Meridian’s Culinary Landscape in 2025: A Taste of What’s New and Trending

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Meridian, Idaho, continues to solidify its reputation as a vibrant hub for culinary innovation and diverse dining experiences. As of 2025, the city’s restaurant scene is buzzing with new openings, evolving trends, and a commitment to offering a wide array of flavors to residents and visitors alike. From established favorites to exciting newcomers, Meridian’s food landscape is a dynamic reflection of its growing community.

The Village at Meridian: A Hub of New Openings

The Village at Meridian remains a focal point for the city’s dining evolution, with several significant additions and changes shaping its offerings in 2025. This popular shopping and entertainment destination has seen notable restaurant turnover, welcoming new concepts and bidding farewell to others.

Key Openings and Replacements

  • North Italia: Taking over the space formerly occupied by Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar, North Italia, a concept by The Cheesecake Factory, made its debut in Meridian in 2025. Known for its pizzas, fresh pastas, and entrees such as roasted salmon and chicken parmesan, North Italia brings a sophisticated Italian dining experience to The Village. This marks the chain’s first location in Idaho.
  • Aubergine Kitchen: This Utah-based restaurant announced its first Idaho location, set to open at The Village at Meridian in 2025. Aubergine Kitchen focuses on unprocessed and unrefined whole ingredients, offering meals made from scratch with an emphasis on bowls and salads, and avoiding trans fats and seed oils.
  • Basilios Tacos: A popular food truck from the Treasure Valley, Basilios Tacos, has also found a new home within The Village at Meridian, taking over a space previously occupied by Calle 75.

Notable Departures

  • Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar: This establishment concluded its operations at The Village at Meridian in August 2024, with its lease not being renewed by CenterCal.
  • Texas De Brazil: The steakhouse abruptly closed its doors at The Village at Meridian in 2025.
  • Which Wich?: While Which Wich? reportedly closed in 2019, its former space was later occupied by Duck Donuts, which itself closed in March 2025.
  • Calle 75: This restaurant quietly departed The Village in February 2024.

Emerging Culinary Trends and New Establishments

Beyond The Village, Meridian’s culinary scene is expanding with a variety of new restaurants catering to diverse tastes and preferences. The city is seeing a rise in specific cuisines and dining concepts that reflect broader national trends.

Italian Flavors and Delis

  • Fratelli Deli: Aiming for an end-of-summer 2025 opening, Fratelli Deli is set to bring an “authentic Italian deli experience” to Meridian. Located at 2970 N. Eagle Road, in the former Poke Bowl restaurant space, it will offer classic Italian-style sandwiches and house-made ingredients.
  • Corso Italian Steak: Following a lengthy remodel, this restaurant is expected to open in 2025 in the former Jalapeño’s location on Broadway. It will feature a high-end cocktail program, steak, and Italian classics, complete with a speakeasy.

Casual Dining and Quick Bites

  • Bad Boy Burgers: Expanding its presence, Bad Boy Burgers opened its third location in Meridian in early 2025, situated in the former Dickey’s Barbecue Pit on Overland.
  • First Watch: This popular national brunch chain has opened two new locations in Meridian in 2025. One is located near The Village at the former Denny’s, and the other is on Ten Mile Road. First Watch is recognized for its breakfast tacos, lemon ricotta pancakes, and its signature “million dollar bacon.”
  • Mountain Mike’s Pizza: This California-based pizza chain opened its second Meridian location, and third in the Treasure Valley, in early October 2024 at Sawtooth Village.
  • Everbowl: Also opening at Sawtooth Village, Everbowl, an acai bowl restaurant, made its Idaho debut in early November 2024.

Unique Dining Experiences

  • KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot: After a significant wait and extensive remodeling of the former Sizzler building, KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot officially opened in Meridian in late 2024, offering an all-you-can-eat experience that merges Korean BBQ with Asian hot pot flavors, complemented by a full bar and a nightlife-like atmosphere.
  • Sky Vino: Scheduled to open in Spring 2025 at Sawtooth Village, Sky Vino will be a rooftop wine and charcuterie lounge, providing a sophisticated setting for patrons.

Local Favorites and Continued Popularity

While new establishments are making waves, Meridian’s established restaurants continue to be cherished by the community. These local gems offer consistent quality and a taste of Meridian’s enduring culinary identity.

  • Epi’s Basque Restaurant: Recognized as a local treasure, Epi’s Basque Restaurant is highlighted for its authentic Basque cuisine, offering a unique dining experience in Meridian.
  • Big Al’s: This entertainment venue is a popular spot for families and friends, offering bowling, arcade games, a sports bar, and a diverse food menu, including their notable Peanut Butter & Bacon Burger. Its location near The Village at Meridian adds to its appeal.
  • Gino’s Italian Ristorante-Bar: Praised for its authentic Italian cuisine, Gino’s provides a warm, rustic ambiance suitable for family gatherings or romantic dinners, featuring an imaginative menu and a good wine list.
  • Idaho Pizza Company: With a history of over 20 years serving Idaho, this local franchise offers a family-friendly atmosphere, great pizza, an award-winning salad bar, and sandwiches, making it a reliable choice for casual dining.
  • Lucky Fins Meridian: Known for its trendy atmosphere and diverse menu of seafood, sushi, and American cuisine, Lucky Fins offers an impressive outdoor space with a fire pit and a rooftop, along with popular happy hour specials.

Looking Ahead: The Evolving Palate of Meridian

The Meridian restaurant scene in 2025 is characterized by growth, diversification, and a keen responsiveness to evolving consumer tastes. The influx of national chains alongside unique local concepts indicates a robust and competitive market. As the city continues to expand, its culinary offerings are expected to grow in tandem, promising even more exciting dining opportunities for the future.