A car crashed into this ‘gem’ of a Boise restaurant. Now it’s moved to a former pizzeria

A much-loved Boise restaurant that survived an unusual, difficult stretch has found a new home.

Tarbush Kitchen, which closed for nearly 10 months after a car plowed into it in early 2022, reopened Sept. 15 at 2757 S. Broadway Ave.

That’s the former Pizza Pie Cafe space, and a location that Tarbush husband-and-wife owners Salam and Aseel Bunyan are excited to show off. “Our new spot is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat with friends and family,” Tarbush promised in a note addressed to “foodies” earlier this year on social media.

Specializing in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food, Tarbush debuted in 2019 at 5749 W. Overland Road. After the shocking, late-night car incident, the restaurant closed to remodel and eventually reopened in the same building. But months later, Tarbush announced that it planned to move to the new strip mall spot on Broadway.

Thanks to authentic Iraqi cuisine and friendly service, Tarbush has a loyal customer base that helped it ride out the tough times. The restaurant rates an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars from more than 250 Google reviews. On Yelp, it’s 4.7 out of 5.

A recent reviewer who claimed to be visiting Boise from Dallas couldn’t say enough good things.

“One of the best Mediterranean restaurants just about anywhere I have been. … Everything was fantastic. Great healthy meal with a good deal of vegetables,” he wrote, highlighting lamb arayes, falafel and muhammara as top items. “I cannot recommend Tarbush Kitchen enough. Boise has a true hidden gem!”

Interested in checking out the new, reincarnated Tarbush Kitchen? It’s open from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Online: tarbushkitchenidaho.com.