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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Fresno

Salad and dessert spots

A meal that balances a crisp salad with a proper dessert that feels like a treat, not an afterthought.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Zaatar Bistro image 1
Zaatar Bistro image 2
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Restaurant

Restaurant offers authentic Lebanese cuisine with a French flair in a beautifully decorated and cozy atmosphere. Indoor seating is stunning and the outdoor lounge adds to the inviting vibe. A full bar serves unique drinks like espresso martinis and spicy Bloody Marys.

Fattoush salad features a mix of leafy and crunchy vegetables with crispy dried pita bread. It comes tossed in a zesty dressing that adds bright flavor.

Desserts include Lotus cheesecake with Biscoff cookies made in house daily and the Summit, ice cream wrapped in cotton candy with chocolate drizzle and pistachios. The knafeh is also a notable choice.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I loved the fresh, flavorful salads here."

"I found the Dubai chocolate tart with ground pistachios addictive."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak dining hours to avoid long waits.

2

Zaatar Bistro offers a diverse menu with authentic Lebanese dishes.

3

They serve breakfast and brunch on weekends with unique Mediterranean options.

02
Chez Maryse image 1
French restaurant

French country-style decor creates a cozy and romantic atmosphere with colorful, beautiful decorations. Live jazz music on Sundays adds a lively, authentic vibe to the dining experience. The space feels welcoming and charming, suited for casual catch-ups or intimate meals.

A side salad comes with meals like the large spinach and chicken crepe. The signature fig vinaigrette is sweet, tangy, and has a sharp bite, making even simple salads stand out.

Incredible desserts include beignet, lemon tart, and pรขtรฉ choux, all expertly crafted. Rich and creamy treats like the La Tulipe and fresh turnovers stand out without feeling greasy.

People are saying

"The French food here is delicious, especially the crepes."

"The desserts here are delicious, rich, and creamy."

"The croissants are flaky, buttery, and bursting with cream."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Live music occurs every Sunday, starting around 10 AM.

3

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during peak brunch hours.

03
Olive Tree Mediterranean image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Middle Eastern restaurant offers a cozy family vibe with a clean, spacious interior and polite staff. Music plays at a comfortable volume, creating a chill, welcoming atmosphere that suits both quiet dinners and larger groups.

Salad features fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and sliced green squash. It comes with a flavorful dressing and a special sauce that adds extra taste.

Basbousa stands out as a highlight for dessert. Baklava also features as a delicious choice that complements the menu well.

People are saying

"This Mediterranean food is phenomenal, especially the flavorful shawarma."

"The baklava here is the perfect sweet finish, flaky and not heavy."

"The salad here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

A 4% surcharge for credit card payments is added, exceeding the legal maximum.

2

The surcharge combined with tax results in approximately 13% more than menu prices.

3

No bread or sauces are provided with hummus, which may affect your meal experience.

04
L'Apรฉritif Bistro image 1

Small, elegant restaurant offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere with tasteful decor featuring Paris, London, and New York themes. Warm lighting and soft background music create a romantic, inviting vibe that suits quiet dinners. Patrons enjoy a high-end dining experience with attentive service in a relaxed setting.

Salads come with fresh ingredients and a yummy vinaigrette dressing. They pair well with other dishes like tuna appetizers and seafood.

Crรจme brรปlรฉe and tiramisu stand out as incredible desserts here. Each sweet is crafted with attention to detail reflecting authentic French and Italian styles.

People are saying

"I found this place to be a true hidden gem."

"The crรจme brรปlรฉe and tiramisu desserts were incredible."

"I felt the love and passion in their delicious food."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a wait time of at least one hour during peak dinner hours.

3

The menu features unique French and Italian dishes not found elsewhere.

05
Parma Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Open kitchen and tile floors create a lively, sometimes loud atmosphere filled with Italian warmth. Dining feels intimate and romantic, suited for celebrations and casual meals alike. Guests enjoy authentic Italian flavors focused on meat and pasta, paired with carefully selected Italian wines.

Caprese salad features ripe tomatoes, good olive oil, and balanced salt. Salads often include lettuce soaked in vinegar with cucumber and tomato slices. Quail salad is served but can feel like it lacks something.

Desserts include a dessert trio to share and lemony Italian cookies served complimentary. Options come after a full meal with appetizers and wine.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is so authentic, it feels like home."

