Editor’s Note: As of March 2019, State & Lemp has permanently closed.
Idahoans really, really enjoy their food and the community that comes from dining with friends and loved ones. But despite so many delicious restaurants around the state, it isn’t often that one gets to be nationally recognized. One itty-bitty Idaho gem, however, has earned country-wide fame and was just recently ranked as one of the 100 Best Restaurants in America by Business Insider and OpenTable for the second year in a row– a feat which took into consideration over 10 million restaurant reviews and more than 24,000 restaurants in all 50 states. But only restaurants with a minimum qualifying number of reviews from this past year were considered– which means humble Idaho had a major population gap to overcome to make the list. How awesome is that?!
State & Lemp, tucked away in Boise but found well outside of the capital’s main restaurant block, is a truly special dining destination that made BI’s list for good reason. Creative, upscale, social, and totally minimalistic, this spectacular community-style restaurant is based on the fresh, local concept of fine dining as a collective experience. And it’ll blow you away from start to finish. Check it out!
Welcome to State & Lemp, the eclectic restaurant that has been quietly rocking Idaho's dining scene since 2013.
Small, unassuming, and well away from Boise's main dining scene, it's easy to overlook this high-end delight. But don't!
One look at the elegant, streamlined interior and it's obvious that incredible things happen here.
State & Lemp/Facebook
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State & Lemp/Facebook
Bright, custom finishes and warm, handmade touches add an eclectic, hip vibe to the space that fits right in with Boise's style.
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But the first thing that sets State & Lemp apart is the prix-fixe seasonal menu, which rotates every two weeks to embrace the ever-changing freshness and variety of the seasons.
Pastry Chef Michelle Nayun Kwak rocks the pastry world to perfection that has even been featured in USA Today. Pictured: just one of her stunning potato desserts.
Mixing local ingredients, modernist cooking techniques, and colorful, whimsical plating artistry to wow diners, State & Lemp's delights and inspires guests with unexpected taste and texture combinations that push the boundaries of culinary norms.
Innovative dishes like scallops served with cauliflower, white chocolate, and lavender delight the senses, while robust pork belly is divinely seasoned and served with black garlic, fennel, hazelnuts, and grapes. Mind blown.
It's not unusual to see owners Henry and Remi--the owners of State & Lemp-- strolling through Boise's local farmers markets on weekends.
Another piece of the puzzle is State & Lemp's unique atmosphere. Rather than a traditional dining room, meals are enjoyed in the close-knit company of a one-room community-style table.
State & Lemp/Facebook
Reservations are a must to dine at State & Lemp, and due to the fresh nature of the cuisine and sheer artistry that comes in preparing the 5-course meal from start to finish, only 6 seatings are available each week--and believe me, spots fill up quickly!
Bonus: New, emerging local artists and their work are featured and rotated regularly as well.
You can find them at: 2870 W State St, Boise, ID 83702.
If dining at America’s 100 best restaurants wasn’t on your bucket list before, maybe it should be! But give State & Lemp a try first; your tastebuds will thank you.
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