Idaho’s semi-arid climate, diverse soil types, and long growing season support a wide range of crops. These ingredients are essential to the state’s growing reputation for regional cuisine, locally produced wines, and a booming craft-beer industry. Visitors can enjoy fresh, seasonal food and beverages that blend tradition with innovation..
Meet Idaho’s James Beard Award-Winning chefs
In 2025, Chef Salvador Alamilla of Amano in Caldwell won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mountain Region. Amano serves traditional and elevated Mexican cuisine prepared with ancestral methods and locally sourced ingredients, along with excellent cocktails and a private mezcal room.
Alamilla joins Chef Kris Komori of KIN in Boise, who won the same award in 2023. KIN offers a rotating, five-course prix fixe menu with artfully plated dishes.
Try unique Idaho foods
While Idaho is well-known for its potatoes, the state’s restaurants showcase diverse ingredients and flavours. These local specialties offer insight into the state’s agricultural heritage and creativity.
In Boise, Westside Drive-In offers a dessert known as the Ice Cream Potato. It’s shaped with ice cream, whipped cream, and toppings to look like a classic baked potato.
In the Teton Valley, Victor Emporium serves milkshakes made with Idaho’s state fruit—huckleberries.
At The Lively in Boise, experience a regional twist on caviar service, pairing sturgeon caviar from Idaho Springs with potato chips and other side dishes.
For a uniquely Idahoan dish, order a plate of finger steaks. Created in Boise in the 1950s, these battered and fried strips of steak are served with fry or cocktail sauce, and can be found at restaurants across the state.
Explore the state’s memorable food experiences
Tucked away near the mountain town of McCall is the unique culinary experience and adventure at Blue Moon Yurt. The yurt is only accessible by snowshoe or cross-country ski in the winter and by foot in drier seasons. The dining experience includes hot, non-alcoholic beverages and a five-course gourmet meal. Reservations are required.
Indulge Boise Food Tours explores the capital city’s vibrant culinary scene while sharing stories about the region’s history and geography. Choose between multiple food and walking (or cycling) tours—each featuring tastings at several local restaurants.
Located in a former Oregon Short Line Railroad Depot in downtown Blackfoot, the Idaho Potato Museum tells the story of Idaho’s most famous crop. Exhibits cover everything from the potato’s first planting in Idaho to the history of the French fry. After the tour, order fresh-cut fries at the on-site Potato Station Cafe and then snap a selfie with the giant baked potato sculpture outside.
Sample the flavour of Idaho’s wine regions
Idaho’s wine industry is growing, thanks to the region’s volcanic soil, distinct seasons, and ideal latitude— similar to some of the world’s top-producing wine regions. The state is home to three designated wine areas, known as American Viticultural Areas: Snake River Valley, Eagle Foothills, and Lewis-Clark Valley. Together, these regions include more than 1,300 acres of vineyards. Book a winery tour or enjoy a tasting at one of over 60 wineries and tasting rooms across the state.
Raise a pint of Idaho craft beer
Idaho ranks first in the U.S. for barley production and second for hops, making it a key contributor to the country’s beermaking ingredients. These crops support the state’s thriving craft beer industry, which includes more than 80 breweries and tasting rooms.
For more information: https://visitidaho.org/
