FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2025

Contact: Megan Gamble, mgamble@calrest.org,

FRESNO, CA – On Monday, the Fresno Chapter of the California Restaurant Association hosted hundreds of restaurants and guests from across the Central Valley to honor local leaders in the restaurant industry and celebrate the best in the business.

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer spoke at the event, lauding, “Our city’s vibrant culinary scene is a pillar of the social, economic, and cultural tapestry of our region, and I am proud to be here to celebrate some of the best.”

“The Best of the Valley is one of my favorite events because it celebrates the incredible Central Valley restaurant community, the vibrant Fresno County dining scene, and a region that boasts one of the highest restaurants-per-capita cities in California,” said Jot Condie, president + CEO of the California Restaurant Association. 

Lorraine Salazar, owner and operator of Sal’s Mexican Restaurant, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to the success of her family-owned restaurant and her invaluable contributions to the restaurant industry, advocating both at the state and local levels. 

“I’m humbled to receive such an honor from my fellow peers,” said Lorraine. “Working together as a community has fueled my motivation to support a healthy, vibrant restaurant industry here in the Central Valley.”

A special thank you to title sponsor Table Mountain Casino Resort for hosting a fantastic event.

Below are the winners of more than two dozen categories, who were chosen by the most discerning judges – their fellow restauranteurs.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Lorraine Salazar, Sal’s Mexican Restaurant

Hall of Fame Inductees: Ken Ford (JD Food)  and Bob Papazian (Sysco)

Best Fast Casual: Heirloom

Best Family Dining: Annesso Pizzeria

Best Fine Dining: Cracked Pepper Bistro

Best Watering Hole: The Manhattan Steakhouse & Bar

Best Food Truck: Colorado Grill

Best Banquet/Catering Services: The Painted Table

Best Hotel/Casino Dining: Mochuelo (Hotel Piccadilly)

Best Outdoor Dining: Colton’s Social House

Best Breakfast: Red Apple Cafe

Best Pizza: Annesso Pizzeria

Best Sushi: Wassabi on Fire

Best Steak: Harris Ranch Resort

Best Burger: School House Restaurant & Tavern

Best Deli: Sam’s Italian Deli & Market

Best BBQ: Westwoods BBQ & Spice Co.

Best Bakery: La Boulangerie

Best Seafood: Pismo’s Coastal Grill

Best Appetizers: Mochuelo

Best Dessert: Ampersand Ice Cream

Best Local Winery: Engelmann Cellars

Best Local Coffee Shop: Kuppa Joy Coffee House

Best Craft Cocktail: Modernist Craft Cocktail Bar

Best Local Brewery: Tioga – Sequoia Brewing Co.

Best Chinese: Spicy J’s

Best Japanese: Hino Oishi

Best Italian: Ovidio’s Italian Restaurant

Best Mediterranean: Mediterranean Grill & Café

Best Mexican: Sal’s Mexican Restaurant

Best Indian: Tandoori Night

Best American: Elbow Room Bar & Grill

Date Night (Most Romantic): 13 Prime Steakhouse

Best Hospitality: Sabor Cocina Latina & Bar

New on the Scene (Best Newcomer):

O-iza Modern Japanese

Best Night Life: Howlin Wolf

Beverage Supplier of the Year: Valley Wide Beverage

Supplier of the Year: JD Food

Chef of the Year: Jimmy Pardini, Annesso Pizzeria

Restaurateur of the Year: John & Falina Marihart, 13 Prime Steakhouse & Yolked Kitchen

Rising Star: Nestor Herrera, The Annex Kitchen

People’s Choice Winner: Sabor Cocina Latina and Bar