15 Best Restaurants in Missoula, Montana

Missoula is a cool and hip town that is frequently referred to as the “greatest town” for one reason or another. One of them is the abundance of fantastic restaurants that will make sure that you never go hungry. 

Missoula considers food an art form in its own right. Restaurants consistently deliver food of the highest quality.  After all, food occupies a significant place in our everyday lives and frequently serves as the foundation for some of our most cherished and enduring memories. Food is always an important aspect when it comes to traveling too. It is a great opportunity to genuinely experience a more wholesome side of any place you’re visiting

So, if you’re going to be in the area, I’ve included recommendations for the best restaurants in Missoula. Make sure to book your reservations ahead of time!

Top Recommendations for the Best Places to Eat in Missoula

Missoula is called Garden City due to the city’s proximity to the stunning Rocky Mountains. However, the city’s abundance of restaurants has also helped it flourish into a popular destination for foodie exploration.

There are plenty of places to eat in Missoula, whether you’re looking for something fancy or something more affordable, like a quiet café or a cool brewery. In addition, they all provide something special that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, be it ice cream, pastries, pizza, or a burger.

If this interests you, you should soon start making plans for a cuisine trip to the beautiful city of Missoula. We’ve included some of our favorites below to get you started.

• Best For Pizza Lovers – Biga Pizza
• Best Thai Restaurant – Zoo Thai
• Best Brazillian-Inspired Restaurant – Five on Black
• Best For Japanese Cuisine – Michi Ramen
• Best Cafe – The Catalyst Cafe
• Best Downtown Breakfast – Basal
• Best Local Restaurants – The Greek Pastry Shop

Top Hotels Near The Restaurants 

Before the big information reveals about the best restaurants listed above, let us first take a look at some of the best hotel accommodations near  Missoula’s best restaurants. Now you don’t have to worry about finding a place to eat and a place to stay. 

• Best Hotel For Pizza Lovers – AC Hotel by Marriott Missoula Downtown is in the heart of downtown Missoula and boasts European-style facilities such as valet parking and a rooftop bar. Glacier National Park, the University of Montana, and Bob Marshall’s Biga Pizza are located nearby. 
• Best Hotel Near Thai Restaurants – Residence Inn by Marriott Missoula Downtown is centrally located in the downtown area and is the site of the Mercantile. The best Zoo Thai restaurant can be found near the area, which also features artwork from local artists.
• Best Hotel Near Brazillian Inspired Restaurant – The Wren is the place to begin your exploration of the real Missoula experience.  While you’re in town, discover the city’s unique culture and the wonderful outdoors, and then come back to the most authentic Brazilian restaurant in town to unwind.
• Best Hotel Near Japanese Cuisine –  Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown, an IHG Hotel is located near Michi Ramen. There are plenty of exciting things to do within walking distance, including shopping, dining, live music, outdoor recreation, farmer’s markets, the historic Wilma Theater, and much more. It sits lovely park-like setting along the Clark Fork River in the heart of Downtown Missoula. If you stay at this hotel, you’ll be in the middle of everything.
• Best Hotel Near The Best Cafe – City Center Motel is within walking distance of all of the city’s main sights. This motel is run by a kind Montana family. There’s free coffee, tea, and Wi-Fi in the lobby. Even better, it’s right next to the city’s finest cafe. Make it a point to drop by!

Best Places to Eat in Missoula MT

1. Best for Pizza Lovers – Biga Pizza

Address: 241 W Main St, Missoula, MT 59802, United States

There is no place without a Pizza shop landmark. For that reason, Biga Pizza is universally regarded as a top choice among Missoula’s dining establishments. 

There is something so alluring about their hand-tossed dough that is wonderfully chewy, and it is topped with large amounts of topping, including Italian meats, fresh veggies, and nine different types of cheese. Both the half Sicilian and the half caramelized goat cheese pizza are among my favorites to order.

What to eat:

The half-Sicilian includes Italian sausage, mascarpone, mozzarella, roasted garlic, roasted red peppers, and olive oil. On the other hand, the half-caramelized goat cheese pizza features caramelized onions, goat cheese, fresh herbs, mozzarella, and roasted garlic. 

