The 13 Most Beautiful Restaurants In All Of Idaho

Editor's Note: Sadly, since the original publication of this article, many of these restaurants have closed their doors permanently. Stay tuned for a new "best-of" list after we've had a chance to dig in! In the meantime, feel free to nominate your favorites so we can check them out.

There’s nothing better than enjoying a delicious meal in a beautiful setting. But while some of Idaho’s best food comes from restaurants that aren’t much to look at - and while one should never judge a restaurant by its cover - sometimes, it's nice to celebrate a special occasion in a restaurant that's as lovely as the food. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and there are a million ways to create stunning ambiance! Whether white tablecloths and prix fixe is your style, or you prefer the warm, red brick and roaring fireplace surroundings of a cozy gastropub, here are just a few of Idaho’s most beautiful dining spots, both inside and out. In no particular order:

1. Bella Aquila, Eagle

Waterfront, filled with waterfalls, and seemingly its very own secret garden oasis, Bella Aquilla is an outdoor lover's dream, with cuisine to match.

2. Barbacoa, Boise

This Latin-art Noveau is, for the artistic and creative soul, an absolute dream dining space. Elegant, unexpected, warm, and lively in all the right ways, you'll find yourself dining beneath the tempting tresses of Medusa herself (crafted by local artist Delia Danta), captivated by the crystal glass bar, and the rustic chic-eclectic art that may or may not come to life when you least expect it. Of course, the food is so pretty you might just have a hard time digging in!

3. Lodgepole, Moscow

The magic of Lodgepole is easy to see the moment you step inside the hip, urban-styled space. Industrial touches combine with sleek lighting to create an ambiance that is delightfully chic, with innovative and artfully prepared cuisine to match.

4. Alavita, Boise

Tucked away in Boise's renowned 8th Street Dining District, this gorgeous restaurant oozes romance with its dim lighting, warm-hued decor, and date night-worthy dishes. Every menu item is an ode to the timeless tradition of handmade pasta, and the smell alone - a divine blend of aromatic breads, rich sauces, and roasted garlic - is enough to whisk you away to the sun-drenched countryside of Italy.

5. Coq d'Or, Eagle

Nestled away in downtown Eagle, this upscale French-inspired restaurant oozes inspired elegance. Fresh flowers, chic, modern touches, and glistening finishes create a high-end dining experience that feels like a bit of royalty here in Idaho.

6. The Narrows Steakhouse, McCall

While waterfront views are a given in the refreshing lake town of McCall, The Narrows Steakhouse within the nationally-ranked Shore Lodge Resort is particularly incredible. Sumptuous furnishings, flawless ambiance, and idyllic lake views are just the start! Here, the cuisine is almost as gorgeous as the setting.

7. Forty-One South, Sagle

If a waterfront, log-style mountain cabin isn't enough to make you swoon, the roaring fireplace, swanky decor, and warm interior just might. Fresh, Northwestern fare, elegantly plated adds a romantic, high-end touch.

8. Vintage, Ketchum

When it comes to cottage settings, Vintage is hard to beat. The garden-like exterior is as cozy as it gets while the neat, fresh interior is a welcome retreat in the heart of this mountain town. Plus, fresh ingredients to boot.

9. Cottonwood Grille, Boise

This beautiful restaurant, set along the Boise River in the heart of downtown Boise, has boasted one of the most romantic atmospheres in the valley for years. The lush waterfront patio is particularly appealing in summer, but the warm, lodge-like interior and massive fireplaces are the perfect complement to the Idaho cuisine: fresh game, local fish, and meat entrees form the staple dishes here.

10. Beverly's, Coeur d'Alene

Coeur d'Alene's top-rated restaurant has earned its reputation. Sitting on the 7th floor of the Coeur d'Alene Resort, the endless lake views through 360-degree windows are exactly what you need on a special night out.

11. Chandler's, Boise

You might miss it if you don't know what you're looking for, but Boise's original steakhouse is glamorous, jazzy, and full of ambiance. Fresh mood lighting, elegant decor, and a smooth club feel form the perfect centerpiece to Boise's downtown dining scene - with mindblowing cuisine that is equally flawless. This gem consistently tops national lists for good reason.

12. Michel's Christiania, Ketchum

As legend has it, Ernest Hemingway dined here so frequently that he had his own table. But literary celebrities aside, this mountain gem is a French-inspired, elegant gem whose mood lighting and French countryside flair beg to be appreciated by candlelight. The towering cathedral window overlooking the mountains is a true focal point treasure, and the food? Fantastic, original, and delectable!

13. Angelo's Ristoriante, Coeur d'Alene

This delicious Italian restaurant in the heart of CDA isn't just phenomenal - it's gorgeous as well. Soft lighting, a warm-colored interior, rich floral arrangements, and stellar wood finishes create an atmosphere that forms the perfect complement to the amazing pastas and entrees.

Do you remember your last unforgettable meal in a picture-perfect setting? We'd love to hear about it! There are so many beautiful settings to choose from, it's nearly impossible to go wrong if you're searching for a new date night or special-occasion spot.

But, for something a little different, check out the most unique restaurant in Idaho.