The best restaurants in Merced

83 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 83 places · showing the latest additions first

Wassabi On Fire

Restaurants

Modern outpost offering a variety of sushi & Japanese plates in a low-lit space with patio seating.

2920 E Nees Ave (Fresno)

Modern outpost offering a variety of sushi & Japanese plates in a low-lit space with patio seating.

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Sansei

Restaurants

Sansei is all about fresh, skillfully crafted sushi and sashimi, plus comforting hits like crisp tempura and glossy teriyaki. When you want…

705 Merced Mall

Sansei is all about fresh, skillfully crafted sushi and sashimi, plus comforting hits like crisp tempura and glossy teriyaki. When you want something a little special without leaving town, their seasonal picks and careful presentation make dinner feel like an occasion, even on a Tuesday.

From the Merced newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Max's Bistro & Bar delivers scratch-made, seasonal plates with daily seafood specials like day-boat scallops and hand-selected filets, plus…

1784 W Bullard Ave (Fresno)

Max's Bistro & Bar delivers scratch-made, seasonal plates with daily seafood specials like day-boat scallops and hand-selected filets, plus a martini and wine bar pouring hand-shaken cocktails and a carefully curated list.

From the Fresno newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Yosemite Ranch - Steak, Fish, Bar plates premium steaks and fresh seafood where historical charm meets modern dining, the kind of little…

1520 E Champlain Dr (Fresno)

Yosemite Ranch - Steak, Fish, Bar plates premium steaks and fresh seafood where historical charm meets modern dining, the kind of little escape you deserve this week. Celebrating something or just corralling the crew, their large-party dining and catering keep the moments fun while you focus on the good stuff.

From the Fresno newsletter, August 3, 2026

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88 Bao Bao

Restaurants

Craving a legit slurp of xiao long bao, crispy pan fried pork buns, or a cozy bowl of tonkotsu ramen, 88 Bao Bao is your weeknight hero.…

3564 G St

Craving a legit slurp of xiao long bao, crispy pan fried pork buns, or a cozy bowl of tonkotsu ramen, 88 Bao Bao is your weeknight hero. Pro move, snag a frozen pack for the freezer and toss in beef rolls or wonton in chili oil.

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Smash Girls Burgers nails the classic smash with Grade A beef, perfectly crispy edges, a juicy center, melty cheese, and a soft toasted bun…

1997 W Olive Ave

Smash Girls Burgers nails the classic smash with Grade A beef, perfectly crispy edges, a juicy center, melty cheese, and a soft toasted bun that actually holds up. Treat yourself this week to their flavor-first simplicity, then circle back for the breakfast sandwiches... they make grab-and-go mornings way easier.

From the Merced newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Smokin Woods BBQ Fresno brings homestyle vibes with peppery brisket, rib plates, sausage links, even smoked salmon, plus mac and cheese and…

727 Fulton St (Fresno)

Smokin Woods BBQ Fresno brings homestyle vibes with peppery brisket, rib plates, sausage links, even smoked salmon, plus mac and cheese and honey-butter rolls that vanish fast. Rally the crew this week, split Brussels sprouts, and practice the ancient art of sharing the last bite.

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Pizza Hut

Restaurants

Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.

580 W Olive Ave

Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.

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Warm Californian-style bistro with a seasonal menu featuring local ingredients & nightly specials.

6737 N Palm Ave (Fresno)

Warm Californian-style bistro with a seasonal menu featuring local ingredients & nightly specials.

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Charbroiled burgers star at this fast-food chain also offering deli-type sandwiches, salads & fries.

3680 G St

Charbroiled burgers star at this fast-food chain also offering deli-type sandwiches, salads & fries.

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Libelula

Restaurants

Cozy, eclectic restaurant serving creative breakfast and lunch plates, including vegetarian and vegan options.

1154 Broadway St (Fresno)

Cozy, eclectic restaurant serving creative breakfast and lunch plates, including vegetarian and vegan options.

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In-N-Out Burger

Restaurants

Classic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.

1579 Martin Luther King Jr Way

Classic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.

