Farm-to-table dining offers a freshexperience, connecting diners to localgrowers, emphasizing seasonal ingredients,sustainability, and deep apprecitaion for food.
ConnectingPeople with Place
Casual conversation about the state of Idaho generally arrives at a mention of the iconic Idaho potato. But beyond the starchy tuber that is a staple on so many people’s plates, there is even more to offer.
If you’re looking for a dining experience that will connect you with local Idaho agriculture, look for a farm-to-table restaurant the next time that you are out.
Farm-to-table restaurants offer an experience that goes beyond the food itself. By directly sourcing ingredients from local farms and producers, they connect diners with their food’s origin while supporting local agricultural communities.
Located in downtown Boise, Fork Restaurant is notable for their commitment to source key ingredients from local Boise and Northwest farmers, ranchers, bakers, distillers, brewers, producers, and cheesemakers with their “Loyal to Local” pledge.
In operation since 2011, the restaurant is housed in the historic “805 Idaho Building.” Built in 1890, it was home to Boise’s First National Bank and Simplot Corporation and is now on the Historic Registry.
Try the popular Idaho Rainbow Trout, Asparagus “Fries,” Tomato Basil Fondue & Grilled Cheese, or their Urban Burger, and maybe even finish off with Fork’s Signature Warm Butter Cake.
Whether looking for a sit-down experience or a quick bite, Terroir Bistro has both their brick-and-mortar restaurant in downtown Boise and the Terroir Trailer located at Telaya Winery in Garden City. Following the essence of the farm-to-table mindset, terroir means “sense of place.”
“We wanted to create places supporting our local food system, serving seasonal menus showcasing nutritious and delicious food that rotates with the seasons,” said co-owner Rémi Courcenet. “It’s about where things come from—the soils, the climate, the people growing the food and raising the animals.”
Located in Meridian, Vintage 61 Wine Bar & Kitchen opened its doors in 2021.
“As a woman-owned small business, and having grown up in a small town where we purchased fresh local produce daily, I want to support our local farming community as much as possible,” owner Lila McAllister said.
Their local bison and elk dishes, as well as their seafood, are top sellers. When it comes to wine, McAllister—who has been in fine dining restaurants for over 30 years—personally tastes every wine on their list before purchasing and works to select unique wines from around the world that the average person may not know about.
If you are venturing up to McCall, look to the newly established bakery and restaurant Paikka. Located on a former Finnish dairy farm and homestead, Paikka, in Finnish, means “place.”
Opened in 2023, Paikka makes all of its breads with Hillside Grain flour, which is grown and milled in Idaho. Additionally, they source local meats, eggs, and produce from surrounding farms and ranches. They have four raised beds at the restaurant and are building their own regenerative farm behind the restaurant for perennial fruits and annual vegetables.
“I have always wanted to start a breakfast/lunch spot with high quality food and baked goods. And I was always guided in that vision to utilize local ingredients whenever possible because they will deliver on the quality experience,” said owner Jessica Toebe.
