Central Valley Restaurants

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Central Valley Restaurants Overview

We've found the places that locals frequent for a reason. Whether that be the enormous portions, outstanding views or one-of-a-kind flavors, these eateries are sure to please. We've tried to avoid the larger chain restaurants other than a few special locations.

On this page we've listed by region, restaurants, delis, dessert shops and fast food chains that we personally recommend and those with high consumer ratings.

Per Person
$5-$10 = $5-$10
$10-$20 = $10-$20
$20-$40 = $20-$40
$50+ = $50+

Dress
Casual - shorts, t-shirt, sandals
Business-Casual - pants or nice shorts, summer dress, collared shirt
Semi-Formal - slacks, collard shirt, evening gown, blouse
Formal - dress pants, suit jacket, formal dress, tuxedo

Central Valley Restaurants
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Buckhorn Steak & Roadhouse - Winters is located off Highways 505 & 128, west of Davis and Sacramento. Situated in the historic DeVilbiss Hotel in downtown Winters and in business for more than two decades, this steakhouse restaurant has won more awards than we can list on this site. Restaurant menu choices include 42-day aged steaks, St. Louis Style Pork Chops, Rack of Lamb, Buffalo Sirloin, Pan Seared Elk, Teriyaki Chicken, Mediterranean Pasta, Roadhouse Salad and much more. Open daily for dinner only. Dress is casual.
$10-$20 | $20-$40

Buckhorn Steak & Roadhouse
2 Main Street
Winters, California 95694
(530) 795-4503
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Ernesto's Mexican Food - Sacramento is located in downtown Sacramento at the intersection of S and 16th Streets. This Mexican restaurant has been voted 'Best Mexican Food in Sacramento' by Sacramento Magazine. Traditional Latin decor and music fill the restaurant with ambiance. Restaurant menu choices include Breakfast Bonanza Burrito, Chicken Avocado Salad, Veracruz Shrimp, Enchiladas Suizas, Carnitas Tacos, Albondigas Soup, Navajo Chicken Chimichanga and Shrimp Ceviche. Open daily for lunch and dinner and weekends for breakfast. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$5-$10 | $10-$20

Ernesto's Mexican Food
1901 16th Street
Sacramento, California 95811
(916) 441-5850
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Mikuni Sushi - Sacramento is located on J Street in downtown Sacramento between 15th and 16th Streets. This Japanese restaurant offers sushi, bento boxes, dinner & lunch entrees and salads. Restaurant menu choices include Beef Terriyaki Bento Box, Vegetable Tempura, Chicken Katsu, Garlic Salmon, Sea Steak and Tofu Salad. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$5-$10 | $10-$20

Mikuni Sushi
1530 J Street
Sacramento, California 95814
(916) 447-2112
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Tower Cafe - Sacramento is located on Broadway in downtown Sacramento between 15th and 16th Streets. They offer International fare and feature artifacts from South America and Asia Pacific throughout. Restaurant menu choices include Salmon Omelette, Chile Rellenos, Roasted Corn Chowder, Malaysian Chicken, Irish 'Guinness' Beef Stew and Florentine Ravioli. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$5-$10 | $10-$20

Tower Cafe
1518 Broadway
Sacramento, California 95818
(916) 441-0222
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Tapa the World - Sacramento is located in downtown Sacramento at the intersection of J and 21st Streets. The offer Spanish and world cuisine, but specialize in Tapas. Tapas are an appetizer-sized portions of bread topped with different ingredients. Restaurant menu choices include Rock shrimp, Eggplant, Filet Mignon and more. Traditional meals include Veggies n' Mash, Pesto Chicken Pita, Grilled Venison, Paella de Mariscos and Marcos Pollos. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual.
$5-$10 | $10-$20

Tapa the World
2115 J Street
Sacramento, California 95816
(916) 442-4353
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

33rd Street Bistro - Sacramento is located in East Sacramento near the intersection of the Capital City Freeway and Highway 50. Restaurant menu choices include Cracked Hazelnut Waffle, Smoked Brook Trout Hash, Crispy Artichokes, Bistro Pot Pie, Mediterranean Chicken Salad, Wild Mushrooms Wood-Fired Pizza, Alaskan King Crab Risotto and Roasted Chicken Ravioli. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dress is business-casual.
$5-$10 | $10-$20 | $20-$40

