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One of Boise's oldest neighbourhoods, the North End is almost as old as the City of Trees itself, having been around since the late 1800s. This era is reflected in Camel's Back Park at the foot of the Foothills, the charming village ambiance of 13th Street with its eateries and stores, and the historic mansions on Harrison Boulevard that come to life with decorations for Halloween and Christmas.
The North End offers tranquil, tree-lined lanes and 20th-century brick-and-timber home architecture, all just a short drive from downtown Boise.
The North End is more than simply a fictional neighbourhood. The Hyde Park Pub and Grill, located on 13th Street, was chosen as the Treasure Valley's top bar in 2022 for watching March Madness. It's still quite quaint without the sports action. When the NFL season begins, the pub will also be a favourite among Green Bay Packers fans.
See all the amazing places to eat!
6 Famous Restaurants In Boise To Eat
1. Alyonka Russian Cuisine
If you’ve ever attended Boise’s annual Russian Food Festival, you’ve certainly tried Elena DeYoung’s culinary delights. She now serves them all year round at Alyonka Russian Cuisine, her restaurant. Elena grew up in Kazakhstan and her crew originates from Armenia and Ukraine, delivering a diverse selection of innovative spins on classic fare such as cabbage rolls, beef stroganoff, piroshkis, and blinis in a modern venue. She also serves vegetarian borscht and shuba with smoked salmon (instead of the customary herring) piled with shredded potatoes, carrots, and beets – a meal you’re unlikely to taste elsewhere in Boise.
Location: 2870 W State St, Boise, ID 83702, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Piroshkis, and Blinis
Price for 2: $100 approx.
Image Credits: Alyonka Russian Cuisine
2. Wepa Cafe
Chef Art Robinson began vending small food carts filled with Puerto Rican fare at neighbourhood breweries. A few years later, he launched a multi-level eatery in Garden City with a rooftop patio. His restricted cart menu, which consists of plantains, yucca, rice and beans, arroz con pollo and pastelillos, has been expanded to include additional Caribbean flavours like shrimp in garlic sauce and pernil. Robinson has promised to give five percent of his yearly earnings to a nonprofit organisation in Puerto Rico that aids in the island's reconstruction following Hurricane Maria's devastation.
Location: 175 E 35th St, Garden City, ID 83714, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Arroz con pollo and Pastelillos
Price for 2: $100 approx.
3. Saint Lawrence Gridiron
Saint Lawrence Gridiron, which is a spot you'll smell before you see, is situated around the corner from Boise's restaurant row and only a few feet from the state capitol. This onetime food truck turned brick-and-mortar delivers bold Southern flavours, thanks to a giant smoker on the front patio where all of the meat-smoking magic happens. Though the pulled-pork sandwich, shrimp and grits and side of succotash are all excellent options, you should definitely get the brisket plate.
Location: 705 W Bannock St, Boise, ID 83702, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Pulled-pork sandwich and Brisket
Price for 2: $100 approx.
4. Alavita
This busy osteria, housed in the historic Boise City National Bank building, serves delicate house-made pastas and Italian dishes inspired by the region. Take a seat at the U-shaped bar and enjoy a classic or seasonal beverage while watching all the activity. Start your lunch with some antipasti, like calamari fritti or burrata with apricot-cherry mostarda. Next, select from a variety of pasta dishes, such tagliatelle paired with a traditional Bolognese sauce or black ravioli filled with prawns cooked in butter. Or go big with braised short ribs or roasted Cornish game fowl.
Location: 807 W Idaho St, Boise, ID 83702, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Alamari fritti and Burrata with apricot-cherry mostarda
Price for 2: $100 approx.
Image Credit: Alavita
5. Kin
James Beard Award-nominated chef Kris Komori and his crew at Kin focus on seasonally and regionally sourced fare served with accuracy and flare. Offering a multicourse supper at a community table (with or without wine pairing), their tasting menu is always changing. Take a seat at the bar and order a handmade cocktail to pair with an Idaho sturgeon sandwich or house-made frankfurter if you're not quite ready to commit to a full supper. There are cool noodles to enjoy in the summer and heated ramen or posole to enjoy in the winter. Additionally, they host a number of outdoor dinners with performances by neighbourhood musical and artistic organisations.
Location: 999 W Main St Suite P101, Boise, ID 83702, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Sturgeon sandwich and house-made frankfurter
Price for 2: $100 approx.
6. Little Pearl Oyster Bar
This quaint eatery on Restaurant Row in downtown offers half a dozen oysters from both coasts to savour while you consider your options. The menu has curry-infused moules frites and a Kobe beef burger in addition to all the seafood favourites, such as shrimp cocktail, lobster roll, seafood chowder, cioppino and fish and chips. Owners Cal and Ashley Elliot are seasoned New York City diners who moved back to Boise, his childhood home, a few years ago. They are also developing a boutique hotel, restaurant and bar on Main Street in addition to the Little Pearl Bar, which opened recently next door and serves craft cocktails.
Location: 160 N 8th St, Boise, ID 83702, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Seafood chowder, cioppino and fish and chip
Price for 2: $100 approx.
Take a short stroll to discover cuisine from Ethiopia, Cuba, Afghanistan, and Burma. Alternatively, head to a drive-in to indulge in the pure comfort of freshly grilled finger steaks, fries, and hamburgers. Continue your exploration!
