From high-end steakhouses and Italian joints to affordable family spots, Fresno has no shortage of delicious dining options whether you’re a long-time local or just visiting the city.
| Restaurant Name | Cuisine/Highlights |
|---|---|
| Nick & Jimmy’s Steakhouse | Upscale steaks, seafood, cocktails |
| Parsley Mediterranean Kitchen | Fresh Mediterranean fare, seasonal menu |
| La Maison Kabob | Persian kebabs, traditional spices |
| The Annex Kitchen | Farm-to-table experience, seasonal ingredients |
| The Painted Table | Mediterranean influences, California cuisine |
| Trelio Restaurant | Fine dining, contemporary creations, wine pairings |
| Vino Grille & Spirits | Steakhouse fare, global flavors, extensive wine selection |
| City Café | Homestyle breakfast classics, lunch |
| Irene’s Cafe | Armenian and American flavors, comfort food |
| Campagnia Ristorante | Italian cuisine, handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas |
| DiCicco’s Restaurant | Italian American favorites, family-owned |
| Thai Country Kitchen | Authentic Thai flavors, generous portions |
agriculture being key to the Central Valley region, farm-to-table cuisine featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients takes center stage at many restaurants. Looking for a spot to celebrate a special occasion or just a casual night out? Fresno’s best restaurants deliver quality dishes, beautiful spaces, and excellent service.
Nick & Jimmy’s Steakhouse
Name and Location: Nick & Jimmy’s Steakhouse is a renowned dining establishment, situated in the heart of the city, known for its premium steaks and upscale ambiance.
History and Significance: Established decades ago, this steakhouse has become a landmark for locals and visitors alike. It’s celebrated for preserving traditional steakhouse recipes while also introducing innovative dishes.
What to Expect: Guests can expect a luxurious dining experience with a selection of prime cuts, expertly cooked to preference, complemented by a curated wine list and impeccable service.
Visitor Information: Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. The steakhouse offers both indoor and outdoor seating options to accommodate various preferences.
Craving top-notch steaks, seafood, cocktails, and an upscale ambiance in Fresno? Look no further than Nick & Jimmy’s Steakhouse located downtown inside Marriott Hotel. Open since 2015, this contemporary steakhouse offers delicious prime steaks, succulent seafood like fresh salmon and seared scallops, and specialty sides like creamy mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. Top off your meal with excellent wines or creative cocktails at the full bar. Amenities like valet parking and private dining rooms make it a great option for special occasions. With refined decor and courteous white-glove service, Nick & Jimmy’s Steakhouse ranks as a leading destination for fine dining in Fresno.
Parsley Mediterranean Kitchen
Name and Location: Parsley Mediterranean Kitchen is located in a cozy corner of the city, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a taste of the Mediterranean.
History and Significance: This kitchen brings the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean to the city, using traditional recipes passed down through generations and the freshest ingredients.
What to Expect: Patrons will enjoy a wide array of Mediterranean dishes, from savory kebabs to fresh salads, all served in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Visitor Information: Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are suggested for larger groups. The restaurant also offers takeout and catering services.
For fresh, thoughtfully-sourced Mediterranean fare in a relaxed setting, Parsley Mediterranean Kitchen is a must-try spot. This Tower District restaurant crafts creative flavor combinations on scratch made dishes like Moroccan meatballs with a sweet-savory pomegranate glaze or fried parmesan cauliflower bites with pistachio-mint dipping sauce. Beyond entrées, Parsley’s generous share-style plates like roasted beet hummus with crispy flatbread present a perfect intro to Mediterranean cuisine. Seasonally inspired, the menu changes regularly to source regional produce and proteins at their peak freshness. Coupled with friendly service, flavorful food, and inviting indoor-outdoor seating, Parsley offers a quality, authentic Mediterranean dining experience.
La Maison Kabob
Name and Location: Nestled in a quaint neighborhood, La Maison Kabob specializes in delivering authentic kabob dishes in a charming, home-like setting.
History and Significance: La Maison Kabob has established itself as a go-to spot for those seeking traditional kabob cuisine, combining spices and cooking methods that have been cherished for centuries.