It is highly recommended that you begin with one of their freshly made salads and get their perfect pizza for the weekend. Order at Door Dash  or at GrubHub

2. Best Thai Restaurant – Zoo Thai

Address: 150 E Front St, Missoula, MT 59802, United States

You will feel as though you have been transported to the busy alleyways of Thailand when you dine at Zoo Thai, which is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding restaurants in Missoula, Montana. Zoo Thai is a cozy and genuine restaurant that can be found in the Mercantile building, which dates back to 1877 and has recently undergone a renovation.

The next time you have a yearning for noodles, stir-fries, or curries that are packed with flavor, put Zoo Thai on your calendar for supper since it is the best Thai restaurant in Missoula. Whether you want to dine on their patio and take in the sights of downtown or enjoy a meal inside, the food here is lovingly prepared with vivid, fresh ingredients in an upbeat, welcoming setting. Whether you choose to dine on their patio or enjoy a meal inside, the food here is delicious. 

What to eat:

Begin with the satay gai, which consists of chicken skewers with cucumber relish and peanut sauce, and the som tom salad, which features grilled shrimp atop a tart green papaya salad. Both of these dishes can be found on the appetizer menu. Our favorite noodle dish is the pad see ew, and if you’re searching for the best curry on the menu, choose the khao soi.

3. Best Brazillian-Inspired Restaurant – Five on Black

Address: 325 N Higgins Ave 

When it comes to dining options in Missoula, this Missoula Montana food resto is a convenient place with its two separate locations. Five on Black is not only accessible, but it also features fresh ingredients and a Brazilian twist, which elevates it to the status of one of the most unique and fresh grab-and-go food establishments in Missoula.

This highly-rated  Brazilian touch restaurant offers good cuisine that’s prepared quickly and freshly. They serve dishes with a basis of rice, greens, or a blend of the two, and diners have the option of dining in, taking their food to go, or having it delivered. This is in fact one of the favorite best foods in Missoula MT.

What to eat:

You can pick your base from a combination of greens and brown rice, your protein from their juicy and flavorful rotisserie-cooked chicken, vegetables such as sweet potatoes, and their spicy coconut sauce. Add some chimichurri sauce and farofa to the dish, and you will have the ideal combo. Last but not least, you shouldn’t leave without trying at least one or three of their Brazillian cheese rolls.

4. Best for Japanese Cuisine – Michi Ramen

Address: 137 W Front St, Missoula, MT 59802, United States

Whenever someone asks a local where they recommend eating in Missoula, Montana, Michi Ramen bar almost always comes up first. Michi, one of Missoula’s finest restaurants, blends traditional Japanese cuisine with a hip urban vibe and cutting-edge Japanese cuisine.

Once your Missoula dinner service begins, the genuine appetizers, sake, and beer from local breweries, as well as the handcrafted drinks, will have you believing you’ve arrived in Japan. Incredible artwork fills the space, which is a blend of brickwork and a greenery ceiling reminiscent of industrial Missoula. There aren’t any other eateries in the Missoula area that compare to it.

What to eat:

The Yellow Curry Chicken, which also includes bintochan chicken, lime wedge, shallots, and crispy wontons, is to die for. It is made with chicken broth, chicken fat, coconut oil, and milk, as well as house-made curry paste

5. Best Cafe – The Catalyst Cafe

Address: 111 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59802, United States

The Catalyst Cafe has become a popular destination in Missoula for full-plate breakfasts and lunches, and it has acquired one of the largest cult followings of any restaurant in Missoula since it initially opened its doors in 1991 as Montana’s first coffee cart. It’s impossible to create a complete guide to the dining scene in Missoula without including this local landmark.

Catalyst is the place to go for locally sourced, farm-fresh meals for breakfast, brunch, or lunch; however, you should be prepared to wait for a table if you go there. Even though this location is typically very busy on the weekends, there is little question that it is well worth the wait. The Catalyst has foods that are both wonderfully fresh and filling, and they provide options that are suitable for any kind of diet, including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, or a diet that emphasizes eating meat.

What to eat:

The top recommendation from the menu? My particular favorite is the Huevos Rancheros, which consists of three toasted corn tortillas topped with ranchero sauce cooked in-house, black beans flavored with cumin, two eggs poached in a cumin-scented poaching liquid, and Monterey jack cheese. 

You can also place an order for ready-made meals or pantry items on The Catalyst’s website, where you can select from a variety of snacks, starters, salads, casseroles, lasagnas, and other options.

