‘Massive’ Fresno restaurant is among best in California, LA Times says. Which one?
Fresno is home to one of the top places to eat in California, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The publication recently released its 2025 list of the 101 best restaurants in California, highlighting the top spots to dine at in the Golden State.
The guide showcases eateries from around the state that “tell the richest, broadest story of dining in California right now,” Los Angeles Times restaurant critic Bill Addison wrote in a June 12 article.
The list of 101 restaurants isn’t ranked, and is organized by region.
“It’s one glimpse into our cultures and diversities — into cuisines that uphold traditions, or disrupt with originality, or inhabit some fruitful middle ground,” Addison said.
What makes Fresno restaurant one of California’s best?
Described by Addison as “the buzziest restaurant in Fresno,” Saizon serves “contemporary American cuisine with global influences from a distinct California point of view,” the eatery said on its website.
Food and craft cocktails are served in a “vibey atmosphere with a focus on energetic hospitality.”
Saizon enjoys an average Yelp rating of 4.5 stars, with reviewers raving about its chic interior, “spectacular” food and “amazing customer service.”
“Chef Justin Shannon oversees a modern American menu that flirts with several genres: seafood bar, small plates, steakhouse,” Addison said. “The fun came from hopping between them.”
The Los Angeles Times food writer sampled a chile-rubbed flat-iron steak topped with chipotle butter, Dungeness crab legs served with Dijonnaise and tomatillo vinaigrette and broccoli stalks garnished with prosciutto, bread crumbs, shaved Grana Padano cheese and grilled-lemon vinaigrette.
“Impressive cooking in such a massive restaurant isn’t easy, and neither is personable service, but Saizon pulled off both,” Addison said.
Where is Saizon?
Saizon is at 2894 East Shepherd Ave. in Fresno in The Row at Heritage Grove shopping center.
What’s on the menu at Saizon?
Saizon’s Mexican-influenced dinner menu kicks things off with a selection of starters and raw bar items ranging from guacamole and queso dip to cauliflower ceviche and charcoal-grilled oysters.
Other options include salads, beef bao buns, poblano samosas and truffle macaroni and cheese.
Entrees include heritage pork chops, Norwegian salmon and prime spiced sirloin.
For dessert, choose from an upscale ice cream sandwich or sticky toffee pudding.
Most appetizers cost $12 to $28, while small plates and salads range in price from $12 to $39. You can expect to pay $29 to $58 for the main course, or $14 for dessert.
Brunch offerings include omelets, eggs Benedict, chilaquiles and churro French toast, with prices ranging from $12 to $34.
When is Shepherd Avenue eatery open?
Saizon is open for dinner from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Brunch is available 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The bar is open 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 4 to 11 p.m. Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, 10:30 a.m. to midnight Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
This story was originally published July 15, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
