Best restaurants near me in Merced

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

American

Italian

Steakhouse

Seafood

Mexican

Spanish

Top Rated

Charming

Fancy

Good for business meals

Good for groups

Good for special occasions

Great for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

Bar

Counter

Standard

High Top

Outdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

22 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Rainbird

4.5

Awesome(437)

$$$$

• Californian • Merced

Located in the heart of one of the most productive agricultural regions globally, chefs at El Capitan prepare artisanal fare and spirits that pay homage to the ranchers, farmers, cheesemakers, bakers, brewers, and winemakers that have re-fashioned Merced into one of California’s best kept epicurean secrets.

2. Mainzer

4.4

Awesome(105)

$$$$

• American • Merced

Mainzer stands proudly in the center of downtown Merced and has for many decades. Renovated to the highest of standards, Mainzer flawlessly blends architectural features with today’s amenities that are essential for your 21st-century celebrations. Highlighted by a full restaurant, bar, and seasonal beer wall it’s the perfect place to eat, drink and be merry. The gameroom, cinema and theater make the experience complete with live music, movies and the big game on the big screen. Follow that up with a competitive game of skeeball, ping pong or foosball and this total package makes Mainzer the place to be with friends and to meet new ones. When the night is over, stay the night at our sister property El Capitan Hotel. Special rates apply.

A photo of Galletto Ristorante restaurant

3. Galletto Ristorante

4.9

Exceptional(1877)

$$$$

• Contemporary Italian • Modesto

Booked 39 times today

Located in lively downtown Modesto, California, Galletto Ristorante offers a seasonal Italian-inspired menu with an emphasis on local farms and producers. The cuisine is complemented by an extensive list of wines, craft beers and signature cocktails. Enjoy impeccable service from our professional wait staff as you gather with friends and family in our beautiful dining room or dine al fresco on our covered Vine Arbor Patio. Galletto is the ideal venue for private dining events, cocktail socials, corporate meetings, baby showers and wedding receptions. Special events can be accommodated in one of our 3 private dining rooms, our Vine Arbor Patio and Bocce Court. We invite you to join us and experience an exceptional dining experience at Galletto Ristorante.

A photo of Agave Azul Kitchen & Tequila Bar restaurant

4. Agave Azul Kitchen & Tequila Bar

4.6

Exceptional(156)

$$$$

• Mexican • Modesto

Booked 1 time today

With a passion for family and food the Lujan sisters came together to open Agave Azul Kitchen & Tequila Bar in 2012. Their goal was to bring together a gathering of authentic Mexican home cooking that stuck to their roots. Their family originated from Zacatecas, Mexico and then came to Hughson, California to begin farming. With this heritage came recipes passed down from generation to generation. Food was the center of their life and growing up on a local farm allowed their family to cook at home with food grown on their land. Sandra and Gabby originally had the thought of opening Taqueria El Agave, but it quickly transformed into a full kitchen serving some of their favorite dishes such as pollo con crema y rajas. The unique thing about Agave Azul is their attention and focus to the quality of each of the ingredients that goes into their recipes and their commitment to never sacrificing on quality home grown ingredients.

5. Bistro 120

4.8

Exceptional(229)

$$$$

• Bistro • Oakdale

Booked 14 times today

Bistro 120 offers a refined, chef-driven menu featuring steakhouse favorites, fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and a curated wine selection in a warm, inviting atmosphere with elevated ambiance and attentive service.Whether joining us for lunch, dinner, or an evening out, Bistro 120 is a destination for elevated dining, private events, and unforgettable experiences in Oakdale and the Central Valley.We take pride in the art of culinary craftsmanship and our entirely from-scratch menu. We embrace the vibrant flavors of California while giving them a worldly flare, creating a delicate balance that feels both familiar and exotic all at once.The last Kitchen order is taken at 8pm Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 10pm on Friday and Saturday, with the full menu available until then. The bar remains open 1 hour past last kitchen order or until the final dining guests have ended their dining experience.

A photo of Tesoro Fine Mexican Restaurant restaurant

6. Tesoro Fine Mexican Restaurant

4.1

Excellent(5)

$$$$

• Mexican • Turlock

A collaboration between Greg, Angelica and Manuel brought their vision to life. They want to bring the taste of Mexico to the community of Turlock. We strive to make it a comfortable, family atmosphere. We offer delicious specialty dishes and drinks from our bar. Come give us a visit!

