‘Heartbroken’: Towering above Boise, this rooftop restaurant will close downtown
A downtown Boise restaurant that towers over the competition will be grounded soon.
Zee’s Rooftop, a cafe on the top floor of C.W. Moore Plaza, 250 S. 5th St., plans to close Sept. 30.
Owners Christopher “Chef Zee” Zahn and his wife, Christina Zahn, made the announcement, “sadly,” on social media Monday. “We are closing with grateful appreciation and admiration for all of the patronage and support that we have been given,” they wrote. “Thank you for an amazing 12 years!”
Open weekdays for lunch, Zee’s is well-known among downtown workers nearby. But for the average diner, it’s arguably an under-the-radar destination because of its nine-story height.
A 2021 review in the Idaho Statesman noted that it “not only provides a great, affordable, scratch-made lunch … but it also provides an incredible vista, with a panoramic view of the Boise Foothills and the downtown skyline. … The limited menu offers a nice selection of sandwiches, pitas, homemade soups, salads and brunch fare.”
In an increasingly pricey downtown, Zee’s Rooftop even serves an all-you-can-eat taco bar for under $10 on Tuesdays.
Immediate reaction to the impending closure ranged from well wishes to sadness. Fellow restaurant owner-chef Billy Pothikamjorn of Mai Thai wrote on Facebook that he was “so sorry” to hear the news. “Heartbroken,” is all another commenter wrote.
No reason for shuttering was offered. But there was at least one indication that Zee’s might have been walking a high wire.
In August, an open house was held at Zee’s called “Help for our friends Chris and Christina Zahn — The best of the best!” The Facebook event provided physical and Venmo addresses to send money, along with a description that said, in part: “Frankly, there is nothing that Chris and Christina wouldn’t do for us if we were in need. This is the time for us to give back and help them overcome very serious financial worries.”
In addition to the cafe, the Zee Christopher LLC includes Zee Christopher Catering and Floral and CW Penthouse, according to its website. Christopher Zahn also is founder of the nonprofit Corks 4 A Cure.
This story was originally published September 22, 2025 at 4:05 PM.