The Central Valley Restaurants

Fast-food and chain restaurants are omnipresent, but homegrown bistros and fine restaurants take advantage of the local produce and meats. Superb Mexican food abounds, and Chinese, Italian, Armenian, and Basque cuisines are amply represented.

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  • 1. Towne House Restaurant

    $$$$

    Special-occasion dinners often take place in the distinguished rooms of this former residence behind, and part of, the Wine & Roses hotel. Painted in rich, textured hues offset by wide white molding, the rooms exude a subtle sophistication matched by seasonal dishes that might include halibut, lamb or pork chops, or a house-made pasta plate.

    2505 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, California, 95242, USA
    209-371–6160

    Known For

    • Fresh seasonal local ingredients
    • Weekend brunch with varied offerings
    • Town Corner Café & Market for breakfast and lunch daily

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 2. Dewz

    $$$$ | Modern American

    Modestans hankering for a fine-dining experience—especially one involving prime rib or filet mignon—often head to this handsome dining room. Chef Vincent Alvarado introduces French influences (by way of the sauces) and Asian ones (by way of the spices) to beef, chicken, and seafood standards. Beef predominates, but the sea bass is a good alternative, as is the pan-roasted pork tenderloin, served with a sweet and spicy plum sauce.

    1505 J St., Modesto, California, 95354, USA
    209-549–1101

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.
  • 3. Five Ten Bistro

    $$ | Modern American

    Elegant yet unpretentious Five Ten serves upscale bistro-style meals at reasonable prices. Sit at candlelit tables and watch the cooks in the open kitchen craft dishes on a seasonal menu that always includes soups (try the mushroom bisque), salads, pastas (among them chicken penne with bacon and tomato), and chicken marsala and other bistro staples. Local vintages and bottlings from around the globe grace the impressive wine list. The on-site After 5 Bar & Lounge lures locals with craft-beer flights and creative martinis. In fair weather, ask for a table outside under the stars.

    510 W. Main St., Merced, California, 95340, USA
    209-381–0280

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 4. School House Restaurant & Tavern

    $$$

    A Wine Country–style establishment that sources ingredients from the on-site gardens and surrounding farms and orchards, this popular restaurant occupies a redbrick 1921 schoolhouse in the town of Sanger. Chef Ryan Jackson, who grew up on local fruit farms, creates seasonal menus from the bounty of familiar backyards, mostly filled with classic American dishes with a contemporary twist.

    1018 S. Frankwood Ave., Sanger, California, 93657, USA
    559-787–3271

    Known For

    • Ingredients from neighboring farms and orchards
    • Historical country setting
    • Convenient stop between Kings Canyon and Fresno

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch
  • 5. The Mark

    $$ | Modern American

    An upscale restaurant and bar in the downtown arts district, The Mark specializes in fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, pastas, homemade soups, and comfort foods such as chicken potpie. Though the dishes are straightforward, they're skillfully executed. The wine list favors California but includes representatives from France, Italy, and elsewhere abroad. At the bar, which hosts live music, you can sink into leather high-back chairs and booths and order creative cocktails.

    1623 19th St., Bakersfield, California, 93301, USA
    661-322–7665

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.
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