Emilio's is a great hotel restaurant. the food is pretty good. It can be exceptional at times and is a lot better than the hotel at this time. On a recent trip I ate breakfast twice and dinner once here. All three visits were great. I had the granola on one visit. It was nutty, tasty and filling. the portions were pretty big and the coffee was very good. The second time, I had the southwest burrito. It was fresh with an interesting Chorizo sausage, eggs, tomatoes, onions and other things of a burrito. the breakfast potatoes were fresh cut and very good. And, again, the coffee was very good too. the service was prompt and the food served quickly. You must have fast service for breakfast. The dinner was outstanding. I had a bowl of gumbo and a Cesare salad with white anchovies. The gumbo was spicy, but not over hot. I did use Tabasco, but I use Tabasco on everything. The Cesar was fantastic. Delicate dressing that was not overdone and--of course--those salty little fish! I would recommend Emilio's to anyone coming to Boise for any occasion.
I had a great dinner at Emilio's this past weekend. I had the Ahi tuna special and the seafood bisque. So delicious! Normally this place wouldn't be in my budget but I had a gift certificate from Restaurant.com , which was a great deal. All 4 of us in our party were greatly impressed with our meals.
The food was good, the presentation - great, and the menu was more than I was expecting from a hotel restaurant. They definitely pay attention to detail, from the cucumber water to the bread service (an amazing rustic bread with sunflowers, grilled to order). But the best thing about this meal was the service. Thank you Lauren Lowe!! Your service was impeccable, the best I've had in a long time. Thank you for helping me select a great glass of wine, answering all my menu questions with detailed insight, telling great stories, being perfectly attentive without being overbearing, and this morning I thank you for sending me to my room with that bottle of water! Great service can turn a good meal into a fantastic experience. Well done!
(4)
Charles B.
My waitress, Luana, was an absolute delight. Not only was she friendly and very helpful in my menu selection, but also knowledgeable of culinary arts. She was able to teach me a number of interesting facts without being overbearing or preachy. The menu does good job of sharing how its contents are special without "deconstructed", " toothsome ", "sumptuous", or other pretentious drivel. I started with the beef potato soup. I would describe it as just fine, very slightly spicy which I liked (Luana added some pepper, too), but not special. The potato chunks were too large for a bite. The beef was soft and flavorful but some pieces had gristle. My pot roast came with fancy mac & cheese. I never order the stuff but I've tried a lot because my wife orders it. It was very good; one of the top 10 I suppose, but not amazing. ... Next I tried the pot roast. I nearly yelled, 'holy sh*t!', with my first bite, which would have been socially inappropriate. I had no idea that mere pot roast could be so amazing. This pot roast is the new standard and has ruined me for put roast at probably every other restaurant on earth. If you come here only once, order the pot roast! Do it! I finished with a seasonal berry cobbler. Cobblers have a hard time impressing me because I've tried some great ones. It didn't change my life. I like how the cobbler balanced so many berries. It had good flavor and was surprisingly large. Definitely a good, high-end American cobbler. The service and pot roast: 5. Overall: 4
(4)
Tom D.
Business Lunch at Emilio's. Haven't been in awhile. Best damn sandwich. Steak and Portobello Grinder. Crumbled porter cheddar, candied cipollini onions, Yukon potato frites. Must come back soon.
(5)
Michele R.
