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How Many Restaurants Are There in Missoula?

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how many restaurants in missoula cover image

Restaurants in Missoula: Key Takeaways

  • Missoula has approximately 250 restaurants across various neighborhoods.
  • Full-service restaurants dominate the market with around 120 establishments.
  • American cuisine is the most prevalent with about 100 restaurants offering it.

Missoula’s dining scene features 250 restaurants with a diverse range of options. This article provides a detailed breakdown by area, category, and cuisine, exploring why exact numbers may fluctuate.

Explore restaurant counts in Missoula's key areas and discover the variety from full-service to fast food, highlighting the prominent American and Mexican cuisines.

For restaurant owners or managers, understanding the local restaurant landscape is critical for market analysis. Read our US Restaurant Industry Statistics 2025 for nationwide insights and how Missoula fits in.

Breakdown of Restaurants in Missoula by Area

Here is how restaurants in Missoula are distributed among its major neighborhoods.

AreaNumber of Restaurants
Downtown100
Northside50
Southgate30
Westside40
East Missoula30

Downtown Missoula leads as the busiest culinary area with about 100 restaurants. Northside and Westside also contribute significantly with 50 and 40 venues.

To understand staffing needs in different neighborhoods or categories, consider reading about how to find the best staff for your restaurant.

Southgate and East Missoula have smaller, cozy dining scenes with roughly 30 restaurants each, offering diverse options for locals and visitors.

Breakdown of Restaurants in Missoula by Category

This table shows the types of restaurants making up Missoula's food scene.

CategoryApproximate Count
Full-Service Restaurants120
Fast Food and Quick-Service Restaurants60
Cafes and Coffee Shops40
Bars and Pubs30

Full-service restaurants are the most prominent with about 120 establishments, providing a range of sit-down dining experiences. Fast food and quick-service spots follow with 60 venues.

For those managing restaurants in busy market segments, the steps in the hiring process can streamline onboarding.

Cafes, coffee shops, and bars complete the mix, contributing to Missoula's vibrant and diverse dining options.

Breakdown of Restaurants in Missoula by Cuisine

Here is the approximate count of restaurants by cuisine type in Missoula.

CuisineApproximate Number
American100
Mexican40
Italian30
Asian25
Other55

American cuisine is widely represented with around 100 restaurants, making it a staple in Missoula. Mexican and Italian food also have strong followings with 40 and 30 venues respectively.

Asian restaurants and a variety of other cuisine types add to the city’s diverse culinary landscape, enriching Missoula’s dining choices.

If your restaurant features table service, our server job description guide can help clarify role expectations for your staff.

Official Missoula Records and Registered Restaurant Businesses

Missoula city officials maintain official records of restaurants through permits and health inspections. These records ensure that all food venues meet safety and operational standards.

For more on legal operation requirements, check out the guide to restaurant health inspections.

Such registered establishments provide a verified count of restaurants that are legally operating within the city limits, forming the official basis for restaurant statistics.

Restaurants in Missoula Listed on Google and Other Online Platforms

Online platforms like Google Maps reflect a snapshot of publicly listed and active restaurants. These platforms often include user-generated data and real-time updates.

Restaurant owners looking to hire or manage front-of-house staff may find our top server and waiter hiring tips valuable for competitive recruitment.

As a result, the number of restaurants visible on these platforms may differ from official counts due to updates, closures, or new openings that are recorded at different times.

Why Restaurant Counts in Missoula Vary and Conclusion

The variation in Missoula’s restaurant numbers stems from differing data sources, registration status, and definitions of what constitutes a restaurant. Some counts exclude informal or temporary food venues.

For those exploring related roles in the industry or looking to expand teams, read more about the restaurant manager role in detail.

Ultimately, Missoula’s dynamic dining scene with approximately 250 restaurants reflects an evolving culinary environment that adapts to residents’ tastes and tourism trends.