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Annesso Pizzeria

Restaurants

Trendy, clean, family-friendly tavern serving up a variety of casual Italian classics, including pizzas, sandwiches and salads, plus…

8484 N Friant Rd (Fresno)

Trendy, clean, family-friendly tavern serving up a variety of casual Italian classics, including pizzas, sandwiches and salads, plus cocktails.

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Full-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.

1734 W Olive Ave

Full-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.

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Quaint eatery offering homestyle breakfast fare in a mural-filled space with garden seating.

2085 W Bullard Ave (Fresno)

Quaint eatery offering homestyle breakfast fare in a mural-filled space with garden seating.

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Casual destination for breakfast and lunch with a wide menu ranging from beignets to catfish.

4360 W Shaw Ave #101 (Fresno)

Casual destination for breakfast and lunch with a wide menu ranging from beignets to catfish.

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The Waffle Place

Restaurants

Casual, dog-friendly diner specializing in breakfast classics such as pancakes and waffles, alongside omelets and vegan fare.

6700 N Cedar Ave (Fresno)

Casual, dog-friendly diner specializing in breakfast classics such as pancakes and waffles, alongside omelets and vegan fare.

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Kabab City

Restaurants

Casual eatery, also offering patio tables, dishing up grilled Mediterranean meats, kebabs, gyros and falafel.

125 E Yosemite Ave

Casual eatery, also offering patio tables, dishing up grilled Mediterranean meats, kebabs, gyros and falafel.

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Cozy restaurant (with a bar), offering European cuisines made with fresh ingredients, amid warm decor.

6650 N Cedar Ave (Fresno)

Cozy restaurant (with a bar), offering European cuisines made with fresh ingredients, amid warm decor.

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In-N-Out Burger

Restaurants

Classic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.

4302 N Blackstone Ave (Fresno)

Classic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.

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Nho Kitchen #2

Restaurants

Vietnamese eatery featuring a robot server alongside traditional bowls of pho and banh mi sandwiches.

6702 N Cedar Ave (Fresno)

Vietnamese eatery featuring a robot server alongside traditional bowls of pho and banh mi sandwiches.

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Maw n' Paw BBQ

Restaurants

Down-to-earth joint known for its slow-smoked, Kentucky-style BBQ meats & homemade sauces.

2686 N Clovis Ave #101 (Fresno)

Down-to-earth joint known for its slow-smoked, Kentucky-style BBQ meats & homemade sauces.

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Casual restaurant serving a large variety of Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, and American fare.

1121 W Olive Ave

Casual restaurant serving a large variety of Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, and American fare.

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Casual, quick-serve spot for NYC-style thin crust pies & slices with local ingredients, plus beer.

433 W Main St

Casual, quick-serve spot for NYC-style thin crust pies & slices with local ingredients, plus beer.

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Rustic Italian dishes like wood-fired pizza in a contemporary, open-timbered space with a full bar.

2257 W Shaw Ave (Fresno)

Rustic Italian dishes like wood-fired pizza in a contemporary, open-timbered space with a full bar.

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Pizza place offering Philly cheesesteaks, wings, and sandwiches, as well as a casual atmosphere.

1220 V St

Pizza place offering Philly cheesesteaks, wings, and sandwiches, as well as a casual atmosphere.

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The Bar B-Q Pit

Restaurants

Classic smokehouse fare, breakfast, burgers & steaks with ice cream treats in a retro diner setting.

1720 G St

Classic smokehouse fare, breakfast, burgers & steaks with ice cream treats in a retro diner setting.

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Locally sourced BBQ fare plus draft microbrews & wine served in a casual reclaimed-wood setting.

8042 N Blackstone Ave (Fresno)

Locally sourced BBQ fare plus draft microbrews & wine served in a casual reclaimed-wood setting.

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Table 59

Restaurants

Burgers, steaks and chicken are served at this casual eatery with an Italian-American menu.

3360 N State Hwy 59 Ste H

Burgers, steaks and chicken are served at this casual eatery with an Italian-American menu.

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Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

3331 W Shaw Ave (Fresno)

Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

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Sushi Cuisine

Restaurants

Casual sushi restaurant offering a variety of special rolls, along with teriyaki and tempura dishes.

3544 G St

Casual sushi restaurant offering a variety of special rolls, along with teriyaki and tempura dishes.

