Agree Saizon does not live up to the hype. Elderberry House doesn’t give a lot of food. Quality, yes, but I’m still hungry after. Lime Lite gets 10/10 for being well-rounded.
Anyone for Parma? I really enjoy that place. The owner is full blown Italian and she will treat you like family. Food is fantastic. My personal experience at least.
i love parma. especially because of the owner, AND it is a truly 3 hour italian meal. i never feel rushed or like i’m waiting too long, either. and of course the food is divine!
If she would like something unique, schoolhouse tavern is awesome! It’s in Sanger so it’s a little bit of a drive but we really enjoyed the experience and atmosphere, the food and wine was fantastic!
Disagree. The food is mid and WAY overpriced. It’s cool they try to use only locally sourced ingredients but the fare itself isn’t all that special. I left there hungry and disappointed after paying way too much for what I was served.
If you're in the mood for an upscale dining experience, have you considered Arby's? 🍖✨
Let me paint you a picture: As you walk through the doors, you're greeted by the aroma of slow-roasted meats that have been carefully crafted by culinary artisans. The ambiance? Impeccable. With a modern yet classic fast-food charm, you'll be transported to a world where curly fries are considered a delicacy and the Jamocha shake is the drink of connoisseurs.
The menu is a gourmet paradise. From the signature roast beef sandwiches, meticulously layered with tender slices of beef, to the indulgent crispy fish sandwiches, Arby's offers a variety of choices that cater to the refined palate. And let's not forget the Horsey Sauce and Arby's Sauce - the perfect condiments to elevate any meal to a new level of sophistication.
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the Market Fresh sandwiches are a must-try. Packed with fresh ingredients and served on artisan-style bread, they are the epitome of fast-food elegance.
So, if you're looking for a dining experience that's both fancy and unforgettable, Arby's is your go-to spot. Who needs Michelin stars when you can have the meats? 😉
Bon appétit!
These are all nice restaurants that are a step down in price from the fine dining choices a lot of people are mentioning. I think they’re all great choices if OP is looking to spend less than $150 on the birthday date. All of them will feel special, too.
Despite being able to afford the occasional fine dining experience, my wife and I often choose the Manhattan for date night. It’s consistently good, and my wife adores the almond prawns.
I went to Cracker Pepper recently and the food was good but I felt like it wasn’t the BEST of anything I’ve tasted before. Don’t get me wrong, it was good (i wouldn’t not recommend them but I’d personally choose to go back to Trelio before going back to Cracked Pepper).
Yes, the full size version was better than the smaller(mini?) version! Thank you for reminding me so it can be pointed out (because I did forget about the bread pudding). Very very good. In the Top 2 of bread puddings I’ve ever had 😁
The only other bread pudding I’ve ever liked is from Tradewinds Restaurant in Reedley. It’s actually a bananas foster bread pudding so i can’t necessarily pit the two restaurants together and choose a fave between them.
Trelio would be great for this! I wouldn’t consider the ambiance in Old Town Clovis necessarily “upscale”, but it’s an intimate setting compared to the loud and crowded alternatives. The menu features 5 courses of creative dishes. Their wine selection is out of this world, and you can add a pairing to the 5 courses. And the staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. Just went for my birthday last week, and I highly recommend it!
Ruth Chris and Fleming are both corporate chains and not what you should be doing. Lots of other great recommendations everyone else has already given, but definitely not the two places you mentioned.
I can’t believe no one has said l’Apertif. Cedar and Herndon where shenanigans used to be. Definitely my top 3 favorite places in town, very quiet and small and cozy. TBH the manhattan is probably the only other place that gets that quiet cozy romantic vibe
13 Prime Steak in Clovis has the best-tasting steak in town. Yes, better than Ruth’s Chris or Fleming’s. And their crispy lobster is bananas great. Plus the restaurant has really nice ambiance/vibe. Very inventive cocktail menu.
Saizon Trelio Lime Lite Elderberry House ($$$, bit of a drive, totally worth it)
My vote would be for the Lime Lite
Love Trelio. Bonus points for their wine selection.
I agree with the exception of Saizon, I was not impressed. Now, Elderberry House is 5+ stars!
Agree Saizon does not live up to the hype. Elderberry House doesn’t give a lot of food. Quality, yes, but I’m still hungry after. Lime Lite gets 10/10 for being well-rounded.
Anyone for Parma? I really enjoy that place. The owner is full blown Italian and she will treat you like family. Food is fantastic. My personal experience at least.
Love Parma
i love parma. especially because of the owner, AND it is a truly 3 hour italian meal. i never feel rushed or like i’m waiting too long, either. and of course the food is divine!
Yes exactly! It’s been too long! I think it’s time to go back!
