With most of the area’s restaurants operated by locals, the passion for farm fresh ingredients is important. Add to that, the cultural diversity of the region and chances are you can find here the cuisine that fits your appetite. From BBQ to Indian, from Tapas to Thai, and from Mexican to Korean there’s something for all.
Plus, being just outside the Bay Area, guarantees fresh fish daily. So, don’t be shy to dive in on some sushi, grilled salmon, or giant scallops when you see them on the menu. Chances are the herbs and veggies from that dish are from the fields you drove by on the way in!
And don’t forget the cheese. With dairy farms being abundant in the area, locally produced cheese is an obvious necessity.
There’s family friendly and quiet romantic, there’s festive and fun, bring the kids or your grandparents and you’re bound to find a meal that wins them all over.
If you are over 21 and want to add some spirit to your visit, you have lots of options. Don’t forget that the world’s largest family-owned wine and spirit company, E&J Gallo, is headquartered here so you know the wine pairings wine bars are excellent.
Then you have brew pubs and gastropubs, most with food and live entertainment. Not to mention that Modesto has incredible cocktail lounges where you get craft cocktails and wonderful whisky selections.
Oh yes, and did we mention the nuts? The Modesto region grows over 75% of the world’s almond crop. Chances are that you’ll find an almond dish in every restaurant. Plus, you get to visit any one of the areas almond providers to bring home everything from simple smoked almonds to fiery jalapeno flavored almonds. Pairing those nuts with a gift of local olive oil and vinegars, are sure to make you a hero when you get home!