33rd Street Bistro
3301 Folsom Boulevard
Sacramento, California 95816
(916) 455-2233
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

The Kitchen - Sacramento is located in East Sacramento near the intersection of Howe Avenue and Exposition Boulevard. Meals are served in at least 4-courses while the chefs prepare it in front of you as a show. Prepare to spend at least 4-hours at the restaurant. Restaurant menu choices include Liberty Duck Prosciutto, Canadian Wild Salmon and Lavender Scented Aged Local Beef Tenderloin. Open Wednesday-Sunday for dinner only. Dress is business-casual to semi-formal.
$50+

The Kitchen
2225 Hurley Way #101
Sacramento, California 95825
(916) 568-7171
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Scott's Seafood Grill & Bar - Sacramento is located in East Sacramento at the intersection of Munroe Street and Fair Oaks Boulevard. Seafood restaurant menu choices include Boston Clam Chowder, Crispy Prawns, Pepper Seared Ahi Sandwich, Seafood Salad, Charbroiled Scottish Salmon, Filet Mignon and Alaskan King Crab Legs. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$10-$20 | $20-$40

Scott's Seafood Grill & Bar
545 Munroe Street
Sacramento, California 95825
(916) 489-1822
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

El Novillero - Sacramento is located in South Sacramento off Highway 99. This Mexican restaurant features an authentic atmosphere complete with fountains, arched walkways, Spanish courtyard and terra cotta-tiled roofs. Restaurant menu choices include traditional choices like carnitas, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tamales, ceviche and more. Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual.
$5-$10 | $10-$20 | $20-$40

El Novillero
4216 Franklin Boulevard
Sacramento, California 95820
(916) 456-4287
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Fat City Bar & Café - Old Town Sacramento is located in Old Town Sacramento at J and Front Streets. Situated in an old storefront from 1849, they feature a welcoming ambiance of wood plank floors, open beam ceilings and rustic brick walls. A historic bar and Tiffany stained glass represent the craftsmanship of a by-gone-era. Restaurant menu choices include Chinese Chicken Salad, Cajun Pasta, Portabella Mushroom Sandwich, Blackened Catfish, Chicken Fried Ribeye Steak and Linguini with Meatballs. Open nightly for dinner, Monday-Friday for lunch and weekends for brunch. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$5-$10 | $10-$20

Fat City Bar & Café
1001 Front Street
Sacramento, California 95814
(916) 446-6768
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Cliff House of Folsom - Folsom is located at the foot of Folsom Lake at the intersection of Greenback Lane and Folsom Boulevard. Situated on a bluff along side the American River, they offer panoramic views of the American River Bridge and Lake Natoma. Restaurant menu choices include Baked Brie, Sea Scallops, Cioppino, Rock Crab Meat Sandwich, Thai Cucumber Salad, Prime Rib and Rack of Lamb. Open nightly for dinner, Monday-Saturday for lunch and Sunday for brunch. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$5-$10 | $10-$20 | $20-$40

Cliff House of Folsom
9900 Greenback Lane
Folsom, California 95630
(916) 989-9243
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Modesto
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Papapavlo's Mediterranean Bistro & Wine Bar - Modesto is located near the intersection of Tully Road and Standaford Avenue. Restaurant menu choices include Stuffed Grape Leaves, Greek Salad, Agean Pizza, Spanakopita, Seafood Pasta, Gyros Plate, Lamb Brochette and Moussaka. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$5-$10 | $10-$20

Papapavlo's Mediterranean Bistro & Wine Bar
1320 Standiford Avenue
Modesto, California 95350
(209) 525-3995
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

John's Incredible Pizza Company - Modesto is located near the intersection of Biggsmore Avenue and Prescott Road, right next to Highway 99. This is a great place for kids with plenty of entertainment like bumper cars, glow golf, lazer tag, the latest video games and more. They feature all you can eat buffet dining at 'Incredible' prices, with choices of pizza, pasta, soups, salads and desserts. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual.
$5-$10

John's Incredible Pizza Company
2225 Plaza Parkway
Modesto, California 95350
(209) 523-0000
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

