21 Best Restaurants in Missoula, MT
This article was written by local contributor Ella Martinez & edited by the Travel Lens team.
Missoula, Montana, also known as Garden City, is a place I'm proud to call home.
With its beautiful surroundings and friendly atmosphere, it's no wonder that the food scene here is thriving.
As someone who has explored countless culinary gems in this town, I've had the pleasure of discovering a diverse array of eateries that cater to all taste buds.
From farm-to-table dining experiences to hearty comfort food, Missoula has it all.
In this article, I'll be sharing some of the best restaurants in Missoula, Montana, that have not only satisfied my cravings but also left a lasting impression on my taste buds.
So, if you're in town and looking for a delicious meal, keep reading to find out where you should dine!
Tagliare Delicatessen
As someone who loves gourmet sandwiches, I've been a regular at Tagliare Delicatessen for quite some time now.
Every single visit has been nothing short of delightful.
The contemporary Italian deli offers a wide range of cold cuts, imported specialty foods, and wine, which makes it a must-visit place for food enthusiasts like me.
On my last visit, I decided to try their mushroom ravioli for dinner, and I must say, it was heavenly!
The flavors were rich, and the pasta was cooked to perfection.
Of course, you can't talk about Tagliare Delicatessen without mentioning their amazing sandwiches.
I've tried quite a few, and each one is an experience in itself.
From the freshness of the ingredients to the way they're put together, I can tell that every sandwich is made with love and care.
Wally and Buck
One of my favorite places to grab a burger and fries in town is Wally and Buck.
Whenever I'm in the mood for a tasty, high-quality meal, I know I won't be disappointed here.
Their burgers are some of the best I've ever tasted, and I love that they source their ingredients locally.
The fries are a must-order as well, and the poutine is an absolute treat when I'm feeling indulgent.
Plus, the food is always prepared and served quickly, making it a great spot for a convenient and satisfying meal.
The Notorious P.I.G. BBQ
I must say that The Notorious P.I.G. BBQ has become my go-to spot for delicious and authentic barbecue.
It's a counter-serve eatery offering a variety of mouth-watering options like ribs, pulled pork, brisket, sandwiches, and classic sides.
They're always eager to help you choose the perfect meal, and their recommendations never disappoint.
The last time I went, I ordered a pork plate and a turkey plate, both of which came with tasty sides like pickles, applesauce, baked beans, and deviled egg potato salad.
The portions were generous, and the food was cooked to perfection.
Another great thing about this place is that they're dog-friendly!
They let me bring my dog along when I dine on the patio, and they even provide a bowl of fresh water for her.
This small gesture goes a long way to make me feel welcome and appreciated as a customer.
The Greek Pastry Shop - #1 GYROS
I've been a fan of The Greek Pastry Shop - #1 GYROS for quite some time now, and I must say, their food never disappoints!
Just recently, I stopped by their Southgate Mall location in Missoula to grab a quick bite.
As always, I was greeted with a warm smile and fantastic customer service.
You can check out their website here for more information.
My go-to order is their delicious gyros, but I've also tried their other Greek pastries, and they're all equally amazing.
Dobi's Teriyaki
I have to admit, I sometimes forget about Dobi's Teriyaki when deciding where to eat in Missoula, but every time I remember, it never disappoints.
Recently, I ordered pickup for dinner after quite a long time, and the food was simply amazing!
They served me a great portion at a decent price, and it reminded me that I need to eat here more often.
During a family visit, my uncle, who was in town for a hockey tournament, discovered Dobi's Teriyaki while searching for restaurants.
After trying it, we couldn't stop raving about the food.
We were even planning to go back the next day, but sadly they are closed on weekends.
I'll definitely keep that in mind for future visits.
One of the best experiences I had there was when my uncle treated me to lunch.
Front St. Pizza
I can confidently say that Front St. Pizza is one of the best pizza joints in town.
Their crust is just out of this world - a perfect balance of thin, crispy, and chewy.
I remember when I first tried their pizza, I ended up eating six different slices.
Although they were smallish slices, it allowed me to sample a wider variety of their pizzas, and I was hooked.
Not to mention, the toppings are always fresh and flavorful.
What I also love about Front St. Pizza is how clean and cool the place is.
The service is always quick and friendly, making it an enjoyable experience every time I visit.
Cambie Taphouse + Coffee
One of my favorite places for a weekend brunch is Cambie Taphouse + Coffee.
Not only do they serve delicious food at a fair price, but the atmosphere and interior design are also absolutely delightful.
I can't resist their coffee, which, although not the best in town, is pretty decent.
And if you're in the mood for something stronger, they offer a wide selection of adult beverages, including wine, cider, and beer.
What makes Cambie Taphouse + Coffee stand out even more is their rooftop dining area with beautiful views.
It's the perfect spot for anyone with or without kids to grab a meal any time of the day.
Not only do I enjoy going there for brunch, but I also find it's a great place to get some coffee and catch up on schoolwork.
And, of course, I can't resist indulging in a wine flight occasionally!
My partner and I also love to come here together, as the view from the patio is unbeatable, and the service is always top-notch.
