A Culinary Tour of Lewiston’s Best Eateries & Hidden Gems
Thursday:
Check in to one of our foodie favorite places to stay, the Hells Canyon Grand (Click over to our Packages page to get info on booking a getaway at 15% off). You can begin your culinary journey with dinner at their on-site restaurant, Meriwether's Bistro. Northwest flavors are the highlight of their menu with certified Angus Beef, King Salmon, and to-die-for Cougar Gold Mac & Cheese. The restaurant features breathtaking views of the valley and Clearwater River. If you visit between November 23, 2024 and the first weekend in January, you'll be treated to a spectacular display of lights in Locomotive Park. Walk over from the hotel and experience the gigantic gas fireplace, dancing trees, and festive evening.
Friday:
Start with a hearty brunch featuring Mystic Cafe’s legendary bottomless mimosas. Indulge in classic brunch favorites with a twist, set in a cozy, inviting space. Choose from the mouthwatering lineup of savory toasts, healthy breakfast bowls, and Lobster Benedict to the sweeter side with Belgian Waffles, French Toast, or pastries paired with a handcrafted coffee or smoothie.
Take a stroll downtown Lewiston to explore the local boutiques and foodie finds at Ampersand Oil & Vinegar Taphouse, where you can sample artisanal oils, vinegars, and more. You'll also find unique gifts for the chef or foodie in your life. Swing by Idaho Memories & Gifts to pick up some local souvenirs and delectable huckleberry treats.
Swing by Brava’s for a must-try lunch featuring their famous bite-size steak served three different (and delicious) ways or their unique, and local favorite, deconstructed nachos. Brava’s locally-inspired flavors and casual vibe make it a fantastic spot for mid-day dining.
Walk over to Jovinea's downtown tasting room to meet the owner/winemakers and taste the flavors of our wine region. They focus on presenting Bordeaux, Rhône, Italian and other regional varietals in both traditional and unexpected ways.
The valley's extensive riverside trail system is easily accessed from downtown Lewiston. Walk the levee trails along the Clearwater and Snake Rivers and enjoy the parks, views, birds and wildlife, art sculptures, and interpretive sites. It's the perfect way to take a breather and burn some calories in preparation for an amazing dinner!
Settle in at Sauté on Sixth in downtown Clarkston for an evening filled with flavor. They are known for inventive, elevated dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. Kick off the evening with a handcrafted cocktail at their cozy downstairs bar along with a delicious appetizer like their amazing creamy and crusty Shrimp Crostini. Choose from the most delicious Caesar Salad you'll ever have or the famous Romaine Wedge. From Chicken Marsala to Lamb Chops, Fresh Seafood or Pasta, choosing your main will be a difficult decision where there's no wrong answer. Finish off the evening with one of the chef's house-made galettes or flourless chocolate cake.
Saturday:
Start your Saturday at the locally owned and local favorite, Blue Lantern Coffee House. It's the perfect spot to wake up and enjoy some quiet time with a coffee and house-made scone or quiche. Take time to wander around the coffee shop and check out the local artist that's usually featured on the walls.
Take a stroll over to the Nez Perce County Museum on 3rd St to explore a replica of Idaho's First Territorial Capitol and one of Lewiston's original trolley cars. Inside the museum, displays featuring Lewis & Clark, Nez Perce, and local history tell the story of our area.
Looking for an island escape on the mainland?! Look no further than IMUA Hawaiian Style Restaurant for a taste of Hawaii. Native Hawaiian owner and chef has turned this gem into one of our favorite lunch spots. Start with the cult favorite Volcano Fries covered in garlic and a miso aioli. You can't go wrong with the Katsu chicken, a Teriyaki burger, Poke Bowl, or Kalua Pork. They even offer keto-friendly options! Finish up with an authentic Hawaiian Shave Ice and savor the flavors of Hawaii!
Wrap up your day with dinner at Jollymore’s. Located in the heart of downtown Lewiston, it's a locally beloved fine dining restaurant known for its warm, inviting ambiance and exceptional cuisine. Offering a thoughtfully curated menu that blends regional flavors with contemporary flair, Jollymore’s is a go-to spot for those seeking a memorable meal. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and creative dishes, this dining gem captures the essence of Pacific Northwest cuisine. We're eying the flame-grilled Rib Eye, cedar plank salmon, or a Snake River Farms Wagyu sirloin paired with a bottle of local wine!
Rolling Flavors: A Food Truck Adventure Through Lewiston’s Tastiest Stops
Friday:
Check in at the riverside Holiday Inn in Clarkston (Click over to our Packages page to get info on booking a getaway at 15% off) and walk a couple of blocks to The Drinky Box.
The Drinky Box is the latest gem in town! This place has it all - from a wide array of drinks, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, to mouthwatering food served straight from their food truck. Think gourmet hot dogs (with a vegan option) and mouthwatering smash burgers.
The ambience here is youthful and vibrant, perfect for a casual hangout with friends or a relaxed evening out.
Saturday:
Begin your day with some of the best coffee in the valley from the Backwoods Brew truck at 1101 Snake River Avenue in Lewiston. This locally owned gem has a huge selection of flavors for your latte, along with energy drinks and teas. Add on a tasty bakery treat sourced from Ronatta's Bakery just a short drive up the Clearwater River in Orofino.
A nearby parking lot leads you to the most wonderful park system to stroll along the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. Speaking of the Clearwater River, it's time to hop in the car and head east on Highway 12 towards Juliaetta and Rivaura Estate Vineyards & Winery (also home to River Ranch Brewing Co.) for an unexpected afternoon delight.
Sample award-winning wines and craft beers in this scenic location with an expansive deck. Take your tastebuds to a new level with food from Chef Bun Bun's top-tier food truck located on-site Friday through Sunday. The farm-to-table, made-from-scratch menu items are always changing to guarantee your taste buds will never be bored. Think Michelin-star food served in a to-go box from a food truck....it's seriously that good!
If you like BBQ, we have the perfect dinner stop for you...the Smoke Shak next to Riverport Brewery in Clarkston. From a deliciously messy pulled pork sandwich and ribs to Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts and brisket all served with delicious homemade sides like coleslaw, smoked baked potato, and applesauce.
Sunday:
Before hitting the road for home, kick off your Sunday with a hearty breakfast from Mind Your Biscuits & Gravy at 1533 Main St in Lewiston. This local food trailer specializes in biscuits & gravy along with many other favorite breakfast foods from pancakes to breakfast scrambles, all made from scratch! Their fluffy biscuits, flavorful gravy, perfectly cooked eggs, and ah-mazing French Toast keeps locals and visitors coming back for more.
If you have a pup with your, or waiting for you at home, ask about the homemade Peanut Butter Puppy Biscuits.
Check back with us often for more foodie itineraries in the Lewis Clark Valley. We're not done sharing our favorite eateries yet!