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  5. Coeur d'Alene
Candle in the Woods, Athol, ID

Candle in the Woods

4.9
4.9
292 Reviews
$50 and over
Contemporary French / American
Top Tags:
Gournet wine and dinner experiences for discerning clientele.
10-12 course small prix fixe dining experience, each course paired with wine from our award wining cellar.
Recipient of the prestigious North Idaho Life 5 Star Dining experience award (only 2nd ever presented)
Recipient of Spokane Culinary Guild "Best Private Dining" award
Winner People's Choice Chef's Battle Northwest
Winner Judge's Choice and People's Choice award - North Idaho Culinary Competition
Enjoy time in our Game room or near the firepits in our outside patio in between courses - we welcome you to what has been described as one of the best dining experiences in the world.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary French / American, Italian, Mediterranean
  • Hours of operation
    One seating at 6:00pm on select days
  • Phone number
    (208) 664-0135
  • Website
    http://candleinthewoods.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    David Adlard
  • Catering
    We do catering for groups from 8 - 200, based around your needs and budget!
  • Private party facilities
    We do private parties for groups up to 24 for dinner, and up to 36 for wine and appetizers.
  • Private party contact
    David Adlard: (208) 664-0135
  • Location
    5751 East Highway 54, Athol, ID 83801
  • Neighborhood
    Coeur d'Alene
  • Cross street
    5751E. Highway 54
  • Parking details
    We have onsite parking as well as an available limo service.
  • Entertainment
    We have entertainment for select events! Please contact us for details.
  • Additional
    Beer, Chef's Table, Counter Seating, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

What 292 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Idaho

    Best Food

  • Idaho

    Best Ambiance

  • Idaho

    Best Value

  • Idaho

    Innovative

  • Idaho

    Good for groups

  • Idaho

    Great for fine wines

  • Idaho

    Good for special occasions

292 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    67 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    67 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lively and entertaining establishment. It's more than just a tasting menu, but a very interactive chef/owner and staff. A cheerful place and atmosphere. The staff's energy make is a joyful experience.

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  2. CathyS

    Los Angeles

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was one of the best and most unique dining experiences of our lives. The eclectic menu with exactly the finest wines paired per plate will tantalize your senses into full Food-Gasm from start to finish.

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  3. DeeS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Enjoyed the staff, food and entertainment. These guys really put the effort into everything even down to the little details.

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  4. BetoRS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A complete and unique experience! Expectations were high, but that bar was broken early on in the evening. Hats off to the chefs!

    Is this helpful?

  5. ScottP

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Simply an amazing dining experience! The food is amazing, the service is perfect, the wine pairing and information is top notch. Can't recommend this highly enough.

    Is this helpful?

  6. JudyS

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food, service, wine, and venue were all excellent. Best dining experience ever!

    Is this helpful?

  7. YumO

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing, merry, culinary adventure! Dinner, entertainment with the chefs commentary, laughter, irreverent humor and no regarded for the proper way to do things. We loved it. 14 delicious, gourmet, beautifully presented courses with wine pairings. A one of a kind experience.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Kimfr

    Vancouver

    29 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were welcomed warmly the moment we arrived. We were presented with a glass of Sangria and ushered upstairs to the game room. The atmosphere in this restaurant is stylish and fun. Chef David clearly enjoys being the Master of Ceremonies. The food is creative, innovative and absolutely delicious. The wine pairings were perfect and we look forward to visiting again. The experience lives up to the reputation. I have traveled a bit and I feel confident in saying, this is truly a world class experience.

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  9. BobbiH

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Right from the very beginning, they greeted us with sangrias at the door. It felt like there was a storyline, the whole way through all of the meals. Chef was amazing, our limo ended up being unavailable that day to be picked up at the bed and breakfast nearby and so he came and picked us up himself. The food was absolutely fantastic, I can’t wait to return! You’ll never have another experience like this, if you have the opportunity, please take advantage ; they truly are an amazing bunch of people that run this little place.

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  10. foodsnob

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A very enjoyable evening. This is a dining experience that is filled with great food, wine, and humor. It is all encompassing. There is a Prix Fix menu and you just "go with it." An earlier comment from someone mentioned their dissatisfaction because they don't drink alcohol and they just wanted a dinner to "catch up" and talk with their dining companions. This is not the venue for that. All 13 or so courses come with a few sips of a wine chosen to go with that course. It's not a normal pour, since there are so many courses. As for just talking with your dining companions, this a an experience where the hosts talk about the courses and wine. tell amusing stories, are interact with the guests. That's what this is all about. We were there for about 3 1/2 to 4 hours, and yet time seemed to fly. Go to enjoy the whole experience.

