Top 5 Local Restaurants in Pocatello

At Custom Rehab, we strive to provide the best physical therapy near Pocatello ID and are proud to be apart of such an amazing community. To show our appreciation we put together a list of our top 5 favorite restaurants in the Pocatello area.

Pocatello, Idaho is a beautiful mountain town offering outdoor activities, “big-city fun”, great hotels and finally, excellent dining and restaurants. Chubbuck is close-by to the city and offers a shopping mall, department stores and the newly Portneuf Wellness Center. Pocatello ID is a wonderful town that welcomes anyone that steps through its gates, as it is affectionately called The Gate City. This town has a population of around 55,000 and welcomes all visitors. It is the home of the Idaho State University Bengals.

Pocatello Restaurants We Love

1. Sandpiper Restaurant

Bob Angell, the founder of Sandpiper Restaurant, got the idea when on a beach in California. He loved to watch sandpiper birds on the beach, and named the restaurant affectionately after them. The Sandpiper grew from Boise to Arizona and Oregon and three more locations in Idaho.

It offers casual dining with specialties in steaks, seafood and pasta. The Sandpiper has received awards for Best Restaurant, Best Fine Dining, Best Date Place and Best Steak and Seafood.

2. Portneuf Valley Brewing

Penny Pink, the founder of Portneuf had loved creating beers for her family and friends for years. She poured her first publicly drank beer in 1996 for Portneuf. Portneuf Valley Brewing began full operations and production in 2002.

Portneuf Brewery offers unique brews that are unlike any others. The atmosphere has offered a cozy environment for families with many multicultural food options. The craft brews offered at Portneuf have won many awards.

3. Buddy’s Italian Restaurant

Buddy’s Italian Restaurant has been in existence since 1961, being one of the oldest restaurants in Pocatello. Bill Guido and Buddy Face are the founders of the restaurant who gave the business to Julie Piper, a dedicated employee. Julie passed it to Steve Piper and his sisters who continue to run it and has seen many generations come through the door.

Buddy’s claims to be the best Italian restaurant in the city. It offers family-style dining with family recipes that have been passed down through generations. Everything is homemade and authentically Italian.

4. Sumisu

Sumisu is a locally owned and operated Asian fusion and sushi restaurant. Brothers Kim and Doug Smith opened the city’s first sushi restaurant in 2010, expanding in 2013. Daniel Russo, general manager and part owner, has provided a diverse menu that is classically Japanese.

Daniel Russo has been awarded the Idaho State Journal 20 Under 40 Award. Sumisu is committed to being the best restaurant. The restaurant prides itself in cooking in traditionally Japanese methods while adding their own flavors. Every item on the menu is made in house, promoting high quality standards.

5. Goody’s

Goody’s is a deli and pub that is an icon to the community. Tom Goodwin founded the restaurant in taking a risk when working on a degree at ISU. He ran every part of the restaurant himself to make it the place it is today.

Goody’s has long term employees that have watched much of the community come through its doors. Customers expectations are at the heart of the business, with the founders donating much to church, high schools and other non-profits. Goody’s offers handmade sandwiches and sides that everyone will enjoy.