Epi’s A Basque Restaurant

So Epi’s was recommended as a good Basque Restaurant, so I read the reviews and a bit taken by a five star rating. So called Chris for a reservation, she returned my call and sounded like we known each other for years! At the restaurant we were served by Bridgette.
every course was outstanding! To start the «house wine» an imported tempprnillo was very good, excellent value, especially if your party is 6+ get the magnum bottle!
The calimari was tender, lightly coated, melt in your mouth, some of the best I’ve had! same with the calm chouder. We opted for the limited avail sockeye salmon, a touch over cooked for our taste but an excellent call on Bridgette s part. Dessert was something best experienced for yourself. One of the best meals of many to come at Epi’s
Make a reservation so you won’t be desapointed when you can’t be seated, Thursday night and the place was full! A must dinning experience in the Tresuure Valley! Hats off to Chris and her staff!

This place is beyond wonderful! Chris greeted us as if we were family. I’ve never been to a restaurant with such a warm and inviting space. The hospitality exceeds all expectations. There is happy chatter and robust laughter amongst both the staff and the patrons. Oh, and the food! The food is delightful! It’s apparent that these ladies love what they do!

Epi’s is hands down one of the best restaurants in the Treasure Valley. It is a must try… repeatedly. Not only is the food phenomenal and on point every time, but Chris and her team are so accommodating and the nicest folks. They welcome you like family. They never disappoint!

Wow!!! Came here only based on Unilocal reviews. Reviews were killer so we came just to see for ourselves after seeing the pictures of all the delish meals Unilocalers posted. This place deserves 5 + stars. The service was over the top accommodating, explained each meal with heart and the food was freaking amazing. I had the wild caught Halibut crusted lightly in a citrus crust light cooked in olive oil and then baked!
I don’t care of the negative things you hear about Unilocal sometimes but Unilocal works if you know what your looking for!!!

I have always wanted to try authentic Basque food but in all of my travels I have never ran across an authentic restaurant. That changed today in what I thought would be an unlikely place, Idaho.
I showed up at Epi’s Basque Restaurant in Meridian, Idaho without a reservation and while it is advertised as casual dining I was definitely underdressed in my hiking pants and black t-​shirt. The strikingly beautiful silver haired hostess politely pointed out that all of the small tables were reserved and that the guests would be arriving soon. Naturally assuming that I would not be getting a table I started to thank her and turned to leave. Oh well, I thought, the winds of the universe don’t always blow in your favor… But wait!
Instead of turning me away she graciously offered me the head seat at a long table with place settings for ten. I jumped at the opportunity to have a huge table all to myself and was promptly seated. She pointed to the photo on the menu and proudly told me that the handsome couple were her grandparents. Turns out the hostess was the owner!
I ordered a glass of Eguren Rioja and lamb chops. The waiter offered me a choice of two soups, a traditional basque red bean, or a shrimp & rice soup which was one of the owner’s recipes. I chose the shrimp and rice but much to my surprise the waiter also brought out a small bowl of the red bean soup to try as well. They were both excellent!
The three lamb chops arrived along with seasoned potatoes and a side bowl of peas. The food was nicely displayed along with an orange garnish. Now I normally try to use proper table manners when dining but after briefly scanning to see that no one was looking I grabbed those baby t-​bones barehanded and savagely devoured that lamb like a ravenous wolf. Yes, it was that incredibly delicious!
As I was eating a couple with two young children came in. One of the little girls ran over to the owner and hugged her. She told her it was her 9^th birthday and this is where she wanted to come for dinner. That kid apparently has good taste. I overheard from one of the waitresses that the couple had been coming here since before their kids were born back when they were still dating. I could see why. I had never been here before but yet I was treated like royalty. The service was every bit as exceptional as the food.
As I got up to leave the owner came over, clasped my hand, and sincerely thanked me for coming. I could tell from the look on her face that she was truly interested in my having had a great dining experience. Genuine sincerity is a rare commodity to find in the day and age in which we live in yet I found it… in the little house on the corner… in Meridian, Idaho.