"I enjoyed the wine; it was part of a delicious meal."

"The caprese salad's tomatoes were ripe and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy Friday evenings.

2

Dinner service is reasonably priced, with meals averaging around $15-20.

3

Expect a wait time of 30 minutes for walk-ins during peak hours.

06
The Palms image 1
Fine dining restaurant

Small, elegant dining room with dim lighting and black tablecloths creates a romantic, refined atmosphere. Live piano music adds a classic, inviting energy that complements the upscale vibe. The place fills up on weekends, reflecting its status among top fine dining spots.

The beet salad stands out as exceptional and highly praised. Other options like the Mediterranean salad and bruschetta also deliver strong, fresh flavors.

Every dessert is made in-house and pairs well with a dessert wine that complements the flavors. Options like baklava stand out as part of an outstanding dessert selection.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented."

"The desserts here are to die for."

"The service here was amazing and great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for weekend dinners due to high demand.

2

Dress more formally than casually for a better dining experience.

3

The menu features a variety of seafood and beef options.

07
Manhattan Steakhouse & Bar image 1

Steakhouse offers an old school charm with white tablecloth and adult atmosphere. The extensive bar features an impressive back bar and creates a lounge vibe with smooth, mellow music. Steaks are perfectly cooked, tender, and well-seasoned, matching the elegant, nostalgic decor.

Salads come out fresh and tasty, with the Artesian Green Salad standing out as refreshing. The beet salad also delivers strong flavor, complementing the fish and steak well.

Unique desserts end the meal with a perfect finish. Management offers free desserts when needed, adding a thoughtful touch.

People are saying

"The steaks here are cooked to perfection, tender, and juicy."

"I found the desserts here to be top-notch."

"The salads here are really refreshing and tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets busy, especially during peak hours.

2

A $25 corking fee applies for bringing your own wine, not the $20 stated on the menu.

3

A 20% gratuity is automatically added for separate checks.

08
Texas de Brazil - Fresno image 1

Buffet-style steakhouse with a large salad bar and servers offering various meats on swords creates a lively dining experience. Elegant yet comfortable atmosphere features upscale decor and a warm, welcoming vibe. The place feels busy and loud but suits special occasions well.

A buffet offers a variety of fresh ingredients for custom Caesar salads. The salad bar features a diverse array of tasty options, all made with love and passion.

An impressive variety of sweet treats stands out on the dessert menu. Special desserts can be arranged for occasions, and staff handle issues quickly, sometimes adding an extra dessert.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, bursting with flavor."

"The staff made our Date Spots experience perfect and we felt well taken care of."

"The desserts here are rich and tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure prompt seating.

2

Happy hour drinks offer good value, typically from 4-7pm on weekdays.

3

Expect a high price point, especially for special occasions.

09
Aromas Restaurant image 1
Brunch restaurant

Brunch spot with an airy, open space and modern, well-decorated interior creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Live music adds a friendly, lively vibe that enhances the dining experience. Bottomless mimosas and customizable omelets are popular features that complement the food offerings.

Salads come fresh and balanced with veggies and fruit. Options like the tri tip salad and Bella salad stand out for their taste and size.

Buffet desserts include mini churros and a small selection of about 10-15 items across courses. The dessert options complement a full course meal with made-to-order eggs and other brunch staples.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The salads here are fresh, beautiful, and delicious."

"The service here is excellent, with friendly smiles."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers food and drinks for $4.

2

The weekend brunch features an all-you-can-eat option.

3

Bottomless mimosas are available during the Sunday buffet for an additional $25.

10
YAVA Bakery image 1

Large open room with high ceilings and natural light creates a spacious, elegant setting. Warm, inviting atmosphere suits relaxed meals and socializing. Both indoor and outdoor seating offer comfortable, thoughtful design with beautiful pastries displayed prominently.

Salads feature a spinach and berry mix often paired with grilled chicken. Side salads come across as refreshing and delicious with a Mediterranean and Arabic influence, plus some Thai options.

Desserts show clear care in flavors and presentation. They have a light taste and lean toward refined, less-sweet options.

People are saying

"The pastries here are beautiful, thoughtfully made, and delicious."

"Their desserts are beautiful, thoughtfully made, and genuinely delicious."

"I found the salad here to be delicious and refreshing."

Good to know

1

Lunch at YAVA Bakery starts at 12pm.

