Thanks to its location in southeast Idaho, Pocatello is a small, friendly city popular with outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to spectacular scenery, visiting foodies will also find some tasty local gems serving everything from contemporary American to Asian cuisine, as well as unique cafes featuring great coffee and tea. Here are some of Pocatello’s best cultural restaurants.
Named after the character Barliman ButterBur from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, ButterBurr’s serves home-style American fare from breakfast to dinner seven days a week. A fixture on Pocatello’s restaurant scene for 30 years, this family-friendly restaurant is well loved by locals and tourists alike. There are many items on the diner’s menus from eggs benedict, an English muffin topped with ham, eggs, cheese sauce, and melted cheddar; to chicken fried steak served with brown or country gravy plus a choice of Idaho potatoes either baked, mashed or fried. Don’t forget to one of the diner’s famous desserts which include cinnamon or raspberry twists and oatmeal pie.
Known as ‘the gathering place’, Efresh is a cozy place loved by locals and holidaymakers alike. Opened in 2011, this American deli serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday with longer hours on Friday and Saturday nights. Using only the freshest seasonal ingredients available, everything on the menu is made-to-order, including hot and cold gourmet sandwiches and salads. Flavorful choices include the famous E steak sandwich with sautéed onions, red pepper, and provolone cheese on a Parmesan garlic hoagie roll and the Popeye salad made with spinach, red onion, bacon, pecans, and a poached egg served with house-made bacon dressing. Try pairing your sandwich with Efresh’s delicious house-made fries or kettle chips.
Looks like it's closedHours or services may be impacted due to Covid-19
A fine-dining establishment in a casual setting, Sandpiper specializes in fresh seafood, succulent steaks and pasta and also offers a selection of tempting desserts. Diners may choose from numerous dishes such as Hawaiian crunch halibut, a dish of grilled halibut topped with macadamia nuts accompanied by a hazelnut beurre blanc, and the slow-roasted prime rib served with raw or prepared horseradish; both popular choices with locals and tourists alike. Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday, Sandpiper offers indoor and outdoor dining when the weather permits.
Café Tuscano is an Italian restaurant located in, of all things, a gas station; though with its warm and inviting atmosphere, diners will forget its location once they step inside this Tuscan-inspired café. Serving lunch and dinner daily, guests will be impressed by the numerous options, which are all made with fresh and high quality ingredients. Notable savory items include penne pasta with chicken, artichoke hearts, tomato, and basil in a creamy bacon carbonara sauce and lamb chops marinated in pomegranate sauce served with fresh vegetables and your choice of potato. Café Tuscano is also a big supporter of local art and animal organisations, and features an impressive wine list with both national and international varieties.
Located in Pocatello’s historic Old Town, Sumisu is an restaurant specializing in sushi and creative Asian cuisine. In a friendly atmosphere with minimal décor, this place features a whole host of menu items including bento boxes, various entrées, and sushi. Everything is made-to-order using quality produce, which includes flying in fresh fish from both coasts. Red onion and pineapple shrimp with cilantro-lime butter and omakase (sushi of the chef’s choosing) are just a couple of highlights. For those seeking sushi rolls, try the Chief Pocatello made with cucumber, avocado, and spicy tuna rolled and topped with tempura salmon nuggets, sweet soy and spicy mayo.
Owner and brew mistress Penny Pink opened the doors of her brewpub, Portneuf Valley Brewing, to the public in 1996. Featuring ten craft beers, such as the Portneuf cocoa porter, the pub also serves an array of delicious, globally inspired cuisine. From appetizers and pizzas to vegetarian dishes and mouth-watering meats, the menu will appeal to a variety of tastes. Delicious dishes include the pesto veggie sandwich on ciabatta beer bread and the BBQ shrimp pizza with bay shrimp, BBQ sauce, mozzarella, red onions, and spinach. PVB is a vibrant joint with outdoor seating and live music events taking place in their large loft several nights a week, as well as artworks often adorning the brick due to the venue participating in Pocatello’s First Friday Art Walks.
A fine-dining establishment located inside Kingport Junction, The Bridge specializes in contemporary American cuisine. Diners can feast upon succulent steaks, fresh fish, salads, sandwiches and tempting desserts in a chic environment complete with exposed brick walls and old wood floors. Menu highlights include The Bridge burger with hardwood smoked bacon and cheese; Kobe flank with chard, carrots, sesame, and soy; and salmon with cauliflower, roasted red peppers, and pine nuts. For those seeking meat-free options, many of the dishes are easily adaptable into vegetarian versions.
Open seven days a week, Co Ho Coffee is a funky coffee shop located near Idaho State University, which makes it a popular destination with the younger crowd. Offering a variety of beverages which includes coffee, teas, specialty sodas from Australia, juices and smoothies, the cafe also features a variety of homemade baked treats, including vegan options and many other tasty edibles from different local establishments. Regular events such as open mic nights, live music and dance parties take place at Co Ho giving the café a lively and upbeat atmosphere.
Looks like it's closedHours or services may be impacted due to Covid-19
Voted the Best Mexican Restaurant in Pocatello year after year, Mama Inez serves its delicious cuisine seven days a week in a relaxing atmosphere. Open for lunch and dinner, this dining establishment features a large menu giving diners many different tasty options from which to choose. Dishes to try include chilli Colorado which is made from sirloin tips cooked in chilli sauce then wrapped in a flour tortilla and topped with cheese, and the lightly fried pasilla pepper stuffed with crab and cream cheese, and topped with enchilada sauce and cheese. Vegetarians won’t miss out with a visit to Mama Inez with several veggie options and also a number of low-carb options for those wanting a healthy meal.