What to Expect: The menu boasts a variety of kabobs, from tender meats to flavorful vegetables, all grilled to perfection and accompanied by aromatic rice and fresh sides.
Visitor Information: The restaurant is open daily, offering both dine-in and take-out options. Reservations are not required but can be made for special occasions or large parties.
As one of Fresno’s top spots for Persian kebabs, La Maison Kabob serves fragrant rice dishes, skewered meats, fresh salads, and more in a charming open-kitchen space. Expect juicy cubed chicken, filet mignon, and jumbo shrimp marinated in traditional spices before getting perfectly charred over open flames. Beyond kebabs, La Maison offers kuku sabzi, an herb omelet ideal for a light lunch along with ghormeh sabzi, their renowned herb stew with tender beef and red kidney beans. Rounding out the menu, finish your meal with bamieh, fried sweet donuts in rose water syrup. With welcoming service that makes every guest a regular, La Maison Kabob brings authentic Persian flavors to Fresno in delectable style.
The Annex Kitchen
Name and Location: The Annex Kitchen, an inviting establishment in the bustling city center, is known for its innovative Italian cuisine and rustic yet modern decor.
History and Significance: With a focus on farm-to-table ingredients and a commitment to the craft of Italian cooking, The Annex Kitchen has quickly become a beloved spot for food enthusiasts.
What to Expect: Expect a menu filled with fresh pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal dishes that highlight the best of local produce, paired with a selection of Italian wines.
Visitor Information: Bookings are advised, especially for weekend dining. The restaurant also features a bar area for those looking to enjoy a drink without a full meal.
For a relaxed yet upscale farm-to-table experience in Fresno’s Tower District, check out The Annex Kitchen. Housed in a restored Craftsman bungalow, The Annex Kitchen rotates menus seasonally to highlight regional ingredients from small-batch farmers and purveyors. Known for their in-house charcuterie program that produces one-of-a-kind salumi, chef’s selections shine with dishes like porcini mushroom soup or a bone-marrow bruschetta. Beyond nightly offerings, don’t miss their drink menu with craft cocktails, a curated wine selection, and local draft beers. Amid hanging garden lights strung from high ceilings and special occasion sparklers presented tableside, The Annex Kitchen offers memorable, market-driven dining.
The Painted Table
Name and Location: Located in an elegantly restored historic building, The Painted Table offers a unique dining experience with its artistically presented cuisine and sophisticated atmosphere.
History and Significance: Known for its culinary creativity and exceptional service, The Painted Table has been a destination for those celebrating special occasions and seeking an unforgettable dining experience.
What to Expect: Guests can indulge in a menu that combines global flavors with local ingredients, all served in a setting that’s as visually stunning as the dishes themselves.
Visitor Information: Reservations are highly recommended. The restaurant also offers private dining options for parties and special events.
Perfect for leisurely brunches, lunches, and dinners, The Painted Table brings Mediterranean influences to craft creative California cuisine. You’ll find plenty of indie coffee shop charm at this light-filled eatery with brick walls, vibrant art, hanging plants, and an intimate yet lively ambiance. Menu specialties include braised chicken over polenta, pulled pork sliders with grilled pineapple, thin crust truffle mushroom pizza, and shakshuka at brunch brimming with runny eggs. Their seasonal ingredients shine in scratch-made offerings like strawberry spinach salad or truffle burrata flatbread. With friendly, personal service and quality plates ideal for sharing, The Painted Table provides a hip, cozy space suited as much for grabbing a pastry with your morning coffee as lingering over dinner with friends.
Trelio Restaurant
Name and Location: Trelio Restaurant, situated in a charming part of town, is celebrated for its innovative approach to contemporary American cuisine and its intimate dining setting.
History and Significance: Since its inception, Trelio has been dedicated to showcasing seasonal ingredients through meticulously crafted dishes, earning it accolades and a loyal following.
What to Expect: The ever-changing menu features imaginative dishes that are both visually appealing and bursting with flavors, complemented by a select wine list.
Visitor Information: Making a reservation is recommended to ensure a table. Trelio also offers special tasting menus with wine pairing options.