6. Best Downtown Breakfast – Basal

Address: 114 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59802, United States

Basal is one of the more recent additions to the list of eateries in Missoula and is one of the best nice restaurants in Missoula. It has quickly become a customer favorite for lunch. It is an excellent and speedy place to grab the best breakfast Missoula or lunch in the downtown area of Missoula. The menu features a variety of robust salads, breakfast dishes, smoothies made with fresh ingredients, bone broths, and other items.

The atmosphere at Basal is warm and welcoming, and the restaurant has an open kitchen so that customers can observe their food being cooked.

Everyone can find something to their liking on the menu at Basal, whether they want to pop in for a breakfast sandwich and a cup of coffee in the morning or sit down for a lunch that is both nutritious and satisfying.

What to eat:

What do I love about their menu? Alaskan salmon, champagne mustard vinaigrette, basal mixed greens, roasted potatoes, green beans, hard-boiled eggs, Castelvetrano olives, and capers.

7. Best Local Restaurants – The Greek Pastry Shop

Address: 520 S 5th St W, Missoula, MT 59801, United States

The Greek Pastry Shop, often known as “#1 Gyros” to the community of Missoula, is widely considered to be among the city’s most popular restaurants. You came for the gyros, which are constructed with pita bread that is light and fluffy, meat that has been grilled until it is crispy, fresh lettuce and tomato, and feta cheese, all of which are combined to perfection. Making it ideal for fine Missoula dining. 

What to eat:

Make sure to pick up an order or two of their feta fries here. It is composed of french fries that are cooked to perfection and served with a generous helping of crumbled feta cheese. This hidden gem is great for families, has reasonable prices, and provides outstanding service. It should be on your list of places to eat.

8. Best for Private Dinners- Pangea Bar & Restaurant

Address: 223 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59802, United States

Traditional restaurants in Missoula MT often provide a menu in the “steakhouse-style” format, but the appropriately called Pangea is a restaurant that brings together and improves upon the cuisines of all over the world.

This enormous area also features an event space known as the Barrel Room, which is located under the Pangea restaurant and pays homage to the remarkable history of the building. This one-of-a-kind structure was originally constructed in 1896 for the Garden City Bottling & Liquor Company to hold whiskey barrels. Today, it is available for a wide variety of purposes, including wine tastings, private dinners, and business lunches.

In fact, it is one of the finest restaurants in Missoula, Montana. It features a bar that takes up most of the space in the establishment, murals that are painted on the ceiling, exquisite seating, and the opportunity to see your cuisine being prepared by the chef.

What to eat:

The Tuna Tartare Tacos come with sushi-grade ahi tuna making it my favorite dish of all time. If you want to check their menu options before you dine, you can view them here.

9. Best for Cocktails – Plonk

Address: 322 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59802, United States

Plonk is a hot spot for artisan cocktails and an exploration into the world of excellent wine, food, service, and the environment. It is located in the heart of downtown Missoula, as well as several of the best restaurants in the city.

This Missoula restaurant is ideal for anyone seeking an upgraded gourmet experience without the stuffiness, and it is open every day of the week. The cuisine has a lot of taste, it’s always fresh, and they pay attention to the little details. The menu at Plonk is updated periodically, which means that you probably won’t find the same items on the menu each time you visit. However, I highly recommend that you ask the chef for a recommendation and that you indulge in a couple of appetizers, an entree, and of course, dessert.

If you are going to be in town during the summer, you should make a reservation on their rooftop patio. From there, you will have access to some of the most breathtaking views of downtown Missoula. At one of Missoula’s more premium dining establishments, you can get a lovely cocktail that’s been hand-muddled while also enjoying a cheese platter. 

What to eat:

You shouldn’t leave without trying the Ratatouille, which is made with roasted eggplant and red pepper, squash, zucchini, cheese, san marzano tomatoes, and red onion as well as the Israeli couscous, and basil puree.

10. Best Ice Cream Shop – Big Dipper Ice Cream

Address: 631 S. Higgins Missoula, MT 

Since it first opened its doors in 1995, The Big Dipper Ice Cream has been responsible for providing delectable ice cream to tens of thousands of customers. It is an award-winning ice cream business, and it currently has four locations spread out across the state of Montana.

When vacationing in Missoula, it is essential to fulfilling your sweet tooth by making a stop at this time-honored dessert shop. The Big Dipper has been in business for a very long time, therefore they are quite experienced in putting a smile on the face of every child and adult who comes through their doors. The numerous accolades it has received are further evidence of its outstanding quality.