Epi’s is a wonderful little Basque restaurant in Meridian Idaho. The owner Chris is an amazing woman who makes you feel welcomed the moment you walk in the door.
The restaurant is pretty small so it is highly recommended that you make a reservation. We like to have dinner on the patio, its one table that comfortably sits six to eight people. There is a curtain that you can close so you do not see the people coming and going.
The food. its amazing. I have been coming to Epi’s for years and have never had a meal I did not like. Plan to spend a couple hours for the meal, you will be served appetizers if you order them, bread, soup, salad, the main course and finally dessert (if you have room). I like to try their specials, especially if they are fish. My favorite appetizer is the calamari as it simply melts in your mouth. The dessert we will order and take home because we are to stuffed to eat that night is their bread pudding. It is simply wonderful.
Go check out this little gem.

My first experience with Basque food. I’ll be looking for the next opportunity. Excellent service and fantastic food. A thoroughly enjoyable evening.

OMG, where to start?!
We sat on the porch with 4 of us. Chris waited on us and we had a great time with her. There is nothing more I can say than what has already been said about the food! Our table had the Lamb chops, the Chicken breast, Filet medallions and a special of scallops. Every dish was cooked perfectly. Everyone said it tasted good. The Ham Croquettes where very tasty although I did not see much ham but could taste the flavor of it.
Chris was very entertaining and her service was great! We sat for 2 hours until the place closed and had the most enjoyable time. I am so glad I had the opportunity to go to Epi’s. When we finally get moved there I am sure I will be a regular!

My brother was in town visiting and requested to have Basque cuisine for dinner. He was referred to Epi’s by a colleague. I had never been, but they had exceptional reviews online. I tried to called in the morning for reservations for that evening, but I received their voicemail. They are closed during the day, but Chris called me back within a few hours to confirm that our party of 6 could have a table at 7:30pm. That was a nice bonus, instead of having to wait until 5pm (when they open for dinner) to see if we would be able to eat there that evening. I would definitely advise having a reservation as this place is very popular, but not very large.
Chris had a lovely vegetarian pasta prepared for my brother (as most of the menu items are meat dishes). My shrimp was cooked perfectly. Every meal comes with a soup, salad, bread and side of green beans (so make sure to wear your stretchy pants). The service was as excellent as the food and I am excited to have another dining experience here.
I would definitely recommend this restaurant.

I am sooo over the moon with this place! Adorable, cozy, homey, relaxing. The owners and staff are exceptional! When you walk in you feel at home and as if you’re part of the family. The food is absolutely amazing! Everything we ordered was phenomenal, flavor, temperature, portions were great! Make sure you have reservations as it is always packed! We will absolutely be back and recommend this place to all our friends and family!

Outstanding food and service. You will not find a better group of people to provide service and care when providing a meal. The food is great and you will not leave unsatisfied.

We were greeted by the owner and received like family. I had the butterfish special and ink fish appetizer. Everything was amazing. The rest of the party ordered the shrimp and Halibut. I could not suggest any improvements to our dining experience.

As a frequent traveler for work, I like to eat at independent restaurants, not chains. I usually ask a local and then verify via Unilocal or another app. This is exactly what happened yesterday. I asked and then verified. And after seeing the ratings, I knew I had made the right choice.
I read a few reviews and of course looked at the overall rating. I am guessing most of the comments were food related. My dinner was excellent… I had the special… grilled scallops with sun dried tomatoes… cream of mushroom soup and Basque Red Bean soup… again, both excellent.
What I will remember, however, and what I hope comes through in my comments is the genuine warmth and hospitality from Chris, the owner. I have never felt more welcomed at any restaurant in my life! It is really hard to explain via a phone review.
I called at 5:05 and asked if I needed a reservation for one. Chris said that if I could get there in (10) minutes, she could accommodate. I walked in and she immediately knew it was me (only single patron) and welcomed me with a smile and warm handshake.
Chris checked on me 2 – 3 times during my meal, but the reason I am writing this review… as I am leaving. she comes over with a warm smile and asks for a hug. And of course, I opened my arms and hugged her. I told her I would be back next month and she asked me to call her.
I would go back to eat a PBJ sandwich. It is amazing and so reassuring to have the owner of restaurant care so much about a patron. I am guessing I am not the first person to feel this way and I know I will not be the last.

