From waterfront patios to hillside vineyards, these local favorites pair unforgettable meals with some of North Idaho’s most spectacular scenery.
Summer in North Idaho is meant to be enjoyed outdoors, and few things capture the season better than a meal with a view. Whether you’re arriving by boat, relaxing on a lakeside patio, or sipping wine while overlooking the Spokane Valley, the Coeur d’Alene area offers countless places where the setting is just as memorable as the menu.
From sunrise breakfasts along the river to sunset dinners overlooking the lake, these local favorites invite you to slow down, take in the scenery, and savor the best of the Inland Northwest.
Dock & Dine
Le Peep at Riverstone
Le Peep is our agent, Deborah Kemp’s, favorite for breakfast and brunch. The beautiful riverfront dining venue features an extensive breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu, plus 9 boat slips so you can dock, dine, and keep the adventure going on the river or lake. After your meal, take a refreshing swim from the spacious dock and enjoy everything North Idaho summer has to offer.
1884 W. Bellerive #101
lepeep.com
Terraza Waterfront Café
Located along the Spokane River in Riverstone, Terraza Waterfront Café offers a relaxed atmosphere with a spacious patio overlooking the water. It’s an ideal spot for lunch, dinner, or evening cocktails while watching paddleboarders, kayakers, and boats drift by on a warm summer day.
1950 Bellerive Ln Unit 106
terrazacda.com
Iconic Lake Views
Dockside Restaurant
One of North Idaho’s most iconic dining destinations, Dockside Restaurant at The Coeur d’Alene Resort features panoramic views of the marina and Lake Coeur d’Alene through its expansive windows. Enjoy Northwest-inspired cuisine and be sure to save room for one of the restaurant’s legendary desserts.
115 S. Second St.
docksidecda.com
Tony’s on the Lake
Perched along the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, Tony’s on the Lake combines elevated Northwest cuisine with spectacular waterfront views. Its inviting patio is the perfect place to enjoy dinner as the sun begins to set across the lake.
6823 Main St., Coeur d’Alene
tonysonthelake.com
Our own Rob Orth, Designated Broker, says Arbor Crest Wine Cellars is worth the drive for its “smoking views” and lineup of music events. Bring your own picnic, or enjoy food available on-site.
The Cedars Floating Restaurant
A true North Idaho original, The Cedars Floating Restaurant sits directly on Lake Coeur d’Alene, offering diners the unique experience of enjoying fresh Northwest cuisine while surrounded by water. Whether arriving by car or boat, every meal feels like a special occasion.
1514 S. Marina Dr.
cedarsfloatingrestaurant.com
The Boathouse at Hayden Lake Marina
The only waterfront restaurant on Hayden Lake, The Boathouse offers a casual atmosphere with great food, appetizers, and refreshing drinks just steps from the marina. It’s a favorite gathering place after a day spent boating, paddleboarding, or relaxing on the lake.
3799 E. Hayden Lake Rd., Hayden
haydenlakemarina.com
Scenic Escapes
Stella’s on the Hill
With sweeping views overlooking Lake Coeur d’Alene, Stella’s on the Hill lives up to its name. The elevated setting creates an unforgettable backdrop for lunch or dinner, making the drive part of the experience.
stellasonthehill.com
Sedlmayer’s Resort & Restaurant
Nestled along the shores of Spirit Lake, Sedlmayer’s Resort & Restaurant offers classic North Idaho hospitality in a peaceful lakeside setting. It’s a wonderful destination for a scenic afternoon drive followed by a relaxing meal with beautiful water views.
sedlmayers.com
The Dam Bar & Restaurant
Located along the Spokane River in Post Falls, The Dam Bar & Restaurant offers casual riverside dining where guests can enjoy burgers, sandwiches, and cold drinks while taking in the peaceful river scenery.
dambarandrestaurant.com
Worth the Drive
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars
Rob Orth’s favorite destination for scenic sipping, Arbor Crest Wine Cellars is perched high atop a historic cliff overlooking the Spokane Valley. Bring your own picnic or enjoy food available on-site while taking in breathtaking views, award-winning wines, and a full lineup of popular summer concerts and live music. It’s an unforgettable way to spend a summer evening.
4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd., Spokane Valley
arborcrest.com
The Floating Green Restaurant
Located at the world-famous Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course, The Floating Green Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the summer season with beautiful golf course and waterfront views. It’s the perfect stop whether you’re finishing a round or simply looking for a scenic meal.
Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course
floatinggreenrestaurant.com
Taverna Italian Trattoria
Tucked into the charming lakeside community of Bayview at the southern end of Lake Pend Oreille, Taverna Italian Trattoria serves authentic Italian cuisine in a relaxed waterfront setting. The scenic drive alone makes this hidden gem worth discovering.
Bayview, Idaho
tavernainbayview.com
As the days grow long and the evenings stretch into golden sunsets, there’s no better way to experience North Idaho than gathering around a table with family and friends. Whether you’re docking your boat for brunch, enjoying dinner beside the lake, or raising a glass from a hillside vineyard, these destinations remind us that sometimes the best part of the meal is the view.