01
Downtown Mediterranean standout
Skewers Kabob House
Downtown Modesto • Lively Mediterranean And Middle Eastern Spot • Best For Sharing Plates With Friends
A bustling downtown favorite for fire-grilled kabobs, mezze, and a festive night out.
Skewers Kabob House leans into bold flavors, with fragrant rice, tender skewers, and generous platters meant to be passed around the table. The brick-walled dining room feels warm without being stuffy, and the portions make it easy to feed a group without breaking the budget. It’s an easy choice when you want something more interesting than standard bar food, but still relaxed and social.
02
Upscale date-night choice
Dewz
Downtown Modesto • Refined New American Restaurant • Go-To For Special Occasions
White-tablecloth polish and thoughtful cooking make Dewz the area’s classic celebration spot.
Dewz delivers the kind of service and plating you expect in a bigger city, with a menu that leans on steaks, seafood, and seasonal specials. The room is intimate without feeling fussy, making it a strong pick for anniversaries, business dinners, or a well-planned date night. If you’re coming in from Empire, book ahead and make an evening of it with a stroll through downtown Modesto before or after your meal.
03
Reliable grill for comfort classics
Mike's Grillhouse
Northwest Modesto Near Highway 99 • Casual Steak And Seafood Grill • Best For Hearty Portions
A straightforward, friendly grill where steaks, ribs, and seafood come in generous, no-nonsense portions.
Mike's Grillhouse is the kind of place where you can roll in after a long day and know exactly what you’re getting: hot bread, solid salads, and big plates of grilled meat or fish. The vibe leans more family dinner than fine dining, with a bar area that works well for watching a game. Its location near the freeway makes it especially convenient for Empire locals heading home from Modesto or Turlock.
04
Neighborhood Italian favorite
Bella Italia
Northeast Modesto On Oakdale Road • Cozy Classic Italian Trattoria • Comfort-Food Favorite
Homestyle pastas, baked dishes, and plenty of red sauce make this a go-to Italian fix near Empire.
Bella Italia leans into the crowd-pleasing side of Italian cooking, with baked pastas, chicken parm, and pizzas that are easy to share. The dining room feels familiar and low-key, the kind of spot where regulars know the servers and don’t need to look at the menu. It’s a practical pick when you want something filling and comforting after a day out, without dressing up or spending downtown prices.
05
Local bistro with a Modesto vibe
Harvest Moon
Downtown Modesto, Just Off J Street • Relaxed California Bistro And Bar • Best For Lunch And Casual Evenings
A friendly downtown bistro known for casual California comfort food, cocktails, and a lived-in local feel.
Harvest Moon’s menu runs the gamut from burgers and sandwiches to salads and heartier plates, making it easy to please a mixed group. The bar turns out solid cocktails, and the patio tables are a pleasant option when the weather cooperates. It’s a natural meeting spot if you’re linking up with friends from different parts of the county, only a short drive from Empire but very much in the center of downtown Modesto life.