Helena is the capital city of Montana, USA, and the county seat of Lewis and Clark County.
It was established as a gold camp during the Montana gold rush but currently boasts a population of 32,060. The city is one of the best places to live or visit if you love a small-town, unassuming feel.
Helena offers many parks, cafés, and bars, providing an opportunity for outdoor sightseeing and exciting moments.
The food and art scene is terrific and has something for everyone.
For an unforgettable dining experience, here are the top restaurants in Helena, MT.
Best Restaurants in Helena
1. Lucca’s
Having won the admiration of all, Lucca’s is one of the best restaurants in Helena, MT.
It specializes in traditional Italian cuisine, with elegance, tantalizing taste, and sight. The restaurant has won several awards; its relaxed setting and class contribute to that.
You can’t walk past without being tempted to step in and order a dish of fresh food cooked to taste. Start with spicy shrimp fra diavolo; its tickling and rich flavor promises to be fun. Their appetizers, seasonal dishes, main course, and desserts are worth every palate. You won’t go wrong with tasty wine from the extensive list.
What’s more, the intimate 54-seat setting does not take long to fill out because people have discovered what a little heaven it is. It also impresses the brilliant guests with its quality service and attentive staff. Not to forget, if you are looking for a fun restaurant in Helena, Montana, to celebrate your birthday, all you need is to contact them in advance and have the staff plan a memorable event.
Lucca’s is open on Wednesday to Saturday, from 5 – 9 pm, and Sunday, from 5 – 8:30 pm.
Address: 56 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601. Phone: (406) 457-8311
2. Steve’s Café
Since 2009, Steve’s Café has welcomed guests from diverse settings and offered them delectable breakfast and brunch entrees.
With its comfy ambiance and specialty dishes, this casual café in the heart of Montana provides unique and from-scratch meals. Only the best ingredients make it to the kitchen, giving you a homemade taste, and leaving you with no choice than discovering new favorites.
The extensive menu features flavors like huckleberry stuffed French toast, corned beef hash, Reuben sandwich, homemade sausages, shrimp omelet, and other local dishes.
Kick-start your day with a taste of egg Benedict, a decadent brunch classic comprising poached eggs, buttery and cream flavor. Pairing it with a cup of hot or cold coffee will be fun.
Undoubtedly, you will love the soups and other brunch staples. The staff is reliable and gives listening ears to your demands. When it comes to price, you have nothing to worry about because everything is affordable.
Steve’s Café is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 6:30 am – 2:30 pm.
Address: 630 N Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59601. Phone: (406) 449-6666
3. On Broadway
In the center of downtown Helena Montana rests On Broadway restaurant, which is among the best in the neighborhood. It specializes in providing traditional Italian dishes and west-coast influence in a sophisticated setting. The menu has everything you can find in an Italian restaurant.
On top of the list is pasta, which could be combined with mushrooms in a light cream sauce, freshly made to taste. The piquant steaks, bread, salads, fresh fish, and filet mignon will please your enthusiasm, no matter the mood. You can top it off with a red wine or cocktail.
The restaurant buzzes with live jazz music on Thursday nights, and you may want to come around for relaxation. The vibes are fun and perfect for lovers wanting somewhere to enjoy their nights. It is one of the places you can see the locals, relaxing and sharing good conversations after a hectic day.
On Broadway is one of the top Helena restaurants and is open Monday to Thursday, from 5 – 9:30 pm, and Friday to Saturday, from 5 – 10 pm.
Address: 106 E Broadway St, Helena, MT 59601. Phone: (406) 443-1929
4. Mediterranean Grill
Regarding fine dining in the heart of Helena, Montana, Mediterranean Grill is the energy you need. It focuses on Mediterranean-inspired dishes created in warm environments. You can add it to your top list if you are still determining where to eat in the neighborhood.
Try the chicken lasagna with summertime salad for a tasty meal. Their lentil soup is also nicely seasoned and flavorful, perfect for lunch.
The restaurant also has an incredible wine selection with delightful desserts like kunefe and tiramisu.
The restaurant also has a lovely patio to relax with friends and colleagues for a laid-back experience. It is a place to try something different from what is at home. Nothing disappoints, even as you will enjoy quality service.
