10 Idaho Dining Spots Offering Mountain Views That Rival The Food
In Idaho, the scenery is just as impressive as the plates coming out of the kitchen.
These dining spots pair breathtaking mountain vistas with dishes that satisfy every craving, from hearty comfort food to fresh, locally sourced creations.
Sitting down to eat here is more than a meal; it’s a feast for all the senses. Each bite and every glance out the window proves that in Idaho, flavor and views rise to equal heights.
1. Roundhouse — Ketchum, ID
Perched at 7,700 feet on Bald Mountain, Roundhouse isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a destination.
Accessible via gondola in both summer and winter, this octagonal wooden landmark has been feeding hungry skiers since 1939.
The Swiss-inspired menu features fondue that’ll make you want to yodel with joy.
Between bites of Alpine cuisine, gaze out at the spectacular Sawtooth Range stretching across the horizon like nature’s own dining entertainment.
2. Trail Creek Cabin — Sun Valley, ID
Arriving at Trail Creek Cabin feels like discovering a secret mountain hideaway.
Originally built in 1937 as Ernest Hemingway’s hunting lodge, this log cabin restaurant sits alongside babbling Trail Creek with unobstructed views of Bald Mountain.
During winter, guests can arrive via horse-drawn sleigh, jingling through snow-covered landscapes.
The hearty American fare matches the robust scenery; try the Idaho rainbow trout while watching alpenglow paint the mountains pink at sunset.
3. Limbert’s at Redfish Lake Lodge — Stanley, ID
Breakfast with a side of jaw-dropping mountain reflections awaits at Limbert’s.
Named after early Idaho explorer Robert Limbert, this lakeside gem sits at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains, which mirror perfectly in Redfish Lake’s crystal waters.
Families have been making summer pilgrimages here for generations.
While savoring huckleberry pancakes on the sprawling deck, watch osprey dive for fish as sunlight dances across the lake’s surface; nature’s breakfast entertainment that no city restaurant could possibly match.
4. Sawtooth Hotel — Stanley, ID
Step back in time at this 1931 historic hotel where the dining room’s massive windows frame the jagged Sawtooth range like living artwork.
Local ranchers rub shoulders with river guides at the bar, swapping tales of wilderness adventures. The menu celebrates Idaho’s bounty with elk burgers and locally-foraged mushroom dishes.
On summer evenings, grab a craft beer on the porch and watch thunderstorms roll dramatically across mountain peaks; Mother Nature’s dinner theater at its finest.
5. Beverly’s — Coeur d’Alene, ID
Luxury meets lakeside splendor at Beverly’s, crowning the 7th floor of the Coeur d’Alene Resort.
Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase a sweeping panorama of Lake Coeur d’Alene with the forested mountains rising beyond.
The wine cellar houses over 14,000 bottles, earning multiple Wine Spectator awards.
While indulging in perfectly seared Northwest seafood, watch seaplanes land on the glittering lake as the sun sets behind the mountains, turning the water into a canvas of orange and purple reflections.
6. The Narrows Steakhouse — McCall, ID
Tucked inside Shore Lodge, The Narrows serves prime cuts with prime views of Payette Lake and the surrounding mountains.
The sophisticated yet rustic interior features stone fireplaces that crackle welcomingly during snowy winter evenings.
Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure every table enjoys the mountain-meets-water panorama.
Splurge on the dry-aged ribeye while watching boats glide across the lake in summer, or snowflakes swirl against the backdrop of frosted pines in winter, seasonal dining drama that changes with each visit.
7. Rupert’s — McCall, ID
Hidden in Hotel McCall, Rupert’s combines small-town charm with big-time views.
Chef Gary Kucy, a James Beard semifinalist, crafts Rocky Mountain cuisine that draws inspiration from the surrounding wilderness visible through the restaurant’s windows.
The intimate dining room spills onto a patio overlooking Payette Lake and Brundage Mountain.
Locals know to request a sunset reservation when ordering the signature Idaho ruby red trout, timing their meal perfectly to watch the mountains turn gold, then purple, as day transitions to twinkling night.
8. Elevation 486 — Twin Falls, ID
Living up to its name, Elevation 486 sits precisely 486 feet above the Snake River Canyon, offering vertigo-inducing views that’ll make your cocktail seem even stronger.
The sprawling patio hangs dramatically over the canyon rim with the Perrine Bridge visible in the distance.
Watch daredevil BASE jumpers leap from the bridge while enjoying surprisingly sophisticated cuisine in this small Idaho city.
Come at sunset when the canyon walls glow copper-red and order the Idaho potato gnocchi, a delicious reminder that you’re dining in America’s most famous potato state.
9. Galena Lodge — Ketchum, ID
Winter adventurers have been refueling at this remote backcountry lodge since the 1930s.
Located 23 miles north of Ketchum on the North Valley Trail, Galena welcomes snowshoers and cross-country skiers with hearty, house-made soups and fresh-baked bread.
In summer, mountain bikers and hikers take over the sunny deck.
The rustic log cabin sits in a meadow surrounded by the Boulder Mountains, with no other buildings in sight, just wilderness stretching to the horizon and the occasional moose wandering past during your meal.
10. Crow’s Bench — Sandpoint, ID
Sandpoint locals jealously guarded the secret of Crow’s Bench until travel magazines inevitably discovered its perfect positioning above Lake Pend Oreille.
The restaurant’s wall of windows frames the vast lake with the Cabinet Mountains rising dramatically on the opposite shore.
Specializing in Northwest cuisine with Italian influences, their handmade pastas pair wonderfully with Idaho wines.
Request a window table at sunset when the lake glows like liquid gold beneath the purple mountain silhouettes, a view so captivating you might forget to actually eat your meal.