Fresno’s Favorite Dining Destinations

There is no shortage of fabulous places to eat in the Central Valley, though there are a handful of restaurants that are especially loved. The establishments featured here were all nominees at the 2024 Luxury Awards—some are returning nominees, some are new. Amidst this list you’ll find Italian and Latin influences as well as fusion concepts, yet all possess a distinctly Californian style. Whatever fare you’re in the mood for, know that these are Fresno’s truly great eats.

Parma Ristorante

6729 North Palm Avenue #101
Fresno, CA 93704
559.432.3389
Photographer Don Dizon

Parma Ristorante is one of Fresno’s most authentic and delicious dining experiences, so it should be no surprise that it was voted Best Dining at the 2024 Luxury Awards. Parma is indeed “Una Città da Amare,” meaning “One City to Love,” and its owner’s passion for food, friendship, and life is evident with every bite and interaction. This establishment brings the flavors and atmosphere of its namesake city to the Central Valley with flawless presentation. Dining here is like visiting a Mediterranean country for the evening.

Owner and Parma-native Elena Corsini Mastro wanted to bring the flavors of her hometown in Northern Italy to the San Joaquin Valley when she moved here, leading her to open the restaurant in September 1999. From the scratch-made pasta and genuine Italian flavors to the effortlessly elegant yet laid-back ambiance, Elena has created a dining experience that truly stands out. There’s no shortage of great Italian food locally, but Parma’s menu is in a league of its own with its Parmesan flair and ornate plating.

From the food to the décor, guests feel transported to Italy as soon as they walk through Parma’s doors. The restaurant is located in the back corner of the North Pointe shopping center at Herndon and Palm Avenues. Guests are greeted by the wafting aromas of house-made practically everything. A wallpapered photo of the Piazza Garibaldi, taken by Elena’s niece, makes diners feel as though they are sitting amidst the bustling city center. The pale blue and butter yellow interior scheme echoes the plaza’s historic façades and is accented by rustic touches.

Elena is eager to ensure guests get more than just a meal at Parma. Such a divine dinner demands to be savored as soon as it is prepared. Thus, Parma is a dine-in-only establishment. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner service, and reservations are encouraged. Outdoor seating is also available, as Parma’s patio is delicately covered with trellising vines that shield guests from the harsh sun and create a truly enchanting alfresco feel.

Once you have a glass of wine or cocktail in hand, begin your meal with traditional Parmesan starters, such as the Prosciutto e Melone, which pairs thinly sliced Parma ham with farm-fresh cantaloupe. Elena takes great care in personally making all the restaurant’s renowned pasta from scratch. Various meats, chef’s choice dishes, and monthly specials keep the menu lively and seasonally relevant. Yet no meal at Parma is complete without selecting a homemade dessert, like the beloved Panna Cotta con Fragole all’Aceto Balsamico, a warm strawberry balsamic over cream mousse. Buon appetito!

FIVE

1110 East Champlain Drive
Fresno, CA 93720
559.434.5553
Photographer Don Dizon

At FIVE, family and great food are paramount. Since its opening, the establishment has earned a reputation as a go-to spot for fabulous food, an inviting ambiance, and an all-around good time. The eatery serves contemporary Italian fare, featuring a menu full of pastas, pizzas, and other Californian-style options. Sultry colors and moody lighting set the tone for diners to relish their time spent there, whether they choose to sit in the cozy dining room, the engaging bar area, or outside on the quaint patio. In addition to FIVE’s full dinner menu, patrons can enjoy a family-style option.

Max’s Bistro & Bar

1784 West Bullard Avenue
Fresno, CA 93711
559.439.6900
Photographer Don Dizon

No restaurant in Fresno is quite like Max’s Bistro & Bar. Amidst the art-forward décor, it prides itself on a menu that sources as much as possible from local farms and growers, allowing their offerings to change with the seasons while remaining committed to beloved staple dishes. A stunning array of rotating starters can be a meal in itself. The salads are showstoppers. Choose between mains from the sea, land, or garden, as they’re known for brilliant vegetarian options, such the current Sweet Corn and Tomato Risotto. Even the desserts reflect what’s in season, with the fan-favorite Seasonal Handmade Pie. Every meal at Max’s feels special yet accessible.

Sabor Cocina Latina & Bar

7845 North Palm Avenue #104
Fresno, CA 93711
559.375.1644
Photographer Don Dizon

For Latin food with flair and mega flavor, Sabor Cocina Latina & Bar is unmatched in the Central Valley. While cuisine from south of the border is plentiful, here you’ll find something new, fresh, and innovative in an energetic atmosphere. Their modern dishes are rooted in Central and South American culinary traditions. From the authentic sauces to the succulent juices for spectacular cocktails, they are committed to scratch-made everything. Even something as simple as guacamole is served with artistic and interactive presentation. They also offer vegan dishes. Sabor really is all about the details when it comes to their dining experience.

Saizon

2894 East Shepherd Avenue
Fresno, CA 93720
559.552.9688
Photographer Melissa Gotelli

Saizon fuses culinary inspiration from Mexico City with Napa Valley. Here you will find contemporary American cuisine with Mexican influences and a distinctly Californian viewpoint, exemplified by menu items such as Avocado Louie, Avocado Toast, Chuleta, and Porcini Crusted Elk. Seasonal changes are to be expected in line with their ingredient-focused approach. Each plate is a feast for the senses, with colorful and masterful presentation complemented by divine aromas before the first bite even touches your tongue. Every dish and drink at Saizon is served with enthusiastic hospitality in a vibrant atmosphere.

Editorial Director Lauren Barisic