20 Best Restaurants in Pocatello, ID
This article was written by local contributor Alexandria Murphy & edited by the Travel Lens team.
Welcome to Pocatello, Idaho - a hidden gem in the Gem State!
I've lived here for years, and one thing that never ceases to amaze me is the incredible food scene we have.
From mouthwatering steaks to delectable seafood, there's something to tickle everyone's taste buds.
So, if you're passing through or planning a visit, I can't wait to share with you some of my absolute favorite spots that you simply must try with this list of the best restaurants in Pocatello, Idaho.
Trust me; you won't be disappointed!
Brick 243
I recently dined at Brick 243, a restaurant located in Pocatello, and I must say, it was an incredible experience.
This gem offers a unique and intimate atmosphere that's perfect for both small and large groups.
When I went with my friends, we opted for the shareable dishes, allowing us to savor a variety of flavors.
Right from the start, I was impressed with the presentation of our food.
The photos really don't do it justice!
We enjoyed a few crostini boards with different toppings like lox, jalapeño cheddar bacon, and mushroom basil pesto.
Each one was so delicious, and the toasted bread was the perfect base for the toppings.
In addition to the crostinis, we also tried the bread and pesto, the proper pork sandwich, the Frankie sub, and the tacos.
Every dish was a hit, filled with high-quality ingredients and bursting with mouth-watering flavors.
The wine selection at Brick 243 is not extensive, but it's diverse enough to satisfy any palate.
I found the perfect glass to pair with my meal, which only added to the overall dining experience.
One thing to note is that the sandwiches come with chips, not fries, but this didn't bother me at all.
The portion sizes were just right, and when combined with a crostini board, it was enough to leave me feeling satisfied.
The décor and art inside the restaurant are eye-catching and fun, while the service was top-notch.
Himalayan Flavor-Pocatello
One of my favorite places to eat in town is Himalayan Flavor-Pocatello, an Indian restaurant with an amazing selection of Eastern cuisine dishes.
What sets this place apart from other similar restaurants is the authenticity of the food.
They don't water down their meals, so you can expect to taste genuine flavors that transport you to the Himalayan regions.
My partner and I always enjoy our dining experience here.
We've tried a variety of dishes, and their rice and lamb are the best I've ever tasted.
The lamb is tender and full of flavor, a pleasant surprise considering the other Indian restaurants we've been to in places like Las Vegas, Seattle, and Boise.
Even their lunch buffet is phenomenal.
For those who enjoy a good kick to their dishes, you can go for spice levels 9 or 10.
Thai Zap
I recently dined at Thai Zap, and their food is simply delightful!
The freshness and flavors of the dishes blew me away.
I love spicy food, and their No# 4 of 5 heat level had me sweating, which I absolutely loved.
The ordering process is unique, as you place your order at the counter and then enjoy sit-down service.
My experience with their Tom Tha soup was amazing, and the Cashew Chicken was packed with wonderful flavor.
The service was top-notch, making my first visit there enjoyable and memorable.
I also tried their fried spring rolls and drunken noodles with a 5 spicy level.
The kick was just perfect, and the taste was fantastic.
Cielito Lindo Cocina Mexicana
Cielito Lindo Cocina Mexicana is hands down the best Mexican restaurant in Pocatello!
I went there with a group of friends, and we were blown away by the amazing food and top-notch service.
The moment we stepped inside the restaurant, we were greeted with warm smiles and a cozy atmosphere.
But let's not forget about the food!
Everything we ordered was delicious, fresh, and full of flavor.
Their breakfast burritos were huge and absolutely amazing, while their dinner options were equally impressive.
The salsa and flan were both outstanding, and I could tell that the ingredients used were of high quality.
Jeri's Jumbo's Cafe
Whenever I have a craving for some comfort food, I always head to Jeri's Jumbo's Cafe in our town.
It's a bustling, low-key daytime joint where locals gather to enjoy homestyle diner fare in a bright, basic space.
You know a place is good when it's always full, but the wait times are never too long for me.
Jeri's is known for its huge portion sizes, so I usually come prepared with an empty stomach.
My go-to order is their French toast made with homemade bread – it's simply divine.
I've also tried their meat omelet, which was a 10/10, and their scones, which, although not what I expected, were still very tasty.
My friends often rave about their Jeri's Special Malibu chicken sandwich and the grilled ham and cheese, which never disappoint.
Red Hot Roasters
I've been frequenting Red Hot Roasters quite a lot with my significant other, and it has become one of our favorite spots to unwind.
Their coffee is always top-notch, and they offer a nice variety of delicious food as well.
The atmosphere is soothing, making it a great place to sit back and enjoy our meals and drinks.
My partner and I now try to come in at least twice a month to enjoy the fantastic food and service.