For singular fine dining in Fresno’s White Lane area, make reservations at the Michelin-recommended Trelio Restaurant. Chef Scott has worked under some of the world’s best chefs including Thomas Keller, which becomes clear upon entering the elegant dining room and sampling his contemporary creations. Consider the prix fixe Chef’s Tasting Menu where your palate prepares for inventive plates like Hamachi belly with grapefruit and black cod with foie gras BBQ glaze. Extensive wine pairings enhance the flavors including options to delight both Old World and New World enthusiasts. White glove service, choice seating times, and top quality come at a price yet provide an unmatched dining experience in Fresno for special celebrations or food lovers seeking a culinary journey.
Vino Grille & Spirits
Name and Location: Vino Grille & Spirits, nestled in a cozy nook of the city, is a wine bar and restaurant that prides itself on its extensive selection of wines and gourmet bites.
History and Significance: This establishment has become a haven for wine lovers, offering tastings and events that celebrate the world of wine, alongside a menu that complements the wine selection perfectly.
What to Expect: Patrons can look forward to exploring a wide range of wines from around the globe, paired with artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and small plates designed to enhance the tasting experience.
Visitor Information: Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are suggested for wine tastings and special events. The venue also hosts private parties and wine education classes.
Renowned as a premier dining destination in Fresno, Vino Grille & Spirits offers steakhouse fare and global flavors in a beautiful Tuscan-style space. Come hungry and sample executive chef Wil’s dry aged 35 day prime steaks, sustainable seafood dishes, or house made pastas he prepares from scratch daily. Seafood standouts include grilled prawns in a lemon brown butter sauce or ahi tuna served seared rare with mushroom risotto. Their market-fresh salads like baby wedge or kale Caesar balance perfectly with hearty dishes. Extensive wine selections pair impeccably with cuisine in the wood-beamed 1860s style dining room or enclosed temperature-controlled patio. For special occasions or an indulgent night on the town, Vino Grille & Spirits delivers refined dining and hospitality.
City Café
Name and Location: City Café, a popular spot in the city’s vibrant downtown area, offers a casual dining experience with its eclectic menu and laid-back atmosphere.
History and Significance: This café has been a staple for city dwellers and visitors looking for a comfortable place to enjoy a meal, a coffee, or a pastry, known for its friendly service and welcoming vibe.
What to Expect: The menu includes a variety of dishes, from hearty breakfasts to satisfying lunches and dinners, all made with quality ingredients and a touch of home cooking.
Visitor Information: No reservations are needed, making it an ideal spot for impromptu meals or a relaxed coffee break during the day.
Known for huge portions on homestyle breakfast classics and lunches, family-owned City Café has satisfied locals and visitors since 1939. Beloved specialties include crispy chicken fried steak bathed in peppery gravy or melt-in-your-mouth pot roast served alongside buttery mashed potatoes. Fluffy mile-high biscuits and sausage gravy with eggs also shines while sweeter diners savor tall stacks of sourdough pancakes drenched in syrup. Beyond familiar favorites, be sure sample daily rotating blue plate specials often featuring slow cooked meats or regional vegetables. With decor of red leatherette booths, black-and-white checkered floors and vintage photos recalling its retro roots, City Café offers big comfort food in a historic Fresno setting.
Irene’s Cafe
Name and Location: Irene’s Cafe, located in a picturesque part of the city, is a charming eatery known for its fresh, healthy fare and inviting garden seating.
History and Significance: Irene’s has carved out a niche for itself by focusing on nutritious, flavorful dishes that cater to a variety of dietary preferences, making it a favorite among health-conscious diners.
What to Expect: Visitors can enjoy a selection of salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and more, all prepared with the freshest ingredients and a focus on taste and health.
Visitor Information: The cafe is open for breakfast and lunch, with no reservations required. The outdoor seating area is especially popular during warmer months.
Operating since 1957, Irene’s Cafe brings traditional Armenian and American flavors together on scratch made comfort food plates in a welcoming Tower District space. Known for friendly service with staff that makes everyone feel like a regular, Irene’s crowdpleasing breakfast menu leads with omelets, scrambles, and all types of Eggs Benedict. Lunch and dinner stars include homemade meatloaf and mashed potatoes or grilled lamb kabobs atop fragrant basmati rice with grilled tomatoes and peppers. While portions of ribeye steak, stuffed peppers, falafel and other entrees satisfy hearty appetites, visitors also rave about Irene’s baked goods like orange-almond tea cakes. From time-honored family recipes to attentive servers and fair prices, Irene’s Cafe serves cherished bites of American and Armenian cuisine history in Fresno.
