North Idaho Gems
The flavors of Coeur d’Alene favorites continue to please
By Jillian Chandler
Photo by Owen Aird
The Syringa. The Bluebird. The Monarch. And the White Pine. These are all symbolic of Idaho, as they represent the state’s flower, bird, insect and tree. 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, Monarch Ramen + Noodle House, and The White Pine Coffee Shop 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.
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. Stop in for lunch or dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
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 Tuesday through Sunday, 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.If you’re looking to warm up this winter season with a strong brew and freshly made baked treats, stop in next door, where you’ll find The White Pine, midtown’s favorite coffee café since 2018.
Open 7am to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday, here you’ll find the baristas serving up DOMA Coffee, with all syrups house made using no artificial ingredients, accompanied by the delicious fresh pastries baked in-house daily. From croissants and scones to macarons and more, it's the perfectly quaint little spot to stop in and beat the cold.
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 Tuesday through Saturday and features a menu of house-specialty ramen and noodle dishes (including “build-your-own” ramen), as well as a variety of small-plate options. And to make it easy, they now offer online ordering via their website!
Offering four 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.
Syringa Japanese Café + Sushi Bar
1710 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, ID
208.664.2718 | SyringaSushi.com
The Bluebird
816 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, ID
208.665.3777 | MidtownBluebird.com
The White Pine
814 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, ID
208.966.4131 | MidtownWhitePine.com
Monarch Ramen + Noodle House
1401 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, ID
208.966.4230 | MonarchNoodles.com