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Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

3065 E Shaw Ave (Fresno)

Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

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Family-friendly chain outpost pairs familiar pub fare with an extensive list of house brews.

715 E Shaw Ave (Fresno)

Family-friendly chain outpost pairs familiar pub fare with an extensive list of house brews.

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Casual pie house known for Chicago-style deep-dish pizzas and Detroit-style creations.

337 E Shaw Ave Ste 101 (Fresno)

Casual pie house known for Chicago-style deep-dish pizzas and Detroit-style creations.

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Featuring an extensive menu of casual Italian-inspired American eats & an idyllic courtyard patio.

516 W 18th St

Featuring an extensive menu of casual Italian-inspired American eats & an idyllic courtyard patio.

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Juicy Burger

Restaurants

Relaxed burger joint offering an extensive menu of sandwiches, fries, and shakes, plus a kids' menu.

619 E Divisadero St (Fresno)

Relaxed burger joint offering an extensive menu of sandwiches, fries, and shakes, plus a kids' menu.

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Modern outpost offering a variety of sushi & Japanese plates in a low-lit space with patio seating.

752 W Shaw Ave (Fresno)

Modern outpost offering a variety of sushi & Japanese plates in a low-lit space with patio seating.

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Teriyaki Don

Restaurants

Casual eatery for chicken and teriyaki dishes as well as sushi and salad options.

755 E Yosemite Ave H · ✓ checked Aug 4

Casual eatery for chicken and teriyaki dishes as well as sushi and salad options.

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Counter-serve joint offering up Texas barbecue dishes, plus sides and desserts.

3598 E Butler Ave (Fresno)

Counter-serve joint offering up Texas barbecue dishes, plus sides and desserts.

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Heirloom

Restaurants

Seasonal farm-to-table meals with veggie options are served in this airy, laid-back spot.

8398 N Fresno St (Fresno)

Seasonal farm-to-table meals with veggie options are served in this airy, laid-back spot.

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Enduring Italian deli/market providing hot & cold sandwiches & other classic items to go.

616 E Olive Ave (Fresno)

Enduring Italian deli/market providing hot & cold sandwiches & other classic items to go.

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The Waffle Place

Restaurants

Breakfast, lunch and brunch staple whipping up familiar dishes such as waffles, pancakes and omelets, as well as fried chicken.

4025 W Figarden Dr #101 (Fresno)

Breakfast, lunch and brunch staple whipping up familiar dishes such as waffles, pancakes and omelets, as well as fried chicken.

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Eatery showcasing local artists & musicians with a menu of American fare alongside beer & cocktails.

9447 N Fort Washington Rd #101 (Fresno)

Eatery showcasing local artists & musicians with a menu of American fare alongside beer & cocktails.

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Restaurant serving casual American fare with a covered patio for outdoor dining & a full bar.

731 W San Jose Ave (Fresno)

Restaurant serving casual American fare with a covered patio for outdoor dining & a full bar.

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Cali Bros Pizza

Restaurants

Casual, family-owned restaurant, serving pizza and pastas in a variety of flavors such as tandoori and tikka masala.

3028 W Bullard Ave (Fresno)

Casual, family-owned restaurant, serving pizza and pastas in a variety of flavors such as tandoori and tikka masala.

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Eureka! Fresno

Restaurants

Hip dining spot serving elevated burgers, craft beer & whiskey in industrial-chic surrounds.

7775 N Palm Ave (Fresno)

Hip dining spot serving elevated burgers, craft beer & whiskey in industrial-chic surrounds.

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Casual pizza chain featuring traditional pies, gluten-free crust & assorted appetizers.

3630 G St A

Casual pizza chain featuring traditional pies, gluten-free crust & assorted appetizers.

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Fast-casual eatery for the whole family known for fried chicken sandwiches and waffle pairings.

8482 N Friant Rd Ste. 107 (Fresno)

Fast-casual eatery for the whole family known for fried chicken sandwiches and waffle pairings.

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Relaxed Italian eatery (with a kids' menu) dishing up pizza and pasta dishes along with other classic dishes.

5251 N Blackstone Ave (Fresno)

Relaxed Italian eatery (with a kids' menu) dishing up pizza and pasta dishes along with other classic dishes.