Miller Creek Cafe
I absolutely love going to Miller Creek Cafe in Missoula!
It's one of my favorite spots to take family and friends when they come to visit.
Every time I come here, the food never disappoints.
I remember the first time I tried their peanut butter burger - it was life-changing!
To this day, it remains the best burger I've ever had, and that's saying something, considering I live in the same building as Wally and Buck.
Their menu offers a wide variety of options, from their amazing chili, turkey burger, turkey club, French dip, and of course, their mouthwatering burgers.
The quality of their food is top-notch, and they even fry their chips to order!
If you're craving something sweet after your meal, they also serve ice cream for dessert.
It's no wonder that Miller Creek Cafe is consistently praised for having the best breakfast in all of Montana.
What I appreciate the most about this hidden gem is the overall dining experience.
The food is always delicious and served at the perfect eating temperature, with cold drinks to complement the meal.
The Patio at Rattlesnake Market
I must say, I've fallen in love with The Patio at Rattlesnake Market.
It has become my go-to spot for delicious meals and a friendly atmosphere.
One of my favorite dishes here is the salmon and risotto - it never disappoints.
I also adore the steak frites, which is another must-try.
But don't hesitate to give their daily specials a chance; they always come up with some amazing offerings.
The food is consistently tasty, and even though there have been some reviews mentioning overcooked burgers or burnt fries, I can honestly say that I've never had such an experience in my numerous visits.
What truly makes this place special, though, are the people.
Bridge Pizza
I have to say, one of my favorite spots to grab a bite and relax with friends is Bridge Pizza.
The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day.
I absolutely adore their gourmet pizzas, but they also have some delicious pasta and sandwiches to choose from.
To top it off, they offer a great selection of microbrews and wines by the glass.
I remember the first time I tried their Caesar salad pizza – it was simply divine.
It seems like they might be adding it to the menu permanently, which would be fantastic.
I've also had the mushroom pasta before, and it was scrumptious, but be aware it contains pine nuts in case you have nut allergies.
There's a free parking lot for customers, and you can usually find some street parking too.
Green Source
I recently decided to visit Green Source in Missoula for a quick and healthy meal.
As I walked in, I noticed the place has a nice and easygoing atmosphere with large windows that let in plenty of natural light.
I've been here a couple of times before, and I must say that their smoothies and waffles are my absolute favorites!
In the past, I've also tried their Buddha Bowl, which was divine.
The bowl was filled with shredded beets, avocado, and tofu.
The Catalyst Cafe
One of my go-to spots whenever I'm craving a delicious meal and a cozy atmosphere is The Catalyst Cafe in downtown Missoula.
I've been a regular here for years, and I can confidently say that they never disappoint.
The two-level coffee shop has an open and airy space, making it a great place to catch up with friends or enjoy some alone time.
The coffee at The Catalyst Cafe is always perfect and smooth, and I often pair it with their refreshing citrus green tea.
When it comes to food, they have an extensive breakfast and lunch menu, but my absolute favorite dish is their arugula and beet salad.
It's incredibly tasty and satisfying, and I highly recommend it.
I once tried their green chili and potato hash on a recommendation, and I was blown away by how fantastic it was.
If you're in downtown Missoula and in the mood for great food and coffee, definitely drop by The Catalyst Cafe - you won't be disappointed!
Pho Vi
As someone who enjoys trying new places to eat in town, I recently decided to give Pho Vi a shot.
The restaurant can be found here on Google Maps.
I visited with my family, and we all had different dishes, so we could get a good sense of what the restaurant had to offer.
However, we did notice that the flavors in some of the dishes were a bit lacking.
For example, I ordered the spicy teriyaki noodles with chicken, but it wasn't as flavorful or spicy as I expected.
That said, my granddaughter enjoyed her pho, and my partner liked the sandwich.
One thing to note is that if you're a fan of spicy food, it may be a good idea to ask for a mild or spicy option or request additional condiments.
We did appreciate the unique take on the fried shrimp appetizer, which had minced chicken under the shrimp.
It tasted great when dipped in the accompanying sauce.
Charlie B's
I have to admit, Charlie B's is one of my go-to spots here in town.
The food is simply amazing, especially their gumbo.
The employees are always so friendly and helpful, and the drinks are pretty good too.
The atmosphere is really comfortable, making it an ideal place to hang out with friends or even make new ones.
You can find their location here.
The bar has a diverse crowd, from college kids to seasoned locals, all just looking to have a good time.
GILD
Ever since I discovered GILD, it has become my favorite spot to unwind and indulge in some fantastic food and drinks every week.
What really sets this place apart is their great craft brews and amazing small Mexican plates.
I'm so glad they've added the lingua tacos from the "specialty" category to their permanent menu - they're simply delicious!
The atmosphere at GILD is always buzzing with cool bartenders and friendly people.
One of my favorite things to do is ask for their homemade hot sauces, which add a fiery kick to the already flavorful dishes.
I recently tried their chicken wings, fish taco, veggie taco, quesadilla, flan, and pale ale.
Thee chicken wings and veggie taco were absolutely scrumptious.