Mediterranean Grill is open on Monday to Saturday, from 11 am – 9:30 pm, and Sunday, from 10 am – 9:30 pm.
Address: 42 S Park Ave, Helena, MT 59601. Phone: (406) 495-1212
5. Brewhouse Pub & Grill
Set in downtown Helena, Brewhouse Pub & Grill is one of the best Helena restaurants to eat and enjoy excellent cold brews. It provides delicious pub food and a welcoming atmosphere where the locals chill and mingle with one another.
The menu features freshly cooked comfort food, including appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, soups, and salads.
Entice your taste buds with a plate of their popular queen’s fish, a local favorite that’s tenderly and flavorfully cooked.
Their onion rings are the best appetizer, crispy and delicious. Everything is perfectly cooked and served piping hot which makes it among the best Helena restaurants.
You will love to dine in this outstanding restaurant, with a lovely indoor and outdoor setting for your comfort. It features boisterous digs and vintage signs with a welcoming ambiance.
The prices and service are also terrific; those on a low budget can find their favorites on the menu.
Brewhouse Pub & Grill is open from Sunday to Saturday, from 11 am – 10 pm.
Address: 939 Getchell St, Helena, MT 59601. Phone: (406) 457-9390
6. Silver Star Steak Company
The list of the top restaurants in Helena, Montana, is incomplete without Silver Star Steak Company.
It exudes a laid-back ambiance where the visitors can sit back and enjoy their award-winning meal. This elegant restaurant serves a range of meaty and juicy steaks.
The food is always prepared with the freshest and finest ingredients and paired with an extensive wine and beer list for a refreshing dining experience. Not only that, try the beef stroganoff with crunchy salad and you will enjoy every bit of it.
The rib eye is a piece of heaven and melts in the mouth with its succulent taste.
The ingredients are locally sourced and cooked for your taste buds. If you stay in any hotel, you can stroll in with your partner for an intimate dinner in the dining room. The lounge is another place to relax and have fun with the locals, who are always ready to start a conversation.
Silver Star Steak Company is open on Monday to Thursday, from 11:30 am – 10 pm, Friday, from 11:30 am – 11 pm, Saturday, from 4 – 11 pm, and Sunday, from 4 – 9 pm.
Address: 833 Great Northern Blvd, Helena, MT 59601. Phone: (406) 495-0677
7. Shellie’s Country Café
Opened in 2007, Shellie’s Country Café has been drawing visitors to Helena with its homemade pizzas and Southern-style favorites.
It has been a go-to spot for those seeking fun and food in a local restaurant. It focuses on serving simple and hearty breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all-day meals.
This café will nourish you with beef tips with beef vegetable soups, taco salad with fry bread, steaks and salads, pies and milkshakes, and other food combinations. Enjoy your breakfast with a cup of coffee; it feels like paradise.
Besides, the place is always busy, although you can easily sit. The accommodating staff makes it an excellent place to try new favorites. You will also enjoy everything at a reasonable price.
Shellie’s Country Café is open from Sunday to Saturday, from 12 am – 11:59 pm. Feel free to add this restaurant to your list of best places to eat in Helena, MT.
Address: 3122 US-12, Helena, MT 59601. Phone: (406) 442-0033
8. Ristorante Bella Roma
Chef Davide Giuliani invites guests to his mouthwatering feasting in downtown Helena, as he dishes out soul-satisfying meals. The focus is on traditional Italian cuisine to appease the taste buds. Ristorante Bella Roma is a casual spot you should not ignore if you want it made from scratch and to order food.
Among the favorites include handmade pasta, crispy cannoli shells, or hand-kneaded focaccia bread, giving memories of Italian recipes and passion. Seasonal ingredients from the local farmers and fishermen inspire the change in menu.
Locals and tourists alike can experience the taste of simple Italian cuisine as they enter this casual spot. Even if you enter as a guest, you will leave as a family. Ensure to experience the private dining room if you have a special occasion to host. You can also request professional catering services, and the staff will make your occasion memorable.
Ristorante Bella Roma is open on Sunday to Thursday, from 5 – 10 pm, and Friday to Saturday, from 5 – 11 pm.
