The 2025 Fine Dining Category

Nominees

13 Prime Steak
FIVE
O-iza Modern Japanese
Saizon

Winner

Parma Ristorante

Since opening in 1999, Parma Ristorante has been the heart and vision of Chef-Owner Elena Corsini Mastro, who sought to bring the flavors of her native Parma, Italy to Fresno. What began as a passion project quickly blossomed into one of the region’s most beloved dining destinations. For more than a quarter of a century, Parma has remained steadfast in its mission to provide authentic Italian cuisine rooted in tradition yet elevated with an elegance that speaks to the Central Valley’s evolving culinary landscape.

At Parma, food is more than nourishment—it’s storytelling. Scratch-made pastas, delicate sauces, and seasonal specialties anchor the menu. Every dish as Parma can be further enhanced by the restaurant’s extensive wine list that highlights both Italian varietals and local California vintages, as well as handcrafted cocktails designed to pair seamlessly with the cuisine. Each plate and pour reflects a devotion to authenticity, celebrating not only flavor but also a sense of place and heritage.

Parma is known for its warm hospitality as much as its award-winning cuisine. Guests return time and again for signatures like ricotta-stuffed ravioli, tender braised rabbit with polenta, and decadent panna cotta—all served with the personal touch of Elena herself, who still greets guests and works alongside her team in the kitchen. Over the years, Parma has earned accolades ranging from “Best Italian” to “Most Romantic” from the California Restaurant Association, cementing its reputation as Fresno’s gold standard for Italian dining.

Stepping into Parma is like stepping into Northern Italy. The dining room blends rustic charm with refined elegance: butter-yellow and sky-blue linens and a striking three-panel mural of Parma’s Piazza Garibaldi, a photograph captured by Elena’s niece, transport guests to Italy. Candlelight flickers against each table, and the air hums with conversation and the aromas of simmering sauces. The setting is intimate yet inviting, creating a space where every detail—from décor to service—contributes to an atmosphere of timeless Italian hospitality.

As the winner of the 2025 Luxury Award for Fine Dining, Parma Ristorante continues to set itself apart not just through culinary excellence, but through its soul. It is a place where tradition and luxury meet, where every dish carries the heart of Italy and every guest is treated like family. The Parma experience is both elevated and deeply personal—a testament to Fresno’s growing reputation as a culinary destination. In celebrating Parma, the Central Valley celebrates the art of fine dining at its most authentic and enduring.

6729 North Palm Avenue, Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93704
www.parmaristorantefresno.com
(559) 432-3389

13 Prime Steak

Born after “13 years in the making,” 13 Prime Steak opened as Clovis’ only locally owned and operated prime steakhouse in 2018. It artfully blends chef-driven American regional cuisine—notably Certified Angus Prime Beef, wet- and dry-aged, corn-fed, and Midwestern-sourced—with expertly crafted cocktails and a curated wine list. Renowned for its elegant yet industrial aesthetic, the restaurant features a steampunk-inspired bar, an eclectic dining room, a gleaming open display kitchen, and a spacious private dining room. 13 Prime’s uniquely immersive upscale dining experience marries culinary excellence, local roots, and stylish ambiance that elevates Central Valley tastes.

1345 North Willow Avenue, suite 190, Clovis, CA 93619
www.13primesteak.com
(559) 216-1313

O-iza Modern Japanese

Nestled in River Park since its grand opening in early 2024, O-iza Modern Japanese quickly earned a reputation as a jewel of refined sophistication in the local culinary scene. The restaurant serves an inspired fusion of sushi, teppanyaki, and modern Japanese fare—think A-5 wagyu seared tableside and artistic specialty maki—known for its daring presentations. The aesthetic marries sleek, modern design with serene Japanese elegance using bonsai and minimalist décor complemented by contemporary patio settings that evoke both tranquility and style. O-iza’s seamless blend of immersive ambiance, culinary artistry, and creative beverage pairings deliver a Zen-infused, theatrically elegant dining experience.

190 East El Camino, Fresno, CA 93720
www.oizaca.com
(559) 890-3889

Saizon

Saizon quickly asserted itself as one of Fresno’s most dynamic fine dining destination upon its debut in 2022. A culinary rendezvous where “Napa Valley meets Mexico City”, the restaurant delivers contemporary American cuisine infused with Mexican influences, served alongside craft cocktails that echo its bold flavor palette presented in a SoCal-meets-global atmosphere. It’s known for its shareable small plates as well as expansive bar, dinner, and brunch menus, all in a setting humming with sophisticated energy amidst unique zones that aesthetically juxtapose bold materials with inviting accents. Saizon delivers a multi-sensory journey where architectural drama, global-inspired cuisine, and effervescent hospitality converge.

2894 East Shepherd Avenue, Fresno, CA 93720
www.saizon.com
(559) 552-9688

FIVE

FIVE has been a cornerstone of the Central Valley’s fine dining scene since 2005. Celebrated for its seamless blend of contemporary Californian and Italian cuisine, the menu consistently delivers ambitious dishes, from sophisticated pastas and artisanal pizzas to succulent meats and fresh seafood. Each plate is presented with a balance of elegance and approachability. Guests are welcomed into an atmosphere that feels both polished and personal, equally suited for a romantic evening out or a lively gathering with friends. Rooted in a family-driven foundation, FIVE’s commitment to hospitality shines through in its warmth, consistency, genuine connection, and memorable cuisine.

1110 East Champlain Drive, Fresno, Ca 93720
www.5restaurant.com
(559) 434-5553

Editorial Director Lauren Barisic