Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Fresno / San Joaquin Valley

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Fresno / San Joaquin Valley? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Max's Bistro & Bar

4.8

4.8 (1674)

$30 and under

Bistro

Fresno

About the restaurant

Max’s is regarded as one of the finest restaurants in the Central Valley. Our rustic California Cuisine and Gallery setting features local artist Tomas Panzarino. Max’s has welcomed Fresno visitors and our local neighbors for over 10 years. We are dedicated to using fresh local produce along with our house made artisan breads to insure a quality and healthy dining experience. The same quality and freshness is found in all the cocktails from our bar. Premium liquors, hand squeezed juices and muddled berries create our exceptional and award winning martini’s. We look forward to your visit!

Top review

Joey

Dined 3 days ago

Food was great. Server was quick and attentive. The drinks and apps came out in good time. Overall, it was a great dinner. I will definitely take my committee back here.

Bistro 120

4.8

4.8 (65)

$31 to $50

Bistro

Oakdale

About the restaurant

We take pride in the art of culinary craftsmanship and our entirely from-scratch menu. We embrace the vibrant flavors of California while giving them a worldly flare, creating a delicate balance that feels both familiar and exotic all at once.

Top review

Rikki

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

We had the special, which was tomato basil soup and grilled cheese. It was hands-down the BEST grilled cheese I've ever had... seriously. The espresso martini was also delish. Our server was lovely and attentive. Overall it was a really great experience

Agave Azul Kitchen & Tequila Bar

4.7

4.7 (108)

$30 and under

Mexican

Modesto

About the restaurant

With a passion for family and food the Lujan sisters came together to open Agave Azul Kitchen & Tequila Bar in 2012. Their goal was to bring together a gathering of authentic Mexican home cooking that stuck to their roots. Their family originated from Zacatecas, Mexico and then came to Hughson, California to begin farming. With this heritage came recipes passed down from generation to generation. Food was the center of their life and growing up on a local farm allowed their family to cook at home with food grown on their land. Sandra and Gabby originally had the thought of opening Taqueria El Agave, but it quickly transformed into a full kitchen serving some of their favorite dishes such as pollo con crema y rajas. The unique thing about Agave Azul is their attention and focus to the quality of each of the ingredients that goes into their recipes and their commitment to never sacrificing on quality home grown ingredients.

Top review

Melissa

Dined 6 days ago

Great food and drinks. The service was also excellent every one from our server to the others who helped bring out our food and drinks. Overall a great place!

Flame & Fire - Bakersfield

4.7

4.7 (892)

$50 and over

Brazilian Steakhouse

Bakersfield

About the restaurant

Churrasco has three centuries of tradition in the vast plains of the southernmost region of Brazil. Gauchos would prepare a feast for their family and friends by slow roasting various cuts of meat from each of their herd over an open flame pit. They offered to each family and friend, the best of the Gaucho’s herd, where they carved the meats at each table in a show of skill and gift giving.

Located in Bakersfield’s Southwest neighborhood, Flame & Fire Brazilian Steakhouse is a modern experience into Brazil’s traditional churrascaria, featuring the rodizio style of carved meats table side, along with our exquisite market table. This is the third restaurant to Flame & Fire Brazilian Steakhouse, with two other locations in Roseville and Folsom California. Established in Roseville in 2014, we are proud to share with you the culture of great food and warm hospitality.

BOM APETITE!

Top review

LeRoy

Dined 1 day ago

It was our anniversary and they were so very attentive and caring. The food was amazing and the service top notch. I couldn’t believe all the choices that are available. The price is well worth it. They are a Christian oriented organization that truly cares about their customers and their needs.

Black Angus Steakhouse - Bakersfield

4.6

4.6 (1371)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Bakersfield

About the restaurant

WE’VE BEEN MASTERING OUR CRAFT SINCE 1964, so you could say we know a thing or two. Our cuts are aged at least 21 days, seasoned to excellence, expertly flame-grilled and served up just the way you like it. You’ve earned it. Whether you’re here to throw back a couple with old friends or trying to finish off the High Noon Feast on your own, there’s always a seat for you. So here’s to the nights you can’t remember and the steaks you won’t forget.

