For the past three years, we’ve welcomed the New Year by looking at which restaurants in the Treasure Valley are the BEST of the best. Here’s a look at the top contenders as we enter 2022.
What we love about this list is that it runs the gamut. From fine dining to sushi, Italian to coffee shops, seafood to barbecue, there’s something here that will satisfy whatever you’re craving. Even better? Most of these restaurants are locally owned. If you see one that piques your interest, please give it a try. It’s so important to support our locally owned businesses so that they can stick around. (Unfortunately many of the businesses we’ve lost over the last two years were restaurants.)
Maybe 2022 is the year where you want to expand your horizons and give a restaurant you haven’t tried before a chance. According to Trip Advisor, these are 30 of the best in the Treasure Valley.
Boise #1 – Chandlers Steakhouse
We’ve been sharing this list with you for three years and every time we put it together, Chandlers has been in the top spot for Boise. When you go here, you know what you know it’s going to be a little bit pricier than your regular night out. The price range is $35-$150. According to the reviews on Trip Advisor reviewers, the top three reasons to go here are jet-fresh seafood, martinis and service like no other. It receives a solid 4.5 star rating based on over 1500 ratings.
Boise #2 – The Basque Market
Boise is incredibly rich in Basque culture. While we’re sad that we have to wait until 2025 for the next Jaialdi festival, the Basque Market provides you with a trip to Basque Country without having to leave the Treasure Valley. If you’ve never had Basque food, croquetas are almost a right of passage and one of the most recommended menu items according to Trip Advisor users. They have a 4.5 star rating based on 193 reviews.
Boise #3 – Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro
When reviewing Goldy’s Trip Advisor users routinely used the term “worth the wait” and we can’t agree with them. Boise has a lot of amazing breakfast spots, but Goldy’s is usually the first locals recommend to out of town guests. Their Andalusian eggs have been praised by food publications, but it’s hard to beat their hug breakfast burrito. They have a 4.5 star rating based on 839 reviews.
Boise #4 – Sandbar
Color us not shocked that Sandbar has a perfect 5 star rating for “atmosphere.” Located just off the Boise Greenbelt, it’s an amazing destination for guests staying at the Riverside Hotel or locals who just need a reason to sit and have a cold one and enjoy live music on a hot summer evening. The only drawback with Sandbar is that its seasonal. Overall, they have a 4.5 star rating based on 365 reviews.
Boise #5 – Barbacoa
Barbacoa is quite easily one of the fanciest dining destinations in Boise. Between their “buy one, get one” Happy Hour, rooftop bar, table side guac and hot rock filet, they’re truly a dining experience. In 2021, the owners expanded and opened a new restaurant called Coa De Jima between Amsterdam Lounge and Humpin’ Hannah’s in Downtown Boise. They have a 4.5 star rating based on 1,236 reviews.
Boise #6 – Goodwood Barbecue Company
When it comes to barbecue, are you a fan of burnt ends? Well, look no further. They’re one of the most highly recommended menu items at Goodwood. In fact, some reviewers went as far as calling them “next level.” They have a 4.5 star rating based on 968 reviews.
Boise #7 – Bittercreek Alehouse
“The Best Poutine I’ve Ever Had in the States” is a huge compliment and it’s one that someone who lives near the United States-Canadian border gave Bittercreek’s take on Canada’s most famous side dish. It’s one of the most beloved items on the menu, so you may just have to visit twice in order to sample both varieties on the menu. They serve both Classic and Polenta Poutine. The poutine and every other yummy menu item helped them earn 4.5 stars based on 553 reviews.
Boise #8 – Fork
Are we shocked that Fork found itself on another one of our dining guides? Not at all. Their Grown Up Grilled Ham & Cheese was named one of the tastiest and most delicious in Boise. But truth be told, it’s their asparagus fries that get the most attention! They have a 4.5 star rating based on 1,349 reviews.
Boise #9 – Bardenay
Sure, the food is good at Bardenay, but for most guests its the atmosphere that sells it. They do, hands down, have one of the best patio’s in Downtown Boise when weather allows you to enjoy it. They have a 4.5 star rating based off of 955 reviews.