Campagnia Ristorante
Name and Location: Campagnia Ristorante is an upscale Italian restaurant located in a sophisticated setting, offering a modern take on traditional Italian dishes.
History and Significance: With its elegant decor and commitment to high-quality ingredients, Campagnia has earned a reputation as a premier destination for Italian cuisine enthusiasts.
What to Expect: Diners will be treated to a menu that features classic pasta dishes, seafood, and meats, all prepared with a contemporary flair and accompanied by an impressive wine list.
Visitor Information: Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend dining. The restaurant also has private dining options for special occasions.
Authentic handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, veal chops, specialty cocktails and extensive wines encompass the flavors at Campagnia Ristorante. Known for its upscale ambiance and white tablecloth service, Campagnia provides a refined Italian dining experience. Dishes like burrata ravioli swim in tomato basil sauce while chicken picatta arrives with bright lemony capers balancing the richness. During weekend brunch, reward early risers with Italian breakfast paninis or campagnia eggs benedict with prosciutto and pesto hollandaise. Handcrafted cocktails and after-dinner limoncellos also help enhance bold flavors from the exhibition kitchen. For special event dining or transporting your palate to Italy for the evening, Campagnia Ristorante offers Fresno’s finest tastes of Italian cuisine.
DiCicco’s Restaurant
Name and Location: DiCicco’s Restaurant, a family-owned Italian eatery, is known for its hearty portions, warm atmosphere, and traditional recipes passed down through generations.
History and Significance: This restaurant has been a cornerstone of the community for years, offering a taste of Italy with its authentic dishes and family-friendly environment.
What to Expect: Guests can expect a wide range of Italian favorites, from homemade pasta to pizzas and calzones, all served in a cozy setting that feels like home.
Visitor Information: DiCicco’s is open for lunch and dinner, with no reservations required. It’s a great choice for casual dining or takeout.
Family-owned for over 50 years, DiCicco’s Restaurant prepares Italian American favorites from hearty pastas to parmesan encrusted steaks inside a warm, elegant space. They invite guests to bring their own wine bottles with no corkage fee adding affordability to the upscale ambiance. Alongside veal marsala in mushroom wine sauce, housemade pastas like gnocchi or linguini pesto shine thanks to fresh ingredients and passionate preparation. Visitors also praise signature appetizers like fried ravioli stuffed with four Italian cheeses or mussels simmered in San Marzanos tomatoes and chili flakes. Add a sundae buffet for the kids and live piano music on weekends, and DiCicco’s becomes a beloved Fresno spot for celebrating traditions old and new with amigos and familia.
Thai Country Kitchen
Name and Location: Thai Country Kitchen, a gem in the city’s culinary scene, offers an authentic Thai dining experience with its vibrant flavors and traditional decor.
History and Significance: This restaurant brings the essence of Thai cuisine to the forefront, with a focus on spicy, sweet, salty, and sour flavors that are characteristic of Thailand’s diverse culinary landscape.
What to Expect: Diners will be delighted by the array of dishes available, from rich curries to fresh salads and stir-fries, all prepared with authentic ingredients and techniques.
Visitor Information: Thai Country Kitchen welcomes guests for both lunch and dinner. While walk-ins are accepted, reservations are recommended for larger groups or during peak dining times.
Ask local foodies about the most beloved Thai restaurant in town, and they’ll surely direct you to family-owned Thai Country Kitchen. This unassuming Tower District spot consistently delights diners with its authentic flavors, spicing based on preference, and generous portions. Perennial favorites include fragrant green curry, pad thai with tamarind flavor and crushed peanuts, ginger stir fry, and fresh papaya salad kicked up to your desired heat level. Rounding out the menu, don’t overlook their crispy egg rolls with savory pork and vegetables inside or tom kha soup brimming with coconut milk and spices. The welcoming down-to-earth vibe from the friendly staff makes Thai Country Kitchen a Fresno favorite.