Asiago's
Asiago's is located in downtown Boise and gets its name from the inclusion of asiago cheese in most items on the menu, except dessert. The staff makes the bread and semolina pasta fresh every day. Asiago's starts visitors with fluffy brown bread, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a bowl of shredded asiago cheese to apply liberally. Bread and cheese are limitless, but save room for appetizers like Tuscan hummus. If you're dining at Asiago's during lunch, your meal comes with your choice of house or Caesar salad. The Caesar salad is authentic, complete with anchovies. Lunch specials start at $6.95 and include choose-your-own pasta and sauce options, along with lasagna and other favorites. Dinner offers tasty choices like the Genoa--garlic pesto sauce, fresh tomatoes and spinach fettuccine--beef tenderloin, risotto or pork loin with ancho-chipotle rub and cherry pecan chutney. If you still have room, indulge in one of the sophisticated desserts, like tiramisu, flour-less chocolate-espresso torte or the slightly spicy chipotle-dark chocolate brownie topped with ancho-chile chocolate sauce and a scoop of freshly made vanilla bean ice cream. The decor is a contemporary American with touches of Italian, and children will appreciate the brown paper tablecloths on which they can draw. Asiago's doesn't have a kids' menu but children are welcome. Reservations are recommended.
Asiago's
1002 W Main
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 336-5552
asiagos.com
Papa Joe's Casual Italian
Papa Joe's has been here for more than 20 years and has become a Boise tradition. Located near Boise State University, the restaurant is almost always crowded. Live, local bands perform on the patio during summer weekends. The decor is rustic Italian, which matches the atmosphere and menu. Papa Joe's has hot and cold sandwiches, pizza, soups and salads on the menu. Entree offerings include eggplant parmigiana, seafood linguine and manicotti. Papa Joe's offers a dinner special that changes every day of the week. Papa Joe's has alcohol selections, along with espresso, chai tea, hot chocolate and mocha. Dessert offerings include tiramisu, cheesecake and gelato.
Papa Joe's Casual Italian
1301 S Capital Blvd
Boise, ID 83706
(208) 344-7272
papajoesboise.com
Smoky Mountain Pizza and Pasta
Smoky Mountain has several locations around Idaho, with two in Boise. The restaurant is casual and welcoming. The menu features pizza, calzones, soups and salads, along with entrees like Teriyaki chicken fettuccine, sonoma chicken and Greek penne. Tempting offerings like blackberry creme brulee, tiramisu and grand chocolate cake make up the desserts. Smoky Mountain has a full kids' menu with items like spaghetti with butter or marinara, mac and cheese, tortellini and grilled chicken salad.
Smoky Mountain Boise State Street Store
1805 W. State Street
Boise, ID 83709
(208) 387-2727
Smoky Mountain Boise Parkcenter Store
415 E. Parkcenter Blvd
(208) 429-0011
smokymountainpizza.com
