The southern portion of California’s Central Valley has an abundant agriculture activity, resulting in an amazing variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. In combination with the different communities that have made Fresno their home, this creates the perfect scenario for a diverse and vibrant restaurant scene, where the identity of the chefs is reflected in kitchens and the best ingredients are put into play.
In a city where arts and creativity are highlighted along with gorgeous parks and gardens, it is possible to add impressive gastronomy to the list of reasons why Fresno is worth a visit. Just don’t forget to check out the best budget hotels and vacation rentals for your accommodations. Read on and have a look at the must-try Fresno restaurants for you to enjoy great meals and atmosphere.
1. Bay Leaf Indian Kitchen
Bay Leaf Indian Kitchen serves food showcasing a great variety of Indian flavors. This restaurant is deeply committed to its Indian roots and is known for its authenticity and excellent vegan options. This place has friendly staff and a fun atmosphere, which is perfect for a date night or a family night out. One of the many dishes on their menu is butter chicken, which is famous because of its flavor that explodes in every bite.
Bay Leaf Indian Kitchen
Address: 4382 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93722
Website: Bay Leaf Indian Kitchen
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 2:30pm, 4:30pm - 9:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2:30pm, 4:30pm - 10pm
2. Bella Pasta Trattoria Italiana
Authentic Italian cuisine is the specialty of this family-owned restaurant. Established in 1991, Bella Pasta Trattoria Italiana never disappoints their customers by serving them food made from the finest ingredients and preparing their dishes carefully by hand. Try out their linguini New Orleans and finish your meal with a yummy blueberry-blackberry-raspberry oatmeal cobbler.
It is also a recommended place for family gatherings as well as for hosting big events such as wedding showers. Their dining area is surprisingly spacious and the outdoor dining is a perfect place for hang-outs.
Bella Pasta Trattoria Italiana
Address: 6745 N. Palm Ave. Fresno, CA 93704
Website: Bella Pasta Trattoria Italiana
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5pm - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 9pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
3. Diana's Restaurant
This is not only the best Persian and Armenian restaurant in Fresno but also one of the most suitable for family gatherings in town. Diana’s Restaurant, while being a rather small venue and offering quite inexpensive prices, is established as one of the best cuisines of that kind of ethnic food in Northern California. Their hummus might be one of the best you will have in your life, and any lamb dish is not to be missed as well. This food place in Fresno is famous for its authentic flavors and affordable price, which people highly recommend for family eat-outs and get-togethers.
Diana's Restaurant
Address: 3050 W Shaw Ave Ste 106, Fresno, California, USA
Facebook page: Diana’s Restaurant
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4. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Among the best restaurants in Fresno, meat lovers will find their paradise in Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. This is a restaurant chain with venues all over the United States. Their Fresno location is on the Fashion Fair Mall and serves aged prime beef cuts that have made a reputation across the nation. In a perfect match with their passion for meat, there is a selection of award-winning wines by the glass and over 80 labels that feature American boutique wines and famous international brands.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Address: 639 East Shaw Avenue, Suite 149, Fresno, California, USA
5. Pismo's Coastal Grill
With an open air feel and a seaside decor and atmosphere, Pismo’s Coastal Grill aims to provide their guests with quality seafood, which can be hard to find in the Californian Central Valley. It can be difficult to pick a dish among the many fresh sea wonders they offer, but the Calamari Steak and the Seafood Ceviche never disappoint.
Pismo's Coastal Grill
Address: 7937 N Blackstone Ave, Fresno, California, USA
Website: Pismo’s Coastal Grill
6. Sal's Mexican Restaurant - Fresno
With venues also in Selma and Madera, Sal’s Mexican Restaurant has been serving traditional Mexican cuisine in the Central Valley since 1942. A family spirit and a welcoming atmosphere create a nice space to delight in dishes like chimichangas or enchiladas, always prepared with love and a history behind. They have a lovely outdoor patio to enjoy their plates, that can be accompanied by delicious margaritas.
Sal's Mexican Restaurant - Fresno
Address: 7476 N. Fresno St, Fresno, California, USA
Website: Sal’s Mexican Restaurant - Fresno
7. Dog House Grill
The ultimate sports bar in Fresno, Dog House Grill specializes in BBQ classics and good vibes. Their menu has great options to savor while watching a game, with different burgers and special sandwiches as the highlights. If you want to try one of the locals’ favorites, you can order the tri-tip steak sandwich, a sliced tri-tip with BBQ sauce on a French roll.
Dog House Grill
Address: 2789 East Shaw Avenue, Fresno, California, USA
Website: Dog House Grill
8. Yosemite Ranch
As one of the best steak houses in town, Yosemite Ranch has consistently served high quality meat in Fresno for over ten years. They offer a casual space where families and friends can get together to enjoy great steaks at more affordable prices than other traditional venues. Their unique flavor lays on having each steak aged for 21 days and then grilled over coastal red oak. Make sure to check their drinks menu for the perfect companion to your tasty order.
Yosemite Ranch
Address: 1520 E. Champlain Drive, Fresno, California, USA
Website: Yosemite Ranch
9. Starving Artists Bistro
If you are in the mood for some live music, Starving Artists Bistro is where to go. They focus on providing a space for Fresno’s artists, musicians, and performers to share their passion with the guests. While doing so, this great restaurant delivers fantastic food that matches perfectly with the creative atmosphere that runs the place. The menu features classics like macaroni and cheese with bacon or tender short ribs and they have a full selection of wine and spirits.
Starving Artists Bistro
Address: 9447 N. Fort Washington, Fresno, California, USA
Website: Starving Artists Bistro
10. The Annex Kitchen
The main inspiration in this Italian restaurant is the locally sourced seasonal produce from farmers throughout Central California. The result is a rustic and flavorful cuisine that truly reflects the recipes of Italy, like the house-made pasta or pizzas baked in a wood-burning oven. The wonderfulness of the dishes is matched with an excellent service from the staff and trendy decor.
The Annex Kitchen
Address: 2257 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, California, USA
Website: The Annex Kitchen
11. Parma
Another superb choice among the top restaurants in Fresno for Italian food is Parma, where owner and manager Elena Corsini Mastro aims to provide a special and personalized experience. The traditional cuisine, with homemade pasta and great wine, serves as a fantastic scenario for a romantic evening. In addition, the lovely patio is a good option for lunch too.
Parma
Address: 6729 N. Palm, Fresno, California, USA
Website: Parma
12. Eureka!
The American classics are reinvented in Eureka! This is a good place to eat in Fresno where the nice decor asks for a good company to taste the inventive offers on the menu. Their specialty is gourmet burgers, where the bison ones takes the cake. The flavors are all American, filled with spirit, and can be top with the craft beers in the house.
Eureka!
Address: 7775 N Palm Ave Ste 106, Fresno, California, USA
Facebook: Eureka!
Amazing gastronomy in California's Central Valley
From the soul of different communities to the classical all-American, Fresno has the best restaurants to be delighted with fantastic service and great food. Take your pick among the best Japanese restaurants, Indian restaurants, and other dining options, all are guaranteed to give you a memorable dining experience. Have a nice meal!