There’s always a great reason to have a meal out! Fresno and Clovis are full of great places to eat, whether you’re hosting a client dinner, grabbing a quick team lunch, or just trying to find the perfect brunch spot for a Saturday meetup. The hard part? Knowing where to go without relying on the same old list.
Imagine Remodeling works in neighborhoods all over Fresno and Clovis, which means we have the pleasure of visiting many of these local gems while we're on the job. This guide covers standout spots across every part of town, these places deliver on flavor, ambiance, and a little bit of design inspiration if you’re into that sort of thing (we are). No matter your occasion or vibe, there’s a table here for you.
Executive Dinners & Date Nights
Some restaurants just make people sit up straighter. Whether it’s the service, the lighting, or the fact that the dry-aged steak arrives with zero fuss and perfect timing, these five spots are where Fresno handles its big conversations and romantic moments.
These are ideal for business dinners, special occasions, or anytime you want to treat someone to a night out that actually feels like a night out.
Annex Kitchen (Palm & Shaw)
Italian-Californian, polished and buzzing
- Why Go: Handmade pasta, wood-fired mains, and a wine list with range.
- Must-Try: Short-rib parpadelle, burrata with local olive oil, barrel-aged Negroni.
- Heads-Up: Valet only. Reservations on Resy fill 30 days out. Plan ahead for your occasions
Saizon (North Fig Garden)
Modern Baja with a luxe edge
- Why Go: Multi-course menus that fuse Central Coast seafood with Oaxacan flavors.
- Must-Try: 42-day dry-aged ribeye, uni tostada, tequila caviar martini.
- Heads-Up: Jackets not required, but not out of place. Dinner only.
Elbow Room (Fig Garden Village)
Classic steakhouse meets neighborhood fixture
- Why Go: A Fresno institution with just the right mix of polish and familiarity. It’s where regulars are treated like VIPs and newcomers never feel out of place. Ideal for client dinners that lean relaxed or date nights where conversation is king.
- Must-Try: Filet mignon with garlic mashed potatoes, blackened ahi salad, and a classic Manhattan.
- Heads-Up: Patio seating is a local favorite when the weather cooperates. Ask about the specials; they’re worth it.
Max’s Bistro (Bullard & West)
Continental classics in a low-key upscale space
- Why Go: Dependable service, a solid wine list, and plenty of room to talk.
- Must-Try: Grass-fed rack of lamb, Milestone cabernet.
- Heads-Up: Closed Sundays. Ask for booth #5 if you want privacy.
Trelio Food & Wine (Old Town Clovis)
Tiny tasting room with serious wine pairings
- Why Go: A six-course seasonal menu that changes weekly, paired with thoughtful pours.
- Must-Try: Whatever’s on the blackboard. Trust the chef.
- Heads-Up: Online, email or phone reservations only. No walk-ins.
13 Prime Steak (Clovis)
Modern steakhouse with tableside flair
- Why Go: Prime beef, moody lighting, and cocktails mixed right at your table.
- Must-Try: 38-oz tomahawk ribeye, Vesper martini.
- Heads-Up: Business casual dress code. Sides are à la carte.
Wassabi Off the Hook (Shaw & Palm)
Modern sushi spot with a lively bar
- Why Go: Clean lines, big energy, and seriously good rolls, great for casual celebrations.
- What to Order: “OMG” baked roll, sashimi sampler, sake flight.
- Heads-Up: Sashimi happy hour runs Tuesdays. Go early if you want bar seating.
Lively Lunches & Team Gathering Favorites
These Fresno and Clovis restaurants strike that balance between casual and dependable, where the service is quick, the food hits, and nobody blinks if you show up in boots or polos. Here’s where to go when you want to keep things moving without cutting corners.
Five Restaurant (Friant & Ft. Washington)
Polished but fast—great for working lunches
- Why Go: Upscale service that still gets you out in under an hour.
- What to Order: Korean skirt steak salad, blood-orange margarita.
- Heads-Up: Lunch service runs 11–2, Monday through Friday.
Casa Corona (North Fresno)
Casual Mexican spot with fast service and flavor to spare
- Why Go: Great for team lunches when you want bold flavors, generous portions, and no fuss. Plenty of space, fast turnaround, and a festive vibe that doesn’t feel forced.
- What to Order: Red or green chilaquiles with carne asada, shrimp tacos, and a house-made michelada if you’re off the clock.
- Heads-Up: Indoor and shaded patio seating available. Gets busy after 12 PM—beat the lunch rush if you can.
Pismo’s Coastal Grill (Blackstone & Nees)
Lively, shareable, and reliably good seafood
- Why Go: Perfect for team platters or a low-stress working lunch.
- What to Order: Cedar-plank salmon, crispy calamari, house clam chowder.
- Heads-Up: Order online for memorable and crowd-pleasing takeout.
The Lime Lite (Ashlan & Palm)
Old-school supper club with solid midday charm
- Why Go: Comfort food in a setting that feels a little nostalgic.
- What to Order: Prime rib sandwich, house bleu cheese dressing.
- Heads-Up: Plentiful parking, easy to get in and out.
Heirloom (N Fresno St.)