Boise #10 – The Original Pancake House
The Original Pancake House proves you don’t have to be upscale to be on this list. You just have to serve really, really good food…or in this case, really, really good pancakes! They have over a dozen creative types of pancakes on the menu, including their signature apple pancake, bacon pancakes and Hawaiian pancakes. By the way, the bacon pancakes are filled with real bacon bits. They have a 4.5 star rating based on 235 reviews.
Meridian #1 – Epi’s a Basque Restaurant
Epi’s takes the top spot for the third year in a row. They’ve really impressed well…everyone, visitors and locals, alike. They were named one of the Top #25 Restaurants in Boise, ID by Eater Magazine (yes, even though they’re in Meridian.) The grilled lamb chops are one of the most popular items on the menu. Epi’s has achieved something nearly impossible the day and age of internet critics. They have a perfect 5.0 star rating based on 364 reviews, receiving exceptionally high marks for both their food and service.
Meridian #2 – Kahootz Pub & Eatery
Ranked as one of our “7 Treasure Valley Hole in the Wall Restaurants With Exceptional Food,” we’re not surprised to see it on this list too. We can’t write about Kahootz without mentioning they have 43 beers on draft. When they opened, it was really important to the owners to offer a home cooking style menu, without deep frying their foods. It’s a philosophy they’ve stayed true to! Their “Pterodactyl Wings” are baked, not fried. They have a 4.5 star rating based on 249 reviews.
Meridian #3 – Goodwood Barbecue Company
Like the Boise location, people LOVE the burnt ends at the Meridian Goodwood too. The reviews for this location are similar to the Boise location, but pulled pork and ribs were also big favorites here. They have a 4.5 star rating based on 353 reviews.
Meridian #4 – Texas Roadhouse
Chain restaurants rarely ever rise to the top in the Treasure Valley, but Meridian’s Texas Roadhouse is always busy and their staff does a great job of making you feel like you’re right at home. No surprise, steak and ribs are the most popular items on their menu, but the menu is quite large. They have a 4.5 star rating based in 292 reviews.
Meridian #5 – Lucky Fins Seafood Grill
If you like seafood, it’s hard to go wrong at Lucky Fins. They’re cedar plank salmon is a favorite for those who prefer their fish cooked. For those who prefer it raw? They’ve got a great selection of sushi rills and nigiri. Like your sushi a little warm? They also have a tempura fried roll on the menu. They have a 4.5 star rating based off 260 reviews.
Meridian #6 – Gino’s Italian
Let’s be honest. When it comes to the Treasure Valley there aren’t many fantastic options for Italian food. Gino’s is the exception to that rule. Some call it the best Italian food in the states. Others say it’s the best Italian food they’ve eaten since actually visiting Italy. Their authentic recipes receive high praise from reviewers. They have a 4.5 star rating based on 310 reviews.
Meridian #7 – Ling and Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill
With all of their other locations in Arizona and Texas, the Meridian Ling and Louie’s a certainly a treat. They get great reviews for their sushi, especially the California Rolls, firecracker chicken and banana desert. Overall they have a 4 star rating based on 252 reviews.
Meridian #8 – Moe Joe’s Breakfast Eatery
If you can get into Moe Joe’s you’re in for some good eating. Paying homage to the state’s claim to fame, they serve up super popular Idaho Potato Nachos. Unlike other nacho plates, the crumbled bacon, green chilies, fresh jalapeño, rancheros, cheese, salsa, sour cream, avocado and lime are served up on potatoes instead of tortilla chips. People love their Cinnamon Roll French Toast too. They have 4.5 star rating based on 140 reviews.
Meridian #9 – Yard House
If you like apps, go to Yard House during Happy Hours. It’s a great opportunity to more than one of them. We’re big fans of the Poke Nachos, sliders and chicken lettuce wraps, but there’s not an appetizer at Yard House that we’ve not liked. Plus, it’s hard to beat their beer selection. They have a 4 star rating based on 267 reviews.
