Best restaurants near me in Merced, CA

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

39 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Rainbird

4.8

Exceptional(328)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Merced

Booked 14 times today

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.

2. Mainzer

4.4

Awesome(94)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Merced

Booked 5 times today

Mainzer stands proudly in the center of downtown Merced and has for many decades. Renovated to the highest of standards, Mainzer flawlessly blends architectural features with today’s amenities that are essential for your 21st-century celebrations. Highlighted by a full restaurant, bar, and seasonal beer wall it’s the perfect place to eat, drink and be merry. The gameroom, cinema and theater make the experience complete with live music, movies and the big game on the big screen. Follow that up with a competitive game of skeeball, ping pong or foosball and this total package makes Mainzer the place to be with friends and to meet new ones. When the night is over, stay the night at our sister property El Capitan Hotel. Special rates apply.

A photo of Vista Ranch and Cellars restaurant

3. Vista Ranch and Cellars

4.8

Exceptional(116)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Merced

Booked 6 times today

Vista Ranch sits on 20 acres of George Fancher’s bear Creek Ranch which includes farm plots, vineyard, tasting room, outdoor picnic area, and event center.We strive to provide you with a taste of what our beloved area has to offer. From our history, to our deep rooted agriculture that sustains our community.Please note, reservations for Vista Nights are only available for Thursday and Friday from 6pm-9pm. We do have Live Acoustical Music during our Vista Nights! If there is not anything open during those two dates and times that means we are at capacity for Vista Nights. ***Groups larger than 12 guests MUST call our Tasting Room to make a reservation***Tasting Room is also open daily, 9am-6pm.

A photo of Agave Azul Kitchen & Tequila Bar restaurant

4. Agave Azul Kitchen & Tequila Bar

4.5

Awesome(126)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Modesto

Booked 8 times today

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.

A photo of Galletto Ristorante restaurant

5. Galletto Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(1751)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • Modesto

Booked 24 times today

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.

6. Campagnia

4.8

Exceptional(785)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Fresno

Booked 14 times today

Campagnia Bistro is located in the heart of the upscale Woodward Park area in north Fresno at the corner of Champlain and Perrin. Campagnia Bistro offer eclectic California cuisine prepared by award winning Chef Floro Bugnosen. If this is your first visit to Campagnia we recommend the Alaskan Halibut (when in season) a neighborhood favorite, the succulent Rack of Lamb or Chef Floro’s signature Grilled Pork Chop. Campagnia features an extensive wine list and has been recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine with the “Award of Excellence”.

A photo of Max's Bistro & Bar restaurant

7. Max's Bistro & Bar

4.8

Exceptional(1727)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Fresno

Booked 33 times today

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!

A photo of Vintage Steakhouse - Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino restaurant

8. Vintage Steakhouse - Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino

4.9

Exceptional(1793)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Fresno

Booked 21 times today

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.

9. Rush Creek Lodge

4.5

Awesome(139)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Yosemite Valley

Booked 23 times today

The Restaurant at Rush Creek is the main place for you to relax and enjoy an authentic mountain lodge style breakfast or dinner in an atmosphere that is relaxed and friendly, vibrant and sophisticated. Lunch, Dinner and a Late Night Menu are also available in Rush Creek’s lively Tavern.For more information, check out our website at: https://www.rushcreeklodge.com/yosemite-dining/restaurant/

A photo of Jackalope's Bar and Grill at Tenaya Lodge restaurant

10. Jackalope's Bar and Grill at Tenaya Lodge

4.4

Awesome(31)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Yosemite

Booked 26 times today

Jackalope’s Bar & Grill is the place to relax, kick-back and enjoy Sierra pub fare and a full bar after your day in Yosemite. Jackalope’s features made-to-order grilled burgers, sandwiches, specialty salads and heart-healthy, gluten-free and vegan options. Many dishes are prepared from local and organic sources.

Dining near Merced, CA at a glance

Updated on 6/13/2025

Camp 4 Wine Cafe

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From verified diners like you

M
Mary
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jun 5, 2025
We were so happy by the time we left. Parking was a hassle because roads in the area were closed for a car show we weren’t aware was happening. We had such a hard time finding parking we almost gave up. So glad we didn’t! They delivered the best service, most delicious meals and such warm ambiance. Thank you to everyone there!
More info
Galletto RistorantePrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Modesto
•
4.8
C
Cheryl
Fresno / San Joaquin Valley •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jun 4, 2025
Excellent dining experience for my mother‘s 84th birthday. Our waiter was exceptional. He seemed to be the only one on the floor working at that time and our meal was served in a timely mannercooked properly. This place get five stars from me. A huge thumbs up. The definition of tips: To Insure Prompt Service. That is exactly what we got. The waiter was nicely compensated. He was very personable and polite.
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RainbirdPrice: Expensive• Californian• Merced
•
4.8
Y
Yasmin
Fresno / San Joaquin Valley •1 review
5.0
Dined on May 25, 2025
I love getting their steak bowl. We went recently to celebrate my moms birthday and it’s a good amount of food to choose from. Would go back again!
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Agave Azul Kitchen & Tequila BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Modesto
•
4.5
A
Aggie
Hawaii •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 24, 2025
Our group enjoyed the music of tenor ED BENES together with our collegues. Pizza (all three choices) was amazing, a wonderful paring with their wine. This is a family centered event which seated at about 5PM and ended by 9 PM. No Cover. We will refer this venue to friends and family for an amazing evening in the outdoors with great food and live music.
More info
Vista Ranch and CellarsPrice: Expensive• American• Merced
•
4.8
V
Victoria
Fresno / San Joaquin Valley •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 22, 2025
Enjoyed the atmosphere and the vibe was chill. The food was delicious and came quickly. Will definitely return soon.
More info
MainzerPrice: Moderate• American• Merced
•
4.4

Frequently asked questions

Here are the most popular cuisines: Steakhouse, American, Bistro, Mexican, Contemporary Italian and many more.

There are 64 restaurants on OpenTable in Fresno / San Joaquin Valley.

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Best restaurants near me in Merced, CA

Price

Cuisine

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

39 restaurants available nearby

1. Rainbird

2. Mainzer

3. Vista Ranch and Cellars

4. Agave Azul Kitchen & Tequila Bar

5. Galletto Ristorante

6. Campagnia

7. Max's Bistro & Bar

8. Vintage Steakhouse - Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino

9. Rush Creek Lodge

10. Jackalope's Bar and Grill at Tenaya Lodge

Dining near Merced, CA at a glance

Camp 4 Wine Cafe

Steakhouse

See what locals rave about

Frequently asked questions

What cuisines are available near me in Fresno / San Joaquin Valley?

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