Hidden gems are where it’s at. You know the places I’m talking about – those small-town favorites that every local knows about, but the rest of us have never heard of. Places where the food is radical, but you might pass by if you didn’t know better. Sure, top-floor restaurants, scenic views, mind-blowing steakhouses, and elegant ambiances are all wonderful additions to the traditional dining experience, but when it comes right down to it, you choose a restaurant for the food…so that food should be amazeballs, am I right?
Based on your recommendations, we found a few of Idaho’s hidden gems that are quietly serving up some of the Gem State’s most memorable cuisine in the most unassuming of locales. Check them out!
If you're a Boise local, you're no stranger to Bleubird. Outside the capital, though, this quaint and modern cafe - repeatedly named the best place to grab a sandwich in Boise - is a must-visit. Hot, cold, vegetarian, saucy... Bleubird would make the Earl of Sandwich proud. In fact, so beloved is this Boise staple that the line is typically out the door, so be sure to get there early!
Quietly tucked away between two beautiful golf courses, you might not even know that The Porch is there. But with the best Santa Fe chicken in Idaho, a rotating selection of beer, and fabulous views of the green, you can't miss this hidden gem.
This cozy, unexpected restaurant has been labeled a "diamond in the rough" for good reason. You might not even realize it's a restaurant upon first glance, but the fare served here has gained quite the reputation -- no matter whether you're getting the perfectly-cooked risotto, the fried grits, or the stellar key lime pie.
Don't let the plain brick, "corner drug store" look fool you. The Snakebite is a local favorite, family-run and serving up stellar cuisine like Osso Bucco and their renowned Teton burger.
Arguably the best Mexican food in Idaho is quietly hidden in tiny Bayview in a rustic, unpretentious cabin that boasts oodles of outdoor seating. Diners rave about every dish on Mario's menu and claim its authenticity with vigor.
What's better than dining in a remote, rustic cabin at the foot of the Sawtooths? When that dining features original and creative gourmet options, panoramic views, and fresh-baked desserts made with love. To be sure, Stanley is a hidden gem in itself, but The Redd is a can't-miss food experience that will be opening for the spring season May 2.
Any tea room or vegetarian restaurant these days is a rare find, but Shangri-La has nailed down its groovy, eclectic vibe in the most inconspicuous way despite its location on a main road. Unassuming yet artistic even from the outside, visitors will be greeted by a singular tree-like wooden sculpture, and will enter through a quaint gift shop filled with teas and teapots. Inside, your fare will be freshly prepared and lovingly served, featuring unique entrees for every taste, like caprese pizza, zuchinni spaghetti served al dente in a tomato-basil and pine nut sauce, and even loaded tacos.
These restaurants are proof that you can’t judge a book by its cover, but with so many small towns in our state, I know there are dozens more foodie gems to be explored! As you dine your way through Idaho this season, if you stumble upon any other hidden gems, be sure to let us know so that we can continue this series with a Part Two.
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