Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Fresno / San Joaquin Valley

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Fresno / San Joaquin Valley? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Galletto Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (1682)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

Modesto

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Lynnette

Dined 3 days ago

Wonderful food! Great service! Beautiful restaurant! It was a wonderful way to celebrate our 36th wedding anniversary.

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4.8

4.8 (1674)

$30 and under

Bistro

Fresno

About the restaurant

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!

Top review

Joey

Dined 3 days ago

Food was great. Server was quick and attentive. The drinks and apps came out in good time. Overall, it was a great dinner. I will definitely take my committee back here.

Verona Cucina Italiana

4.8

4.8 (655)

$30 and under

Italian

Modesto

About the restaurant

The freshest ingredients available are used in our classic Northern Italian recipes. We only use fresh seasonal fish -- never frozen. Our classical bolognese sauce is a favorite in the community.

Top review

Sharon

Dined 1 day ago

I love Veronas. It’s the best in town. I loved my tortellini but my friend ordered the sole ($34!). It hadn’t been crusted and looked pale, oily and anemic and only had a dot of the dill aoli. In the past it’s always come crusted in nuts or parm. This looked sad. Suggesting they crust it and serve it with a decent amount of sauce. She wasn’t happy with it.

Rainbird

4.8

4.8 (290)

$31 to $50

Californian

Merced

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Lee

Dined 3 days ago

This is the fifth time that I’ve eaten at the Rainbird in probably the last six months. It is no accident. This is a very fine restaurant in all aspects.

Bistro 120

4.8

4.8 (65)

$31 to $50

Bistro

Oakdale

About the restaurant

We take pride in the art of culinary craftsmanship and our entirely from-scratch menu. We embrace the vibrant flavors of California while giving them a worldly flare, creating a delicate balance that feels both familiar and exotic all at once.

Top review

Rikki

Dined on 7 Dec 2024

We had the special, which was tomato basil soup and grilled cheese. It was hands-down the BEST grilled cheese I've ever had... seriously. The espresso martini was also delish. Our server was lovely and attentive. Overall it was a really great experience

Black Angus Steakhouse - Bakersfield

4.6

4.6 (1371)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Bakersfield

About the restaurant

WE’VE BEEN MASTERING OUR CRAFT SINCE 1964, so you could say we know a thing or two. Our cuts are aged at least 21 days, seasoned to excellence, expertly flame-grilled and served up just the way you like it. You’ve earned it. Whether you’re here to throw back a couple with old friends or trying to finish off the High Noon Feast on your own, there’s always a seat for you. So here’s to the nights you can’t remember and the steaks you won’t forget.

Top review

JIM

Dined 2 days ago

I made a reservation for 16 two weeks prior to our date needed! The night of our reservation I realized that I needed to add two and they handled our people well and if we needed anything no matter who we asked they took care of our needs(cocktails - dressing - water) Food was excellent!’ Mark was our waiter and he was the best!!!

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Vintage Steakhouse - Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino

4.6

4.6 (1720)

$31 to $50

American

Fresno

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

BERK

Dined 7 days ago

The clam chowder and lamb main dish were absolutely fabulous. The clam chowder was rich and creamy, with a perfect balance of flavors that made each spoonful delightful. The lamb was cooked to perfection, tender and juicy, with a savory seasoning that enhanced its natural flavors. Our server, Heather, was amazing. She was attentive and friendly, ensuring that our dining experience was smooth and enjoyable. Heather worked seamlessly with her team, demonstrating excellent coordination and professionalism. David, the Room Manager, was very welcoming. He greeted us warmly upon arrival and checked on us several times throughout the meal to ensure everything was to our satisfaction. His presence added a personal touch to the evening, making us feel valued and well-cared for. Overall, it was a top-level dining experience. The combination of delicious food, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere made for a memorable evening. We will definitely be returning and highly recommend this restaurant to others.

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4.6

4.6 (408)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Fresno

About the restaurant

The excellent service and succulent food is what makes us stand out as Central Valley’s finest steakhouse and seafood restaurant experience. Come experience a meal to remember in a luxurious, elegant atmosphere and you'll know what makes our restaurant so special.

Our cooking is based on upscale American fare inspired by and with a twist of various other cuisines. We keep our menu selection concise enable to consistently prepare your food with fresh and high quality ingredients.

The aesthetics of our architecture and designing is in a class of its own.
Enjoy a taste of quality and comfort in a restaurant that looks as beautiful as our food tastes.

Unwind or celebrate with some fine wine from our fully temperature controlled wine cellar. Our wine list features a curated assortment of varietals comprised of
over a hundred different wines to choose from.

Whether it's for personal or business purposes, we have fully private rooms to accommodate all event types.

Top review

Dolores

Dined on 12 Dec 2024

The food was amazing and the staff go above and beyond to make sure your dining experience is superb. I will definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants to eat delicious food.

The Point Restaurant, Bar & Patio

4.6

4.6 (148)

$31 to $50

American

Fresno

About the restaurant

The Point Patio Bar and Bistro is a hot new restaurant featuring American cuisine with a full service, indoor and outdoor bar. The passion to bring a new feel to Fresno came with many trips around the country including Denver, Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco. With their collaborative experiences and a joint vision of bringing the "perfect" point home, the idea for the patio bistro was born. The unique outdoor oasis features fire, water and colored lighting effects. Along with the televisions strategically placed for subtle viewing, The Point sets the mood for an experience like no other. The indoor booth and table seating offers a more intimate dining experience for friends and family. The Point's highly qualified Chefs bring creative flavor and presentation to a diverse menu including tasty Bistro Starters, Gourmet Burgers and Handhelds, savory Mains and House Made desserts. A lighter lunch selection, a happy hour menu and Sunday Brunch is also available.

Top review

Tiffany

Dined on 17 Nov 2024

Had a nice brunch with a friend with good service.

Nativos - Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino

4.4

4.4 (385)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

Fresno

About the restaurant

Located in the West observation lobby of the Picayune Tower, Nativos is Italian food at its best. The restaurant is an airy, contemporary setting with sunlight streaming through large windows overlooking the awesome views of the Sierra Foothills and Lilly Mountain terrain. There is limited outdoor seating on the canopied terrace for those that wish to catch the sun and take in the fresh air.

The menu keeps up with modern trends and delivers a cutting-edge dining experience while retaining the peerless flavors of Italy and the Mediterranean coast. Only the best quality food and ingredients are selected to make the dishes fully authentic and flavorful.

Hours of Operation: Open Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 9pm for dinner and on Sunday for brunch from 10:30am to 2:30pm

Top review

Patty

Dined on 23 Nov 2024

Great food, service, and price. Will go back again soon

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