7. Rush Creek Lodge

4.4

Awesome(217)

$$$$

• Californian • Yosemite Valley

Booked 21 times today

The Restaurant at Rush Creek is the main place for you to relax and enjoy an authentic mountain lodge style breakfast or dinner in an atmosphere that is relaxed and friendly, vibrant and sophisticated. Lunch, Dinner and a Late Night Menu are also available in Rush Creek’s lively Tavern.For more information, check out our website at: https://www.rushcreeklodge.com/yosemite-dining/restaurant/

A photo of Dave & Buster's - Modesto restaurant

8. Dave & Buster's - Modesto

3.9

Excellent(146)

$$$$

• American • Modesto

Booked 8 times today

Dave & Buster’s has more state-of-the-art games than ever, more mouth-watering menu items, and the most innovative drinks in Modesto! From wings to steaks, we’ve got whatever suits your appetite, and our premium bar is stocked to satisfy! Catch live sports, big games, playoffs, and your favorite teams on our massive TV screens with epic stadium sound. Whether you’re looking for a sports bar to watch the game, meet up with friends on game day, or enjoy great food and drinks while cheering on your team, Dave & Buster’s has you covered.

A photo of The Old Water Office restaurant

9. The Old Water Office

4.8

Exceptional(102)

$$$$

• American • Modesto

Booked 9 times today

Located in a beautifully restored 100-year-old building, our restaurant blends historic charm with Spanish-inspired flavors. Enjoy delicious, handcrafted dishes and unique cocktails in a space that features its original 25-foot brick facade, elegant front archways, vintage windows, and ceiling. A perfect spot for a memorable dining experience in the heart of Patterson.

10. Camp 4 Wine Cafe

5.0

Exceptional(852)

$$$$

• Wine Bar • Modesto

Booked 4 times today

We are a small, locally owned wine cafe striving to provide great service, and great food in a comfortable atmosphere. Serving affordable wines from all over the world as well as panini, charcuterie, cheeses, and salads. We source both locally and internationally providing an array of options that you are sure to enjoy. We can't wait to see you.

Dining near Merced at a glance

Updated on 10/22/2026

Vatos Tacos

View restaurant

Discover local gems

Exceptional reviews

American

Average check amount

$30 and under

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

G
Gerardo
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •1 review
5.0
Dined today
It was my mother‘s birthday. I put a note that it was her birthday, the menu came out with little note, saying happy birthday and made my mom feel very special. It’s the little things that count.
More info
Galletto Ristorante$$$$• Contemporary Italian• Modesto
•
4.9
R
RebeccaGold
Phoenix / Arizona •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Everything was fantastic, but our server, Frank, made it so much beyond that. His knowledge of wines is amazing and led us to the perfect bottle.
More info
Bistro 120$$$$• Bistro• Oakdale
•
4.8
P
Pete
California Central Coast •11 reviews
4.0
Dined on Oct 4, 2026
Very good salsa and chips ! The food was good too! It was a little noisy and service was slow, but they were busy! It was a Saturday night!
More info
Agave Azul Kitchen & Tequila Bar$$$$• Mexican• Modesto
•
4.6
N
Natalie
Fresno / San Joaquin Valley •1 review
5.0
Dined on Oct 4, 2026
It has been a long time since we’ve gone out to eat and genuinely loved everything we ordered, but Rainbird absolutely delivered. I had the ribeye, and it was cooked to perfection—tender, flavorful, and exactly how I wanted it. My spouse had the scallops, and they were absolutely delicious as well. The staff was friendly, welcoming, and very attentive without being overbearing. They seemed to know exactly when we needed something while still allowing us to relax and enjoy our meal. From the food to the service, we had such a great experience. It’s not often that we leave a restaurant still talking about how much we enjoyed our dinner, but that was definitely the case with Rainbird. We will absolutely be back and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a special night out in Merced!
More info
Rainbird$$$$• Californian• Merced
•
4.5
S
Stacey
Chicago / Illinois •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 9, 2026
Great experience for Mothers Day! Great food and great service
More info
Mainzer$$$$• American• Merced
•
4.4

Frequently asked questions

Here are the most popular cuisines: American, Steakhouse, Bistro, Mexican, Contemporary Italian and many more.

There are 59 restaurants on OpenTable in Fresno / San Joaquin Valley.

Yes, we partner with a third party to bring back menu information for restaurants near you.

Explore OpenTable

Restaurants nearby

Open near me

Best restaurants near me in Merced

Price

Cuisine

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

22 restaurants available nearby

1. Rainbird

2. Mainzer

3. Galletto Ristorante

4. Agave Azul Kitchen & Tequila Bar

5. Bistro 120

6. Tesoro Fine Mexican Restaurant

7. Rush Creek Lodge

8. Dave & Buster's - Modesto

9. The Old Water Office

10. Camp 4 Wine Cafe

Dining near Merced at a glance

Vatos Tacos

American

See what locals rave about

Frequently asked questions

What cuisines are available near me in Fresno / San Joaquin Valley?

How many restaurants are on OpenTable in Fresno / San Joaquin Valley?

Can I see menu information for restaurants?

Explore OpenTable