What a treat! An honest to goodness "piano-man" playing in the lobby adjacent to "The Bar" of Emilio's inside the Grove Hotel. An absolutely and unexpectedly perfectly delightful experience was our couple of hours lingering in the bar for libations and dinner. I'm surprised by the dearth of reviews from locals here. If we lived in Boise, The Bar would be on our regular rotation. Well, at least from Tuesday through Sunday night when the pianist is in the house. Back in the day when my hubby and I were young and "keeping company" (to use his dad's phrase) and living in the NYC area, we'd take the train in to the city and go to piano bars for a cocktail. We loved it then, in our youth. We still love it in our "not youth" but "piano-men" and bars like this are a dwindling breed. Too bad. So enjoyable. Use it or lose it folks. There are "YO Dude" watering holes aplenty. The Bar is of a different kind altogether and one of a kind. VIBE & SEATING As you walk in the Grove's lovely, timeless lobby you'll see Emilio's restaurant to the right. The Bar is to the left, beyond the piano. (Look for the TV on the wall as location point. The one thing I'd change in that bar is remove the TV. Sadly they are here to stay everywhere it seems.) High stool seating at the bar. Otherwise all standard height (yahoo) tables with comfortable chairs or banquettes. There is a big window covered with sheer draperies through which you can watch the cars sailing past on Capitol Boulevard. Otherwise, it is just dark enough but not too dark inside. SERVICE Stellar. Jacob was the server on the night we arrived around 5:30 and he could both recommend from the specialty cocktail menu and from the food menu. He was there when we wanted him but didn't hover. We felt well tended indeed. LIBATIONS Prices for specialty cocktails are not listed with the beverages. Odd since the prices are a bargain, at least by the standards of the town we live in. We each had a Paloma, fresh grapefruit juice and agave tequila, for only $8 each. FOOD Bar snack mix is complimentary. We declined since we knew we were there for dinner in the bar. There is a bar only small menu and you can also order anything off the Emilio's menu after 5:00p. At Jacob's recommendation we started with grilled shrimp served with a vodka pepper cocktail sauce ($12). It was delicious and unexpected to have little ribbons of lemon zest and fresh herbs in the sauce. We continued with a small pizza with fresh basil and roasted bell peppers ($10). Last, since Emilio's has an in house pastry chef, we ended with a delectable chocolate ganache and and walnut torte ($8). VALUE Total bill, before taxf for food and libations was only $46.00. Add in the free entertainment, a great deal! PIANO-MAN He plays from 6p on Tuesday through Saturday. Repertoire is extensive from old classics from composers like Mancini and Gershwin to newer classics from the Beatles, James Taylor, Elton John, Carole King and Jim Croce. The latter a request from my hubby to play the song which was "ours" in our "keepin' company" days. It brought tears to my eyes in the best possible way. Make sure to put a tip in the jar on the piano to say "Man, thanks to you for being here!" THIS N THAT 1) PARKING: Seems The Grove's parking is reserved for hotel guests and not open to patrons of the restaurant or bar. Odd. But it is what it is. Park on street or at the public garage. 2) ACCESSIBILITY: Level in the door and throughout. Ample standard height seating in the bar. Accessible loo. 3) GOOD DEEDS: The pianist came over to chat with us during his break. He writes scores for TV as his day job. He is also in the process of organizing a series of filmed events called "Grant-A-Chance" for disabled veterans with musical talents to perform with chance to win a prize. The first one will be in Boise in June. If you want to know more about this, go in for a drink in The Bar and talk to this delightful "piano-man" on his break.
(4)
Thomas Q.
This is directed to the lobby bar The lady serving hospitality and cocktails, absolutely stunk. The only feeling I had was "Why am I here?". Amelia.
(1)
Maome S.
Had dinner here during a recent business trip. I was pleasantly surprised of the quality given this is a hotel restaurant (Grove Hotel). I had the salmon, Idaho salmon. Boy was it soft and succulent with a distinct dark red center. The blended rice pilaf mix was interesting, kinda dry for my taste. Excellent service to top it off.
(5)
Rachael W.
We went for dinner on a Friday night, it was totally dead, which was surprising to me. I ordered the Kobe Zabuton pot roast. It was ok. The meat was a weird mixture of being fatty and dry. The cheddar grits were pretty tasty though. For fine dining, I wasn't too impressed with the food. Our waiter was really good. He answered all our questions, and was the right mix of attentive but not intrusive.
(2)
m l.
Who would think to go here for sushi? You should. The Tues thru Sat sushi chef is sweet and the fish and rolls are the best in town. The seaweed salad is amazing. I was too full to try the poke, but I will next time. It was really clean, fresh, tasty sushi. Great surprise!
(4)
Ray N.
Refreshing! A great atmosphere and very relaxing! Wonderful location downtown. I spent 3 days at grove at are there three times! Not a disappointment!
(4)
Jane M.
For a hotel restaurant, surprisingly good for dinner. Dull menu, but lamb chops were very good. Wonderful young waiter Ryan. Good selection of wines by the glass. Expensive but not so bad you feel ripped off. On the other hand, breakfast was inexpensive but cold. Coffee weak and lukewarm. But you get $10 off if you are staying here, so eggs, potatoes and sausage just cost me $2 plus tip.
(4)
Lori P.
Emilios is my favorite Boise restaurant for special occasions! My husband and I have been there several times in the past couple of years, and it has been consistent in it's excellence in food and service. It is a bit pricey, but so worth every penny!
(5)
Jinny G.
Cobb salad fans rejoice! Emilio's cobb is one of the best in town. I can't really comment on anything else on the menu because I can't pass up the opportunity to order the same salad time after time. But, everyone I am with when I stop in for lunch is always pleased with their selections. Then, head out to the lobby bar for yummy snacks, great (strong) drinks, a friendly staff and a great upscale atmosphere...sometimes they even have a piano playing. A great spot to meet new people...there are always friendly travelers in town with interesting stories to tell. This is also a great place to stop in before (or after) a Stampede or Steelhead game. Oh...and surprisingly the sushi menu is also fantastic! Emilio's and the Grove Hotel have a little bit of everything for someone looking for a fun...and tasty night.
