The best restaurants in Modesto
181 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
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Pinned in Modesto today
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Two pinned places a day in Modesto — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →Paid placements are always marked.
Sendo Sushi
RestaurantsShopping-center Japanese joint serving sushi & typical cooked fare, Monday to Friday only.
Sendo Sushi
RestaurantsPizza Guys
RestaurantsPizzeria chain offering build-your-own pies, along with spaghetti, wings & salad.
Pizza Guys
RestaurantsMaria's Taqueria & Meat Market
RestaurantsCasual butcher shop and taqueria offering marinated meats, grilled dishes and catering services.
Maria's Taqueria & Meat Market
RestaurantsMatsuyama Sushi Restaurant
RestaurantsLow-key Japanese eatery preparing a variety of sushi as well as noodles & teriyaki dishes.
Matsuyama Sushi Restaurant
RestaurantsVip Pizza
RestaurantsSourdough crust pizzas and other comfort foods are served at this casual place with a bar.
Vip Pizza
RestaurantsShan Tandoori Pizza
RestaurantsIndian-flavored eatery featuring creative pizzas such as tandoori chicken and paneer, plus wings and beer.
Shan Tandoori Pizza
RestaurantsRaw Sushi Bistro
RestaurantsCasual restaurant offering a variety of sushi rolls and Japanese small plates, plus beer, wine, and cocktails.
Raw Sushi Bistro
RestaurantsSho Mi | Japanese Cuisine
RestaurantsNeighborhood Japanese diner preparing sushi & hot dishes to be served with imported beer & sake.
Sho Mi | Japanese Cuisine
RestaurantsEl Pollo Loco
RestaurantsFast-food chain outpost known for Mexican classics made with fire-grilled chicken.
El Pollo Loco
RestaurantsEl Pollo Loco
RestaurantsFast-food chain outpost known for Mexican classics made with fire-grilled chicken.
El Pollo Loco
RestaurantsPoke House - South Winchester
RestaurantsChill, wood-clad eatery offering Hawaiian poke made with a variety of seafood & Asian flavors.
Poke House - South Winchester
RestaurantsSushi Boat Town
RestaurantsCasual Japanese eatery serving nigiri & rolled sushi as well as teriyaki dishes & classic desserts.
Sushi Boat Town
RestaurantsTaco Bell
RestaurantsFast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.
Taco Bell
RestaurantsGoku Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
RestaurantsAll-you-can-eat Korean BBQ & hot pot meals are the specialty at this bright, informal restaurant.
Goku Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
RestaurantsHuckleberry's Breakfast & Lunch
RestaurantsBreakfast spot for Southern grub featuring beignets (traditional fried-dough pastries), waffles, biscuits and chicken fried steak.
Huckleberry's Breakfast & Lunch
RestaurantsPapapavlo's Bistro & Bar | Mediterranean
RestaurantsCraving something beyond the usual takeout? Papapavlo's Bistro & Bar serves up continental comfort with a Mediterranean flair, plus a…
Papapavlo's Bistro & Bar | Mediterranean
RestaurantsMidgley's Public House
RestaurantsTreat yourself this week at Midgley's Public House, where California cuisine means playful bites like asparagus cigars, vegan wings and ahi…
Midgley's Public House
RestaurantsLa Pizza & La Pasta
RestaurantsAt La Pizza & La Pasta, watch pizzaioli blister wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies while housemade pasta lands perfectly al dente. Pair with…
La Pizza & La Pasta
RestaurantsMilan Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsMilan Italian Restaurant brings the comfort-food side of Italy to your week with handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a bar pouring rich…
Milan Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsLamella Tavern
RestaurantsLamella Tavern pairs a casually sophisticated vibe with excellent cocktails, bubbles, and small plates that lean oceanward... think…
Lamella Tavern
RestaurantsXochimilco Café
RestaurantsXochimilco Cafe keeps it classic with super burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas, and menudo that tastes like someone’s abuela is in the…
Xochimilco Café
RestaurantsPrime Pizza CA
RestaurantsPrime Pizza CA in Stockton leans into bold, Indian-meets-Italian flavors with the Chicken Tikka Delight alongside trusty standbys like…
Prime Pizza CA
RestaurantsOkinawa Sushi & Steakhouse
RestaurantsCraving a midweek upgrade? Okinawa Sushi & Steakhouse nails the Modesto trifecta with crisp sashimi, expertly crafted rolls, and teppanyaki…
Okinawa Sushi & Steakhouse
RestaurantsCha Cha Sushi
RestaurantsNo-frills sushi spot offering specialty rolls plus an array of classic Japanese entrees.
