Alyonka Russian Cuisine
Welcome back to The Short List. ✨
A series collaboration between @hellomeridian and @selectidaho highlighting some of the most beloved dishes in Idaho. We give you a short list of exactly what to order, based on the opinions of the chef, the devoted fans, and Natalie of Hello Meridian, a foodie who has been exploring the Treasure Valley food scene for more than ten years, brought to life with the talent of the team at Select Idaho.
For this feature, we visited one of Boise’s true hidden gems. Alyonka Russian Cuisine is an award winning restaurant serving authentic Russian comfort food with heart, warmth, and incredible attention to tradition. If you love restaurants that feel personal, welcoming, and rooted in heritage, this one belongs on your list.
Recognized multiple times as Best European Restaurant and Best Ethnic Food in Boise, @alyonkarussiancuisine is also a standout on a national level, with dishes featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. The food is rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying, and it is very easy to understand why so many locals keep coming back.
Now let us get to the featured dishes.
✨ CHEF’S CHOICE ✨
Pelmeni
Handmade Russian style dumplings filled with seasoned ground beef, served with sour cream or savory broth and finished with fresh dill. A signature dish made with history and love.
✨ PEOPLE’S CHOICE ✨
Chicken Kebab
Tender skewered chicken served with sauce, seasoned rice, and marinated carrot salad. Comforting, flavorful, and a consistent favorite.
✨ NATALIE’S CHOICE ✨
The desserts - no way I can choose just one.
I don’t think anyone is going to be surprised by this. The whole city is in love with Alyonka’s desserts, and many say they are the best desserts in town. From the seasonal sweet blini to the pavlova, lemon mousse, royal poppy seed cake, and the FAMOUS honey cake, this is the kind of dessert menu you order first and figure out dinner later.
📍 2870 West State Street
Boise, Idaho
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
