Little Pearl Bar
Boise's premier oyster bar, blending classic French technique with fresh, coastal seafood in a charming, intimate downtown setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Little Pearl Bar
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Boise's premier oyster bar, blending classic French technique with fresh, coastal seafood in a charming, intimate downtown setting.
"Seriously some of the best fries I've ever had. Thin, perfectly fried and salted."
Ask for the Secret Menu
Inquire about the Secret Late Night menu for hidden, delightful off-menu options.
Arrive Early
Consider visiting early to avoid long wait times, as the restaurant can get busy quickly.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood, French
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fresh Oysters from Both Coasts
Savor a rotating selection of exceptionally fresh oysters from East and West Coast, a landlocked state's coastal delight.
Exceptional Seafood & French Techniques
Indulge in delicious seafood dishes like moules frites and beet salad stack, inspired by classic French techniques.
Vibey Atmosphere & Ambiance
Experience a charming, intimate, and vibey atmosphere that makes you feel transported to a small pub in France or Boston.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ask for the Secret Menu
Inquire about the Secret Late Night menu for hidden, delightful off-menu options.
Arrive Early
Consider visiting early to avoid long wait times, as the restaurant can get busy quickly.
Engage with Staff
Friendly servers are happy to recommend dishes and share insights about the restaurant's history.
Don't Miss the Fries
Seriously some of the best fries you'll ever have: thin, perfectly fried, and salted.
Tips
from all over the internet
Ask for the Secret Menu
Inquire about the Secret Late Night menu for hidden, delightful off-menu options.
Arrive Early
Consider visiting early to avoid long wait times, as the restaurant can get busy quickly.
Engage with Staff
Friendly servers are happy to recommend dishes and share insights about the restaurant's history.
Don't Miss the Fries
Seriously some of the best fries you'll ever have: thin, perfectly fried, and salted.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners praise Little Pearl Oyster Bar for its exceptionally fresh oysters and delicious seafood dishes, often highlighting the vibey atmosphere and friendly service. However, some guests have been disappointed by the portion sizes and preparation of certain high-ticket items like the lobster roll, and inconsistent service during busy periods can be an issue.
"Really enjoyed this place. The oysters were great and fresh but my God those fries could end wars. Seriously some of the best fries I've ever had. Thin, perfectly fried and salted. Mmm.
Lexie is a great bartender too!"
Justin Snider
"I debated about writing this post but I'm pretty frustrated with the lobster roll on the menu and what was actually presented to me. This is a nice restaurant with a lovely atmosphere and I enjoyed half a dozen oysters that were delicious and very fresh. After I was done with the oysters I waited a solid 15 minutes for the waiter to come back to ask if I wanted anything else. I ordered the lobster roll and I was really excited about it, being from the east coast and having grown up with lobster rolls. What showed up was a pathetic excuse for a lobster roll. Lobster rolls are supposed to be cold with a light mayo and some crisp celery and onion and herbs. The star of the show is the lobster which is sweet and has a delicious flavor. What showed up with about a third of the amount of lobster that should have been in the roll, around than 4 oz is my guess. Instead of big, juicy chunks of meat it was these tiny pieces of overcooked rubber. It was saturated in a roasted spicy, heavily salted cream sauce that completely masked the sweet flavor of the lobster. There are so many examples of lobster rolls on the internet I'm shocked that the chef chose this presentation for such a nice meat. Cooking 101 says if you start with a high quality ingredient like lobster you do not overpower the delicious flavor with all of these seasonings and heavy sauces. That tells me it's a very inferior meat they're using which probably should not be on the menu at that price. The Restaurant itself and the oysters were lovely but the service and the higher ticket items needs serious work."
Elena P
"Vibey little bar in downtown Boise. Great cocktail menu. Oysters and super fresh and delicious - I get ~skeptical~ about eating seafood in a landlocked state but these oysters were top notch! Nice wine list - got the bubbles to pair with the oysters, plus the oyster po boy and lobster roll were really good too. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating. Staff was super helpful and friendly (even when they were busy). Would definitely stop by here for a drink or snacks or dinner or all of the above!"
Bailey Eckert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant is renowned for its fresh oysters, moules frites, and a unique beet salad stack. Don't miss their highly praised fries!
According to their Instagram, they no longer take reservations, so it's best to plan for a potential wait.
The restaurant has a charming, intimate, and vibey atmosphere that makes diners feel like they're in a small pub in France or Boston.
Yes, the restaurant offers great food options for vegetarians, alongside their seafood specialties.