Cha Cha Sushi
RestaurantsPasta Mobsters!
RestaurantsCasual takeout joint offering Italian comfort food, including popular garlic bread.
Pasta Mobsters!
RestaurantsFamous Dave's Bar-B-Que
RestaurantsOutlet of a BBQ chain serving wood-smoked meats & sides in an American West-themed space.
Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
RestaurantsCalifornia Wet Burrito and Catering
RestaurantsCasual restaurant serving authentic Mexican fare, including signature burritos, plus beer.
California Wet Burrito and Catering
RestaurantsKimoto Sake & Sushi
RestaurantsTraditional and fusion sushi rolls, plus Japanese whiskey and craft beers, served in a casual setting.
Kimoto Sake & Sushi
RestaurantsMorton's The Steakhouse
RestaurantsUpscale chain for aged prime beef, seafood & other traditional steakhouse fare in a clubby space.
Morton's The Steakhouse
RestaurantsBuffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsChain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.
Buffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsEataly
RestaurantsEatery serving Italian staples and offering pizza, pasta and other cooked dishes.
Eataly
RestaurantsIn-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsClassic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.
In-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsPho Mai #1 Noodle House
RestaurantsBustling late-night spot offering pho plus a mix of Vietnamese & Filipino fare in casual digs.
Pho Mai #1 Noodle House
RestaurantsThe Kitchen @ Stonebrier
RestaurantsClassic fare and a wide-ranging drink menu served in a stylish space with regular live music.
The Kitchen @ Stonebrier
Restaurantsthe pho
RestaurantsCasual restaurant serving a variety of Vietnamese dishes such as pho and vermicelli, as well as noodles and grilled fare.
the pho
RestaurantsUncle John's Pancake House
RestaurantsPancake restaurant serving eggs and hashes for breakfast and brunch in a casual diner-style setting.
Uncle John's Pancake House
RestaurantsLa Superior Taquería
RestaurantsHomey eatery featuring standard Mexican fare, plus a bakery serving pastries and bread.
La Superior Taquería
RestaurantsPizza Bocca Lupo
RestaurantsCreative & traditional wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas turned out in cozy environs with exposed brick.
Pizza Bocca Lupo
RestaurantsMountain Mike's Pizza
RestaurantsCasual pizza chain featuring traditional pies, gluten-free crust & assorted appetizers.
Mountain Mike's Pizza
RestaurantsPapapavlo's Mediterranean Bistro & Bar
RestaurantsRelaxed, stylish Mediterranean restaurant & bar serving gyros, brochette & classic pastas.
Papapavlo's Mediterranean Bistro & Bar
RestaurantsD' Forno Cocina
RestaurantsItalian staples, burgers and salads in a casual setting, plus a bar, outdoor seating and a kids' menu.
D' Forno Cocina
RestaurantsLumberjacks Restaurant
RestaurantsCasual eatery with log cabin decor doling out hearty plates of breakfast-to-dinner American food.
Lumberjacks Restaurant
RestaurantsNeil´s Kick N-It Bbq
RestaurantsCasual eatery with a relaxed mood, serving barbecue staples such as ribs and hot links.
Neil´s Kick N-It Bbq
RestaurantsCast Iron Trading Co.
RestaurantsBreakfast, burgers & vegan tacos in a spacious, industrial-chic venue, plus craft beer & coffee.
Cast Iron Trading Co.
RestaurantsPalermo Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsEasygoing Southern Italian eatery offering pizza & pasta dishes alongside beer, wine & cocktails.
Palermo Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsK-Town Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
RestaurantsPopular spot featuring an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ spread and a hot pot bar.