Fast-casual done right with customizable bowls
- Why Go: In and out in 25 minutes, no compromises on quality.
- What to Order: Chimichurri tri-tip bowl, grilled veggie sides.
- Heads-Up: Counter service only. Great for pick-up orders, too.
Mad Duck (Campus Pointe & Herndon)
Craft beer and pub fare with zero pretense
- Why Go: Relaxed, budget-friendly, and good for team bonding.
- What to Order: Fresno chile BBQ wings, Honey-Badger IPA.
- Heads-Up: Happy Hour runs 3–6 daily, even on Fridays.
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Happy Hours & Craft-Beer Breaks
Fresno and Clovis have no shortage of options, from rooftop views to backyard beer gardens. These spots bring solid pours, easygoing vibes, and just enough space to swap stories without shouting over a DJ. Here are our favorite places to check out after you clock out.
Crow & Wolf Brewing (Clovis)
Polished taproom with serious craft cred
- Why Go: Industrial-chic space with rotating IPAs and strong regulars.
- What to Sip: Hazy IPA flight, oatmeal stout, seasonal pale ales.
- Heads-Up: Food trucks only. Check their schedule online.
Tioga-Sequoia Beer Garden (Downtown)
Half-acre beer garden built for long hangs
- Why Go: Big communal tables, live music, and lots of local brews.
- What to Sip: Half Dome wheat beer, 99 Golden Ale.
- Heads-Up: Shade is minimal in July and August. Go later in the day to avoid baking.
Two Ravens Brewery (Clovis)
Award-winning brews in a welcoming atmosphere
- Why Go: Known for its diverse range of craft beers brewed on-site, Two Ravens offers a friendly environment perfect for unwinding after work.
- What to Sip: Award-winning selections like the "Stormbreaker" IPA and "Old Nessie" Wee Heavy.
- Heads-Up: Live music events are frequent; check their schedule to plan your visit.
South of Shaw Beer Company (Fresno)
Craft beer meets community vibes
- Why Go: This brewery offers a spacious taproom with a rotating selection of experimental brews, making it a great spot for groups.
- What to Sip: Try their seasonal IPAs or the popular stouts.
- Heads-Up: Dog-friendly patio and frequent food truck visits enhance the experience.
Speakeasy & Late-Shift Cocktails
Sometimes the night calls for something quieter, or perhaps, stranger. Fresno’s got a few low-key cocktail spots tucked behind bookshelves, brass doors, and coded texts. These are the places you go when dinner’s wrapped but the conversation isn’t, or when you want to impress someone who thought they’d seen everything in town. From moody lighting to seriously dialed-in drink menus, here are a few of the best speakeasies and hidden bars in Fresno.
The Library at Detention (Downtown)
Book your “study hall” and get ready to stay a while
- Why Go: A hidden cocktail bar built behind a retro-themed restaurant, complete with lockers, library lamps, and quiet corners.
- What to Sip: Earl-Grey smoked old fashioned, espresso martini, rotating highball specials.
- Heads-Up: Reserve a locker online. Friday and Saturday seats disappear fast.
Modernist (Palm & Van Ness)
Unmarked door, standout cocktails, downtown cool
- Why Go: A longtime local favorite with expertly crafted drinks and bartenders who’ll talk bitters and bracket hardware if you ask.
- What to Sip: Clarified milk punch flight, mezcal Negroni, off-menu classics.
- Heads-Up: No reservations. Standing-room only after 9 PM on weekends.
Weekend Brunch & Breakfast Meetings
Fresno and Clovis have plenty of brunch spots that start the day right. The best ones serve solid coffee, memorable plates, and maybe even a little patio breeze, without dragging things out past noon. Here are a few reliable go-tos for eggs, conversation, and a refill or two.
Fresno Breakfast House (West & Bullard)
Big portions, fast service, and something for everyone
- Why Go: Friendly staff, generous plates, and a menu that hits every comfort zone.
- What to Order: Stuffed French toast, country potatoes, mimosa with fresh-squeezed OJ.
- Heads-Up: Opens at 6 AM daily. Perfect for early starts.
Campagnia (Champlain & Perrin)
Classy without being fussy, brunch with polish
- Why Go: Upscale brunch with a quiet patio and excellent service.
- What to Order: Prime-rib Benedict (Sunday only), blood-orange Bellini.
- Heads-Up: Live jazz trio plays 11–2. Reserve ahead if you want a patio table.
Spicy J’s (First & Nees)
Dim sum carts and Sichuan spice, right in North Fresno
- Why Go: Something different, a buzzy atmosphere, fast-moving carts, bold flavors.
- What to Order: Dan-dan noodles, hot chili oil dumplings, jasmine tea.
- Heads-Up: Weekend crowds pick up after 9:30 AM. Come early or expect a wait.
Curious about the cost of a remodel in Fresno or Clovis this year? We've got the numbers you need here.
Inspired to Make Your Own Space Spectacular with a Remodel in Fresno or Clovis?
If these spots have you thinking about lighting, layout, or how your own kitchen holds up under pressure, we get it. We notice those things too. Contact Imagine Remodeling here. Let’s talk about building something that fits the way you live, host, and unwind.