I cannot recommend this place more highly. Wow.
FIRST — GET RESERVATIONS. We didn’t, but were lucky — we arrived on a Boise State home game evening and were presented a cancellation table. In the corner. It was perfect. But the absolutely friendly hostess would have kindly turned us away (bummer) had it been another night.
Our dishes were marvelous. Basque food? Lamb, squid, beef tongue and other delectables. It was truly amazing. If some of these food items make you wonder, you haven’t tried the spectacular way they’ve been prepared. I’m not from Boise, but I want to go back, because I can’t try all the entrees in one evening.
A wonderful dinner.

Denizens of the Treasure Valley, in a perfect world we would all go out to our back yards, pick fresh fruits and vegetables, grow grains for our own flour, and slaughter the family pig for supper. We would take all these fresh ingredients into our kitchens and we would prepare them with dedication and love to produce the finest meals for ourselves and our families…
…ok you can stop laughing now. But in the world we live in, there are folks who can dedicate the time and effort to prepare such wonderful meals for us. That is what you will get at Epi’s. No they don’t have the farm right out back, but the ingredients are as fresh as can be and are prepared with all the love and attention in the world. That is one thing that set this place apart for me from the moment I even made the reservation over the phone. This is a restaurant run by people who love what they do, and it shows in the food and the presentation.
Everything about our experience at Epi’s was top notch. The service was spectacular. Our water glasses never went empty. The courses were properly paced. Heck we were even offered a second bowl of soup if we had wanted it. We declined because we wanted to enjoy our entrees. Dessert came with coffee, which only I availed myself of, but was another very nice touch. Yes the «bill» is a bit high, but believe me when I tell you, you will get your money’s worth.
So how about that food? Do yourself a favor and get an order of the ham croquetas for an appetizer. No, I take that back… if you REALLY want to do yourself a favor, get two orders so you won’t have to share them with your dining partner, because I guarantee you that after tasting one… you won’t want to share. Amazing. The soups vary. Every day you can get the red bean soup, which is perfectly serviceable and tasty, and then a soup of the day. When we went this was a mushroom soup seasoned with white pepper. I’m not a mushroom fan so I passed, but my wife liked it.
For entrees both my wife and I opted for seafood… halibut for me and shrimp for her. We both enjoyed our meals immensely, but strangely we both preferred the OTHER’S meal more than our own… not that we were unsatisfied with our choices, just that after sampling a bite from the other’s plate, we both agreed that the other dish was better than our own. I think a lot of that had to do with the lobster cream sauce on my plate. My wife is a fanatic for lobster while it is just «ok» for me. For dessert we absolutely had to try the apple bread pudding. Man I wish I could learn to make bread pudding as well as some others do. It is one of my favorite desserts but I never seem to be able to get it «right.» Well no worries about that here… again just amazing.
Bottom line folks, if you want great ethnic fare prepared by people who love what they do and it shows on the plate, head to Epi’s. You will be amazed.

Most amazing dinner I have even had in all of Idaho! From the moment you walk in and get a friendly smile from the owner. Food was excellent. Even if the food wasn’t good I would have been happy to just pay for the friendly service. Oh my gosh the green apple bread pudding was to die for. I would go 100 times over just for desert. This place is a must go if you have not. Make sure to make reservations.

