Top Ten Places to Eat

Bozeman offers a variety of cafes and restaurants scattered throughout town that are bound to delight any appetite. Although difficult to pick just ten local favorites, this list adheres to establishments that offer unparalleled atmosphere and food, all the while showcasing the character of Bozeman. See for yourself what the hype is all about.
The Nova Café

Located in the heart of bustling downtown, the Nova maintains its’ local favoritism as the best breakfast in town. What makes this place so special is that the food is fresh, healthy, and delicious and is brought to our tables by supporting the farmers and producers in our community. Pair the mouthwatering huckleberry cream cheese stuffed french toast with a cup of their ‘black bear’ jasmine and vanilla tea.
Open daily from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.
A meal here will run you from $8-$12.
Contact Nova at 406-587-3973!.
The Cat-Eye Café

For a cheerful, tasty, yet unusual breakfast experience, try the cat-eye. As the name suggests, the décor, menu, and even the staff are all adorned in cat-like paraphernalia. Try the fishbowl, a mixture of salmon, cream cheese, spinach, and tomatoes. One fun little perk is that wearing cat-eye glasses throughout your meal is good for 50 cents off your ticket! Oh yah, expect your server to be a little catty, all in good fun of course.
Open for breakfast Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and on weekends from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Breakfasts here are hefty and average around $8.
Contact the Cat-Eye at 406-587-8844.
The Garage

A no-nonsense, get down to business, and dig in kind of place. In the heart of downtown, the expansive patio overlooks all of the main street commotion. The menu is printed on an array of makeshift license plates, offering a good variety and heaping portions of pasta’s, burgers, and salads. Try the ’57 chevy’ burger on ciabatta bread!
Open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Main courses average around $10.
Contact the Garage at 406-585-8558.
Montana Ale Works

Originally an old railroad warehouse, Ale Works has transformed itself into a hands down local favorite hangout. The beauty of this restaurant is that it has a very ‘at home’ appeal to it, welcoming families of all ages, cowboys, college students, or visitors just passing through. Overflowing with friendly staff and good music, the menu items are some of the tastiest and most reasonable in town. Along with a full bar, Ale Works features the largest selection of Montana microbrews in town, showcasing beers from all over the state. The spinach-artichoke dip paired with a pint of the snake river brew is a winner.
The restaurant is open 7 days a week from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m., with the bar staying open until 11 a.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant stays open until 11 p.m., with the bar open until 12 a.m.
Reasonably priced, expect to pay around $12-$15 for a main course.
Contact Ale Works at 406-587-7700.
Daves Sushi

For the tastiest, most creative, and fattest sushi rolls in town, head to Dave’s. This quaint little spot has serious character, with personality ridden staff members and a vast menu of delicious raw aquatic vertebrae. Enjoy the sweet sunshine outside on the patio during summer or warm up inside with a bit of warmed sake or hot tea on the chillier days. A little insider tip? Ask about the Gobbler roll, it is not on the menu but remains a fat and delicious local favorite.
Open Monday – Thursday from 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. and Fridays – Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., closed on Sundays.
Expect to shell out around $8-$12 for a specialty roll.
Contact Daves Sushi at 406-556-1351.
Café Zydeco

I really can’t say enough good things about this place. Café Zydeco is the place to go when you are craving thick, spicy, flavorful, and melt in your mouth Cajun food. This modest restaurant is small and off the beaten path but packs a serious punch when it comes to cuisine. The chicken and spicy sausage gumbo will leave you speechless, not to mention the mind numbing effects of the Creole chicken philly.
Open M-W from 11 until 3, Th-F from 11 until 8, Saturdays from 9-4, and Sundays from 9-3.
Menu items average around $8.
Contact Café Zydeco at 406-994-0188.
Over the Tapas

One of the finest places Bozeman has to offer for that intimate date setting you may be looking for. Tapas boasts a traditional, Spanish inspired menu that offers a selection of appetizer-sized dishes ranging from bacon-wrapped dates to seafood paella. The spinach and cheese croquettes with truffle oil always seem to find their way onto my plate. A Spanish inspired wine selection and freshly made desserts are also on hand, awaiting your palate.
Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Sundays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Dishes vary in size and price but average around $10.
Contact Tapas at 406-556-8282.
Ferraros Fine Italian Restaurant

Bringing a little Italy to Montana, Ferraros offers fine dining that you may end up writing home about. A fireplace clad liquor lounge and wine bar offers cushioned seating and only adds to the ambience of the entire restaurant. A few highlights include the Italian pasta, which is authentic and made fresh every day, as well as the wood fired pizza, also made fresh to order. This is one of those ‘can’t go wrong’ restaurants, where everything on the menu is mouth watering.
Open 7 days a week from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
An average plate costs around $15, including salad and bread.
Contact Ferraros at 406-587-2555.
Looies Down Under

What an experience, dining and otherwise! You’ll just have to make an appearance to understand what I mean. Walk down underground to the dimly lit and intimate restaurant of Looies and you will be pleasantly surprised. The menu includes some of the most creative and innovate dishes around, incorporating a separate sushi bar in addition to American, Asian, and Hawaiian inspired cuisine. An award winning wine list and saketinis are also available upon request.
The Sushi Bar is open 7 days a week from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Restaurant is opened Sunday – Thursday from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m., Friday – Saturday from 5:30-9:30 p.m. with a Sunday Brunch from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
An average entrée price will run you around $15, including salad and bread.
Contact Looies at 406-522-8814.
John Bozeman’s Bistro


A top ten list wouldn’t be complete without The Bistro. This elegant yet casual dining environment has taken root in a renovated downtown building from 1905. The allure comes from the old school feel, the fresh ingredients, and the creativity and flavorful flair of the dishes. International food at its finest, choose from local bison tenderloin to Mexican prawns to Indian-curry rubbed sea bass.
Open Tuesday – Saturday for lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and for dinner from 5 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
An average entrée is priced at around $25.
Contact the Bistro at 406-587-4100.

By Julia from AllTrips