eat/fine
dining Bella Aquila
FINE DINING Barbacoa This place is as much visual spectacle as restaurant. Everything about this Latin-fusion eatery is epic: Entrees explode with flame, meat sizzles and all in a setting as theatrical as the food. The ingredients are fresh and the restaurant is filled with so much art, historic pieces and architectural flourishes that it could be confused for the set of a Robert Rodriguez movie—if it weren’t for the swanky bar. 276 Bobwhite Court, Boise, 208-338-5000, barbacoa-boise. com. $$-$$$$
eat + drink/state
With a name that means “beautiful Eagle,” this Italian eatery courts the well-heeled with its swank interior, well-trained staff and enviable riverside patio. Pair an order of beef carpaccio with a glass of pinot grigio near the Boise River, or sip a bowl of cioppino at a cozy inside table. 775 S. Rivershore Lane, Eagle, 208-938-1900, bellaaquilarestaurant.com. $$-$$$
Berryhill & Co. The restaurant describes itself as “fine, yet casual,” and while that might be a little modestly put, the food fits that description. It’s a balance of cosmo-
politan comfort food and light fare. Dinner ramps things up with Kobe cuts, racks of lamb and seafood. Happy hour specials are an event in the lounge. 121 N. Ninth St., Boise, 208-3873553, berryhillandco.com. $-$$$
Brick 29 Bistro Chef Dustan Bristol keeps diners on their toes with a seasonal menu that leans heavily on the fresh and local while playing up the innovative and delicious. From steaks to seafood to pastas to a serious weekend brunch, this Nampa eatery is upping the ante. 320 11th Ave. S., Ste. 100, Nampa, 208-468-0029, brick29.com. $-$$$
street
The Brickyard This steakhouse-meets-dueling-pianos bar draws the business set with a lunch menu of well-priced burgers, salads and sandwiches, while filet mignon and top-shelf Scotch beckon an upscale crowd after sunset. 601 Main St., Boise, 208-287-2121, brickyardboise. com. $$-$$$$
Chandlers Steakhouse When dining at Chandlers, you can expect top-notch service paired with excellent cuisine in sleek surroundings where the glow of blue neon and the strains of live jazz mix perfectly. Classic steak house offerings share space with inventive creations. Linger in the elegant bar with a signature Ten Minute martini. 981 W. Grove St., Boise, 208-383-4300, chandlersboise.com. $-$$$$
La urie Pearman
Copper Canyon Idaho is a meat-and-potatoes place, but that doesn’t mean the meat can’t be accompanied by an excellent sauce, does it? This longtime restaurant is one of the best places in the west valley to find just that. 103 Shannon Dr., Nampa, 208-466-1114, coppercanyonnampa. com. $-$$$
Cottonwood Grille
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Cottonwood has been a fine dining destination for years. The Northwestinspired menu offers steaks, seafood, salads and pasta, and a long list of game meats raised nearby. In the summer, reserve a table on the Greenbelt-adjacent patio. 913 W. River St., Boise, 208-333-9800, cottonwoodgrille.com. $$-$$$
The Dutch Goose
The Lift Bar and Grill
Check out the halibut fish and chips served on Fridays and Saturdays only. (page 24).
Holy Oly Night means 50cent cans of Olympia every Tuesday (page 26)
MerritT’s Country Cafe The “home of the scone” is worth visiting (page 53).
20 | RESTAURANT + Bar GUIDE 2013 | boiseweekly
Pizzalchik The Wild Forest Mist pizza includes elk, wild mushrooms and rainbows (page 34).
Salt Tears Coffeehouse and Noshery A must for weekend brunch (page 18).
Emilio’s
Westside Drive-in Get in line early for the prime rib (page 38).
Find cocktails and well-crafted fare at Emilio’s in the Grove Hotel. Ingredients from local purveyors help create fresh dishes. Pair with a cocktail or one of the 450 wines. 245 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise, 208-333-8002, emiliosboise.com. $$-$$$
Red Feather Lounge A go-to for foodies craving creative fare with rotating seasonal specials. Red Feather wears its local pride on its sleeve, serving delicious items from some of the region’s top farms. The artistry continues behind the bar, where mixologists craft a dizzying array of cocktails. 246 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208-429-6340, bcrfl.com/ redfeather. $-$$$ w w w.b o ise w e e kly.c o m