Address: 22 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601. Phone: 406-437-4497,
9. Café Zydeco
Café Zydeco is an unpretentious restaurant serving Cajun-style entrees tucked away along Euclid Avenue. This unassuming café makes dining in Helena enjoyable, as it provides a welcoming atmosphere to eat flavorful and tasty brunch and lunch.
Being an addition to the neighborhood’s culinary scene, the restaurant offers everything you crave. From seafood to steaks, baked goods, soups, and salads, you will not be disappointed.
The menu is wide, so prepare to spice up your culinary adventure with specialty and simple dishes.
All you need is to go to the counter, check the menu, pick your choice, and pay. Then, relax with a drink and let the servers attend to you.
The food is made from scratch and comes out, piping hot. You will always have another reason to come again after your first experience.
Cafe Zydeco is open on Monday to Friday, from 11 am – 8 pm, and Saturday, from 9 am – 3 pm.
Address: 625 Euclid Ave, Helena, MT 59601. Phone: (406) 449-7032.
Want to know more top places to eat in Montana? Here is a guide on restaurants in Helena and restaurants in Columbia Falls for a fun meal time.
10. Benny’s Bistro
In downtown Helena’s heart, Benny’s Bistro twists locally-sourced ingredients with Indian, Italian, and Spanish cuisines.
It is one of the best restaurants in Helena, MT and offers a fun atmosphere, which sets the mood for a unique culinary experience. The food is made with fresh farm-to-table and seasonal ingredients.
The green Thai curry hits the spot with its spicy, thick, creamy flavor and is served with basmati rice. They also have a lovely wine selection, in addition to the pies, bread, desserts, stroganoff, veggie, and soups.
Relax in the dining room with lounge-like and jazz-themed décor, guaranteeing a pleasurable outcome.
They also play live music in the evening, which contributes to the relaxed mood. You will be glad to visit this classy hangout spot as you register your presence in the city.
Benny’s Bistro is open on Tuesday to Saturday, from 11 am – 3 pm and 5 – 9 pm.
Address: 108 E 6th Ave, Helena, MT 59601. Phone: (406) 443-0105
11. Blackfoot River Brewing
Established by local brewers in 1998, Blackfoot River Brewing is famous for its handcrafted brews. It is a brewpub in Helena worthy of your presence for simple and hearty food paired with delicious beers. It is where friends are met, and family reunites to enjoy a warm atmosphere.
Stop by to relish your favorite or try something new, and if you want a large variety, try the sampler tray. While doing that, you can munch on tasty snacks and strike up conversations.
Music lovers will enjoy the live music, as it serenades the ears and sets the mood for fun. The patio seating is comfortable and available for those who don’t want to dine in. your comfort is their priority and the staff ensures you get the best.
Blackfoot River Brewing is open Monday to Thursday, from 2 – 8 pm, and Friday to Sunday, from 12 – 8 pm.
Address: 66 S Park Ave, Helena, MT 59601. Phone: (406) 449-3005
12. General Mercantile
The General Mercantile is an award-winning coffee shop in Helena that has existed since 1971. It is a superb spot for coffee, tea, chocolate, and freshly baked goods.
When it comes to exceptional quality, give it to this café, and relax, as you watch them serve you like a special one.
Although the place has limited seating, it is a popular spot known for having numerous patronages. Its simplicity earns it a top position in Helena, and you will love to grab a drink while hanging out with friends.
The aroma that welcomes your sense of smell is strong and inviting that you can’t wait to grab a seat and enjoy your favorite.
Aside from the drinks, you can select a lovely chocolate bar or cake for your sweet tooth.
They also have a range of antiques, accessories, and trinkets in another section of the shop. So, this spot has you covered whether you are looking for gifts, kids’ items, treats, or espresso drinks.
General Mercantile is open on Monday to Friday, from 8 am – 5:30 pm, Saturday, from 9 am – 5 pm, and Sunday, from 11 am – 4 pm.
Address: 413 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601. Phone: (406) 461-6028
13. Park Avenue Bakery
Inspired by European patisseries, Park Avenue Bakery is famous for serving baked goods and breakfast staples.