Diners are encouraged to ask about the Secret Late Night menu for hidden delights and off-menu specials.
While not explicitly stated, the restaurant's upscale yet vibey atmosphere suggests smart casual attire would be appropriate.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The Best Desserts in Downtown Boise for 2023
Food & Wine highlighted some of Boise’s finest upscale restaurants like Kin, Little Pearl Oyster Bar and The Lively, popular food truck parks like Green Acres and The Switchback and our ever growing list of local wineries and breweries. The article was written BEFORE the Warehouse Food Hall opened in Downtown Boise, but they previewed it and we can confidently say that the vendors that have opened there have exceeded our expectations for unique and delicious foods. (We’re looking at you, Freshies. You were worth the wait!)
6 Famous Restaurants In Boise To Explore For The Best Food
This quaint eatery on Restaurant Row in downtown offers half a dozen oysters from both coasts to savour while you consider your options. The menu has curry-infused moules frites and a Kobe beef burger in addition to all the seafood favourites, such as shrimp cocktail, lobster roll, seafood chowder, cioppino and fish and chips. Owners Cal and Ashley Elliot are seasoned New York City diners who moved back to Boise, his childhood home, a few years ago.
Boise Area Fine Dining Restaurants to Impress
Little Pearl Oyster Bar is a passion project from husband-wife team Cal and Ashley Elliott, and it’s Idaho’s first oyster bar. The restaurant brings together the coastlines of the East and West in a charming, intimate setting in downtown Boise’s 8th Street Marketplace. The menu is seasonally-driven and oyster-focused, with a bistro-style approach that emphasizes fresh seafood and refined comfort food, all finessed by classic French technique.
Get to Know Boise’s Fine Dining Scene
The Little Pearl Oyster Bar is a relatively new spot on 8th Street and has a companion on the other side of the escalator (next to Rediscovered), called the Little Pearl Bar. @littlepearlboise / Instagram(/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2F9zm36frz%2Fstaging%2Feb515c03353ed910ef192852554053e34b6b2ca5-540x393.png%3Fw%3D800%26q%3D80%26auto%3Dformat&w=3840&q=75)
30 Best Places To Eat And Drink In Boise
You might not expect prime seafood to be found in the Mountain West, but a few years back, you might not have expected to find many Michelin-starred chefs in Boise, either. These days, you can have both at Little Pearl Oyster Bar. Helmed by Chef Cal Elliot (formerly of NYC's Dressler, Rye, and others), LPOB was designed as a call back to the chef's impactful time in NYC.
The Most Romantic Restaurants in Boise
Little Pearl is one of Boise’s only true oyster bars and is owned by one of Boise’s only Michelin-star chefs!. Inside you’ll find a modern, cozy dining area and outside a small patio that looks out on the popular 8th Street. They have a great selection of beer and wine options, along with a great oyster selection.
List of Boise, ID, restaurants heated patios, indoor air filters
8th St.: This new restaurant has a semi-enclosed outdoor patio — sheltered by the Main + Marketplace building and closed off from air draft on two sides. Each socially distanced patio table has its own standing gas heater. There is a separate hadnwashing sink and sanitation station exclusively for patio patrons.
Best Outdoor Patios in Boise, Idaho
Little Pearl Oyster Bar is a trendy seafood restaurant located in downtown Boise, and its patio is a great spot to enjoy some fresh seafood and drinks in a lively outdoor atmosphere. The patio is decorated with colorful flowers and plants, creating a charming and welcoming ambiance.
Where To Go On A Date Night Right Now In Boise
Tucked downtown Boise, this little place packs a lot of personality into one small space. I tend to love the restaurants that you walk in and it kinda feels like you are somewhere else. Little Pearl makes me feel like I am in a small pub in France or Boston.
How to Spend 48 Hours in Boise Idaho
After checking into The Avery, head out for a little pre-show at Little Pearl Oyster Bar for French 75s and fresh oysters. Sit out on what is arguably the best designed patio on 8th Street and enjoy the warm weather and people-watch.
Reviews say this is the ‘best new restaurant in Boise — hands down.’ You gonna bite?
Days after taking over Little Pearl Oyster Bar’s previous dining space at 160 N. 8th St., the downtown eatery has racked up six Google reviews — all a perfect 5.0 stars.
Boise Restaurants | Top 37 in 2025
Head to Boise restaurant Row’s Little Pearl Oyster Bar, a seafood restaurant owned by New York dining scene Veterans Cal and Ashley Elliot.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit