For a small town in a relatively remote region, Sandpoint contains a disproportionate number 60 but not all are listed here of restaurants of all sorts, likely because of its strong tourist economy. In addition to locally-owned restaurants listed below, Sandpoint hosts several fast food chains.
Sandpoint holds two "food festivals" annually- A Taste of Sandpoint' in February part of the Winter Carnival and Sandpoint Summer Sampler in late June. Both feature many local restaurants in a fun and artsy setting. Foster's Crossing Antiques holds a fudge contest during the Winter Carnival, and for a small fee anyone can test then judge entries.
Every town has a specialty, and Sandpoint's is huckleberries. From huckleberry pie to huckleberry syrup to huckleberry daiquiris, you can find just about everything in huckleberry come summer. Local stores often carry some of the prepackaged stuff, like huckleberry candy bars, and restaurants usually serve some sort of huckleberry dessert. Huckleberry Ice Cream in particular seems to be the local favorite.
All of Sandpoint's restaurants are casual, that is to say none of them have dress requirements. Even the most expensive restaurants will let you in wearing ripped jeans, but you may get some looks. That being said, you will probably also see many others dressed as you are! Price guide for an average entrée: $ = <$10, $$ = $10-20, $$$ = >$20
The Tunnel Cookery + Drinkery
Great food, great wine and beer, kitchen always open late! Great venue for live music and dancing every Friday and Saturday night. Menu is very affordable and offers something for everyone.
Oriental
Bamboo Chinese Restaurant
Bangkok Cuisine Thai Restaurant
Golden Dragon
Pizza
Second Avenue Pizza
Old Ice House Pizza
Thor's Pizza
Grills/barbeque
Spuds Rotisserie & Grill
Perhaps Sandpoint's most well known local restaurant, Spuds' lunch menu is chock full of freshly made sandwiches of all sorts, plus delectable rotisserie chicken and, of course, lots of potatoes. At night, they pull the curtain on their walk up counter and do table service, with steaks, rotisserie chicken, tri-tip, and all sorts of other savory meals, plus several to-die-for desserts. $$
The Hydra Restaurant
Located in a beautiful blue house on the corner of Lake & 2nd, just far enough from the bustle of the main strip, the Hydra is well known for their buffet, but their steaks are also excellent, as well as their extensive dessert menu. $$
Eichardts Pub & Grill
Gourmet burgers seem to be the order of the day at Eichardts, but they also feature sandwiches, salads, and a full service bar. Sitting upstairs is recommended, especially with children. $-$$
Bistro at the Inn at Sand Creek
Serving up Northwest cuisine with a seasonally changing menu the Bistro has an extensive wine program and a full bar. Casual environment with a summer patio and fireplaces in both dining areas. open every evening at 4PM closed on Tuesday.$-$$$
Slates Prime Time Grill & Sports Bar
Slates has moved into their new location off of HWY 95 just north of Sandpoint, more than just a sports bar, more like a sports restaurant. Beautiful log building, fitting for northern Idaho. Popular restaurant with the locals, serving gourmet burgers, steaks, seafood, pasta and salads.
Captn's Table
Located off the beaten path in Sagle, the Captn's Table is a modern take on a wild west saloon, complete with first class meals and a bar. Their specialty is their homemade cheesecake!$$
Chimney Rock Grill
Specializing in Northwest cuisine, this grill has incredible views of Sandpoint, along with fresh fish, steaks, and a large dessert menu. $$
Long Bridge Grill
Right at the Sagle end of the Long Bridge, you will find this fun family restaurant, with steaks, seafood, and other typical steakhouse fare. $$
Duke's Cowboy Grill
Out in Ponderay, Duke's serves up barbequed everything, from pulled pork to chili to chicken, along with all the chips and salsa you can eat, in a very authentic Texas-style building. $$
Floating Restaurant
Bonner County's only restaurant not actually attached to the ground hence the name, the Floating Restaurant serves all sorts of Northwest specialties and is a great restaurant, but beware: the restrooms are on their own separate small floats, and during choppy water seasickness may be induced. ! $$
Dock of the Bay
This restaurant on the water features unbelievably fresh fish and other goodies, in a gorgeous wooden Alaska-themed building with a nice patio right on the bay, this restaurant could easily be Sandpoint's best. $$$
Sunset Saloon
Located in the historic Hope Hotel, this cute little diner features an array of burgers, steaks, salads and more, with a full service bar. $
Cricket Original Bbq House
This cute roadside stand has an excellent location- across from Farmin park. They serve up all sorts of barbequed meats, plus wraps and sandwiches. Particularly observant visitors may notice their truck around town, which has a large menu strapped to the back. $
The Pastime
Steaks are the order of the day here, but you can also find lots of other meals, including salads and fresh sandwiches. Upstairs is the Synergy Nightclub. $$
Beyond Hope Resort Restaurant
Located right on the lake with a beautiful lawn, this upscale restaurant offers all sorts of entrées, from steak and chicken to appetizers and a full service bar. $$
Italian
Arlos Ristorante
Ivanos Ristoranté & Café