Where to Eat Basque Food in Boise, Idaho

Idaho’s most famous food export may still be the potato, but the Gem State’s culinary specialties encompass far more than the humble spud. In fact, many of its flavors are imported from more than 5,000 miles east. 

As a point of pride, Boiseans like people to know that the most concentrated population of Basque Americans is found in their city. Two waves of immigration from Spain’s Basque Country — first during the 19th-century gold rush, then during the 20th century, to escape the oppressive rule of dictator Francisco Franco — have brought the estimated population to a robust 16,000.

The best introduction to the food and culture of this community is at the Basque Block in downtown Boise, home to The Basque Museum and Cultural Center and plenty of places to shop for Basque-inspired souvenirs. Those interested in a deeper dive should plan a visit from July 29 to August 3, when the Jaialdi festival roars into town. The six-day event, typically held every five years since 1987, had its last session canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic — so the 2025 iteration is hotly anticipated.

Events include farm-sports competitions, traditional dance troupe performances, and, of course, plenty of Basque food and drinks, all with American influences. “It’s Western ranching meets Basque country cuisine,” says Lael Uberuaga-Rodgers, a third-generation Basque American and the marketing and media chair for Jaialdi. “You’ll find a lot more sausages and less seafood.” The best way to cool off after a day spent exploring the festival? A cold kalimotxo cocktail made with equal parts red wine and cola. “It sounds really weird,” she says. “But most people are pleasantly surprised and love it.”

Where to eat Basque food in Boise

Ansots

The menu at restaurant and retail shop Ansots consists of small plates like beef tongue in tomato-and-choricero sauce, and croquetas with jamón or bacalao, plus Basque wines and natural ciders. Don’t miss the famed chorizos, marinated solomo (pork loin), and Basque-style bacon.

Bar Gernika

“It’s a teeny, tiny hole-in-the-wall, but it has awesome food,” says Uberuaga-Rodgers of this storied pub. Her favorite? The lamb grinder, made with roasted lamb leg, grilled onions, and Swiss cheese on a baguette. In true Basque fashion, every item on the menu at Bar Gernika can be served with a side of croquetas.

The Basque Market

The most popular shop for Basque souvenirs is also one of the best spots in Boise to grab pintxos. Bring a group of friends — that’s the best way to sample The Basque Market's menu of shared plates, which includes classic dishes like Gildas: skewered white anchovies, olives, and guindilla chiles. 

Epi’s Basque Restaurant

While most of the Basque restaurants and bars are downtown, Epi’s is worth a dedicated 15-minute drive outside the city. Seafood dishes are the specialty here — in particular, the txipiroiak: baby squid served with an ink sauce flavored with onion and leeks.

Leku Ona 

Helmed by Basque transplant Asier Garcia, who previously worked with legendary chef Martín Berasategui, Leku Ona (the name translates to “good place”) offers a robust menu of everything from hearty chorizo sandwiches to the world-famous (and delicious) Basque burnt cheesecake.

Where to stay near Boise’s Basque Block

The Avery

This four-story hotel had former lives as a department store, club, and movie theater. Today, the property is partially owned by celebrated chef and Boise native Cal Elliott. The 39 rooms at The Avery pay homage to its colorful history (no two are alike) and have modern details like Illy coffee machines and superbly comfortable mattresses. Rooms from $229

Hotel Renegade

One of the city’s newest properties is arguably its finest. Light-flooded, oversize windows in the rooms at Hotel Renegade offer eye-catching vistas into the Boise foothills. Splurge on a suite, which includes a deep copper soaking tub, and head to the rooftop bar, The Highlander, for bird’s-eye views of downtown and a stellar cocktail menu. Rooms from $190