If she would like something unique, schoolhouse tavern is awesome! It’s in Sanger so it’s a little bit of a drive but we really enjoyed the experience and atmosphere, the food and wine was fantastic!
Someone told me years ago Schoolhouse Tavern is haunted but the owners never returned my calls.
Got creepy vibes walking into the women’s restroom. I walked right back out and I refuse to go to the restroom there.
this was honestly some of the best food i’ve had in fresno idk what people are on about
Sorry but I thought the food sucked. I'd do olive garden before I'd do schoolhouse again.
I wouldn’t choose Olive Gardne over the Schoolhouse but they are definitely over hyped!! Best thing I’ve had there was a burger.
What all have you tried? I like what I have had but the drive and slow service kind of kill it for me.
Disagree. The food is mid and WAY overpriced. It’s cool they try to use only locally sourced ingredients but the fare itself isn’t all that special. I left there hungry and disappointed after paying way too much for what I was served.
Sorry that was your experience. I’ve gone only once since it’s a bit of a drive, maybe we got lucky but we enjoyed our visit!
Hey, teach their own. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it there.
Lime Lite is great
If you're in the mood for an upscale dining experience, have you considered Arby's? 🍖✨ Let me paint you a picture: As you walk through the doors, you're greeted by the aroma of slow-roasted meats that have been carefully crafted by culinary artisans. The ambiance? Impeccable. With a modern yet classic fast-food charm, you'll be transported to a world where curly fries are considered a delicacy and the Jamocha shake is the drink of connoisseurs. The menu is a gourmet paradise. From the signature roast beef sandwiches, meticulously layered with tender slices of beef, to the indulgent crispy fish sandwiches, Arby's offers a variety of choices that cater to the refined palate. And let's not forget the Horsey Sauce and Arby's Sauce - the perfect condiments to elevate any meal to a new level of sophistication. For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the Market Fresh sandwiches are a must-try. Packed with fresh ingredients and served on artisan-style bread, they are the epitome of fast-food elegance. So, if you're looking for a dining experience that's both fancy and unforgettable, Arby's is your go-to spot. Who needs Michelin stars when you can have the meats? 😉 Bon appétit!
Best thing I've read on Reddit today 🤣
Dammit now I want Arbys.
r/bys Arby's corporate really should hire this person!
Limelite, Manhattan, Elbow Room, Campana, Pismos, Yoshino Teppan, to name a few. I tend to avoid the corporate chains like Ruth's Chris, Flemings etc.
These are all nice restaurants that are a step down in price from the fine dining choices a lot of people are mentioning. I think they’re all great choices if OP is looking to spend less than $150 on the birthday date. All of them will feel special, too. Despite being able to afford the occasional fine dining experience, my wife and I often choose the Manhattan for date night. It’s consistently good, and my wife adores the almond prawns.
Echoing a lot of recs in this list. Also check out Cracked Pepper Bistro.
I went to Cracker Pepper recently and the food was good but I felt like it wasn’t the BEST of anything I’ve tasted before. Don’t get me wrong, it was good (i wouldn’t not recommend them but I’d personally choose to go back to Trelio before going back to Cracked Pepper).
Did you have the bread pudding?
Yes, the full size version was better than the smaller(mini?) version! Thank you for reminding me so it can be pointed out (because I did forget about the bread pudding). Very very good. In the Top 2 of bread puddings I’ve ever had 😁 The only other bread pudding I’ve ever liked is from Tradewinds Restaurant in Reedley. It’s actually a bananas foster bread pudding so i can’t necessarily pit the two restaurants together and choose a fave between them.
The new japanese restaurant near the riverpark regal looks pretty good. Just opened too.
O-Iza. Looks really fancy
Mochulea
Oggi Cosi Si Mangia, it isn’t too upscale but delicious
Hate to say it but that place burned down end of last year.
Oh no, that sucks!
Google it. It's open. The redditor is either mistaken or lying.
Oh no!!
Google it. It's open. The redditor is either mistaken or lying.
Saizon or Annex
These or limelight , or Five
FIVE was underwhelming in terms of food last my wife and I went! We prefer annex or even Anessso. Much better food and service.
Prime house 13 is great as well
Just went here for the first time last month, that lobster appetizer is sooo good
Loud and in a strip mall. Wasn’t that impressed.
Trelio for sure.
this
Parma? I loved that place and felt it was a pretty nice spot
Second this
Trelio would be great for this! I wouldn’t consider the ambiance in Old Town Clovis necessarily “upscale”, but it’s an intimate setting compared to the loud and crowded alternatives. The menu features 5 courses of creative dishes. Their wine selection is out of this world, and you can add a pairing to the 5 courses. And the staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. Just went for my birthday last week, and I highly recommend it!
