Trout Board, homemade salads and Bittercreek burger always delight visitors. Those looking for late-night grub enjoy pork street tacos, poutine, salmon croquettes and wings.

Luciano’s Italian Restaurant

Luciano’s Italian Restaurant serves authentic Italian family favorites. This classy-casual spot may be the best-kept secret among the top Boise local restaurants.

During lunchtime, try lasagna, pastas with seafood and oven-baked sandwiches. Main entrees feature seafood, meat, veggie-approved dishes and pizzas. No matter the option, guests know everything is made from scratch. Luciano’s Italian Restaurant also has wines on tap from a Washington state-based winery.

Coming to Boise? Check out the top Boise attractions, then book a vacation rental in Boise or McCall.