The Branding Iron - Merced is located in downtown Merced at the intersection of M and 16th Streets. The Western atmosphere features over 200 cattle brands displayed throughout the dining area. This is an award-winning Steakhouse restaurant. Restaurant menu choices include Bandito Taco Salad, Prime Rib Sandwich, Coconut Fried Prawns, Porterhouse Steak, BBQ Baby-Back Ribs and Vegetable Lasagne. Open nightly for dinner and Monday-Friday for lunch. Dress is casual to snappy duds.
$10-$20 | $20-$40

The Branding Iron
640 W. 16th Street
Merced, California 95340
(209) 722-1822
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Fresno
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Campagnia - Fresno is located in North Fresno near the intersection of Friant Road and Shepherd Avenue. They feature comfortable indoor and outdoor patio seating. Restaurant menu choices include Smoked Chicken Fettuccine, Salmon Cakes, Chinese Chicken Salad, Alaskan Halibut, Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon and several varieties of gourmet pizzas. Open daily for lunch and dinner with live Jazz on Sundays. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$10-$20 | $20-$40

Campagnia
1185 E. Champlain Drive
Fresno, California 93720
(559) 433-3300
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

The Lime Lite - Fresno is located at the intersection of Palm and Shaw Avenues, across from Fig Garden Village. Restaurant menu choices include Taquitos, Chipotle Chicken Burger, Top Sirloin Steak Sandwich, Halibut and Honey-Dipped Fried Chicken. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$10-$20 | $20-$40

The Lime Lite
1054 W. Shaw Avenue
Fresno, CA 93711
(559) 224-1054
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Elbow Room - Fresno is located at the intersection of Palm and Shaw Avenues, in Fig Garden Village. They feature indoor and outdoor heated patio dining. Restaurant menu choices include Pecan-Crusted Chicken Breast, Prime Rib Sandwich, Crab Stuffed Sole, Salmon & Asparagus Salad, Charbroiled Teriyaki Beef Kabobs, Filet Mignon & Lobster and Fish & Chips. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$10-$20 | $20-$40

Elbow Room
731 W. San Jose
Fresno, California 93704
(559) 227-1234
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Manhattan - Fresno is located on Bullard Avenue just west of Highway 41. This steakhouse restaurant features a pseudo-Manhattan atmosphere complete with an entire wall mural of the New York City skyline. Restaurant menu choices include Prime Steakhouse Salad, Rib Eye Manhattan, Chicken Wellington, Lamb Chops and Swordfish. Open nightly for dinner only. Dress is business-casual to semi-formal.
$10-$20 | $20-$40

Manhattan
1731 W. Bullard Avenue #121
Fresno, California 93711
(559) 449-1731
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Brewbakers Brewing Company - Visalia is located at the intersection of Church and Main Streets in downtown Visalia. They feature microbrewed beers and terrific pub fare. Restaurant menu choices include Smoked Sausage Sampler, Grilled Salmon Sandwich, St. Louis Pork Ribs, Chicken Alfredo, BBQ Ranch Burger and several varieties of gourmet pizzas. They also make their own sodas like Root Beer and Orange Cream. Live entertainment Tuesday-Saturday.
$5-$10 | $10-$20

Brewbakers Brewing Company
219 E. Main Street
Visalia, California 93291
(559) 627-2739
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Cafe 225 - Visalia is located at the intersection of Locust and Main Streets in downtown Visalia. Restaurant menu choices include Benedict Florentine, Mediterranean Omelette, Lox and Cream Cheese Bagel, Grilled Zucchini Tapas, Pepper Crusted New York Steak, Rotisserie Flat Iron Roast, Shrimp Pesto Fettuccine and Prosciutto & Roasted Garlic Pizza. Open Monday-Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$5-$10 | $10-$20

Cafe 225
225 W. Main Street
Visalia, California 93291
(559) 733-2967
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Fugazzi's Bistro - Visalia can be found at two locations in Visalia, both just a short distance from Highway 198. They feature a metropolitan, modern art decor of bright colors mixed with sheet metals and unusual textures. Restaurant menu choices include Blackened Scallops, Apple & Pecan Salad, Eggplant Verona Sandwich, Thai Chicken Wrap, Jambalaya Pasta, Artichoke Veggie Pizza, Jack Daniel�s Prime Rib and Seafood Pasta. Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$5-$10 | $10-$20