We've tried both their lunch and breakfast options, and all have been consistently satisfying.
The Kowloon lunches, in particular, are amazing, and their coffee is definitely above average.
A Taste of Hawaii
I always love trying out new places to eat.
So when I found out about A Taste of Hawaii, I couldn't wait to give it a try.
I went there for lunch with a friend, and it turned out to be a fun and unique experience!
We started with the Hawaiian fries, which turned out to be absolutely delicious.
For our main course, I had coconut curry and Kalua pork, while my friend went for the poké bowl.
My dishes were full of flavor, and though the poké bowl was mainly fish, it still tasted good.
One thing that really stood out for me was their use of sticky rice instead of jasmine rice.
It might not be everyone's favorite, but I personally appreciated this touch of authenticity.
Another dish that caught my attention was their cheesecake – it's so good that I ended up ordering a whole one for a holiday party!
Taste of India & Nepal
I absolutely love dining at Taste of India & Nepal!
As someone who lives nearby and frequents this cozy Indian and Nepalese restaurant, I can't help but rave about the food and service.
The moment I walk in, I'm greeted with the warm and inviting smells of their delicious cuisine.
You can learn more about them by visiting their website here.
The garlic naan is always fresh and hot, with the perfect balance of fluffy and crunchy texture.
I also highly recommend trying their exotic curry, which is soul-warming and hearty, perfect for any time of the year.
If you're in the mood for an appetizer, their vegetable samosas are out of this world - crunchy on the outside and generously filled with seasoned veggies.
What sets this restaurant apart from others is not only the amazing food but also the top-notch service.
Rim Rock Grill
Every time I crave a delicious burger in my hometown, I head straight to Rim Rock Grill.
Trust me, I've tried many places, but nothing beats the quality and taste of their burgers.
I love how they use fresh ingredients and the fact that the cook told me the hamburger patties are made fresh daily.
Not only are their burgers top-notch, but I also can't resist their Idaho nachos, steak dinners, and breakfast sandwiches.
The prices are reasonable, and you truly get your money's worth with the generous portions they serve.
I always look forward to visiting Rim Rock Grill, whether I'm grabbing a quick bite or hanging out with friends.
What sets this place apart is their outdoor area.
The beautifully landscaped horseshoe pits are built right into the lava flow that runs through town, giving it a unique and cool vibe.
The Union Taproom
I remember the first time I went to The Union Taproom for their trivia night.
As a young girl, going to a bar alone made me quite anxious, but the bartender was really friendly and welcoming.
They made sure I felt comfortable in the laid-back adult atmosphere, which isn't rowdy like some other places.
The trivia itself was a blast, with well-structured questions that kept me entertained throughout the night.
But it wasn't just the trivia that impressed me; the food was phenomenal too!
I was thrilled to find out they had gluten-free buns for their burgers, which were scrumptious.
I've since been back with my mom and abuelos, and we all had a wonderful time.
We learned that the building itself has history, with room 313 being the original reception desk for the hotel.
The Elote bites were delightful, offering a perfect kick of spice.
The Cauliflower wings with Buffalo sauce were also incredible and flavorful.
We also enjoyed their chicken burger, fish burger, and cheese sandwich - all receiving top marks from us.
The fries were so delicious that we couldn't stop talking about them.
Gin Sen
Living in the neighborhood, I've been to Gin Sen quite a few times.
Gin Sen is a Thai restaurant that has quickly become one of my favorite places to eat out.
The food is always delicious and well-presented, and I find the portions to be generous, making it worth the price.
My favorite dishes at Gin Sen are the orange chicken with fried rice and the Pad See Ew.
Their Spicy Catfish is another must-try if it's available.
I'm always impressed with the freshness of their ingredients and how quickly the dishes are prepared.
The Healthier Place To Eat
When I came across The Healthier Place To Eat, I knew I had to give it a try.
The restaurant offers a casual atmosphere with a focus on healthier food options like sandwiches, salads, and wraps.
The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the beautiful painting of the old town Pocatello on the wall.
As I browsed through their menu, I was pleased to find many vegan and gluten-free options, which is always a bonus for someone with dietary restrictions like myself.
During my visit, I ordered the cashew burger on a gluten-free wrap, and it was one of the best I've ever had.
I also tried their sweet potato chips and butternut squash soup, both of which were delicious.
The smoothies were another highlight – they were massive and packed with flavor.
The food quality is excellent, and there's something for everyone, regardless of dietary preferences or restrictions.
I'll definitely be coming back to try their desserts, which I've heard are fantastic, and to explore more of their menu options.
El Herradero
One of my favorite spots to grab a bite is El Herradero, a Mexican restaurant in our neighborhood.