Meridian #10 – Jakers Bar & Grill
They’re known for their seafood and steaks, but you really should come to Jakers with enough room for soup in your tummy. They have three homemade soups: Baked Potato, Clam Chowder and the crowd favorite, Lobster Bisque. They were one of our 14 best places to cozy up with a bowl of soup last year. Jakers has a 4 star rating based on 259 reviews.
Eagle #1 – Bacquet’s Restaurant
The food here is unlike anything else you’ll try in Eagle. That’s because it’s authentic European cuisine from a French chef. Their menu changes daily, so you have to send an e-mail to get it. However, they share a couple of costumer favorites on their website including Croissant Bread Pudding, Prime Rib French Dip and Seafood Pasta. Reviewers also mention escargot. We don’t even know who else in the Treasure Valley serves escargot! They have a perfect 5 star rating based on 105 reviews.
Eagle #2 – Bardenay
Like the downtown location, people love the Eagle location’s patio. A lot of positive reviews mention salads, burgers and pork chops. It’s a popular destination of business lunches because of how close it is to the Hilton. The have a 4 star rating based of 373 reviews.
Eagle #3 – Bodacious Pig Barbecue
Pulled Pork or Tri-Tip, customers say you can’t go wrong with either choice when you visit Bodacious Pig. We also thought the review that mentioned that a manager offered to deliver an item that was inadvertently left out of a takeout order to the family free of charge. The entire staff signed the to-go container thanking the guests for their patronage. That’s fabulous service. They have a 4.5 star rating based on 191 reviews.
Eagle #4 – Smoky Mountain Pizzeria Grill
What’s not to love about Smoky’s? They have a huge menu of pizza, pasta, salad and even salmon. Plus when you Stop by Smoky’s on your birthday and choose from a personal 8″ pizza or pasta entrée. If you go with the pizza you can get really creative because you can choose up to five toppings! The Eagle location had a 4.5 star rating based on 188 reviews.
Eagle #5 – Renbrandts
Rembrandts gives you a one-of-a-kind opportunity to sip coffee inside a converted 1800s era church. In addition to excellent coffee, they’re also a full restaurant and bar. Brunch can get busy, but it’s worth stopping in for! They have a 4 star rating based on 201 reviews.
Eagle #6 – The Stuffed Olive
Blink and you’ll miss this hidden gem near the Eagle Albertsons. They’re another solid choice for Italian food. They’ve got a lot of choices when it comes to building your own pasta (and even offer zucchini noodles if you’re trying to cut carbs.) They also do a killer Walnut Crusted Salmon. They have a 4.5 star rating based on 100 reviews.
Eagle #7 – The Griddle
You KNOW The Griddle has some amazing food no matter what location you go too, but the Eagle location has the best atmosphere. It’s also great for a post run meet-up after a run on the Greenbelt nearby at Reid Merrill Park. From pancakes and crepes to omelets and Benedicts, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. They have a 4 star rating based on 130 reviews.
Eagle #8 – Rice Contemporary Asian Cuisine
You want to talk about selection when it comes to Sushi? Rice has ton of choices when it comes to nigiri, sashimi and rolls. They all look amazing and sometimes choosing one is incredibly difficult. That’s why they have a “Surprise Roll” on the menu. When you can’t decide, they’re chef will make you a one of a kind roll. Not into sushi? They have a large menu of other entrees, seafood, noodles and more. They have a 4 star rating based on 126 reviews.
Eagle #9 – Wild West Home of Mamma Italia
This is a kind of two for one situation! When the Italian family who owns the restaurant bought Wild West in 2017, they wanted to keep it a breakfast and lunch cafe, but also wanted to serve an authentic Italian style dinner. Every day of the week, you can order a hearty breakfast or all day lunch menu that has a huge selection of sandwiches and wraps. They do the Italian Dinner menu on Fridays and Saturdays. They have a 4 star rating based on 83 reviews.
Eagle #10 – Porterhouse Market
These guys do a little bit of everything. They have a meat market with raw meat, seafood and house made sausages to make at home. They also do catering. But the draw that landed it on this list is their deli that offers BBQ, sandwiches, soup and salad. They have a 5 star rating based on 27 reviews.
Wondering about the best of Canyon County? We’ll be putting out that list soon! In the meantime, check out some of our other places to eat around the Treasure Valley.