Huckberry, white mint oreo, and maple walnut are three varieties of ice cream that are often ordered by customers at this establishment. Young children can enjoy the cones, but the top favorite treat is the Big Dipper Sundae, which comes with a brownie and a banana on top. Your kids will surely love it.

11. Best Local Pizzeria – Bridge Pizza

Address: 600 S Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59801, United States

This Missoula diner is yet another well-liked option available among the restaurants in Missoula. The Bridge Pizza can be found directly off of the Higgins Bridge in the downtown area, or pick up your order at their new location, which can be found directly off Brooks Street. And if you’re in a hurry, the drive-thru is available at each of our locations!

If you make a stop at the establishment that is close to the Higgins Bridge, you can have your pizza slice to go, and then you can stroll down to the Clark Fork River in just five minutes. When it comes to the local college students, this restaurant is without a doubt at the top of their list of favorites. These kids adore coming here either before going out for the night or after closing time for one last slice.

It takes great satisfaction in making use of local ingredients to maintain the quality and freshness of its pizzas. Because of its laid-back atmosphere, delicious food, airy atmosphere, and warm, welcoming staff, it has garnered a solid reputation as one of the top eateries in Missoula.

What to eat:

There is a pizza that bears the name Higgins Avenue and is topped with crushed walnuts, gorgonzola cheese, and red onion.  It is also highly recommended that you sample some of Bridge’s pasta with chicken piccata, which features roasted chicken and white wine in the sauce.

12. Best for Burritos – Market On Front

Address: 201 E Front St, Missoula, MT 59802, United States

In the middle of downtown Missoula, you’ll find Market on Front, which features a deli, coffee shop, artisan grocery store, and restaurant. To guarantee that their consumers have access to the widest possible assortment of items of the greatest possible quality, they make every effort to purchase goods that are produced locally and in an environmentally responsible manner.

What to eat:

However, the famed and much-loved breakfast burritos at Market on Front have made the restaurant famous in the surrounding community. Imagine soft, airy scrambled eggs combined with crispy bacon, grated cheese, and morning potatoes, all of which are encased in a toasted tortilla wrap and served with chipotle aioli.

13. Best Unique Cuisine – Second Set Bistro

Address: 111 N Higgins Ave #100  Missoula, MT

Although it is housed in a heritage house in the downtown district, this quaint bistro does not provide the typical fare associated with the category. You have a variety of entertaining and interesting options to pick from when it comes to food, such as shishito peppers, fish tacos, and lamb tongue. The restaurant is still in its infancy, which is one reason why the proprietors go out of their way to deliver excellent service.

This is the restaurant you should go to if you are searching for an experience that is more interesting and unique than the majority of the other options in the surrounding neighborhood. That way, you’ll also be close to the bars in Missoula.

14. Best BBQ Restaurant – Notorious P.I.G. BBQ

Address: 247 W Front St, Missoula, MT 59802, United States

In Missoula, the Notorious P.I.G. BBQ is the go-to restaurant when we want a mouthwatering dinner that focuses primarily on meat. Burke Holmes, the owner, and pitmaster, is originally from the Midwest, but he fell in love with Montana and the sport of fly fishing after moving there.

After receiving instruction from a number of world-renowned barbecue experts all over the United States, he eventually made his way back to Missoula, where he combined various popular styles of barbecue, such as those from Memphis-style ribs, Kansas City-style burnt ends, Texas-style brisket, New York City-style pastrami, and many more. 

Because they do not make any concessions, it will be difficult for you to discover anything about this place that you do not appreciate. Every single one of the meats and sides has been cooked to absolute perfection.

Ready yourself for some of the best barbeques you’ll find anywhere in the state of Montana by making the necessary preparations and eating here during lunch hours. They frequently run out of their offers, so it’s important to plan ahead of time.

15. Best Mexican Cuisine – The Camino

Address: 105 N Pattee St, Missoula, MT 59802, United States

Although The Camino has been in Missoula for only a few years, the Mexican food at this downtown restaurant is already considered to be among the very best in the area. It is highly recommended that you call ahead and make a reservation if you plan on dining at this exceptional Mexican restaurant, particularly during the warm weather months. 

What to eat:

You absolutely cannot go wrong with anything on the menu; however, the tostada de atun, the conchinita pibil taco, and the beef asada tacos are packed to the brim with flavor and texture. Make sure to start your meal with the chips & house salsa then pair it with guacamole if you’re especially hungry. I personally love this food combination!

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