(4)
Matt S.
Finding a ""special occasion" restaurant in Boise these days is not easy, so my wife and I struggled to decide where to go for our anniversary dinner this past weekend...we decided on Emilio's after realizing we had not been for several years. Sadly, I know think it will be many years before we ever go again. Besides being just about empty on a Friday night, the food was overpriced and just not good. My $12 crab cake was more of a corn bread cake with maybe $1.50 worth of crab in it. The scallop and shrimp dish was one of the most confusing dish I've ever ordered...lots of different things going on in this dish, but ZERO flavor. My wife fared better with a steak, but the rest of the plate was under-seasoned and not well thought out. This place has the luxury of being in a hotel, so a captive audience I suppose...can't think of any reason I would ever go back.
(1)
Andrew D.
Emilio's is a great place to have breakfast when you stay at the Grove. The $10 voucher makes breakfast about $6. Menu is creative and tasty. Sevice is good until the restaurant gets busy. Then they leave you wanting for a coffee refill.
(3)
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Address :The Grove Hotel,245 S Capitol Blvd
Boise, ID, 83702
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Parking : Garage Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Paid Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Bill B.
Emilio's is a great hotel restaurant. the food is pretty good. It can be exceptional at times and is a lot better than the hotel at this time. On a recent trip I ate breakfast twice and dinner once here. All three visits were great. I had the granola on one visit. It was nutty, tasty and filling. the portions were pretty big and the coffee was very good. The second time, I had the southwest burrito. It was fresh with an interesting Chorizo sausage, eggs, tomatoes, onions and other things of a burrito. the breakfast potatoes were fresh cut and very good. And, again, the coffee was very good too. the service was prompt and the food served quickly. You must have fast service for breakfast. The dinner was outstanding. I had a bowl of gumbo and a Cesare salad with white anchovies. The gumbo was spicy, but not over hot. I did use Tabasco, but I use Tabasco on everything. The Cesar was fantastic. Delicate dressing that was not overdone and--of course--those salty little fish! I would recommend Emilio's to anyone coming to Boise for any occasion.
(4)The C.
This a great fine dining restaurant in Boise. The food and service were top notch. They were great to my fiancée and I even though I'm pretty sure we kept our waiter an hour past closing. The wine list was the thing that drew me to this place originally, which is exceptional for Boise, but the food was amazing as well. Great American cuisine with European influences.
(5)Amanda C.
I had a great dinner at Emilio's this past weekend. I had the Ahi tuna special and the seafood bisque. So delicious! Normally this place wouldn't be in my budget but I had a gift certificate from Restaurant.com , which was a great deal. All 4 of us in our party were greatly impressed with our meals.
(5)Chance H.
So, it took me overnight to digest the experience we had at Emilio's last night. First, the ambiance emitted that of a 5 star 5 diamond. Rebekah our server catered to us in a perfectly professional manner, she was quick and attentive without being overbearing. Truly, she was first class. Second, the food....wow. Chef Chris Hain has put together a masterful menu. We started with a brilliant wild mushroom tart the flavor and crust mmmmm. Also, a shrimp martini of grilled shrimp w/ a very tasty remoulade, portobello fries coated in macadamia nuts including an outstanding pomegranate aioli, and last but far far from least a "in the restaurant made duck bacon" served with jalapeño jonny cakes and fig butter. The last was my personal favorite! The second course of salads, those I was with enjoyed huckleberry feta salads while I had roasted beet salad showing two kinds of beets, point reyes blues cheese, fennel and orange blossom vinaigrette. Super tasty! Our final course I unfortunately cannot remember what all my party had but I immensely enjoy the monk fish and chips made with purple potatoes. The fish was wrapped in pancetta and drizzled with a lovely blood orange sauce. Dessert....our party of four each choose a different dessert of the five offering, then decided the fifth looked lonely and should not be left out so onto the table it came. There was a wonderful fruit cobble, creme brûlée which was very good but not the best I've had, a mouse filled chocolate cake, honey and chocolate cheese cake and what's think was called the lemon bomb. All were decadent and delicious. The lemon bomb could of used a touch more lemon for my taste but other than that the desserts were wonderful. Emilio's is defiantly one of Boise's best kept secrets. Kudos to chef Hain and his staff for creating a menu and atmosphere that are a true pleasure to enjoy.
(5)Kristin J.