2

Expect to pay over $20 for breakfast items.

3

The bakery offers vegetarian options and items for dietary restrictions.

11
Five Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Modern Italian restaurant with warm lighting and exposed brick creates a cozy, stylish ambiance. Atmosphere shifts from lively social scene to intimate, perfect for relaxed or special evenings. Crowd enjoys flavorful dishes and fresh espresso martinis in a setting that balances trendy design with inviting comfort.

Salads here feature a perfectly balanced Caesar dressing that is not overpowering. The wedge salad and watermelon salad stand out for their fresh, delicious flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent, especially the pasta."

"The filet mignon was so tender and delicious."

"The wedge salad and Bolognese were absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on busy nights like Christmas Eve.

2

Parking can be difficult; arrive early to find a spot.

3

Expect small portion sizes, especially for pasta dishes.

12
John's Incredible Pizza - Fresno image 1

Amusement center offers multiple themed dining rooms and a variety of games and rides for all ages. Atmosphere stays fun and lively, peaking early in the day with many families and school groups. Features include a pizza buffet and a sports bar area, blending entertainment with casual dining.

All-you-can-eat salad features fresh lettuce and a variety of toppings. The salad bar stands out as robust and pairs well with hot soup and pizza.

Soft serve ice cream stands out as the preferred dessert for most. The dessert bar offers a variety of options alongside the salad bar.

People are saying

"The food here is good with great selections that looked fresh."

"It's a fun place for the whole family to enjoy activities."

"The desserts here were always excellent and yummy."

Good to know

1

The place is suitable for children's parties and celebrations.

2

Expect some arcade games to be out of order during busy times.

3

The dining area may not always be clean, especially when crowded.

13
Yosemite Ranch - Steak, Fish, Bar image 1

Steakhouse offers an elegant and cozy interior with a huge fireplace in a comfortable waiting area. Atmosphere is loud during dinner hours but suits casual, romantic, and business dinners. Known for excellent steaks and mixed drinks, it attracts diners seeking quality and variety.

Salads come with a creative presentation, often served on a head of iceberg lettuce wrapped in a circle. The Mixed Green Salad balances toppings and dressing well, and the staff replaces salads promptly if needed.

Butter cake with Blackberries stands out as a dessert option. Desserts often come as a celebratory treat.

People are saying

"Our server Ethan ensured our steaks were at the correct temperature."

"The service here is fantastic, especially Ethan's promptness."

"The salad here is great, and the Brussels sprouts were delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect to spend around $60 per plate after tax and gratuity.

3

The wait time for a table can be around 20 minutes with a reservation.

14
Piazza Del Pane image 1
Italian restaurant

Open and airy setting combines with rustic decor and a warm, inviting vibe. Outdoor seating offers a cool atmosphere with live music, while indoor lighting tends to be bright. The place draws a crowd for bottomless mimosas brunches and features a friendly, attentive staff.

Salads range from a simple house salad with chopped romaine and tomatoes to a salmon salad that stands out as delicious. Lunch specials often include a salad paired with soup and a half sandwich, and salads come as sides with burgers or pizza.

Desserts feature silky creme brulee that stands out for its texture and flavor. An eclectic brunch buffet includes a variety of dessert options alongside breakfast and lunch items.

People are saying

"The brunch buffet had so many delicious choices and desserts."

"The desserts here are delicious and high quality."

"I thought their salads were awesome."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for Sunday brunch to secure a spot.

2

Expect a 20% automatic gratuity on self-serve buffet orders.

3

Bottles of wine are half off on Wine Wednesdays.

15
Ole Frijole Restaurant Buffet image 1

Mexican restaurant with authentic dishes and a nostalgic, family atmosphere that feels like a quiet potluck. The interior shows aged wear but remains clean and comfortable with plenty of seating near the buffet or by bright exits.

Freshness stands out with the salad bar featuring crisp, just-cut ingredients. Quality is consistent, making salads like the taco salad notably good.

3-color Jell-O dessert and rice pudding stand out among the desserts. Kids enjoy the sweet options, which are consistently good.

People are saying

"I come here just to eat the enchiladas."

"This buffet feels like coming home after 40 years."

"The salad bar here is so fresh, it's like they just cut everything."

Good to know

1

Visiting during lunch is more affordable.

2

The restaurant is clean but has limited food options.

3

There is only one women's restroom with long lines.

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