I bet you didn’t think you would be able to find authentic Russian food in little old Boise. Alyonka is about as authentic as you can get and this restaurant does home cooked Russian food to perfection. You’ll find all the Russian classics here like borsht, beef stroganoff, and piroshkis, but they offer delicacies too like the beautiful Shuba, a layer of smoked salmon, shredded potatoes, carrots, and beets.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​“I was born and raised in ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Kazakhstan (which borders Russia and was part of the former Soviet Union). “I was born and raised in ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Kazakhstan (which borders Russia and was part of the former Soviet Union). ​​​​​​​When travel restrictions were lifted, I traveled to the United States from Russia in 1993.

Chinese and Siberian cuisines have blended for millenia, and it’s the passes of the Ural Mountains that Eastern Europe has to thank for its dumplings. Boise’s best European dumplings are the Russian pelmeni at Alyonka, served with sour cream and savory in a different way than most Asian versions. The vereniki (a variety of pelmeni with a potato and mushroom filling), are incredible.

$$ | Russian, Authentic | Website2870 W State Street, Boise, ID 83702 | (208) 344-8996. For owner and Chef Elena DeYoung, the decision to open Boise’s only Russian restaurant was simple. As the event coordinator for Boise’s Russian Food Festival, a 14-year-old event serving 4,000 Boiseans annually, she kept hearing the same question: where can we eat food like this year-round?

Not only is Alyonka a local favorite, winning several Best of Idaho awards, but it was recently featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on Food Network!. And the recognition is well deserved. The owner Elena was born and raised in the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan and when you dine at Alyonka, Elena and her team want you to feel right at home.

Pelmeni (Russian dumplings) from Alyonka – Photo courtesy of Natalie Martin. Boise has one full-service Russian restaurant, but if you prefer quality over quantity, Alyonka is all you need. The idea for this cozy dining spot started when owner and head chef Elena DeYoung worked as the event coordinator for the annual Russian Food Festival.

Alyonka Russia Cuisine is a small but mighty restaurant, serving up comforting classics like beef stroganoff, Russian crepes, and Pelmeni dumplings. Everything in our kitchen is made from scratch – with the highest quality ingredients. Elena is also known for her incredible desserts, from the Honey Cake to the Pavlova.

During that visit, Food Network shot DDD episodes at Sunshine Spice Cafe, Taj Mahal Homestyle Indian and Pakistani Cuisine, Tango’s Subs and Empanadas, Alyonka Russian Cuisine, Westside Drive-In, Saint Lawrence Gridiron and Madre. All of those episodes put Boise in the national spotlight last spring and summer.

Founded by Marina Shaposhnikova, Alyonka brings the rich culinary traditions of Slavic home cooking to Boise. Their handmade Pelmeni dumplings, rich beef stroganoff, and delicate Russian crepes—all crafted from scratch— have earned Alyonka a feature on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, among other accolades.

This place is so delicious and a great way to change up the typical types of food in the Boise restaurant scene. Alyonka is owned and operated by a local woman, Elena DeYoung, who was born and raised in the former Soviet Republic of Kazakhstan. She now owns Alyonka on State St., and it is SO GOOD!

Offering authentic Russian dishes that inspire conversation and craving more, this cozy yet mighty restaurant is a must-try. We may note that the owner is known for her incredible desserts, so you may want to start with dessert first. 2870 W State St | Boise | 208.344.8996 | @alyonkarussiancuisine

A broad range of authentic Russian food is waiting for you at Alyonka Russian Cuisine. Owned by El DeYoung, who grew up in Kazakhstan, and her team, who hails from Armenia and Ukraine, you can expect a blend of cultures like no other.

State St., Boise, 208-344-8996: Alyonka has three outdoor tables with two patio heaters. Owner Elena DeYoung said she is exploring the possibility of installing bipolar ionization or UV lighting indoors.

They’re best known for their beef stroganoff, shuba (layered salad), and pelmeni (meat dumplings) dishes. Alyonka is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Saturday. Reservations are encouraged.

If you live in Treasure Valley and haven’t had the Honey Cake at Alyonka Russian Cuisine yet, I need you to stop reading this and just dash over there now … it’s THAT delicious!

If you're into Russian/Eastern European food, check out Alyonka, also on Guy Fieri's show. The interior is a bit sparse but the food is excellent.

Alyonka restaurant is a previous alum of Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives," as this eatery isn't one of the three ...