Breakfast in Boise is serious business. The Idaho capital has cultivated a vibrant morning dining scene that ranges from cozy cafés to upscale bistros.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through the City of Trees, these breakfast destinations offer something special to kickstart your day with flavors that celebrate both traditional morning fare and unique Idaho ingredients.
1. Wild Root Café and Market: Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients Every Morning
Bright, airy, and committed to wholesome food, Wild Root Café stands out for its focus on accommodating dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor. Established in 2015 by chef Michael Trebbi and Anne-Marie Trebbi, this farm-to-table gem offers plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options that satisfy even dedicated carnivores.
Their avocado toast has achieved local fame, featuring house-made bread topped with perfectly ripe avocados, watermelon radishes, and optional additions like local eggs or smoked salmon. Seasonal ingredients shine in their rotating breakfast bowl options, which might feature ancient grains, roasted seasonal vegetables, and house-made sauces.
The café sources produce from several Treasure Valley farms, often highlighting the specific origin of ingredients on their ever-changing menu. Their freshly squeezed juices and creative coffee drinks, including a cardamom rose latte that locals rave about, make Wild Root a morning destination for health-conscious Boiseans.
2. Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro: Famous for Its Hashbrowns and Hollandaise
Located in the heart of downtown Boise since 1999, Goldy’s has earned its reputation as the crown jewel of morning dining in the city. Lines often form before opening hours, but loyal customers will tell you the wait is worthwhile for their legendary hashbrowns; perfectly crispy outside and tender inside.
Their hollandaise sauce, made fresh daily, transforms classics like Eggs Benedict into something truly extraordinary. The intimate, historic setting inside a renovated 1920s building adds character with exposed brick walls and large windows that flood the space with natural light.
Locals recommend trying the Andalusian Benedict with Spanish chorizo or the salmon-topped Northwest Benedict. The restaurant has received multiple awards from local publications, consistently winning “Best Breakfast” honors in the Boise Weekly readers’ poll.
3. Big City Coffee: Hearty Plates in a Cozy Atmosphere
Tucked into Boise’s Linen District, Big City Coffee has been satisfying hungry Boiseans with enormous portions since 2006. The rustic-chic interior features mismatched vintage chairs, local art, and the constant bustle of regulars who come for both the food and the welcoming vibe. Their cinnamon rolls are legendary; each one nearly the size of a dinner plate and slathered with rich cream cheese frosting.
Beyond the sweet treats, their savory breakfast burritos packed with farm-fresh eggs and local ingredients have developed a cult following among locals and visitors alike.
The coffee program showcases Idaho-roasted beans prepared by baristas who know most customers by name. Don’t miss their homemade biscuits and gravy, which many consider the best in the Treasure Valley region, featuring a peppery sausage gravy that’s rich without being overwhelming.
4. Fork: Classic Breakfast Tradition with Idaho Flair
Fork proudly operates on a “loyal to local” philosophy, sourcing ingredients from nearby farms and producers throughout the Treasure Valley. Founded in 2011 by Cameron and Amanda Lumsden, this downtown Boise restaurant occupies the historic Boise City National Bank building, blending contemporary design with preserved architectural elements.
Their signature Asparagus Eggs Benedict features locally grown asparagus when in season, topped with a lemon hollandaise that brings brightness to the rich dish. The cast iron buttermilk fried chicken and waffles deliver the perfect balance of savory and sweet, drizzled with a Northwest berry syrup.
Sunday brunch at Fork has become something of a Boise tradition, with their build-your-own bloody mary bar drawing crowds of weekend revelers. Their commitment to Idaho products extends to their bar program, featuring local spirits, beers, and wines that complement their breakfast offerings.
5. Moe Joe’s Breakfast Eatery: Pancakes and Local Comfort Food
Family-owned Moe Joe’s brings a playful approach to breakfast classics at both their original Meridian location (opened in 2018) and their newer Boise outpost. Their pancake flights have become Instagram sensations, allowing diners to sample four different flavored pancakes ranging from huckleberry to chocolate chip.
The restaurant takes pride in their scratch kitchen philosophy, making everything from their jams to their hot sauces in-house daily. Their Idaho Haystack has become a signature dish, featuring local potatoes, eggs, bacon, and cheese piled high and topped with country gravy and green onions.
Weekend specials often showcase seasonal Idaho ingredients like morel mushrooms in spring or fresh peaches in late summer. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere makes this a popular spot for parents with young children, while their coffee bar serves locally roasted DOMA coffee prepared in creative ways that appeal to caffeine enthusiasts.
6. High Note Café: Music-Inspired Breakfasts in Downtown Boise
Harmonizing great food with a musical theme, High Note Café has been a downtown Boise staple since 2012. The walls display vintage vinyl records and music memorabilia, creating a unique atmosphere where food and artistic inspiration come together in perfect rhythm. Their breakfast sandwiches, named after musical genres, deliver bold flavors that wake up your taste buds.
The Jazz (featuring prosciutto, fig jam, and brie) and The Blues (with house-smoked salmon and dill cream cheese) rank among customer favorites. Owner Maria Bahruth often sources ingredients from the Capital City Public Market just steps away during market season.
The café gained additional fame when featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” in 2019, highlighting their scratch-made approach to breakfast classics. Their house specialty coffee drinks incorporate unexpected ingredients like lavender syrup or cardamom, providing harmonious accompaniment to their musical breakfast creations.
7. Rembrandts in Eagle: A Short Drive for a Historic Setting
Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Boise, Rembrandts occupies a converted historic home in nearby Eagle, creating a breakfast experience that feels like visiting a friend’s country house. The 1903 structure features multiple dining rooms with original architectural details, plus a garden patio that becomes the most coveted seating during Idaho’s pleasant spring and summer months.
Their Dutch baby pancakes pay homage to the café’s artistic namesake, arriving puffed and golden from the oven, topped with seasonal fruit compotes or classic lemon and powdered sugar. Morning regulars often go for the Eagle Scramble, featuring local chorizo, peppers, and Ballard Family Dairy cheese from nearby Gooding, Idaho.
The café roasts their own coffee beans on-site in small batches, ensuring peak freshness and aroma. Open since 2007, Rembrandts has established itself as worth the short drive from Boise proper, especially when combined with a morning stroll through Eagle’s riverside parks or Saturday farmers market.
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