A world of cuisine in Coeur d’Alene By Jillian Chandler
The Syringa. The Bluebird. The Monarch. These are all symbolic of Idaho, as they represent the state’s flower, bird and insect. In addition, each represents a North Idaho dining establishment that has become synonymous with Coeur d’Alene. Thanks to owners Viljo and Autumn Basso, Syringa Japanese Café + Sushi Bar, Bluebird - A Midtown Eatery and Monarch Ramen + Noodle House are well-known and loved throughout the community—and beyond.
The names reflect an appreciation for this place they call home; the restaurants an homage to their travels and the various cuisines they’ve experienced throughout them.
“We live and work in such an amazing area,” says Autumn. “We have the greatest customers that we have grown with over the years. The continued support we receive is humbling, and we hope to continue producing quality products while striving to give the best customer service possible.”
It all began in 2007, when the couple introduced their first restaurant to the Coeur d’Alene community—Syringa Japanese Café + Sushi Bar. Satisfying customers since first opening their doors, you are guaranteed to find the best sushi and modern Japanese cuisine North Idaho has to offer! Using only fresh high-quality ingredients and wonderful flavors in each dish they prepare, guests will taste the difference. And with a flair for originality and excellence, Syringa continues to stand apart from the rest.
Down the street from Syringa is where you will find The Bluebird - A Midtown Eatery, which the husband-and-wife team opened in 2016. Quickly garnering a large following that continues to flourish, this casual neighborhood bistro-style restaurant serves lunch and dinner, featuring a menu inspired by the couple’s 25 years of culinary travels and adventures.
Seasonal as much as possible, the menu items change frequently with specials offered weekly, allowing diners to try something new each time they visit. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from their outstanding wine list (don’t forget to join their monthly wine club!) or something from their great selection of beer, ciders and sours.
When dining options offered by the couple seemed like they couldn’t get any better, the Bassos added yet another restaurant to the mix—Monarch Ramen + Noodle House. Opened fall of 2019 to fill a void and bring new flavor to town, the intimate and casual 42-seat restaurant serves lunch and dinner and features a menu of house-specialty ramen and noodle dishes (with vegetarian and gluten-free options available), as well as a variety of small-plate options.
Viljo and Autumn are thankful for the continued support of the community, as well as their loyal staff, who help to keep their restaurants thriving. “We are extremely grateful to our staff that has stuck with us, not only through a pandemic but during the day-to-day grind,” shares Autumn.
Offering three distinct dining destinations, Viljo and Autumn are proud to provide each guest a unique—and delicious—meal, no matter where they choose to take a seat. For current restaurant hours, and to view the menus, please visit their websites.
Syringa Japanese Café + Sushi Bar 1710 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 208.664.2718 | SyringaSushi.com
The Bluebird - A Midtown Eatery 816 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 208.665.3777 | MidtownBluebird.com
Monarch Ramen + Noodle House 1401 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 208.966.4230 | MonarchNoodles.com