The food was good, the presentation - great, and the menu was more than I was expecting from a hotel restaurant. They definitely pay attention to detail, from the cucumber water to the bread service (an amazing rustic bread with sunflowers, grilled to order). But the best thing about this meal was the service. Thank you Lauren Lowe!! Your service was impeccable, the best I've had in a long time. Thank you for helping me select a great glass of wine, answering all my menu questions with detailed insight, telling great stories, being perfectly attentive without being overbearing, and this morning I thank you for sending me to my room with that bottle of water! Great service can turn a good meal into a fantastic experience. Well done!
(4)Charles B.
My waitress, Luana, was an absolute delight. Not only was she friendly and very helpful in my menu selection, but also knowledgeable of culinary arts. She was able to teach me a number of interesting facts without being overbearing or preachy. The menu does good job of sharing how its contents are special without "deconstructed", " toothsome ", "sumptuous", or other pretentious drivel. I started with the beef potato soup. I would describe it as just fine, very slightly spicy which I liked (Luana added some pepper, too), but not special. The potato chunks were too large for a bite. The beef was soft and flavorful but some pieces had gristle. My pot roast came with fancy mac & cheese. I never order the stuff but I've tried a lot because my wife orders it. It was very good; one of the top 10 I suppose, but not amazing. ... Next I tried the pot roast. I nearly yelled, 'holy sh*t!', with my first bite, which would have been socially inappropriate. I had no idea that mere pot roast could be so amazing. This pot roast is the new standard and has ruined me for put roast at probably every other restaurant on earth. If you come here only once, order the pot roast! Do it! I finished with a seasonal berry cobbler. Cobblers have a hard time impressing me because I've tried some great ones. It didn't change my life. I like how the cobbler balanced so many berries. It had good flavor and was surprisingly large. Definitely a good, high-end American cobbler. The service and pot roast: 5. Overall: 4
(4)Tom D.
Business Lunch at Emilio's. Haven't been in awhile. Best damn sandwich. Steak and Portobello Grinder. Crumbled porter cheddar, candied cipollini onions, Yukon potato frites. Must come back soon.
(5)Michele R.
What a treat! An honest to goodness "piano-man" playing in the lobby adjacent to "The Bar" of Emilio's inside the Grove Hotel. An absolutely and unexpectedly perfectly delightful experience was our couple of hours lingering in the bar for libations and dinner. I'm surprised by the dearth of reviews from locals here. If we lived in Boise, The Bar would be on our regular rotation. Well, at least from Tuesday through Sunday night when the pianist is in the house. Back in the day when my hubby and I were young and "keeping company" (to use his dad's phrase) and living in the NYC area, we'd take the train in to the city and go to piano bars for a cocktail. We loved it then, in our youth. We still love it in our "not youth" but "piano-men" and bars like this are a dwindling breed. Too bad. So enjoyable. Use it or lose it folks. There are "YO Dude" watering holes aplenty. The Bar is of a different kind altogether and one of a kind. VIBE & SEATING As you walk in the Grove's lovely, timeless lobby you'll see Emilio's restaurant to the right. The Bar is to the left, beyond the piano. (Look for the TV on the wall as location point. The one thing I'd change in that bar is remove the TV. Sadly they are here to stay everywhere it seems.) High stool seating at the bar. Otherwise all standard height (yahoo) tables with comfortable chairs or banquettes. There is a big window covered with sheer draperies through which you can watch the cars sailing past on Capitol Boulevard. Otherwise, it is just dark enough but not too dark inside. SERVICE Stellar. Jacob was the server on the night we arrived around 5:30 and he could both recommend from the specialty cocktail menu and from the food menu. He was there when we wanted him but didn't hover. We felt well tended indeed. LIBATIONS Prices for specialty cocktails are not listed with the beverages. Odd since the prices are a bargain, at least by the standards of the town we live in. We each had a Paloma, fresh grapefruit juice and agave tequila, for only $8 each. FOOD Bar snack mix is complimentary. We declined since we knew we were there for dinner in the bar. There is a bar only small menu and you can also order anything off the Emilio's menu after 5:00p. At Jacob's recommendation we started with grilled shrimp served with a vodka pepper cocktail sauce ($12). It was delicious and unexpected to have little ribbons of lemon zest and fresh herbs in the sauce. We continued with a small pizza with fresh basil and roasted bell peppers ($10). Last, since Emilio's has an in house pastry chef, we ended with a delectable chocolate ganache and and walnut torte ($8). VALUE Total bill, before taxf for food and libations was only $46.00. Add in the free entertainment, a great deal! PIANO-MAN He plays from 6p on Tuesday through Saturday. Repertoire is extensive from old classics from composers like Mancini and Gershwin to newer classics from the Beatles, James Taylor, Elton John, Carole King and Jim Croce. The latter a request from my hubby to play the song which was "ours" in our "keepin' company" days. It brought tears to my eyes in the best possible way. Make sure to put a tip in the jar on the piano to say "Man, thanks to you for being here!" THIS N THAT 1) PARKING: Seems The Grove's parking is reserved for hotel guests and not open to patrons of the restaurant or bar. Odd. But it is what it is. Park on street or at the public garage. 2) ACCESSIBILITY: Level in the door and throughout. Ample standard height seating in the bar. Accessible loo. 3) GOOD DEEDS: The pianist came over to chat with us during his break. He writes scores for TV as his day job. He is also in the process of organizing a series of filmed events called "Grant-A-Chance" for disabled veterans with musical talents to perform with chance to win a prize. The first one will be in Boise in June. If you want to know more about this, go in for a drink in The Bar and talk to this delightful "piano-man" on his break.
