2 Best Restaurants in Boise, Idaho

In some corners gaudy and Gothic, in others plush and exotic, and still others practically medieval, the detail in this remodeled restaurant is otherworldly. Wander under the glowing wine tunnel, past a wiry-haired Medusa, or head upstairs to the open-air Luna Bar and shisha-style Taz Lounge with views of the water. On hot summer days, you can sit on the deck and sip an “ice-tini” from a glass made of ice; at any time, you can enjoy hefty portions of South American–style barbecue, like the fillet with cognac sauce grilled on hot river rock. For dessert, try the ice-cream lollipop tree or glowing cotton-candy cake.

Although this swanky restaurant is known as a steak house, the seafood for dishes like the delicious tower of ahi and hamachi tuna appetizer is flown in daily from Hawaii. With a glowing blue bar that offers a mean “10 minute” chilled martini, Chandlers draws a sophisticated after-hours crowd, while the Boise elite and business travelers converge here for the live jazz and aged center-cut rib eye. Small cosmopolitan touches include vested waiters and a virtual wine list. It's pricey, but worth every penny, though on Sunday you can come for the popular and less expensive prix-fixe menu.