If you’re a foodie and an Idahoan, you’re lucky to live in a state that offers so many fresh, local, and homestyle options when it comes to cuisine. There’s something truly special about digging into dishes that are lovingly handmade and prepared with an extra dollop of pride and quality to them – and this is especially true when those tantalizing dishes reflect the mouthwatering flavors of our very own state.
No matter which region of Idaho you find yourself in, there are plenty of delicious eateries hiding both in and out of sight that will make your belly full and your heart happy. But occasionally, a restaurant in the Gem State stands out from the rest. For a tasty, organic, and locally-sourced tour of Idaho like you never thought possible, there’s one truly lovely little restaurant that knows how to represent Idaho to a tee — and you’ll definitely be back for seconds.
In a nutshell, the Garnet Café is where the awesome service meets thoughtful, creative, and vibrant local cuisine served in a homey, small town-like atmosphere.
It’s also where you’ll find dozens of tantalizing dishes and flavor combinations that are delightfully representative (and named after) the regions that inspired them.
Here, the options are as unlimited as the chef's/owners’ creativity, and as diverse as Idaho itself.
Breakfast spaghetti anyone? Or how about a Crab Cake Benedict with a roasted red pepper cream cheese, pickled asparagus, a garlic infused hollandaise, pickled red onions, and fried capers?
Try the Sandpoint Omelet. The Kootenai Scramble. The Bonner Stir-Fry...
Or, just build your own! (But definitely try everything else as well!)
The flavor combinations range from classic to unexpected, but every detail is executed to delicious perfection.
It’s a rare treasure to find such a delicious gem (pun intended) in a city as large as Coeur d’Alene, but this mom and pop eatery has been serving up fresh eats that are marvelously creative for years.
Of course, from the humble exterior, you might be tempted to overlook this spectacular Idaho eatery… but don’t.
Because in short, this is one farm-to-table restaurant that really lives up to its motto: "Farm to Table Gourmet."
Where else can you order a meal that includes duck sausage, goat’s milk, and rosemary toast? Or wild-caught sockeye... for breakfast?
Or how about Green Eggs and Ham?
Or have bright, vibrant homemade lemon curd served alongside every piece of toast?
Pamela K/Yelp
To kick the homestyle magic up a notch, the ingredients that go into each of this restaurant’s beautifully presented dishes are all conscientiously sourced.
That means locally-grown, organic products sourced from the owners’ own farm (McLane Farms).
McLane Farms is a small "boutique" farm in CdA where roaming critters are treated like family and are free to roam in lush, airy pastures. They’re also currently in the process of becoming USDA Certified Organic! And the benefactor of all this fresh, Idaho-grown goodness? The Garnet.
It also means grass-fed livestock and chickens raised free-range. Their pastured Berkshire pork and freshly-made raw goat milk products are for sale to the public as well!
It all adds up to rich, full flavors and colors on your plate that are more vibrant than any you’ll find elsewhere.
Props to the chef!
But don’t mistake the Garnet Café for a mere breakfast and brunch spot – a lengthy menu ensures there’s something for everyone here…
Tasty entrees like Huervos Rancheros, bold hash, and even housemade soups are as numerous as the Idaho art pieces that adorn the walls.
Plus, Bloody Marys and sweet Mimosas for those early morning pick-me-ups.
Huckleberry citrus is an occasional Mimosa special because… you know, it’s Idaho.
And for options on the sweeter side? Treats like Nutella French Toast and Fruit Stuffed Crepes are positively yum!
As with all fantastic eateries that put heart and soul into their food, the menu at Garnet is constantly changing. You'll always find something new and phenomenal to try!
Hint: these Huckleberry Cream-Cheese Stuffed Pancakes are absolutely divine. As is everything else on the Idaho-themed menu!
All in all, The Garnet Cafe shines like the gem (and the Gem State) it was named after. Bon appetit !
For another brunch haven that serves up delicious local ingredients, check out this incredible Bacon-Themed Restaurant .
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