It’s the beginning of a new year, and what better time to try some new restaurants in the Boise area? Cause’ let’s be real, it’s easy to choose the place that you already know you love and can rely on. Which is fine! But on the other hand, you’ve been there about 100 times. So, we dare you to step outside of your comfort zone with some of these new restaurants that have hit Boise and are receiving praise from all over town.
Say Hello To...
Photo Credit: Taylor Hawkins
Photo Credit: Taylor Hawkins
Kiwi Shake & Bake
Alright, we gotta say that we’re excited for the traditional New Zealand-style meat pies and milkshake combo. The meat pies are made by hand from a New Zealand native with decades of experience, who recently decided to make the trek to Boise. We can say that the Steak n’ Cheese Pie is a must try, with its flaky crust and thinly sliced beef chunks and delicious cheese sauce filling. And trust us when we say that Kiwi Shake and Bake sure are shaking things up in Downtown Boise, located in the new Afton Condos building on 8th St., with their New Zealand vibes and recipes.
Oh, and we don’t want to forget to mention they have a chocolate fountain that’s about three-feet tall and practically calls your name as soon as you walk in the door. The interior design is also stunning!
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Trillium
The Grove Hotel’s latest addition is not only stylish but delicious too! You don’t have to be a hotel guest to try out this new restaurant, but we recommend you make a reservation just in case. Emphasizing the local ingredients they use; each dish Trillium offers is sure to win you over. Here at Totally Boise, we recommend their Brussel Sprouts to start.
See Trillium's Website
Diablo & Son's Saloon
Located in the mecca of Boise’s downtown food scene on the corner of 8th and main, Diablo & Son’s is the latest addition to sister restaurants Bittercreek Alehouse and Redfeather Lounge. It’s not just another taco joint, we promise. Along with their gourmet tacos (all of which we have tried were incredible, by the way), they also have a section of the menu that includes burgers, wings, and ribs. This saloon style restaurant is something Boise didn’t even know it needed, until now.
See Their Website
Photo Credit: Waffleluv.comWaffle Love
Waffles are something that everyone needs in their life. And Waffle Love has both sweet and savory waffles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! They even have waffle sandwiches! We know, awesome right!? Originating in Utah and moving up from its humble beginnings as a food truck - Waffle Love is sharing its love for waffles in the Meridian area.
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Naked Fins
Sushi rolls, poke bowls, and tacos are just a few categories of the deliciousness that Naked Fins has to offer. The new sushi restaurant opened in October of 2018 and has since made a splash in the area next to the Boise State campus. The style of ordering follows their simple motto: “Everything looks better naked.” You simply go up and build as you go or order what you know. They want their customers to know that everything is fresh, clean and healthy.
See Their Site
Pizza (It's own category because well, who doesn't love pizza)
Firenza Pizza
This chain pizza joint has entered the ring of pizza places in Boise and aims to be a fierce competitor. With goals to keep its prices affordable and produce good-quality pizzas and all other food on the menu, they want to set themselves apart. Firenza has created a ton of options and even allows for an option to build your own. Totally Boise Tip: Get the Firenza app before going in!
See Their Site
Spitfire Craft Pizza & Pints
Something that sets Spitfire Craft Pizza apart from the rest is the fact that it serves Detroit-style pizza. That’s right. We’re talking deep-dish Chicago-style pizza! Having only been open for a month, Spitfire is already proving to be a top contender in the pizza scene.
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Americana Pizza
Owners of Garden City’s own Push and Pour and Gem Street Kitchen have decided to develop a new idea: A pizza place in the old Reel Foods building at 304 S. American Blvd. An interesting priority of the pizza place will be their options for vegans. Delivery and takeout will also be available, so make sure to put American Pizza on your list to try!
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MOD Pizza
Although not open yet, you can expect to see Mod Pizza opening in the vacant space in Trader Joes’ parking lot, and a second location opening near the Boise Towne Square. MOD stands for “Made On Demand.” Choose from their 10 classic pizzas or build your own, the artisan style pizza won’t disappoint.
Joe Mamma's
Alright, this one may not be a completely new grub-spot, but it is a new resident of Meridian. Previously housed in Eagle, Joe Mamma's has moved & expanded their square meal-age by moving into the old Famous Dave's location on Eagle road. They provide the amazing breakfast food and heartfelt service, just simply in a whole new location. Check em' out!
See Their Website
As excited as we are to welcome these new restaurants to the Boise area, we want to quickly pay tribute to those that have been lost but will never be forgotten...
Say Goodbye To...
Roosevelt Market
That little market you always pass by when you’re in the neighborhood of the East End has sadly come to a close. But there is a bright future ahead for what has served as a staple in the community for over 14 years. Renovations will be done on the 100-year-old structure and they plan to reopen in late spring or early summer of this year as something new for its loyal community.
Shige Japanese Cuisine
One of Downtown Boise’s oldest restaurants has closed. Shige Japanese Cuisine opened up in 1992 and for 27 long years was the go-to place for many sushi lovers in Boise. But you don’t have to be entirely upset, because there is still a Shige Sushi Express in Meridian that you can enjoy!
Piper Pub & Grill
Even older than Shige, Piper Pub & Grill was born in 1989 and sadly, closed in November of 2018. Known for its balcony seating along Main Street, Piper Pub will be missed. And the Shepards Pie will never be forgotten.