Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Fresno / San Joaquin Valley

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance 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!

Papapolloni Mediterranean Bistro

5.0

5 (112)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Modesto

About the restaurant

Using only the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Papapolloni Mediterranean Bistro offers a wide variety of premium-quality Mediterranean & Italian food paired with great wines and cocktails in a beautiful setting located in Modesto California.

Top review

Linda

Dined on May 11, 2025

Consistently delicious! This is a favorite restaurant for us and we were excited to see it was open for Mother’s Day.

Galletto Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (1749)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

Modesto

About the restaurant

Located in lively downtown Modesto, California, Galletto Ristorante offers a seasonal Italian-inspired menu with an emphasis on local farms and producers. The cuisine is complemented by an extensive list of wines, craft beers and signature cocktails. Enjoy impeccable service from our professional wait staff as you gather with friends and family in our beautiful dining room or dine al fresco on our covered Vine Arbor Patio. Galletto is the ideal venue for private dining events, cocktail socials, corporate meetings, baby showers and wedding receptions. Special events can be accommodated in one of our 3 private dining rooms, our Vine Arbor Patio and Bocce Court. We invite you to join us and experience an exceptional dining experience at Galletto Ristorante.

Top review

TERESA

Dined 2 days ago

Always remarkable. Best bartender ever. Food is amazing and service outstanding

Discover more

5.0

5 (803)

$30 and under

Wine Bar

Modesto

About the restaurant

We are a small, locally owned wine cafe striving to provide great service, and great food in a comfortable atmosphere. Serving affordable wines from all over the world as well as panini, charcuterie, cheeses, and salads. We source both locally and internationally providing an array of options that you are sure to enjoy. We can't wait to see you.

Top review

DeAnna

Dined on May 11, 2025

The menu was perfectly curated for a spring brunch, with a thoughtful balance of hearty, fresh, and indulgent options. The drink menu was fun and creative—perfect for the occasion—and the rosé sangria was amazing: crisp, fruity, and not too sweet, with just the right amount of sparkle to feel festive.

Max's Bistro & Bar

4.8

4.8 (1728)

$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

Melanie

Dined on May 12, 2025

The food is always good (I recommend the Brussels sprouts and the strawberry spinach salad with salmon) and the servers are personable.

Vintage Steakhouse - Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino

4.9

4.9 (1789)

$31 to $50

American

Fresno

About the restaurant

The Vintage Steakhouse features a warm, classic setting replete with rich mahogany booths and chairs, and distinctive nostalgic art that welcomes its guests to this intimate and relaxing atmosphere. The intimate atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed. Selections include hand selected “All Natural” USDA certified Black Angus grain fed beef broiled over an open flame; perfectly cooked chops of veal and lamb; along with chicken and the freshest seafood.

Top review

William

Dined 4 days ago

Food was excellent. Server was attentive. Always a great place to relax and have dinner.

Fleming's Steakhouse - Fresno

4.7

4.7 (890)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Fresno

About the restaurant

Your Fresno Fleming's is located in the Fashion Fair Mall on Shaw Avenue, right off Highway 41. Fleming's in Fresno is an outstanding choice to enjoy an exceptional Prime steak, glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a business dinner or simply wanting to enjoy a night out - we will create a safe and memorable evening in our Dining Room. If you prefer to enjoy your fine dining experience at home, you can order and pay for lunch or dinner online and then pick up curbside or select from one of our delivery partners.

Top review

Alero

Dined on May 12, 2025

I’ve been to almost all the steakhouses in Fresno, Fleming’s is by far my favorite for special occasions. Been here 5 times over that last few years and have had amazing food and service every time. And of all the places I’ve ever been, the dry aged ribeye is probably the best steak I’ve ever had anywhere. The servers are smart and very knowledgeable of everything on the menu, making everything simple for a wonderful night out.

Discover more

Popular dish

Petite Filet Mignon

Experience

Pick Your Proof featuring Don Julio x Seedlip

Experience

Father's Day Steak & Surf 3-Course

Verona Cucina Italiana

4.7

4.7 (682)

$30 and under

Italian

Modesto

About the restaurant

The freshest ingredients available are used in our classic Northern Italian recipes. We only use fresh seasonal fish -- never frozen. Our classical bolognese sauce is a favorite in the community.

Top review

GwynVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Salad and pizza were good Service always consistently good

Sonder

4.7

4.7 (213)

$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

MelanieVIP

Dined on May 7, 2025

I enjoyed the atmosphere. I sat in the bar area at a high top. The bar tender was the server. He was extremely helpful and kind. He answered all of my questions about the menu and wine selection. I had the lavender lemon drop martini, and it was delicious. He even brought three wines for me to try, because they were out of the one I ordered. I had the cobb salad with grilled chicken, and it was really good. I will definitely eat here again when I'm in town.

Rainbird

4.9

4.9 (325)

$31 to $50

Californian

Merced

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of one of the most productive agricultural regions globally, chefs at El Capitan prepare artisanal fare and spirits that pay homage to the ranchers, farmers, cheesemakers, bakers, brewers, and winemakers that have re-fashioned Merced into one of California’s best kept epicurean secrets.

Top review

Bobby

Dined 6 days ago

Outstanding and attentive waitstaff, everyone was very accommodating for our large group of 10 post graduation celebration at UC Merced. Thank you all for a great time, the El Capitan was a crowd favorite!

Flame & Fire - Bakersfield

4.5

4.5 (946)

$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

John

Dined 6 days ago

Always great service and the best food along with selection! Great customer service and very attentive to your needs!!!!

Explore Diners' Choice best of Fresno / San Joaquin Valley

Explore more Diners' Choice lists