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  11. DarcyR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    After waiting 6 long months, we were finally able to secure two places at this very unique local restaurant. Well worth the wait! Upon arriving, it is clear this little restaurant is unassuming, warm, and inviting. You are greeted at the door with homemade sangria and directed to the outdoor patio area (we dined in August) to relax, mingle, or just sit. The nearby train tracks became immediately apparent with the loud sounds of the engine and horn, but it wasn't disruptive as it provided a nice conversation ice-breaker with the other guests. Chef Dave joined the group and gave jovial descriptions of his background, how the restaurant was founded and has grown, and what to expect of the meal to come. We found him immediately likable, humble, and proud at the same time. The man clearly loves and understands food! Ah, the food. My goodness. Each course (and there were 13 or 14) stood alone as a delectable, perfectly seasoned, perfectly prepared, perfectly presented morsel. Each course was paired with a complimentary wine which chef Dave also described in colorful detail. Throughout the meal Chef Dave talks, sharing anecdotes, jokes (some off-color), and his recommendations regarding the food in front of us ("trust me, just use your fingers and pop it into your mouth in one bite," etc.) The entire experience include two intermezzo breaks, during which guests are invited to retire to the upstairs game room or outdoor patio. This too was warm, inviting, and inspired guests to mingle and chat, creating a feeling of an intimate dinner party with friends. While all of the food was truly Michelin Star worthy, in my opinion the most enjoyable and special aspect was the format of this dining experience. Small bites, each paired with wine, served over several hours, while being entertained by the charming staff and host/chef was magical. The whole experience was very personal and warm. His staff also clearly takes pride in their contributions to this special dining experience.

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best dinner experience my wife and I have ever had. Absolute class and incredible food. Cannot recommend enough to family.

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  13. ShaunettS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was a great experience, very immersive and entertaining. It is unlike any place we have dined before, and it was worth it. The food and beverage pairings were perfectly matched, and it was really fun dining at a large family style table. I have never had a chef be tableside during a meal, but it was so great, Dave is very entertaining. The food was off the charts- small bites, beautifully plated, and scrumptious! This is definitely a splurge for us, but we will return.

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  14. BeckyM

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was delicious. I tried (and liked!) things I would not normally have tried.

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  15. MichelleC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dave and his very talented young staff turned it out! Great experience and amazing food.

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  16. RichardH

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I have spun on planet earth 75 years and never have I experienced a meal so brilliantly presented and magnificently prepared. Every course was a fountain of delicious flavor. Thank you chef David for a magical evening.

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  17. Trekel

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 6, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience5
    You could see a lot of time and dedication was taken. Came to have dinner with a friend but couldn’t get a word in even to discuss food because the “chef” wanted to talk about wine through the 4 1/2 hour time we were there. Didn’t appreciate being forced to hear a server sing on his guitar during a break instead of yet again being able to talk with the person I came with. The whole thing felt like a wine tasting because we found out more information on that then the food we were eating. The final straw for me was being served wine, as some who is sober, when I specifically said I was a non drinker. Reached out to the chef to let him know that and have yet to hear back. It is great if you want to learn about wine and hear about how great this restaurant is, but if you are looking to enjoy a meal with friends and know they take your restrictions seriously this might not be the place for you.

    2 people found this helpful

  18. JanyseF

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is an experience. Dave and his staff were so much fun and the food was AMAZING!!

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Boise

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best food and experience I have ever had. Already trying to book again.

    Is this helpful?

  20. TylerH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an amazing time, we highly recommend! We will 100% be back! Chef Dave is an amazing cook and all around person! His FOH staff is awesome, and BOH staff is amazing as well!! Compliments to EVERYONE!

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  21. Frances

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience2
    I wanted to love this place, but part of the experience I was told about by friends who recommended the restaurant was the chef himself, but we were informed on arrival that he was out of town. Instead, his son hosted the evening. He told us many times he couldn’t cook, wasn’t allowed in the kitchen, and knew very little about each course. His role seemed to be half entertainment and half walking us through the wine and food. Unfortunately, his commentary was loud, not funny, and endless. As far as information on the food and wine, he knew very little. There was no sommelier or anyone who seemed to know anything beyond what the bottle said. The food itself was inventive and interesting, but often served colder than it should’ve been. I did appreciate that they could accommodate my gluten free diet as I have celiac. I enjoyed the many courses, but left hungry. During the unnecessarily long introduction at the beginning of the night, we were assured several times that people get wasted on the numerous glasses of wine and “no one ever leaves hungry or thirsty”. Well the probably 10 glasses we were poured over the course of the evening maybe added up to 2.5 regular glasses of wine. And each course was truly a bite or two. For the price, (after dinner for 2 and limo service for 2, my bill was over $500) I expected to have ate and drank to my satisfaction. The ambiance of the place is also sorely lacking. As mentioned in other reviews, the whole place is heavily decked out in Hobby Lobby wine knick knacks and is very small. There are no woods and the candles are the cheap fake flickering kind. Lastly, the night ends with every guest forced to compliment the food. They literally pass around “the talking bottle” (like from a children’s summer camp or kindergarten class) and each guest is expected to list the dishes they liked the most and gush about the amazing experience. Very disappointing night.

