Bauhaus – Quaint, tapas-style restaurant with a fun and funky vibe. Watch Chef Ty Bauer make your food from the counter seats or chill outback with some of their delicious sangria. The haus-smoked meats are melt-in-your-mouth amazing. Don't skip the pork belly or the pastrami. Best place to go to order several dishes to share with friends. Dog-friendly.
405 Downey Ave., Modesto
209-857-5819

Brothers – You want a great burger, the best fries, and a beer? This is the place! The bros will make you feel right at home and part of the family. They even have an area for the kiddos to hang.
1201 W. Main St. #1, Ripon
209-253-0696

Cahoots – This breakfast and lunch corner cafe will not disappoint. Stuffed French toast is pure decadence. Ask about their homemade salsa, and always expect plenty of complimentary fried jalapenos to accompany any menu selection. This is where the locals go! 

Camp 4 – A wine bar and cafe specializing in paninis and has a stellar wine selection. They offer seasonal specials that utilize local ingredients (I run down there every time I see the tom kha gai soup is back on the menu) — perfect spot for a date night. The whipped feta, poke bowls, and rotating wine flights are all highlights you won't want to miss. Dessert panini? Yes, please!
1508 10th St., Modesto
209-529-5898

Canal Street Grille – Tasteful, unpretentious, and relaxed, with a family atmosphere. It only takes a glance at the menu to understand their commitment to quality ingredients. Offerings are delicious, approachable examples of contemporary American fare. Never stuffy, Canal Street Grille is focused on craveable favorites such as their Applewood Smoked Pork Chop.
1225 Canal Blvd., Ripon
209-599-4646

Churchkey – Their woodfired pizzas with house-made sourdough crust are not to be missed. They don't call it the Go-To Pizza for nothing. "I order it every time! In addition, they offer a wide selection of beers on tap and specialty cocktails (the Churchtea is an artisan, adult Arnold Palmer, and I am always down)." Great for the whole family.
910 12th St., Modesto
209-422-3128

Chefs of NY – "It really has that small Italian restaurant homey feeling I miss from back East, and the food is very East Coast authentic."
918 13th St., Modesto
209-857-5102

Ciao Bella – Classic Italian restaurant. Be sure to ask about their special lobster ravioli and the creme brulée. 

Concetta – Tapas-style food, so you order a bunch of small dishes. You can look forward to one of the best dining experiences in town.
1205 J St., Modesto
209-529-3282

Dewz Restaurant – A true destination for great food, wine, and atmosphere. A menu of dishes using the finest seasonal produce. Taking inspiration from around the world, all the dishes on the menu are designed for sharing. 

El Ranchito – This family-owned and -operated Mexican restaurant is a local legend! They have all the familiar favorites you're looking for and weekend seafood specials. "I've never had a bad dish, but the taco salad is the biggest and best you will ever encounter (the pickled carrots on top make this my favorite dish to order). The stiff margaritas and flour tortilla chips make this place next level!"
3048 Atchison St., Riverbank
209-869-0196

Esmeraldas – Chips, salsa and bean dip are always on point. The best margaritas in town! Great selection of authentic Mexican recipes and vegetarian options.
1222 Colony Rd., Ripon
209-599-7771

Ferrarase's Deli and Restaurant – A local favorite for a reason! The portions are enormous, and the sandwiches are amazing every time. This is the "Cowboy Capital," so you've got to order the Cowboy sandwich, which boasts an entire steak on a roll. Does spaghetti salad sound weird? Sure, but it's delicious!
1161 E. F St., Oakdale
209-847-2079

Galletto Ristorante – Italian at its best, an experience comparable to dining on the Amalfi coast in Italy. The clam and mussel appetizer dish is a must.
1101 J St., Modesto
209-523-4500

Get Toasted – This restaurant is a great place for brunch with your gal pals. "Sign me up for fancy toast and tots anytime!" Great brunch spot with fun flavored champagne flights.
3308 Santa Fe St., Riverbank
209-502-7687

Gold Dust Pizza – Family-owned and operated, the best pizza pie in the Central Valley!

Grub Hubs • Food Truck • Food Court – This premiere food-truck experience provides a variety of dining choices in an outdoor setting located in downtown Modesto. They have you covered from traditional taco trucks to Texas-style bbq and everything in between!
806 G St., Modesto

Harvest Moon – A casual, friendly, small, and intimate restaurant established in 1996. It is a place where regular customers are soon made part of the family, and new customers are treated like regulars. Also, be sure to check out the Crab Deluxe. Pet-friendly patio. "See you soon at the Moon."
1213 I St., Modesto
209-523-9723

JP Fusion – A unique taste of Asian, featuring a rich assortment of sushi rolls, fresh fish, teriyaki, and Wok-fired specials. Premium sake and an extensive wine list and beer selection.
3801 Pelandale Ave., Suite E3, Modesto

Konfucious Eats – An intimate Japanese and Korean restaurant located in Modesto's McHenry Village. They offer soul-nourishing ramen bowls and tasty Korean rice bowls. The Karaage appetizer is probably the best fried chicken ever.
1700 McHenry Ave., #66 ½, Modesto
209-424-3049

Masumi Japanese Restaurant – Local, family-owned and operated offering authentic and delicious sushi and other popular Japanese dishes.
1140 W. Colony Rd., Ripon
209-599-7188

Memo's Cocina & Tequila Bar – Locations in Modesto and Turlock 

Modern Mexican delight. There's no need to drive to San Francisco to find a metropolitan, upscale, trendy dining experience. Memo's Cocina has been a beacon of fine Mexican food, delivered in an unparalleled dining environment. The authenticity starts before the food gets to the table. Memo's Cocina's tequila bar offers more than 100 different tequilas, from small, artisan distilleries seldom seen outside of Mexico.

Oishi Teri Sushi Bar – A very casual little place that really knows its sushi. I tell them what I'm in the mood for, and they never disappoint. Their passion is creating tasteful and visually appealing food that takes you away from a hectic life. Fusing different colors, textures, and tastes in creating fun and delicious art.
2704 Coffee Rd., Modesto
209-577-9888

Raw Sushi Bistro – Fine dining and high-quality traditional Japanese cuisine with the freshest ingredients. Great sushi, cocktails, and an excellent selection of vegetarian options. Be sure to check out the signature Tsunami Roll.

Redwood Cafe (Modesto and Oakdale) – Celebrating with the people of our community and surrounding communities on all occasions. American cuisine with a modern flare. They take ordinary and create extraordinary. From steaks to short ribs, to fish, to pizza, Redwood Cafe has something on the menu for everyone to enjoy. Impeccable service. 

Taqueria El Maguey – A cozy, family-owned restaurant with authentic recipes, quality, consistent food that tastes great every time.
2401 E. Orangeburg Ave. (Century Center)

Vine House – An upscale wine bar and bistro that offers farm to fork, French-inspired cuisine with a California flair. They have fabulous seasonal dinners and weekend brunch, but this is the place to be for happy hour. Excellent wine selection, amazing meatballs, and the best spinach and artichoke dip you will have in your life!
222 W. River Rd., Ripon
209-253-0280

Wildfire Public House – A bar-centric venue with over 20 beers on tap, exceptional food, a lively atmosphere, and outdoor patio seating by the fire pit.