K-Town Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
RestaurantsThe Last Round Tavern
RestaurantsCasual eatery featuring sourdough-crust pizza, sandwiches and wings in a family-friendly setting.
The Last Round Tavern
RestaurantsRanas Taquería
RestaurantsCasual eatery specializing in burritos, tamales and other traditional Mexican fare.
Ranas Taquería
RestaurantsDouble B's Burgers
RestaurantsBurgers and grilled cheese sandwich shop dishing up classic favorites (some with bacon) cooked to order.
Double B's Burgers
RestaurantsThe GrandView
RestaurantsHistoric mountainside destination for classic American cuisine offering beef, veal & seafood dishes.
The GrandView
RestaurantsEl Cabron Kitchen & Cantina
RestaurantsCasual, colorfully decorated eatery featuring Mexican staples, cocktails and a dance-club vibe after 9pm.
El Cabron Kitchen & Cantina
RestaurantsTresetti's World Caffe
RestaurantsRestaurant serving an international menu for dinner, lunch & brunch in a brick-walled dining room.
Tresetti's World Caffe
RestaurantsNoah's NY Bagels
RestaurantsCounter-serve chain specializing in bagels. Also sells breakfast sandwiches & pastries.
Noah's NY Bagels
RestaurantsCafé San José
RestaurantsFamily-friendly spot serving a big array of breakfast specials & lunch fare like sandwiches & soups.
Café San José
RestaurantsMoo Moo's Burger Barn
RestaurantsUpbeat, family-owned diner offering specialty burgers along with sandwiches, fries & milkshakes.
Moo Moo's Burger Barn
RestaurantsMountain Mike's Pizza
RestaurantsCasual pizza chain featuring traditional pies, gluten-free crust & assorted appetizers.
Mountain Mike's Pizza
RestaurantsWings and Rings
RestaurantsModern sports bar with a wide range of wing flavors, plus other pub eats & kids' deals.
Wings and Rings
RestaurantsAmerican Waffle Diner
RestaurantsRelaxed brunch spot whipping up burgers, burritos, waffles, and the classic chicken and waffles, plus coffee, beer, and mimosas.
American Waffle Diner
RestaurantsWingstop
RestaurantsCasual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.
Wingstop
RestaurantsOishi Teri Sushi Bar
RestaurantsCasual restaurant turning out sushi rolls, tempura, and bento boxes for lunch and dinner.
Oishi Teri Sushi Bar
RestaurantsDry Creek Grill
RestaurantsUpscale casual eatery featuring steaks, seafood, small-batch bourbons & a cozy outdoor fire pit.
Dry Creek Grill
RestaurantsOctavio's
RestaurantsCasual eatery, featuring a menu of Mexican comfort eats, along with a full bar for beer and margaritas.
Octavio's
RestaurantsFire Wings
RestaurantsPopular eatery specializing in chicken wings in 20-plus flavors, plus fried garlic noodles.
Fire Wings
RestaurantsMimosas Cafe Willow Glen
RestaurantsBrunch spot with outdoor seating serving mimosas and breakfast standards.
Mimosas Cafe Willow Glen
RestaurantsMezzo Ristorante
RestaurantsSeasonal, Italian-inspired New American menus, plus wine & cocktails, in an understated space.
Mezzo Ristorante
RestaurantsSouth Winchester BBQ
RestaurantsGenerous plates of BBQ & sandwiches are the draw at this down-to-earth counter serve with a patio.
South Winchester BBQ
RestaurantsGalletto Ristorante
RestaurantsSeasonal Northern Italian cuisine & an extensive wine list served in a white-linen environment.
Galletto Ristorante
RestaurantsThe Club On Post
RestaurantsAll-day option for burgers, brunch fare and cocktails, plus beer and wine.
The Club On Post
RestaurantsThe Barbeque Pit
RestaurantsComfortable eatery serving pit-smoked meats such as brisket, chicken and pork ribs.
The Barbeque Pit
RestaurantsThe Old Wagon Saloon & Grill
RestaurantsBurgers, ribs, Texas BBQ & beer served in a roomy tavern with Wild West decor & an outdoor patio.
