Kicked-up comfort food, delicacies from Argentina, out-of-this-world breakfasts, gourmet seasonal fare — when you’re in Meridian, just about any food you’re craving is minutes away. We’ve rounded up a sampling of some of the city’s most-loved restaurants and nightlife options, but there’s so much more to explore!
The real question is: How will you fit all this deliciousness into one trip?
Yes, Idaho is several hours from the nearest ocean — but thanks to daily flown-in deliveries, you can enjoy sushi with fish that came out of the sea hours before. The dishes the Lucky Fins team whips up with those super-fresh ingredients have earned plenty of accolades, including an unbroken streak as the Treasure Valley’s top seafood restaurant in Boise’s Weekly’s annual “Best Of” awards. Have a bite of the lobster tater tots or the paella de Veracruz and you’ll discover why.
Must-try dish: The decadent Lobster Mac and Cheese is the stuff of legend.
Vintage ’61 Wine Bar and Kitchen
This cozy spot is a favorite of wine lovers and foodies alike, with a menu that features upscale takes on classics like prawns sauteed in Calabrian chiles, wine, and butter or a petite Angus tenderloin accompanied by Gorgonzola mashed potatoes. The wine selection includes carefully curated bottles from top growing regions around the world.
Must-try dish: Splurge on the tasting menu that is offered every Wednesday (you’ll want to make a reservation).
Louie’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant
This old-school Italian joint has been an Idaho mainstay for generations. Dig into comfort food like spaghetti with house-made bolognese, chicken parm, baked manicotti, or pizzas layered with olive oil and fresh garlic. You won’t walk away hungry.
Must-try dish: The limoncello crab ravioli is stuffed with fresh crab, ricotta cheese, and dressed with a sauce made with the famous Italian lemon liqueur.
Empanadas — savory Argentinian hand pies — are the ultimate on-the-go meal. At Tango’s, a casual, family-friendly restaurant, they come stuffed with a huge variety of fillings: pulled pork, chicken, cheese, potatoes, poblano peppers … the list goes on and on. They are then deep-fried to golden perfection right before they’re served. Monica Bremmer, the chef and co-owner, hails from Argentina and introduced empanadas to the Treasure Valley back in 2006. Locals have been going crazy for them ever since. The Food Network show “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” featured Tango’s in spring 2023.
Must-try dish: Tango’s also has a number of dessert empanadas. The Cafemello is laden with sweet dulce de leche laced with coffee.
If you’re in the mood for beef, Jaker’s is hard to beat. This longtime steakhouse is known for its massive burgers, tender ribeyes, and prime rib served with your choice of add-ons like garlic shrimp sauce or black pepper demi-glace. But that’s just the start of Jaker’s huge menu — vegetarians and pescatarians will also find plenty to love here. Bonus: There’s a full bar with an equally gargantuan number of drinks.
Must-try dish: The Prime Rib French Dip features hand-carved slices of the restaurant’s famous prime rib smothered with Swiss and served with homemade au jus.
If you have to feed a hungry family, head to the Griddle. The breakfasts and lunches at this from-scratch restaurant are big enough to satisfy even growing teenagers, and the menu is deep enough to impress the pickiest member of your party. You’ll find classics like hot cakes, eggs benedict, and Quiche Lorraine, as well as not-so-traditional dishes like quinoa, chorizo, and egg tostadas.
Must-try dish: The biscuit and gravy is a single, giant house-made biscuit topped with sausage gravy. Back that up with a beermosa made from beer and orange juice.
This is your chance to break free of your pad Thai rut. Explore flavors such as seafood hor muk in coconut — a mix of mussels, scallops, shrimp, salmon, and squid steamed in a coconut — or how about SWD fried chicken sprinkled with fruits and nuts? No matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong.
Must-try dish: The colorfully named shrimp in the mud features stir-fried shrimp cooked with celery, ginger, other vegetables and egg dunked into a velvety curry.
After an afternoon shopping at The Village, wander over to this ever-popular restaurant where kids are welcome in the dining room. Nosh on poke nachos, fries dusted with cayenne and basil and topped with Gorgonzola fondue, or truffle penne. The restaurant’s takes on traditional cocktails, like the huckleberry lemon drop and key lime martini, will round off any rough edges.
Must-try dish: The weekend-only brunch menu includes the crab lemon benedict: blue crab, tomato confit, and poached eggs on a classic English muffin and smothered in lemony hollandaise.
Sid’s Garage is casual, irreverent, and sure to pique your culinary curiosity. You can order milkshakes laced with whiskey or rum, truffle parmesan fries, Nashville hot chicken, or flash-fried tempura green beans — not to mention an impressive drinks menu.
Must-try dish: Where else can you get a mimosa flight featuring four flavors of this classic breakfast drink?
The Capri is a traditional diner featuring your favorite breakfast and lunch dishes like corned beef hash, pork chops and hash brownsust , and patty melts. You’ll want to leave room for dessert, though, so you can visit sister restaurant Delsa’s next door. Delsa’s homemade ice cream was voted the best in Idaho by USA Today — and we heartily agree. (Delsa’s also serves a full diner menu.)
Must-try dish: The Capri’s homemade cinnamon rolls are massive, pillowy, and can be ordered with maple frosting and a smattering of crispy, salty bacon.
How About a Nightcap?
There’s no need to end your evening with dinner. There are so many locations in Meridian to grab a beer, catch a live band, or try a new cocktail!
Craft cocktail lovers will enjoy this downtown watering hole that specializes in whiskey and fun takes on classic drinks. Ask your bartender about their selection of rare whiskeys and prepare to indulge in a one-in-a-lifetime sip.
This establishment delivers two experiences in one location. Will you head for a carefully mixed-and-shaken drink at The Lounge or indulge in a local brew at Hop Haus? Either way, you can add a side of house-made sushi from the on-site Sushi Shack.
Idaho is known for its ever-growing selection of craft beers, and The Growler Guys is the place to explore them glass by glass. Just pop into this super-casual location and sample — then fill up your own growler to take home as a souvenir.
Construction Zone Bar and Grill
Beer, horseshoe pits, and karaoke. If you’re looking to do more than just sit and sip, the Construction Zone is a good bet for a laid-back-yet-fun evening.
If you’re ready to start planning your trip, head to our Where to Stay page for a list of great ideas for your Idaho base camp. (Don’t forget to make restaurant reservations while you’re at it!) If you’re craving even more inspiration for your Idaho adventure, visit the Southwestern Idaho Travel Association and Idaho Tourism for plenty of ideas.