I stumbled upon it one day, and I've been a loyal patron ever since.
I usually order their nachos with chicken, which are generously topped with avocado, sour cream, onions, and jalapeños.
The dish comes with a side of crispy chips, tangy green salsa, and refried beans that are just to die for!
The best part?
It's all very reasonably priced, with a meal setting you back around $13, tip included.
Sumisu
I absolutely love going to Sumisu for my sushi cravings.
Their Asian fusion menu has never disappointed me, and it's hands-down one of the best sushi spots in town.
I remember when my former coworkers took me out for dinner here, and the experience was just exceptional.
What I really appreciate about Sumisu is their willingness to accommodate dietary restrictions.
I have a friend who cannot eat rice or fried stuff, and they went above and beyond to create a special bowl for her, allowing her to make her own little wraps.
The food is not only delicious but also beautifully presented.
The atmosphere is classy and chic, which makes dining here even more enjoyable.
Apart from sushi, I highly recommend trying their seafood bisque and gyoza.
And if you're feeling adventurous, you must give the Fire Dragon Roll a try at least once.
Buddy's Italian Restaurant
I've dined at Buddy's Italian Restaurant multiple times.
I remember having their lasagna once, which was the special of the day, and it was absolutely amazing.
Their housemade pasta tasted fresh, and the sauce was flavorful.
I also love their salad dressing!
The service is usually prompt and friendly, which is a significant plus.
Elmer's Restaurant
Just the other day, I decided to stop by Elmer's Restaurant for breakfast.
I've been a regular at this diner-style eatery for years, and I have to say, it never disappoints.
The hearty portions of breakfast fare and other comfort food options always leave me full and satisfied.
This time, I went for the blueberry pancakes, and I couldn't have asked for a better choice.
The pancakes were packed with blueberries and incredibly fluffy.
What I appreciate most about Elmer's is the option to have a combo meal with eggs and a choice of meat.
It makes for a wholesome and filling breakfast.
The service at Elmer's is always excellent too.
Thai Kitchen Restaurant
Another Thai cuisine spot I love is Thai Kitchen Restaurant.
Their service is always great, making every visit a pleasant experience.
One of my favorite dishes to start with is their spring rolls, which are always piping hot and full of flavor.
I absolutely love their Chicken Tom Kha soup, as it's both delicious and incredibly filling.
Their Eggplant Lovers dish is another favorite of mine, with its tasty sauce and perfect accompaniment of rice.
I've also tried their Drunken Noodles with peanut sauce, and the combination works wonders for the taste buds.
Another dish I can't get enough of is their Yellow Curry.
Compared to other places that serve curry, the portion size at Thai Kitchen Restaurant is very generous.
Fuji Japanese Steak House
I've been living in this town for years, and I have to say, the Fuji Japanese Steak House never disappoints.
The other day, I went there with some friends to try their sushi, and it was simply phenomenal!
We're already planning our next visit to try the hibachi.
The service at Fuji is always amazing, and this time was no exception.
During our visit, I tried the lunch portion, and it was so much food that I couldn't even finish it!
I can't even imagine how big the dinner portions are.
The food, as always, was delicious, and I highly recommend the yum yum sauce - it's so good that you can even buy a bottle to take home.
Red Rabbit Grill
I recently decided to try out Red Rabbit Grill for lunch, and I was quite impressed.
The food was absolutely delicious, with a wide variety of options on the menu.
My partner enjoyed a great salad with a generous portion of dressing, while I opted for the nacho fries with sweet potato fries as a substitute.
The balance of toppings, fries, and spice was perfect.
I've heard great things about their breakfast and dinner options as well, so I'm looking forward to visiting Red Rabbit Grill again soon to try more of their dishes.
Cafe Tuscano
Just the other day, I decided to treat myself to a lovely dinner at Cafe Tuscano, one of my favorite Italian restaurants in town.
The contemporary and spacious eatery offers classic bistro fare, along with an extensive wine list that never disappoints.
I ordered their divine Shrimp Pesto Linguine and a glass of Spanish red wine, savoring every single bite.
The food was packed with flavor and truly showcased the restaurant's commitment to quality.
Another dish I can't help but rave about is their pizza.
On previous visits, I've tried their Five Cheese Pizza and Veggie Pizza with added chicken, both of which were absolutely delicious.
The size and quality of their pizzas more than justify the reasonable prices.
Final Thoughts
I cannot express enough how fortunate I am to live in a city like Pocatello, with its diverse and delectable dining options.
Each visit to these amazing restaurants makes me feel like I am on a culinary adventure, discovering new flavors and enjoying the classics.
From the fragrant spices of India and Nepal to the irresistible taste of Italian cuisine, there is something for everyone here.
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