The Old Wagon Saloon & Grill
RestaurantsBuffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsChain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.
Buffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsL.A. Italian Kitchen
RestaurantsLocal chain of simple, counter-serve pizzerias serving up slices, pies, pasta bowls & salads.
L.A. Italian Kitchen
RestaurantsMichael's New York Style Pizza
RestaurantsLong-standing pizza joint serving up large NY-style pies & casual grub in an old-school interior.
Michael's New York Style Pizza
RestaurantsMac + Cheese Kitchen
RestaurantsCasual American eatery in Terminal B of San Jose Mineta International Airport serving breakfast and quick bites.
Mac + Cheese Kitchen
RestaurantsGen Korean BBQ House
RestaurantsLocal chain offering Korean BBQ grilled tableside & ban-chan in a trendy, modern setting.
Gen Korean BBQ House
RestaurantsTaqueria Lorena's
RestaurantsCompact counter-serve Mexican joint serving tacos & burritos with drinks in a low-key space.
Taqueria Lorena's
RestaurantsLa Victoria Taqueria
RestaurantsStudent-friendly quick fix for Mexican mainstays topped with the trademark "orange sauce" condiment.
La Victoria Taqueria
RestaurantsWhispers Cafe and Creperie
RestaurantsEasygoing counter-service operation serving a menu of crêpes, omelets & sandwiches.
Whispers Cafe and Creperie
RestaurantsFamous Dave's Bar-B-Que
RestaurantsOutlet of a BBQ chain serving wood-smoked meats & sides in an American West-themed space.
Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
RestaurantsWingstop
RestaurantsCasual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.
Wingstop
RestaurantsWingstop
RestaurantsCasual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.
Wingstop
RestaurantsHella Good Burger
RestaurantsSnack joint dishing up burgers, chicken sandwiches, waffle fries and milkshakes in a casual space.
Hella Good Burger
RestaurantsBuffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsChain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.
Buffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsPizza Antica
RestaurantsThin-crust, wood-fired pizzas draw a bustling scene at this casual Italian standby with patio seats.
Pizza Antica
RestaurantsWingstop
RestaurantsCasual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.
Wingstop
RestaurantsFumi Sushi Restaurant
RestaurantsClassic eatery serving a wide selection of maki, sushi & sashimi, plus teriyaki & tempura.
Fumi Sushi Restaurant
RestaurantsBlue Water Seafood and Crab
RestaurantsChill environment with quirky decor & nautical-themed drinks for East Coast-style seafood & plates.
Blue Water Seafood and Crab
RestaurantsDesi Pizza Bites
RestaurantsRelaxed spot turning out classic pies alongside Indian dishes like tandoori chicken.
Desi Pizza Bites
RestaurantsThe Pho
RestaurantsRelaxed eatery for popular Vietnamese soups, rolls and rice dishes.
The Pho
RestaurantsIslander’s Lounge
RestaurantsRelaxed bar serving cocktails and Hawaiian grub, often with live music or a DJ.
Islander’s Lounge
RestaurantsIHOP
RestaurantsLong-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.
IHOP
RestaurantsDe Vega Brothers
RestaurantsCasually elegant Italian restaurant featuring traditional dishes, a bar & some patio seating.
De Vega Brothers
RestaurantsQ Pot Korean BBQ & Hotpot
RestaurantsAll-you-can-eat restaurant with contemporary decor & classic Korean BBQ & hot pot options.
Q Pot Korean BBQ & Hotpot
RestaurantsToast Cafe & Grill
RestaurantsLaid-back eatery featuring a variety of breakfast-themed dishes alongside lunch eats such as burgers.
Toast Cafe & Grill
RestaurantsPho Nhat Minh
RestaurantsVietnamese restaurant for traditional dishes, with a focus on pho noodle soup.
Pho Nhat Minh
RestaurantsSqueeze In
RestaurantsColorful local chain serving signature omelets & other breakfast items, plus burgers & cocktails.
Squeeze In
RestaurantsPaesano Ristorante Italiano
RestaurantsContemporary Italian eatery lures locals with its traditional dishes served in a cheerful interior.
