Nestled on Boise’s rolling North End hillside, the Somerset neighborhood isn’t just about beautiful views and quiet streets — it’s evolving into a culinary haven, brimming with neighborhood eats, delightful cafés, and unexpected food finds. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just swinging through, Somerset’s food scene promises to surprise you with flavors both upscale and down-home. Let’s grab a fork and dig into the top dining experiences you can savor, right here in Somerset.
The Heart of Somerset: Local Favorites and Flavorful Hangouts
Although Somerset is primarily residential, it’s flanked by lively food corridors that spill into its borders — especially along Hill Road and 36th Street. Here’s where Somerset locals satisfy their cravings:
- Hill Road Eats
- You can’t talk about Somerset food without mentioning Hill Road. This is where cozy café culture meets family-friendly restaurants. Just down the road, at the intersection with 36th Street, you’ll find several of Somerset’s best sit-down meals and quick bites.
Standout Restaurants
- 36th Street Bistro
- *Cuisine:* American, farm-to-table
- *Price Range:* $$-$$$
- *Address:* 3823 N Garden Center Way (off Hill Rd & 36th St)
- This green oasis is a neighborhood favorite for weekend brunches and romantic dinners. Their menu celebrates seasonal, locally sourced ingredients — don’t miss the wild mushroom risotto or slow-roasted chicken. The patio, surrounded by garden blooms, is a secret local treasure.
- The Local
- *Cuisine:* Modern American, healthy/light fare
- *Price Range:* $-$$
- *Address:* 5616 W State St, just west of Somerset
- A trendy café and market known for inventive salads, grain bowls, and killer sandwiches. It’s ideal for a quick, wholesome lunch or for picking up locally baked pastries.
Best Cafés and Bakeries
- Certified Kitchen and Bakery
- *Cuisine:* Breakfast, coffee, bakery
- *Price Range:* $
- *Address:* 1511 N 13th St (10-minute drive from Somerset, but a North End staple)
- Worth the slight detour! Their signature “Big City Breakfast Sandwich” stacks a fluffy egg, cheddar, and bacon inside the flakiest housemade biscuit. Sip a latte and watch the bustle, or take your treat for a Somerset hillside picnic.
- Steward’s Coffee
- *Cuisine:* Specialty coffee, pastries
- *Price Range:* $
- *Address:* Pop-up cart often found at Hill Road Park or Somerset Commons
- This neighborhood-only secret serves locally roasted beans and hand-crafted pastries. Perfect for a casual morning walk or bringing your dog along the greenbelt.
Sweet Treats and Food Trucks
Somerset locals love to mix things up, and the food truck scene adds a spirit of surprise to the neighborhood. On sunny evenings and weekends, keep an eye out near Cascade Drive and at Somerset Commons park for rotating trucks.
- Joe’s Traveling Tacos
- *Cuisine:* Mexican street food
- *Price Range:* $
- Known for their vibrant fish tacos and homemade aguas frescas. They often post up near Hill Road Park — expect a line, but the street corn is unbeatable.
- Boise Crêpe Co. (Food Truck Pop-Up)
- *Cuisine:* Sweet and savory crêpes
- *Price Range:* $-$$
- Look for the pastel-painted truck during community events or local farmers’ markets. Try the lemon sugar crêpe or the savory smoked ham and gruyere.
Hidden Gems and Local Traditions
Residents of Somerset know a few spots that don’t always make the lists — but they’re absolutely worth a detour:
- Greenbelt Market (on 36th St)
- Part neighborhood bodega, part gourmet to-go eatery. Grab craft sandwiches, locally brewed kombucha, or a scoop of homemade gelato. Their Friday evening barbecues draw a local crowd that feels like a neighborhood block party.
- Morningstar Organic Garden Stand
- On weekends, find a pop-up stand at the corner of 33rd St and Hill Road offering fresh organic veggies, heirloom tomatoes, and baked goods straight from the garden’s oven. The rosemary focaccia sells out fast — get there early!
Cuisine Variety for Every Palate
One thing you’ll notice about Somerset’s food scene: it’s casual, but carefully considered. Here’s what locals are loving lately:
- *International Fare:*
While Somerset proper is more limited for global cuisine, nearby State Street and 36th Street open up options:
- Pad Thai House (5318 W State St) for authentic Thai curries and noodles (a favorite for takeout nights).
- Casa Mexico (482 W State St) for hearty burritos, chiles rellenos, and creamy horchata.
- *Family Friendly Spots:*
Parks and playgrounds dot the area, so families love spots with easy take-out and outdoor seating. The aforementioned food trucks, Greenbelt Market, and The Local all fit the bill.
- *Local Ingredients, Creative Menus:*
The focus on farm-to-table and Boise’s agricultural bounty means even the simplest dish gets an upgrade — local cheeses, Snake River trout, and artisan breads show up all over town.
Planning Your Somerset Food Tour
To get the best of Somerset, plan a progressive meal:
1. Begin your morning with a cappuccino from Steward’s Coffee, enjoyed on a leafy stroll through Somerset Commons.
2. Lunch in style at 36th Street Bistro or grab a crisp salad from The Local.
3. For an afternoon snack, swing by Certified Kitchen and Bakery for a pastry.
4. Chase sunset with an al fresco dinner. If a food truck is in town, try something new, or settle into the bistro’s patio for a glass of Idaho wine and a farm-fresh entrée.
5. End your day at Greenbelt Market for a scoop of gelato and local gossip.
Final Bites: Why Somerset Tastes Like Home
Somerset’s dining scene might not draw big crowds — yet. But that’s its charm: a true neighborhood experience, free from pretense, where the food is thoughtfully sourced, every meal feels like a local secret, and you’re only as far as your favorite trailhead or park bench from a great cup of coffee or a perfectly flaky pastry.
Whether you’re searching for a lazy weekend brunch, picnic supplies, or the next hidden gem, Somerset proves that Boise’s food scene shines brightest in its most welcoming corners.