This is fine dining at its best, without the stuffiness of places with waiters in starched collars and an expectation to dress up. The experience at Epi’s is more like going to your favorite aunt’s home and having her dote on you.
Reservations are always recommended and I called and left a message on their voice mail Saturday morning for a table that evening. Co-​owner Chris Ansogegui (who runs Epi’s with her sister Gina Urquidi) called me about noon and sounded excited to have us join them for dinner.
She was also the one who greeted us warmly as we entered the erestaurant, a former home on Meridian’s Main Street.
I ordered lamb chops (Arkumea Txuletak) and my companion ordered beef tongue (Mingaina) in a pepper and tomato sauce. Before we got those entrees, however, we had a Calamari (Kalamareak) appetizer that was the best squid dish I have ever eaten.
There were also a house bread, a green salad and our choice of a red bean and cream of mushroom soup. We ordered one of each and they were both excellent. The mushroom soup even had a slight spice bite that was very pleasant.
The main dishes were superb. The lamb chops came grilled and were perfectly charred and very flavorful. The tongue was soft and easily cut with a fork.
We finished off the meal by sharing a slice of chocolate mousse cake. It was also very good.
The service was impeccable. Our waitress came by often and boxed leftover items as we finished each course. Chris also served dishes and roamed around the dining room talking to patronsand asking how they were enjoying their meals.
This is not a place for dining on the run. We spent two and a half hours there and it was hard to believe we had been there that long. Everything was served in courses and they waited until you were finished with one before moving on to the next.
By the way, the closing hours are misleading in a sense. They aren’t when the business shuts down but rather the ending time to seat new diners. So you’ve still got plenty of time to order and eat your meal.
The Ansotegui family has a long food service history. Epi Inchausti, whose grandchildren named their restaurant in her honor, is considered the matriarch of Basque cooking in Idaho. Epifania and husband David Inchausti opened the Gem Bar and Boarding House in Hailey in 1936.
Ernest Hemingway, Clark Gable, Bing Crosby and Tennessee Ernie Ford and Gary Cooper were among the celebrities she cooked for. An annual lamb dinner and auction that Epi and other area Basque women organized in the 1940s as a benefit for St. Charles Catholic Church is still held.
Dining at Epi’s isn’t cheap. The tab can run to $ 50 a person, but the food and service are well worth the price for an occasional big night out. It’s a great experience, as you can tell by reading all of the other reviews here. It’s a rare place indeed that deserves and consistently receives such high praise.

I am going to keep this short because Ophelia really summed up the entire experience in a way I cannot outdo, and throwing more fluffy language at this amazing restaurant isn’t going to increase its rating from 5 to 6 stars. If I could give 6 stars, I would. This is the most amazing Basque dining experience and food that can be had short of traveling to Spain. The food is amazing, it is certainly worth the wait, it is worth the long dinner progression. Make a reservation, enjoy an authentic experience, and walk away with a giant smile on your face.

DON’T EVEN ATTEMPT GOING WITHOUT RESERVATIONS! Don’t even know where to start here. Took my husband and in laws. The servers are the nicest people ever! It’s very family too. Loved the bread with butter (yup filled up on that easily). I ordered the squid in ink, which was amazing, highly recommend. Husband had the lengua which was absolutely amazing and in laws had the Special Trout which they said was amazing. We had dessert and I fully recommend the Bread pudding, it was WOW!

I’m not sure where to begin with this one, so here goes…
…while rolling through the tail end of our Alaska-​Canada motorcycle road trip, I had wanted to try this place for over a year. In fact, we made it a point, 2 years in a row, to include Wyoming/​Idaho for steak and Basque food, since as far as I’m concerned, it’s some of the best food in the world.
Epi’s certainly does NOT disappoint!!!
Our evening, from the moment we arrived, parked and walked in the door, was absolute PERFECTION in every way.
Beginning with a warm welcome, a perfectly located table, competent staff (many of whom are family members), delicious home made food and great wine to wash it all down. Our entire evening was absolutely delightful.
So looking forward to our return trip, sometime next year.