Montana isn’t your average destination.
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You’ve got unspoiled views of the Rockies and a long, exhaustive list of outdoor activities at your fingertips. You’ve got remote locations where you can drop off the map and find your inner peace, at long last. Toss in ski lodges, national parks, and dude ranches, and it’s easy to see why Montana is a wonderland for nature lovers.
Still, despite the fact that life in Montana revolves around life’s more rugged interests, you can find many of life’s finer things in the state—including award-winning gastronomy.
This year’s James Beard award list of semifinalists includes restaurants across Montana. If you’re new to James Beard, it’s an American culinary award that’s assigned to the best eats of the year—sort of like Michelin, but broader. Michelin focuses on restaurants, while James Beard also rates chefs, bakers, and even food authors.
This year, James Beard officials named eight distinct restaurants and eateries in Montana, in Bozeman, Missoula, Whitefish, Hamilton, and Red Lodge. Keep them on your radar if you’re heading to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, or heading into a city like Bozeman or Missoula.
James Beard-Approved places to eat in Montana
Blackbird Kitchen (Bozeman)
Nominated for Outstanding Restaurant
Great Italian and pizza with a wood-fired oven. Don’t skip out on the appetizers—they’re seasonal and curated. Make sure to make a reservation or hope for seats at the bar. This is one of the city’s most popular eateries!
Wild Crumb (Bozeman)
Nominated for Outstanding Bakery
Stop in for artisanal breads, handmade pastries, sandwiches, and fresh-brewed coffee. You’ll taste the difference because Wild Crumb sources most of its ingredients from local suppliers. Staff are also very friendly, and the café setup is cozy.
Shan (Bozeman)
Nominated for Best Chef – Mountain
Recently, Shan was a finalist for Best New Restaurant in 2024 by the James Beard Foundation. More recently, Shan was nominated for Best Chef thanks to Chef Jarrett Wrisley. The restaurant combines Thai and Chinese dishes using local ingredients. Dishes are also paired with craft beers and wines you haven’t heard of before.
JW Heist Steakhouse (Bozeman)
Outstanding Restauranteur
The steaks are top-notch at JW Heist Steakhouse—but the atmosphere is the real magic. It took home a semifinalist nod thanks to its refined, atmospheric setup. The décor is dark and inviting, with a dash of elegant Old World charm and next-level service from staff.
Plonk (Bozeman)
Outstanding Restauranteur
Like JW Heist Steakhouse, Plonk delivers on a near-perfect fine dining atmosphere—this time, with a little Old West dash of cowboy style. Plonk is a wine bar and American restaurant with dishes that are familiar, just with a masterful twist. Many items on the menu are also locally sourced.
Pangea (Missoula)
Nominated for Best Chef – Mountain
Chef Brandon Cunningham is putting Pangea on the map. The restaurant has a unique mashup of global eats, from sandwiches to burgers to salads. The craft cocktails and local beers are also a favorite amongst locals.
Ember (Hamilton)
Nominated for Best Chef – Mountain
Chef Brandon Dearden has perfected the art of cooking with a wood-fired oven. Ember is an upscale restaurant that excels in ‘fire-kissing’ its many dishes, which are heavy on seasonal game meats and classics like whipped mashed potatoes. Best of all, the kitchen is visible, letting you watch in awe as the chef wields fire to cook.
Herb and Omni (Whitefish)
Nominated for Best Chef – Mountain
Chef Earl James Reynolds obsesses over his menu to deliver a farm-to-table dining experience. Ingredients are seasonal, dishes are designed to tell a story, and the setting is both warm and historical. Whitefish is located near Glacier National Park—stop in to refuel after a long day of exploring.
One Legged Maggie (Red Lodge)
Nominated for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
What’s not to love with a name like that? This restaurant is vibrant (unsurprisingly) and serves us delicious cocktails alongside creative dishes—usually served up with a side of live music. Once again, ingredients are locally sourced and driven by seasonal availability. As a perk, this restaurant also focuses on community engagement in the small Red Lodge area.
