Downtown Dining Expands

New restaurants in Missoula continue expanding downtown's culinary scene with three summer 2026 openings.

Thai Basil, Ember & Dough pizza, and Highline Burger Co. will fill vacant Higgins Avenue storefronts, adding jobs and dining variety to the city's restaurant row.

Thai Basil: Authentic Thai Cuisine

Thai Basil Missoula opens mid-July at 131 West Main Street with authentic Thai flavors.

Owner Chef Siriporn Anderson brings 15 years experience from Bangkok and Portland. The menu features pad Thai, green curry, tom yum soup, and papaya salad alongside regional specialties. Customizable spice levels and extensive vegetarian options accommodate all tastes.

The 45-seat space includes street-side patio dining. Lunch and dinner service runs Tuesday through Saturday with take-out and delivery available.

Ember & Dough: Neapolitan Pizza

Ember & Dough brings wood-fired Neapolitan pizza to 212 North Higgins in early August.

Partners Jake Morrison and Emily Chen trained in Naples and earned certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. Their custom Italian wood-fired oven reaches 900 degrees, cooking pizzas in 90 seconds with characteristic charred crusts.

Classic Margherita and Marinara pizzas join creative Montana ingredient combinations. Italian small plates, house-made pastas, and Italian wines round out the menu. Open kitchen design lets diners watch pizza creation.

Highline Burger Co.: Craft Burgers

Highline Burger Company opens early September at 146 West Front Street.

Owner Marcus Thompson focuses on burger fundamentals: Montana grass-fed beef ground daily, proper cooking, and thoughtful toppings. Build-your-own options complement signature burgers like the Highline Classic and mushroom Swiss with local foraged mushrooms.

House-made veggie burgers, grilled chicken, and weekly fish options provide alternatives. Hand-cut fries in beef tallow and Wilcoxson's Montana ice cream milkshakes complete the menu. Fast-casual service keeps prices accessible.

Economic and Community Impact

The three downtown Missoula restaurants create approximately 60 new hospitality jobs including cooks, servers, and management positions.

Filling vacant storefronts activates downtown evening life and supports neighboring businesses. All three commit to sourcing Montana products when feasible, supporting local agriculture.

Despite industry challenges like labor shortages and rising food costs, Missoula's food-focused culture and strong local support continue attracting quality restaurants. The openings join established favorites in creating a dining scene that strengthens Missoula's reputation as a Montana food destination.