Top review

JIM

Dined 2 days ago

I made a reservation for 16 two weeks prior to our date needed! The night of our reservation I realized that I needed to add two and they handled our people well and if we needed anything no matter who we asked they took care of our needs(cocktails - dressing - water) Food was excellent!’ Mark was our waiter and he was the best!!!

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4.6

4.6 (408)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Fresno

About the restaurant

The excellent service and succulent food is what makes us stand out as Central Valley’s finest steakhouse and seafood restaurant experience. Come experience a meal to remember in a luxurious, elegant atmosphere and you'll know what makes our restaurant so special.

Our cooking is based on upscale American fare inspired by and with a twist of various other cuisines. We keep our menu selection concise enable to consistently prepare your food with fresh and high quality ingredients.

The aesthetics of our architecture and designing is in a class of its own.
Enjoy a taste of quality and comfort in a restaurant that looks as beautiful as our food tastes.

Unwind or celebrate with some fine wine from our fully temperature controlled wine cellar. Our wine list features a curated assortment of varietals comprised of
over a hundred different wines to choose from.

Whether it's for personal or business purposes, we have fully private rooms to accommodate all event types.

Top review

Dolores

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

The food was amazing and the staff go above and beyond to make sure your dining experience is superb. I will definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants to eat delicious food.

The Point Restaurant, Bar & Patio

4.6

4.6 (148)

$31 to $50

American

Fresno

About the restaurant

The Point Patio Bar and Bistro is a hot new restaurant featuring American cuisine with a full service, indoor and outdoor bar. The passion to bring a new feel to Fresno came with many trips around the country including Denver, Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco. With their collaborative experiences and a joint vision of bringing the "perfect" point home, the idea for the patio bistro was born. The unique outdoor oasis features fire, water and colored lighting effects. Along with the televisions strategically placed for subtle viewing, The Point sets the mood for an experience like no other. The indoor booth and table seating offers a more intimate dining experience for friends and family. The Point's highly qualified Chefs bring creative flavor and presentation to a diverse menu including tasty Bistro Starters, Gourmet Burgers and Handhelds, savory Mains and House Made desserts. A lighter lunch selection, a happy hour menu and Sunday Brunch is also available.

Top review

Tiffany

Dined on Nov 17, 2024

Had a nice brunch with a friend with good service.

Braised Kitchen

4.5

4.5 (268)

$31 to $50

American

Tulare

About the restaurant

It's our mission to provide the community with clean, delicious food, from the soil all the way to your plate.

We fuse exquisite Latin American cuisine, classic French techniques, and California fresh cooking using locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Our commitment to quality and our passion for cooking allows us to deliver a bold, memorable dining experience.

We love what we do. The food we make reflects that.

Fresh dishes, great drinks, and a killer atmosphere. If that is what you are after, then our brick-and-mortar location is the place for you! We deliver the best fast-casual steak house experience around, and we can't wait to serve you.

Top review

Brooke

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

As my colleague said we felt like we were dining at the home of a friend, a very stylish friend! The warmth the restaurant exudes right away is comforting and welcoming. We tried a couple of starters, soup, and each of our entrees were plate-licked perfection. This is definitely on our go-to list when we come to town!

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Popular dish

Surf and Turf Skewers

4.4

4.4 (201)

$30 and under

American

Bakersfield

About the restaurant

At Sonder we're all about coming together to create an experience that not only showcases great food and drinks, but also brings people together. Sonder offers an unique culture with a delicious menu, a complete bar program, so bring your friends and family and say hi to the Sonder Squad!

Top review

Timia

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

Everything was good except service was slow. Took forever to get drinks and our check.

Texas de Brazil - Fresno

4.2

4.2 (1413)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Fresno

About the restaurant

Texas de Brazil, is a Brazilian steakhouse, or churrascaria, that features endless servings of flame-grilled beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and Brazilian sausage as well as an extravagant salad area with a wide array of seasonal chef-crafted items.

Top review

Erniegirl

Dined 1 day ago

I took my management team to lunch for a holiday celebration and thank you. Nick was great to us as usual and the food was tasty. It is a favorite place of mine and works well for a group! Definitely a great location for a team or thank you lunch during the holidays. Thanks Texas de Brazil!

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