The 4 Top Italian Restaurants in Fresno…

I grew up eating out and still enjoy it very much to this day.

Fresno, California has a lot of very good restaurants and a lot of them are Italian restaurants. In this article I talk about my experiences at some of our Italian restaurants. Being Italian, I feel amply qualified to review these local eateries.

I have to start with the DiCicco family. This family has been a local legacy in Italian dining for over 50 years. And, probably the finest of their many restaurants is Giulia's, located in northwest Fresno. I don't think I've ever heard one complaint about this restaurant. It has a great atmosphere, excellent service and even better food. You'll need reservations because it's always busy. Contact them at 559-276-3573 or 559-277-7551. The DiCicco's family also owns several other eateries in the area. Each has their specialty and I think you'll enjoy any of them. My friends and I all miss the original one in downtown Fresno. I fondly remember the openwork ceiling with hanging artificial grape vines and grapes. And, their fried T-Bone steak that was wonderful. Visit www.diciccos.com for more information. And, if you live in Colorado, check around - I've heard they've opened a location there also.

Next, is Ovidio's on Bullard in northwest Fresno. I've always enjoyed this restaurant whether it's a romantic dinner for two or a large group having a Christmas party. Last year I celebrated my birthday there with about 15 people and everyone had an excellent dinner. There is a banquet room for private parties and a lounge. I would suggest reservations here also - call them at 559-435-1396.

Mike Pizzeria has two locations and their pizza has won many awards for its excellence. I've enjoyed eating here for many years and I thank my friends Ken and Cina for introducing me to this restaurant. The original Shield's Avenue location includes a lounge and serves your favorite Italian dishes. I LOVE their calzones and I stop in for lunch every few weeks, but usually at the smaller location on the north end of town. This family also owns a take out pizza parlor, called Mama Mia's, but I've never tried their pizzas. They also provide large trays of lasagne and other pasta dishes for office luncheons, parties and the like. They made up the raviolis (according to my family's recipe) that we served at my parent's 50th wedding anniversary a few years ago.

Lastly, Macaroni Grill. It was really a toss up between this restaurant and the Olive Garden but I think the food is a little better at Macaroni Grill. I haven't eaten at my local location in a couple of months, but the one near San Francisco had a new panini sandwich with proscuitto which was excellent. I do miss the way they used to serve their wine. When they first opened, the wait staff would bring over a tall bottle of red wine, everyone had the old-fashion, heavy bottom wine glasses and you'd make a mark on the paper tablecloth (white butcher paper) every time you poured a glass of wine. At the end of the meal, the waiter or waitress would then count up the marks to figure out how much you owed. I also remember my first meal there - it was my friend Harry's birthday, and a charming lady came over and sang to him. Sadly, she no longer performs at Macaroni Grill. This restaurant does not take reservations. Visit www.macaronigrill.com for more details.

These are just a few of my favorite places serving great Italian food and it was tough to choose only four with the large selection we have here. Luna's in Old Town Clovis, the Italian Wedding Soup at the Olive Garden, and the patio at Campagne's which is always fun.

Then, there is Il Vesuvio, Bella Pasta, Fratelli's and a few whose names I've forgotten. Susan likes La Rocca's best and we were all very sorry to see Peppino's close. OK, Enough!

Mangia!