Totally Boise Blog

This blog post is perfect for foodies or anyone who loves to try new restaurants. Any foodie knows some of the best places are hidden gems. These five restaurants, spanning across the Treasure Valley, have great reviews, unique menus and are waiting for you to stop in.

Anderson Reserve

Photo Credit: Anderson Reserve

This restaurant is highly recommended and often unknown by Boise locals. The Barn at Anderson Reserve is a family business, that first started out as a butchery business. Three generations later, the company was sold and is now a custom butchery, market, and dining experience. The food and atmosphere continue to be inspired by family and tradition. This upscale restaurant is committed to serving and giving the best to its customers.

It is located in Sweet, Idaho; between Boise and Emmet. The restaurant space is limited and is only open on weekends from Thursday-Sunday, so be sure to reserve a spot prior to heading over!

Bistro Babe

Photo Credit: Bistro Babe

Bistro Babe is a local Boise food truck, popularly known for fresh ingredients. Bistro Babe serves up delicious sandwiches, with a gourmet twist! We get it, food trucks can be hard to follow across town, thankfully, the owner frequently updates the location siting, for lunch and dinner, on Facebook, @BristroBabe1, and street food finder.

Urban Smoke

Photo Credit: Urban Smoke

I don't know about you, but we always forget about BBQ food! The locally-owned food truck, Urban Smoke, has been highly rated for its traditional take on BBQ. Urban Smoke isn't the same old BBQ, signature dishes include Pulled Pork Tacos and Smoked Bratwurst. Plus, each week the owner adds new specials to the menu.

On Facebook the owner will post and update the locations and event sightings for the week, @UrbanSmokeBoise.

JP Thailand Express

Thai food is great food! Located in Nampa, JP Thailand Express is a great place if your craving the traditional Thai dishes. There are many different options, from pad thai to stirfry to curry, ensuring a great meal for everyone! Be prepared- JP Thailand Express is a hot commodity in Nampa and is frequently busy with limited table space, we recommend heading out earlier to beat the dinner crowd! 

Amano

Photo Credit: Amano Ristorante

Authentic Mexican food is hard to find in the Boise area. However, Amano is the place for true authenticity. Located in Caldwell, Amano is an upscale, traditional Mexican restaurant. The owner, originally from Mexico, fell in love with his mother’s cooking, which inspired him to start his own restaurant. At Amano each ingredient is sourced carefully, leading to a fresh, hand crafted experience.

We recommend checking out these 5 hidden gems around the Treasure Valley. Out and about? Track down Urban Smoke or Bistro Babe for a quick, yummy meal. Looking for a nice sit down? Anderson Reserve, JP Thailand Express or Amano are the places to go. Each of these recommendations are a variety of different types of foods, perfect for satisfying any kind of mood you are in.