Established in 1981, it will sweep you away with pastries, homemade bread, and decadent desserts. If you are in the mood for pizzas, cinnamon rolls, and sausage rolls, you are in for a delicious offering.
This unassuming bakery has a few seats to savor treats and drinks; you won’t go wrong with anything.
Everything is made with high-quality ingredients with an irresistible aroma. Make this spot a must-visit whenever you visit the city, and you will be glad you did.
Park Avenue Bakery is open on Monday to Friday, from 7 am – 6 pm, Saturday, from 7 am – 4 pm, and Sunday, from 8 am – 1 pm.
Address: 44 S Park Ave, Helena, MT 59601. Phone: (406) 449-8424
14. Schooners Bar and Grill
Nestled along Canyon Ferry Lake, Schooners Bar and Grill invites visitors to a sumptuous dinner at its Helena, Montana, location.
With its lake views and award-winning cuisine, guests look forward to a fantastic time here. While there is nothing fancy about the food, the restaurant deserts a spot on the list of fun restaurants in the neighborhood.
You will enjoy real food and drinks while soaking in the iconic view of the lake. Don’t pass the opportunity to enjoy their lasagna and scampi dish; it is simply refreshing and offers cheesy flavors. A piece of dessert provides a glimpse of heaven, and you won’t be able to resist it.
In addition, the Schooners serves lunch and dinner in an unpretentious atmosphere, and you cannot miss this spot.
The bar is another significant aspect of the restaurant that can keep you glued to different bottles, but you won’t over-drink. The service is perfect, although the price may be high. So, get set to view the north end of the Canyon Ferry Lake with its spectacular glaringness.
Schooners Bar and Grill is open on Thursday to Sunday, from 11:30 am – 9 pm.
Address: 7035 Canyon Ferry Rd, Helena, MT 59602. Phone: (406) 475-3125
15. MacKenzie River Pizza Co.
With its rustic and casual ambiance, MacKenzie River Pizza Co has warmed its way into the heart of visitors who wish to enjoy great sandwiches, wines, or beers.
The food is delicious and freshly prepared which makes this restaurant among the best places to eat in Helena, MT.
The Humble Pie, with its distinctive flavor and ingredients mix, is a must-eat pizza that hits the spot. Other hearty classics, creatively prepared and served in heaping portions, exist on the menu. Enjoying them with the cold, crunchy salad and crispy fries is something no one should miss.
Finding the servers up and doing is a relief, ensuring no stone is left unturned. Therefore, the restaurant is always lively and welcoming, a rare place for lunch and dinner. As you stop by, relax and amaze your palate with your cravings and you will make out time for another visit.
MacKenzie River Pizza Co is open on Monday to Thursday, from 11 am – 9 pm, Friday to Saturday, from 11 am – 10 pm, and Sunday, from 12 – 9 pm.
Address: 1110 Rd Runner St, Helena, MT 59602. Phone: (406) 443-0033.
16. Bullman’s Pizza of Helena
If you want to savor fresh and authentic wood-fired pizzas in Montana, Bullman’s Pizza of Helena is the right spot. It is a restaurant to create memories while dining in a cozy atmosphere. The ingredients are the freshest, and that is why you can’t resist the flavors that hit your taste buds.
Aside from the pizzas, the restaurant serves appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and desserts, all juicy and palatable. Go for the pesto and goat cheese pizza; you will appreciate the taste. They also have vegetarian options, making it a perfect spot to impress every palate.
Moreover, the food is made from scratch and served to order. The servers pay attention to detail, and the prices are affordable. It is best to dine in and order an ice-cold beer to pair. However, if you prefer a pickup or takeout, it does not reduce the crustiness or juiciness of the toppings.
Bullman’s Pizza of Helena is open on Monday to Saturday, from 11 am – 9 pm, and Sunday, from 12 – 8 pm.
Address: 1130 Helena Ave, Helena, MT 59601. Phone: +1 406-443-0004.
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Plan a Trip to Helena
Helena, Montana is an interesting tourist destination with numerous restaurants serving eclectic tastes in an inviting environment.
This city is a perfect place to visit for food and fun. Thus, the above restaurants are our top picks, and if you are a food lover, you won’t wait to select your favorite based on location and their offerings.