“ This restaurant is situated in an upscale Fresno neighborhood on Palm Avenue. The vibe is formal yet cozy and the service is pleasant. Reservation is recommended especially if you're looking to visit over the weekend. There is a wide range of food and drink options that are of great quality. However, the portion sizes are on the smaller side and can be considered expensive. Our server helped offer recommendations and also accepted our request for modifications in the main dish. Overall, if you're looking for a quiet evening of quality food, Cracked Pepper Bistro is a good choice to consider. Food: 4/5 Service: 4.5/5 Ambiance: 3.5/5 ”

“ Everything was great. Service, food, desert,ambiance, even the price . Kudos to our Server ( Randy) she was very nice and courteous. ”

“ I've been coming here since it was in its old location by Fashion Fair mall. It's a wonderful choice for a nice dinner. Another reviewer mentioned that they aren't quite what they used to be and I would agree with that, it was well put. I'm sure they have suffered since COVID, the prices have gone up and the portions have seemingly gotten smaller and drinks are expensive. It often feels cramped in this restaurant on a busy night, and any large party must be outside. They have wonderful specials and their seafood pasta is delicious. Everyone loves the bread pudding and many times I have ordered it to bake at home! They have unique flavors and I appreciate the servers knowledge of both the menu and the specials. While I don't come here as much as I used to, it's still on my top ten recommendations for a nice dining experience. ”

“ One of the better steakhouses in Fresno with great food. Meats are always cooked on point. Bone marrow is a nice appetizer. Server was super nice and attentive, great personality & knowledge of the menu. The dessert bread pudding was delicious but I didn't get a picture. The inside is dated and semi-dim for taking pictures. Could use a remodel. ”

“ Great dinner experience with good food, friendly staff, prompt seating and service, and upscale interior/ambiance. Definitely on the pricier side for the portion size but everything was delicious. Cocktails are good price at $15. We ordered the bread with red pepper paste, slow braised short ribs with side of pilaf rice, and pan seared salmon with the mashed potatoes. Everyone says to get the bread pudding and it was really good, especially with Ampersand ice cream. Good for a fancy dinner occasion. ”

“ acked Pepper Bistro is a great spot for a special occasion with a cozy ambiance. While the decor feels a bit dated, reminiscent of the early 2000s, it's still pleasant. Service can be a little slow at times, but the staff is exceptionally friendly and welcoming. The drinks were outstanding--we tried the Farmer's Daughter, an Old Fashioned flight, and an espresso martini, and each one was perfectly made and packed a punch. We loved almost everything we ate! The Mala Insana Napoleon was incredible, with crispy eggplant, rich pesto, and goat cheese that made for a perfect dish. The fall special pumpkin salad was the highlight of the night, with fried pumpkin, arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and pomegranate seeds--it was a truly unique and delicious combination. The halibut was cooked to perfection with a beautiful crust, and the roasted veggies and mashed potatoes were seasoned just right. The only downside was the fries, which were subpar, dry, and dull. Thankfully, our server kindly removed them from our bill. The meal ended on a high note with their famous bread pudding, which my fiancé always looks forward to. Crispy on the outside, warm on the inside, it was the perfect fall dessert, served with fresh whipped cream and vanilla ice cream. All in all, we're happy to have tried this place and will definitely return! ”

“ Late post- Dining at Cracked Pepper in Fresno had been on my list for a while, and I'm glad I finally made it. Tucked in a convenient location with plenty of parking, the restaurant strikes a balance between casual comfort and culinary sophistication. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the evening. But the real star here is the food. Each dish was a testament to refined flavor combinations that felt thoughtfully crafted, blending layers of taste and texture in a way that showed real skill. From appetizers to dessert, there was a complexity in the flavors that went beyond the usual fare, making each bite memorable. The wine pairings were also spot-on, enhancing each course and bringing out subtle notes that added depth to the meal. The service deserves its own praise - attentive without hovering, and genuinely invested in making sure each table has a great experience. It's clear that Cracked Pepper is not just about a meal, but about delivering a thoughtful dining experience that feels both special and accessible. If you're in Fresno and looking for something that combines high-quality cuisine with a laid-back vibe, Cracked Pepper is a fantastic choice. Highly recommended for a night that feels both indulgent and comfortably relaxed! ”

“ Don't get me wrong... this place will always be one of my favorites, but it seems like they need a little polishing to stay at the top. There are a lot of options for nice places in Fresno these days. We had a reservation and were seated right away. We waited quite long time for our server to greet us. So long, in fact, that I wondered if they forgot about us. Long enough for me to look around and notice that the walls needed wiping down Once our server arrived she was very charming and had extensive knowledge about the many specials. The food was delicious and well prepared. We ordered the spicy shrimp appetizer, the lamb, and the short ribs. For dessert we got what we always get - THE BREAD PUDDING. Still delicious as ever. Hopefully next time we'll have that 5 star feeling again. ”