The quesadilla was a huge, tasty portion that I couldn't even finish!
The flan was something really special - it had a different color and texture than any other flan I've tasted before, and the whipped cream they served with it added a delightful touch.
Plus, the beer on tap was quite good too!
Brasserie Porte Rouge
One of my favorite spots for a night out in the city has to be Brasserie Porte Rouge.
The atmosphere and interior of this place are simply gorgeous, and the menu selections never disappoint.
I remember the first time I went there, I was blown away by the mussels, duck, lamb, and their unforgettable Snickers cake and souffle.
The food is always fresh, delicious, and presented in perfect portion sizes.
In addition to the fantastic food, Brasserie Porte Rouge also offers a great selection of mocktails.
Every time I go there, I find the space to be clean and inviting, making it a perfect spot for a date night or a get-together with friends.
One thing that keeps me coming back to Brasserie Porte Rouge is their seasonal menu, which allows me to try new dishes and have a fresh experience every time I visit.
Some of my favorites I've tried so far include the beef tenderloin with fingerling fries and the fried oysters for appetizers.
The sourdough bread they serve is always toasted and buttered just right, making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Dinosaur Cafe
I finally made my way to the Dinosaur Cafe, a local gem in Missoula, and I was not disappointed.
The bar is located up front, while the order window is in the back, providing plenty of communal seating options and standing spots for everyone.
I was a bit bummed when they ran out of shrimp, but the catfish po'boy more than made up for it.
With great bread, a perfect fry, tasty tomatoes, and Louisiana hot sauce on the tables, it's the best po'boy I've had outside of the southeast.
I also tried the gumbolaya, which is a nice mix of gumbo and jambalaya, but I think I'll go for the straight-up gumbo next time.
The Dinosaur Cafe is a great local spot with a divey vibe, excellent food, TVs, and affordable food and drink prices.
Plonk Missoula
One of my favorite spots to unwind and enjoy a night out in Missoula is Plonk Wine Bar.
The moment you step inside, you're greeted with a stylish and hip atmosphere that perfectly combines the classic brick walls and tin ceilings with an upscale modern vibe.
The lighting sets an intimate mood, and the rooftop deck offers amazing views of the surrounding area.
I always appreciate their attentiveness and patience with customers.
Whether you're in the mood for vegan options or some delicious meat dishes, they have something to suit everyone's taste.
One thing that never fails to impress me is their exceptional cocktail menu.
I've tried various cocktails over the years, and each one is crafted to perfection.
As someone who appreciates quality drinks, Plonk always hits the mark.
Plonk also offers a downstairs wine cellar that can be reserved for small dinner parties and events.
I've heard fantastic things about their event planning and menu coordination, so it's definitely a consideration for anyone looking to host a special gathering in Missoula.
Second Set Bistro
I absolutely love dining at Second Set Bistro!
The artwork on the walls always manages to catch my eye, and it perfectly complements the delicious meal that's about to be served.
One of my all-time favorites at Second Set is the Crab Fettuccine - it's heavenly!
The Apple & Honeycomb salad is another dish that never disappoints, with its delicate flavors and ample portion size.
The wine selection pairs beautifully with the dishes, making it easy to find the perfect accompaniment for your meal.
I also appreciate that many of the menu items change daily, which keeps things fresh and exciting.
Recently, I tried the halibut cooked on paper, and it was so tender and flavorful.
Another reason I keep coming back to Second Set Bistro is the Jazz nights they host every other Wednesday in the lobby.
It's the perfect way to unwind with good food, good service, and great music.
The Stone of Accord
One of my favorite places to dine in town has to be The Stone of Accord.
It's a casual restaurant and bar that offers a great mix of American and Irish comfort food.
I've been there several times, and I can't get enough of their weekend brunch!
The food is always really good.
I've tried the Chicken Gorgonzola and the Chicken Pot Pie, both of which were absolutely delicious.
My partner always raves about their green beans, too.
The place is quite spacious, and they have televisions strategically placed for sports fans.
As a bonus, there's a liquor store and casino attached to the restaurant, but I haven't had the chance to check them out yet.
Acropolis
I have to tell you about my recent experience at Acropolis Gyros & Greek Specs here in Missoula.
I moved to town last November, and this was my first time visiting the restaurant.
I was blown away by the quality and taste of their gyros!
I ordered two gyros with extra tomato, onion, sauce, and traditional gyro meat.
Honestly, it was the best gyro I've had in years.
The prices were very affordable, and I wholeheartedly recommend giving them a try.
I did notice some mixed reviews about their grilled chicken, but I can personally vouch for the deliciousness of the falafel combo.
The fries were hot and crispy, and they definitely didn't skimp on the feta.
The food was arranged in an appealing way, and the restaurant itself was clean, with cool paintings on the walls.
Final Thoughts
Life in Missoula has truly been a food lover's paradise.
Exploring the diverse culinary scene, I have been delighted to find a range of flavors, from classic Montana staples to global cuisine.
From the mouthwatering BBQ at The Notorious P.I.G. to the comforting warmth of SoupFarm, there is always something to satisfy my cravings.
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