Fugazzi's Bistro - Main Street
127 W. Main Street
Visalia, California 93291
(559) 625-0496

Fugazzi's Bistro - Cypress Street
5347 W. Cypress
Visalia, California 93277
(559) 635-2790
Main Street Map | Cypress Street Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Bakersfield
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Woolgrowers - Bakersfield is located in downtown Bakersfield near the intersection of Truxtun and Beale Avenues. This is an award-winning Basque restaurant with fare from the regions of Northern Spain and Southern France. Restaurant menu choices include Basque Stew, Lamb Chops, Filet Mignon, Oxtail Stew, Shish Kabob, French Onion Soup and Escargots. Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$5-$10 | $10-$20

Woolgrowers
620 E. 19th Street
Bakersfield, California 93305
(661) 327-9584
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Chalet Basque - Bakersfield is located near the intersection of Highways 99 and 58. This French Basque restaurant is set in a stylish atmosphere. Restaurant menu choices include Butter Garlic Chicken, Breaded Veal Cutlet, Seafood Brochette, Whiskey Lamb Chops, Chicken a la Basquaise and Pepper Steak au Cognac. Open nightly for dinner and Monday-Saturday for lunch. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$10-$20 | $20-$40

Chalet Basque
200 Oak Street
Bakersfield, California 93304
(661) 327-2915
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Mexicali Restaurant - Bakersfield has two locations in Bakersfield both off or near California Avenue. Open since 1939 with origines as a tortilla factory, Mexicali is Bakerfield's best Mexican restaurant. Restaurant menu choices include traditional Mexican fare of tacos, chile rellenos, tamales, burritos, enchiladas and more. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dress is casual.
$5-$10 | $10-$20

Mexicali Downtown
419 Baker Street
Bakersfield, California 93305
(661) 327-4218

Mexicali Southwest
5601 California Avenue
Bakersfield, California 93309
(661) 327-5201
Downtown Map | Southwest Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

John's Incredible Pizza - Bakersfield is located off Highway 58 (Rosedale Hwy), right next to Highway 99. This is a great place for kids with plenty of entertainment like bumper cars, glow golf, lazer tag, the latest video games and more. They feature all you can eat buffet dining at 'Incredible' prices, with choices of pizza, pasta, soups, salads and desserts. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual.
$5-$10

John's Incredible Pizza
3709 Rosedale Highway
Bakersfield, California 93308
(661) 859-1111
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Buck Owens Crystal Palace Steakhouse - Bakersfield is located just north of Highway 58/178 (Rosedale Hwy) on Buck Owens Boulevard, which parallels Highway 99. The Crystal Palace is a concert venue, museum and steakhouse restaurant created by the late, great country singer, Buck Owens. Award-winning restaurant menu includes choices like Onion Rings, Barbeque Pizza, Steak Sandwich, Cheddar Cheese-Bacon Burger, Louisiana Cajun Catfish, Porterhouse Steak, Palace Halibut and Santa Fe Chicken Salad. Open Tuesday-Saturday for dinner only and Sunday for brunch. Dress is casual to snappy duds.
$5-$10 | $10-$20 | $20-$40

Buck Owens Crystal Palace Steakhouse
2800 Buck Owens Boulevard
Bakersfield, California 93308
(661) 328-7560
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant - Coalinga is located off Interstate 5, approximately midway between Bakersfield and Sacramento. This large cattle ranch caters to walk-in and fly-in visitors with a 2800 foot lighted runway. The Inn offers luxury accommodations and amenities including an olympic-sized pool, exercise room, several spas and much more. Two steakhouse restaurants offer a choice between intimate fine dining or a comfortable country kitchen atmosphere. Restaurant menu includes their renowned steak dishes and many other meals including vegetarian and classic country dishes.
$5-$10 | $10-$20 | $20-$40 | $50+

Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant
24505 West Dorris Avenue
Coalinga, California 93210
(800) 942-2333
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Central Valley Restaurants

Central Valley Restaurants Overview

Central Valley RestaurantsBACK TO TOP

ModestoBACK TO TOP

FresnoBACK TO TOP

BakersfieldBACK TO TOP

Restaurants by RegionBACK TO TOP

Central Valley Restaurants
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Modesto
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Fresno
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Bakersfield
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Restaurants by Region
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