Business Details
11 Years
experience
Historic Italian Cafe & Gift Shop in Downtown Boise
As the proud owner of The Sturiale Place, I am honored to preserve and share a piece of Boise's rich history through our unique blend of culinary tradition and architectural heritage. Originally built in 1893 as the Woods House in Boise's Central Addition district, our historic Queen Anne cottage was rescued from demolition in 2015 through a collaborative effort with Preservation Idaho and relocated to its current location at 1501 W. Jefferson Street. Our journey began with a vision to create a space where history, art, and Italian culinary traditions could coexist in harmony. Today, we offer visitors an immersive experience through our specialty cafe serving homemade Italian meals, a curated gift shop featuring antiques and local artisan products, and a museum showcasing our family's Italian heritage. The building itself stands as a testament to our commitment to preservation, featuring original architectural elements like stained glass windows, historic woodwork, and a beautifully restored garden.Our team combines decades of experience in hospitality, historic preservation, and cultural storytelling to create an environment that feels both timeless and welcoming. We take pride in maintaining the highest standards of quality in both our food and our preservation efforts, ensuring every visitor experiences the same warmth and authenticity I discovered during my travels through Europe. Our establishment has become a trusted cultural landmark in Boise, offering a unique combination of historical education, culinary excellence, and community engagement through seasonal events and local artist collaborations.
Services
Italian cafe
Gift shop
Historical tours
Event hosting
Museum exhibits
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We offer a unique dining experience in a meticulously restored 1893 historic landmark.
- Our menu features authentic homemade Italian cuisine in a culturally significant setting.
- We combine preservation efforts with community engagement through local artist collaborations.
- Our seasonal events celebrate both Italian heritage and Boise's architectural history.
- We maintain the original architectural integrity of Boise's Central Addition neighborhood.
Associations and certifications
- Preservation Idaho
What people say
Beautiful restoration
Delicious Italian meals
Unique historic experience
Wonderful events
Charming gift shop
Services
Italian cafe
Our Italian cafe offers homemade meals in a historic setting that preserves Boise's architectural heritage. The menu features traditional Italian dishes like almond macaroons, Italian pork meatball soup, and fennel & orange salad. Guests enjoy meals in a restored 1893 Victorian home with both communal and intimate seating options.
Gift shop
The gift shop features a curated collection of antiques, local artisan products, and imported goods within the historic Sturiale Place. Visitors find unique items that reflect both Italian heritage and Boise's cultural history. The shop is open seasonally with special hours for holiday events and community celebrations.
Historical tours
Guided historical tours explore the 1893 Queen Anne cottage's architectural significance and its journey from Central Addition to its current location. Visitors learn about Boise's Central Addition neighborhood history, the house's original owners, and the preservation efforts that saved this landmark. The tours highlight original features like stained glass windows and historic woodwork.
Event hosting
Our venue hosts special events like the annual Mother's Day Tea and seasonal dinners in a historic setting. The space accommodates intimate gatherings with its communal table and smaller dining areas. Events often feature themed menus and incorporate the building's historic elements into the guest experience.
Museum exhibits
The Sturiale Place Museum showcases Italian heritage and Boise's architectural history through permanent and rotating exhibits. Collections include artifacts discovered during restoration and items reflecting the family's cultural background. The museum offers special access through reservations and provides educational insights into local history.
People
Rita Sturiale
Owner
Rita Sturiale is the visionary behind The Sturiale Place preservation project. With a passion for history and Italian heritage, she spearheaded the 2015 relocation of this 1893 landmark. Her dedication to preserving Boise's architectural legacy is evident in every detail of the restored property.
Questions
What is The Sturiale Place?
The Sturiale Place is a historic 1893 Victorian home in Boise offering Italian cuisine, a gift shop, and cultural exhibits in a beautifully restored setting.
How do I visit The Sturiale Place?
The gift shop and cafe are open seasonally on specific dates, typically 11am-5pm on select weekends. Check our website for current hours and special events.
What makes The Sturiale Place unique?
Our historic Queen Anne cottage was relocated from Boise's Central Addition district and features original architectural elements combined with Italian culinary traditions.
Can I host events at The Sturiale Place?
Yes, we host special events like our annual Mother's Day Tea and seasonal dinners in our historic setting with themed menus and unique ambiance.
Is The Sturiale Place wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility information is available through our contact page, as our historic building has some limitations due to its original construction.
How is The Sturiale Place preserving history?
We maintain original architectural features, operate a museum exhibit, and participate in Boise's historic preservation efforts while educating visitors about local history.