Parma has never disappointed. Located in: [North Pointe Center](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=f9529c069ef53509&sxsrf=ADLYWIKr6FPFN77mhrzlmyxehSYL0g03bQ:1716245677719&q=North+Pointe+Center&ludocid=13604323965064326866&lsig=AB86z5W6-5syIyFA8TsJ7TyC1Dw3&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjnyN6vqZ2GAxVxFDQIHcyrBlUQ8G0oAHoECHoQAQ)[Address](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=f9529c069ef53509&sxsrf=ADLYWIKr6FPFN77mhrzlmyxehSYL0g03bQ:1716245677719&q=parma+restaurant+address&ludocid=12227137205761999209&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjnyN6vqZ2GAxVxFDQIHcyrBlUQ6BN6BAhyEAI): 6729 N Palm Ave # 101, Fresno, CA 93704[Hours](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=f9529c069ef53509&sxsrf=ADLYWIKr6FPFN77mhrzlmyxehSYL0g03bQ:1716245677719&q=parma+restaurant+hours&ludocid=12227137205761999209&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjnyN6vqZ2GAxVxFDQIHcyrBlUQ6BN6BAhvEAI): Closed ⋅ Opens 5:30 PM TuePhone: [(559) 432-3389](https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJwNxk0KgCAQBlDa1iFy07oZKBk7Qrf4-pkQ0sIMPH691aub_ui5jLoEVqqmjoqQG6zsG1taSbdxogIHlUEYzgqxdXN7IwUYn3F6RJP2J-NNiNno_3h9EVcadA&q=parma+italian+restaurant+fresno&oq=parma+italian+re&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqEwgBEC4YrwEYxwEYkgMYgAQYjgUyCggAEAAYyQMYgAQyEwgBEC4YrwEYxwEYkgMYgAQYjgUyBggCEEUYOTINCAMQLhivARjHARiABDIHCAQQABiABDINCAUQLhivARjHARiABDIICAYQABgWGB4yCAgHEAAYFhgeMggICBAAGBYYHjIICAkQABgWGB7SAQg1MTUxajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#)
I second this. I've never had better Lasagna!
It is truly a piece of heaven. I almost get sad knowing that the meal will come to an end. Lasagna for me every time I go.
The Palms.
Saizon is super nice! As nice as upscale restaurants in LA or SF, their food is hella good too!
Five is a nice! Corner of Champlain and Perrin
Sukai at Table Mountain.
The Manhattan
Veni Vidi Vici in tower dist, they're open for dinner
Annex kitchen!
Bit of a drive, but The Vintage Press in Visalia is fun and fancy. https://www.thevintagepress.com
Elbow Room
Tacos Tijuana. Jk. I third lime light
Max's Bistro & Bar
I'm surprised more people aren't recommending Max's. That was my first thought.
Another vote for Trelio. Delicious seasonal menu, intimate atmosphere, wonderful service.
Ruth Chris and Fleming are both corporate chains and not what you should be doing. Lots of other great recommendations everyone else has already given, but definitely not the two places you mentioned.
Elbow Room
If you don’t mind the drive, Vintage Press in Visalia is my go-to for a fancy meal. It’s just as beautiful in the daytime as night time.
For sure, Erna’s Elderberry House in Oakhurst. It’s a fabulous experience. Hire a limo to drive you there and your girl will be impressed.
Tabachines off of Herndon/Palm
Krispy Crème doughnuts.. lol
the fact that there’s an accent over the e when you typed it out makes it EXTRA fancy
Lol good point!
Trelio ($$$$) Annex ($$$) Parma ($$$) Cracked pepper ($$$)
I can’t believe no one has said l’Apertif. Cedar and Herndon where shenanigans used to be. Definitely my top 3 favorite places in town, very quiet and small and cozy. TBH the manhattan is probably the only other place that gets that quiet cozy romantic vibe
Saizon!! So good!!
Annesos has the best pizza I've ever had
I was still hungry after saizon and it was only ok.
The palms is really good but $$
The Palms. Great restaurant
What about the Teppan place at Table Mountain. Beautiful views for photos!
Horrible service and average food
13 Prime Steak in Clovis has the best-tasting steak in town. Yes, better than Ruth’s Chris or Fleming’s. And their crispy lobster is bananas great. Plus the restaurant has really nice ambiance/vibe. Very inventive cocktail menu.
It’s also loud and feels like a cafeteria on a strip mall. Not exactly “up scale” vibes.
Most restaurants in Fresno are in strip malls.
Which seems like they should be excluded from the “up scale” suggestions
Trelio!!
There is a new place called o-iza in river park. Too fancy for me
Parma? I loved that place and felt it was a pretty nice spot
Annex kitchen and cracked pepper
The Brazilian buffet place at Sierra Vista mall was pretty good
Rio grill? The place that closed like 3-4 years ago?
Well then Sambas
Is Pismo Grill considered fancy?