    3 people found this helpful

  22. GeorgiaD

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Simply put, my husband was extremely happy that I “dragged” him and his 12 year old little boy palette to this phenomenal dining experience. And when I say experience, just know that word doesn’t even come close to describing it. We will definitely be returning!!!

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  23. AliB

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best meals I’ve ever eaten in my life. Cannot recommend enough. Difficult to get in but worth the wait!

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Start to finish had a wonderful meal full of creative & we’ll executed dishes paired with terrific wines - staff were attentive & on point throughout the evening. Chef Dave - not much more to say other than one of kind!

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  25. BrentF

    Boise

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and staff,Dave and team are fantastic cousins!!!

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    San Joaquin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a great night! Chef David is magical and his staff is amazing. We enjoyed every minute of the food and the company. A night we will always remember. THANK YOU!

    Is this helpful?

  27. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow! What an amazing evening at Candle in the Woods. Not only is it amazing food and wine, but a whole experience. Thank you Chef David and your entire team! They have you sit at a community table and you get to engage with others along with the staff as you share the experience.

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  28. RickE

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food experience - 13 courses paired with wine that includes a chef explanation of both. Everyone should experience this place at least. As much of an experience as it is a meal!

    Is this helpful?

  29. Vadim

    Philadelphia

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best restaurant in Athol!!! Great menu, service, and the experience!! Definitely worth the wait!!!

    Is this helpful?

  30. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Early anniversary dinner experience at @candleinthewoods. WOW! 13 courses, wine pairings, and sensory overload. Fun atmosphere. Phenomenal host-chef. Detailed service. Bravo all around!

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a unique dining experience. Food and service are wonderful. Highly recommended and we will be back

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The 14 course dinner is family style so it was a big group. We were a group of 4 sitting with a group of 10. They were fun people and we had a blast! Food is amazing and the service is top notch and then some!! Dave was awesome and we appreciated his fun and comedic narrative for dinner! Definitely going back several times!!

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  33. DanaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was a wonderful and unique experience that I would recommend to anyone looking for something special or just looking for fun! They were able to accommodate dietary restrictions and still make the food fun and exciting. The staff went out of their way to make us feel comfortable. My husband and I don’t drink alcohol and they were able to create some wonderful drinks to go with dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, good wine pairings (but very small pours), Chef’s stories were amusing and entertaining. Many in our group of 16 were first time visitors, and it seemed all were enjoying the experience as we were. It was an extravagant expense for us, but it was worth it.

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  35. MeganB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We absolutely loved our night here! The food was AMAZING!!! It was such a wonderful experience in every way! We had such a memorable night celebrating my husband’s 40th birthday!

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  36. CarolM

    Palm Springs

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was out second visit and we were not disappointed. There were some favorite dishes with plenty of new dishes. A totally awesome Evening.

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food along with fabulous entertainment by Chef Dave!

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  38. RobynM

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our night out was completely fabulous! We loved every bit of the evening. I’ve already made our next reservation.

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  39. JanR

    Anchorage

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were amazed at this incomparable experience! Beyond all expectations! Made my birthday one we will never forget! Every bite of the food was perfect! The wine pairing was spot on and the timing was perfect. Surprised the staff were all so young? How could they show such originality? Can’t wait to do it again!

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a wonderful way to spend an evening celebrating our anniversary! We felt a warm welcome when we arrived & throughly enjoyed the innovative, creative, delicious food! The staff was so sweet & fun! And we made some friends during intermezzo! My favorite dish of the night if I HAD to choose was the “ mini-bene” . Thank you all ! We’ll be back !

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Candle in the Woods offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (208) 664-0135.

Candle in the Woods is rated 4.9 stars by 292 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Candle in the Woods

5751 East Highway 54, Athol, ID 83801

Additional information

  • Cross street
    5751E. Highway 54
  • Neighborhood
    Coeur d'Alene
  • Hours of operation
    One seating at 6:00pm on select days
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary French / American, Italian, Mediterranean
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    We have onsite parking as well as an available limo service.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    David Adlard
  • Entertainment
    We have entertainment for select events! Please contact us for details.
  • Additional
    Beer, Chef's Table, Counter Seating, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wine
  • Website
    http://candleinthewoods.com/
  • Phone number
    (208) 664-0135
  • Catering
    We do catering for groups from 8 - 200, based around your needs and budget!
  • Private party facilities
    We do private parties for groups up to 24 for dinner, and up to 36 for wine and appetizers.
  • Private party contact
    David Adlard: (208) 664-0135
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