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Unassuming strip-mall restaurant serving Vietnamese noodle soups, vermicelli & banh mi sandwiches.

3127 E McKinley Ave (Fresno)

Unassuming strip-mall restaurant serving Vietnamese noodle soups, vermicelli & banh mi sandwiches.

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Bella Luna

Restaurants

Warm, comfy Italian bar/eatery since 1995 with thin-crust pizza, seasonal dishes & artisanal breads.

350 W Main St

Warm, comfy Italian bar/eatery since 1995 with thin-crust pizza, seasonal dishes & artisanal breads.

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Easygoing chain offering specialty brick-oven pizzas & sandwiches in a basic setting.

7080 N Cedar Ave (Fresno)

Easygoing chain offering specialty brick-oven pizzas & sandwiches in a basic setting.

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New Thai Cuisine

Restaurants

Down-to-earth restaurant serving a long menu of traditional Thai dishes, plus beer & wine.

909 W 16th St

Down-to-earth restaurant serving a long menu of traditional Thai dishes, plus beer & wine.

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Casual bar serving familiar seafood dishes such as shrimp soup and fish ceviche alongside ice-cold beer and cocktails.

2001 E Belmont Ave (Fresno)

Casual bar serving familiar seafood dishes such as shrimp soup and fish ceviche alongside ice-cold beer and cocktails.

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The Burger Shack

Restaurants

Counter-serve joint offering charbroiled burgers and other comfort eats in a relaxed setting.

1615 E Ashlan Ave (Fresno)

Counter-serve joint offering charbroiled burgers and other comfort eats in a relaxed setting.

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Outlet of a BBQ chain serving wood-smoked meats & sides in an American West-themed space.

7603 N Blackstone Ave (Fresno)

Outlet of a BBQ chain serving wood-smoked meats & sides in an American West-themed space.

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Ohana Shack

Restaurants

Casual eatery serving lunch and dinner plates with Hawaiian classics like loco moco and kalua pork, plus poke.

5730 N First St (Fresno)

Casual eatery serving lunch and dinner plates with Hawaiian classics like loco moco and kalua pork, plus poke.

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Campagnia Bistro

Restaurants

Upscale eatery offers a menu & relaxed ambiance inspired by California, plus buffet options.

1185 E Champlain Dr (Fresno)

Upscale eatery offers a menu & relaxed ambiance inspired by California, plus buffet options.

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Family-run pizzeria known for Indian-inspired pies, wings, and other comfort grub.

4415 W Clinton Ave Ste 105 (Fresno)

Family-run pizzeria known for Indian-inspired pies, wings, and other comfort grub.

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The Mainzer

Restaurants

Kid-friendly, casual eatery serving burgers, pizza and pancakes alongside fried chicken, beers, cocktails and wine.

655 W Main St

Kid-friendly, casual eatery serving burgers, pizza and pancakes alongside fried chicken, beers, cocktails and wine.

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Family-owned eatery serving pasta, pizzas, meat dishes & other Italian basics in relaxed surrounds.

3097 W Bullard Ave (Fresno)

Family-owned eatery serving pasta, pizzas, meat dishes & other Italian basics in relaxed surrounds.

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Casual, kid-friendly eatery dishing up NY-style pies (by the slice or whole pie), plus hot dogs.

844 E Olive Ave (Fresno)

Casual, kid-friendly eatery dishing up NY-style pies (by the slice or whole pie), plus hot dogs.

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Roomy, laid-back restaurant offering popular Chinese dishes & sushi from an all-you-can-eat buffet.

475 W Olive Ave

Roomy, laid-back restaurant offering popular Chinese dishes & sushi from an all-you-can-eat buffet.

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Focacciafresno

Restaurants

Casual eatery for sandwiches, entrees, soups and paninis, plus homemade bread and sauces.

6701 N Milburn Ave #120 (Fresno)

Casual eatery for sandwiches, entrees, soups and paninis, plus homemade bread and sauces.

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Creative sushi rolls & other Japanese eats are the draw at this informal, airy outpost with a patio.

2321 Kern St (Fresno)

Creative sushi rolls & other Japanese eats are the draw at this informal, airy outpost with a patio.

