This fast-growing Idaho chain has permanently closed its first Boise restaurant
An Idaho-based Asian brand that spread quickly has shuttered its original Boise restaurant — even if information online suggests otherwise.
Nara Teriyaki & Wok, 7610 W. State St., is not temporarily closed, as indicated on Google. The restaurant, which opened in 2021 as Nara Ramen & Izakaya before tweaking its menu, is permanently out of business.
The reason for closing the eatery — still listed on the Nara Ramen website — was not immediately available.
The front door won’t stay locked long. An entirely different restaurant, Mr. Thai, is planned in the space. If all goes as hoped, Mr. Thai will open in late January or early February, service manager Polly Lengsrichaem said in a message.
The Nara Ramen chain debuted in the State Street spot before quickly multiplying in the greater Boise area. But in early 2025, it flipped concepts on State, dropping ramen from its menu in favor of teriyaki bowls and Chinese food.
The State Street restaurant was Nara’s only one operating in a fast-food-style capacity, the chain’s regional manager told the Statesman last year. No alcohol was available, and there was no sushi on the menu. That was pushing customers to the other locations, she said. So the new concept, Nara Teriyaki & Wok, was created.
It didn’t last long, but Mr. Thai will give Boise customers another Asian alternative.
This story was originally published January 20, 2026 at 3:53 PM.