(4)Thomas Q.
This is directed to the lobby bar The lady serving hospitality and cocktails, absolutely stunk. The only feeling I had was "Why am I here?". Amelia.
(1)Maome S.
Had dinner here during a recent business trip. I was pleasantly surprised of the quality given this is a hotel restaurant (Grove Hotel). I had the salmon, Idaho salmon. Boy was it soft and succulent with a distinct dark red center. The blended rice pilaf mix was interesting, kinda dry for my taste. Excellent service to top it off.
(5)Rachael W.
We went for dinner on a Friday night, it was totally dead, which was surprising to me. I ordered the Kobe Zabuton pot roast. It was ok. The meat was a weird mixture of being fatty and dry. The cheddar grits were pretty tasty though. For fine dining, I wasn't too impressed with the food. Our waiter was really good. He answered all our questions, and was the right mix of attentive but not intrusive.
(2)m l.
Who would think to go here for sushi? You should. The Tues thru Sat sushi chef is sweet and the fish and rolls are the best in town. The seaweed salad is amazing. I was too full to try the poke, but I will next time. It was really clean, fresh, tasty sushi. Great surprise!
(4)Ray N.
Refreshing! A great atmosphere and very relaxing! Wonderful location downtown. I spent 3 days at grove at are there three times! Not a disappointment!
(4)Jane M.
For a hotel restaurant, surprisingly good for dinner. Dull menu, but lamb chops were very good. Wonderful young waiter Ryan. Good selection of wines by the glass. Expensive but not so bad you feel ripped off. On the other hand, breakfast was inexpensive but cold. Coffee weak and lukewarm. But you get $10 off if you are staying here, so eggs, potatoes and sausage just cost me $2 plus tip.
(4)Lori P.
Emilios is my favorite Boise restaurant for special occasions! My husband and I have been there several times in the past couple of years, and it has been consistent in it's excellence in food and service. It is a bit pricey, but so worth every penny!
(5)Jinny G.
Cobb salad fans rejoice! Emilio's cobb is one of the best in town. I can't really comment on anything else on the menu because I can't pass up the opportunity to order the same salad time after time. But, everyone I am with when I stop in for lunch is always pleased with their selections. Then, head out to the lobby bar for yummy snacks, great (strong) drinks, a friendly staff and a great upscale atmosphere...sometimes they even have a piano playing. A great spot to meet new people...there are always friendly travelers in town with interesting stories to tell. This is also a great place to stop in before (or after) a Stampede or Steelhead game. Oh...and surprisingly the sushi menu is also fantastic! Emilio's and the Grove Hotel have a little bit of everything for someone looking for a fun...and tasty night.
(4)Matt S.
Finding a ""special occasion" restaurant in Boise these days is not easy, so my wife and I struggled to decide where to go for our anniversary dinner this past weekend...we decided on Emilio's after realizing we had not been for several years. Sadly, I know think it will be many years before we ever go again. Besides being just about empty on a Friday night, the food was overpriced and just not good. My $12 crab cake was more of a corn bread cake with maybe $1.50 worth of crab in it. The scallop and shrimp dish was one of the most confusing dish I've ever ordered...lots of different things going on in this dish, but ZERO flavor. My wife fared better with a steak, but the rest of the plate was under-seasoned and not well thought out. This place has the luxury of being in a hotel, so a captive audience I suppose...can't think of any reason I would ever go back.
(1)Andrew D.
Emilio's is a great place to have breakfast when you stay at the Grove. The $10 voucher makes breakfast about $6. Menu is creative and tasty. Sevice is good until the restaurant gets busy. Then they leave you wanting for a coffee refill.
(3)