Paesano Ristorante Italiano
RestaurantsAngelina's Spaghetti House
RestaurantsLongtime Italian eatery offering old-school fare in a relaxed setup with a bar & an adjoining deli.
Angelina's Spaghetti House
RestaurantsSmokeEaters Hot Wings
RestaurantsLocal chain serving beer, burgers & various flavors of wings in a casual space with sports on TV.
SmokeEaters Hot Wings
RestaurantsGiorgio's Italian Food and Pizzeria
RestaurantsCasual, family-owned Italian joint dishing up pizza, pasta & other comfort food standards.
Giorgio's Italian Food and Pizzeria
RestaurantsOsaka Sushi
RestaurantsOrchids, greenery & a koi pond create a lush vibe at this Japanese spot serving sushi & more.
Osaka Sushi
RestaurantsMarket Tavern
RestaurantsContemporary haunt with thoughtfully sourced New American entrees & an attached grocery store.
Market Tavern
RestaurantsBJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
RestaurantsFamily-friendly chain outpost pairs familiar pub fare with an extensive list of house brews.
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
RestaurantsHenry's World Famous Hi-Life
RestaurantsBuzzing bar with a sports lounge, outdoor tables & TVs serving pub-grub staples & local beers.
Henry's World Famous Hi-Life
RestaurantsBibo's NY Pizza
RestaurantsTiny, unfussy pizzeria serving pies with daily made dough & sauce, topped with Buffalo mozzarella.
Bibo's NY Pizza
RestaurantsOriginal Joe's
RestaurantsBurgers, bowls, poutine & more in a lively, relaxed restaurant & bar that has happy hour specials.
Original Joe's
RestaurantsChicago Pizza
RestaurantsPizzeria dishing up pies with a variety of toppings, including chicken curry and pineapple and Canadian bacon.
Chicago Pizza
RestaurantsOveja Negra
RestaurantsAiry-chic eatery inside Hotel Valencia serves modern & traditional tapas plus shareable plates.
Oveja Negra
RestaurantsLazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsRelaxed, lodge-chic chain serving global comfort fare, including stir-fries, pot roast & pastas.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsRivets American Grill
RestaurantsCasual haunt serving comfort food such as burgers and beer, and offering live music.
Rivets American Grill
RestaurantsCenter Stage BBQ
RestaurantsCasual joint serving comfort food, such as ribs, cornbread, and potato salad.
Center Stage BBQ
RestaurantsKazoo Sushi Boat – Japantown San Jose
RestaurantsAn ever-changing selection of sushi rolls & other traditional Japanese items in an unassuming space.
Kazoo Sushi Boat – Japantown San Jose
RestaurantsWOWMIA PIZZA
RestaurantsPizza option featuring Persian-style toppings and crust that can bring back childhood memories.
WOWMIA PIZZA
RestaurantsUrban Plates
RestaurantsChef-driven restaurant serving scratch-made plates, salads, sandwiches & bowls, dine-in or to-go.
Urban Plates
RestaurantsSmoke & Meat BBQ
RestaurantsTexas-style BBQ brisket and sausage joint, with sides such as potato salad and banana pudding.
Smoke & Meat BBQ
RestaurantsSmashburger
RestaurantsCounter-serve chain featuring signature smashed burgers, plus sides & shakes.
Smashburger
RestaurantsStrings Italian Cafe Modesto
RestaurantsItalian chain presents traditional dishes including pizzas, pastas & calzones in a low-key setting.
Strings Italian Cafe Modesto
RestaurantsEl Torito Azteca Food Truck
RestaurantsMexican eatery (often a truck) selling burritos, quesadillas, and tacos, plus sauces and burgers.
El Torito Azteca Food Truck
RestaurantsGK Mongolian BBQ
RestaurantsAll-you-can-eat Chinese fare including Mongolian barbecue dishes served in a casual setting.
GK Mongolian BBQ
RestaurantsFilipino Corner Resto
RestaurantsCasual Filipino eatery featuring familiar dishes alongside karaoke.
Filipino Corner Resto
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