A prime Boise dining spot shouldn’t be vacant long. ‘Rustic’ new restaurant planned downtown

When Juniper closed this year in downtown Boise, it left behind a decade of memories.

Nostalgic diners soon could be able to reminisce in that familiar environment — while tasting the future.

Rustica plans to take over the spot at 211 N. 8th St., restaurateur Dan Watts says. It’s located straight across the street from Wild Root, one of three other food-and-drink businesses Watts owns. The others? Saint Lawrence Gridiron and cocktail bar Suite 104.

Watts doesn’t plan to change the former Juniper interior, which holds about 120 diners. “It’s a beautiful space,” he says.

But Rustica’s menu would be different. The concept is focused on “rustic Italian cuisine,” he says, “with influence from Spain and France. Quality ingredients and classic European cooking techniques.”

Watts worked in food for 30 years, he says, and one of his jobs involved global food operations. He and his wife and business partner, Samantha, “spent a good amount of time in these regions for both work and leisure. This concept will encapsulate the best of food we experienced on those travels. There will be many nods to certain people and dishes that were very special during those travels.”

The former Juniper oven would be a Rustica menu centerpiece, he says. “We plan to do some special, unique items out of the oven that you don’t normally see in Boise,” Watts explains.

Rustica plans to have a liquor license, so cocktails would be available, too.

If all goes according to plan, the new restaurant will strive to make its debut in early June, Watts says. Just in time to showcase one of those small, beloved 8th Street restaurant patios.

“Fingers crossed,” he says. “... We’ll push as hard as we can and see where it goes.”