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Straightforward bar with TVs & a subtle sports theme offering chicken wings & burgers.

1231 Van Ness Ave (Fresno)

Straightforward bar with TVs & a subtle sports theme offering chicken wings & burgers.

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Casual pizza chain featuring traditional pies, gluten-free crust & assorted appetizers.

1348 W Olive Ave

Casual pizza chain featuring traditional pies, gluten-free crust & assorted appetizers.

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Rainbird

Restaurants

Upscale food joint serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner favorites.

609 W Main St

Upscale food joint serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner favorites.

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Wingstop

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

779 E Yosemite Ave D

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

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Mochuelo

Restaurants

Bacon-wrapped dates headline the menu of this Spanish tapas bar featuring artisanal cocktails and wines.

2305 W Shaw Ave (Fresno)

Bacon-wrapped dates headline the menu of this Spanish tapas bar featuring artisanal cocktails and wines.

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BenSmokin BBQ

Restaurants

Smoked meats such as brisket and ribs are served at this laid-back barbecue place with homemade sides.

1120 N Palm Ave (Fresno)

Smoked meats such as brisket and ribs are served at this laid-back barbecue place with homemade sides.

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Pizza Factory

Restaurants

Order-at-the-counter chain serving lots of specialty pies & other Italian basics.

3146 G St Ste 147

Order-at-the-counter chain serving lots of specialty pies & other Italian basics.

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Laid-back option for Chinese & Japanese staples, including sushi, along with beer, sake & cocktails.

360 W Main St

Laid-back option for Chinese & Japanese staples, including sushi, along with beer, sake & cocktails.

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Zaatar Bistro

Restaurants

Counter-serve restaurant in the Via Montana Shopping Center with international fare and vegetarian options.

1568 E Champlain Dr #105 (Fresno)

Counter-serve restaurant in the Via Montana Shopping Center with international fare and vegetarian options.

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Yosemite Station

Restaurants

Homestyle joint featuring classic American fare, all-day breakfast & student & senior specials.

125 E Yosemite Ave Ste A

Homestyle joint featuring classic American fare, all-day breakfast & student & senior specials.

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Easygoing Japanese standby featuring specialty sushi rolls & meals cooked on tabletop grills.

6226 N Blackstone Ave (Fresno)

Easygoing Japanese standby featuring specialty sushi rolls & meals cooked on tabletop grills.

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Vintage Italian prints line the walls of this vibrant, colorful outlet for Italian standards.

6745 N Palm Ave (Fresno)

Vintage Italian prints line the walls of this vibrant, colorful outlet for Italian standards.

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Upscale Brazilian eatery featuring all-you-can-eat grilled meat carved tableside & a salad bar.

7634 N Blackstone Ave (Fresno)

Upscale Brazilian eatery featuring all-you-can-eat grilled meat carved tableside & a salad bar.

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Pizza Guys

Restaurants

Pizzeria chain offering build-your-own pies, along with spaghetti, wings & salad.

2800 G St

Pizzeria chain offering build-your-own pies, along with spaghetti, wings & salad.

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Parma Restaurant

Restaurants

Traditional Italian cuisine & homemade pasta dishes are the draw at this comfy eatery with a patio.

6729 N Palm Ave #101 (Fresno)

Traditional Italian cuisine & homemade pasta dishes are the draw at this comfy eatery with a patio.

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The Lime Lite

Restaurants

Elegant, long-running eatery offering New American dishes along with innovative cocktails & a patio.

1054 W Shaw Ave (Fresno)

Elegant, long-running eatery offering New American dishes along with innovative cocktails & a patio.

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Long-running, family-owned bar/eatery preparing hearty Basque-American dishes in old-fashioned digs.

3110 N Maroa Ave (Fresno)

Long-running, family-owned bar/eatery preparing hearty Basque-American dishes in old-fashioned digs.

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Patio Cafe

Restaurants

Relaxed cafe serving healthy, organic, and vegetarian options for breakfast, lunch, and brunch.

5138 N Palm Ave (Fresno)

Relaxed cafe serving healthy, organic, and vegetarian options for breakfast, lunch, and brunch.

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