Five Restaurant — Restaurant in Fresno

Made reservations and I'm so glad I did. The restaurant was overflowing with people when I arrived, something I definitely wasn't expecting. It was much louder than I anticipated for the kind of dining experience I expected.

We were walked through the restaurant to an outdoor seating space in the back, the kitchen is visible on this walk, and if the restaurant were less packed I'd feel very mistreated, being taken to an outdoor seating area in the dead of summer.

The seating area was comfortable, all things considered. Speakers played a varied playlist of tracks spanning from the 80s to more modern Harry Styles music, which was a bit surprising, more classic Italian music was more what we had expected. Our server quickly brought us some bread and olive tapenade, I love the stuff but my girlfriend and dining partner would have greatly appreciated some butter.

It took some time before our server could come and take our drink, appetizer, and entree orders, perfectly understandable given the circumstances. She and I both ordered a cocktail, the timbale, and the lobster ravioli.

Cocktails: the cocktails are reasonably priced, they're quite boozy but also loaded with flavor. The pomegranate martini in particular might do with some re-balancing, as it had a very prominent vodka burn.

Appetizer: as previously stated, we had the timbale, the flavors weren't as strong as we had anticipated, but I found it quite enjoyable. The bread served alongside it was quite hard and crunchy, maybe slightly too crunchy.

Entree: my girlfriend and I both ordered the lobster ravioli, it was very good, there is absolutely nothing to criticize about it, other than that we wish it came with a spoon to consume the excess sauce. It was delicious and absolutely loaded with seafood.

It was mid-way through the entree section that I decided to ask for a non-alcoholic drink, as driving ourselves home was the intention, I couldn't further sample the cocktails. While not listed on the menu, the restaurant does offer Pepsi products.

Dessert: dessert was surprising, in a few ways. We ordered the creme brulee and tiramisu. The creme brulee does not come in the traditional circular ramekin, but instead a curvy, river-like dish. The flavor was fantastic, not too sweet, and the fruits on top were lovely. The tiramisu could have done with a bit of added sweetness, but it was a welcome departure from the typically over-sweet flavors from most tiramisu.

Service: Our server was overwhelmed and clearly dealing with negative experiences from other customers, but it's clear that he is great at his job, and he cares about guests' experiences. He did his best to ensure we were enjoying the food, made sure to check on us periodically to see if we needed drink refills or anything of that sort, and food was brought out in a timely manner. There was at most five minutes between our finishing the appetizer and receiving our entrees. When I went to use the restroom, and was uncertain to it's location, he didn't even need me to ask, he gave directions before I could begin to open my mouth.

Facilities: given the packed nature of the restaurant, it is worth affording some leeway to the restaurant, it wasn't the cleanest bathroom I've ever used, but it was far better than the absolute nightmares I've witnessed at other places that were just as busy.

TLDR: Cocktails are good, if a bit strong. Appetizer was slightly underwhelming. Entrees (namely the lobster ravioli) are amazing, desserts can be a bit hit or miss. The servers care and are fantastic people. Make reservations or you'll be waiting. A lot. And definitely try the...

The front of the house operations definitely needs work. In today’s climate of diversity, inclusion social justice and unity one would think folks would be hypersensitive to making everyone in their restaurant feel included, valued and comfortable. Using technology to check-in your guest, texting your guest to let them know their table is ready is great. This was our experience: We checked in at 5:40, we received an obscure text at 6:03, the text implied that we would be seated soon. Being new to this restaurant how would we know the process? At no point when we checked in, did the young lady say, ‘once you get the text saying you will be seated soon, report back here’. We were sitting right in front of the greeters’ desk looking right at them. Meanwhile the owner walked by greeted several guests that walked in after us. We watched three of the servers walk into the restroom with their aprons on, two men one woman. For those of you who are not aware that is a Servsafe violation it is unsanitary to wear your serving / cooking apron in the restroom. BUT if the guest is sitting right in front of you, how hard is it to just call out the guest's name if the guest doesn’t respond in 5 or 10 minutes or report to the desk – there where 4 hostesses. You don’t just let folks sit in your lobby staring at you for an hour. How hard would it have been for the lead hostess to say, “Have you been helped yet?” What a security issue to have folks just sitting around the lobby for over an hour and you NEVER once ask it they have been helped. How hard is it to make the guest in your restaurant feel valued, included and comfortable? The owner obvious knows this he was walking through the crowd and greeting guest (not us though) we witnessed him shaking hands with folks wishing them happy holidays and some happy birthday, saying that he was going to treat them well tonight. WELL, what about new customers are we not important or welcomed. Although Five restaurant in Clovis, CA came highly recommended from a dear friend that lives in Clovis, CA who frequents this restaurant we will not be eating here again. The owner’s wife eventually sat us after we complained that we have been waiting for one and a half hours to be seated. Then all four of the young girls at the hostess desk said we didn’t know. I said how is it that you do NOT know? We are sitting right in front of you, and you just ignored us. At any point you could have called our name or said have you been helped yet. WOW – that was not classy at all. The owner’s wife got us seated at a high-top table in the bar. Bread came out immediately, they tried to make it up by giving us a delicious tiramisu dessert. The Chicken Parmesan was dry around the edges, and needed more sauce, it seems they rushed it. The Lasagna was good, as one of my standard dishes to order I’m comparing it around the world. The sausage in lasagna was surprising, which made up for the sauce being a sauce and not a Bolognese. By far the dessert was the best dish served. But after being treated so poorly we just had the tiramisu packaged to go. Given our experience we would NOT recommend the Five restaurant...

A Gastronomic Trilemma: Blackened Salmon, Filet, and Meatballs - 5ive Restaurant Review

If you find yourself caught in a deliciously perplexing conundrum at 5ive Restaurant in Fresno, fret not! Trying to pick a favorite between the tantalizing blackened salmon, the mouthwatering filet, and the delectable meatballs is like navigating a culinary maze of absolute delight. Join me on a whimsical journey through this gastronomic trilemma as we embark on a witty exploration of flavor and satisfaction.

First, let's dive into the captivating world of the blackened salmon. This perfectly seared delight tantalizes your taste buds with its bold seasoning and tender, flaky flesh. The delicate balance of smokiness and spice is a harmonious symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. With each bite, you're transported to a realm where seafood reigns supreme, and your only concern is savoring every morsel.

Next up on this delightful culinary tightrope is the impeccable filet. Cooked to succulent perfection, this prime cut of meat is a carnivore's dream come true. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture is paired with a symphony of savory notes that would make any meat lover weak in the knees. As you cut through the steak, it releases an aroma that is nothing short of heavenly. With each bite, you're transported to a carnivorous utopia where flavor reigns supreme.

And now, we arrive at the enchanting land of the meatballs. These bite-sized spheres of pure bliss are a testament to the artistry of 5ive's culinary prowess. Whether nestled in a savory sauce or showcased on their own, these meatballs are a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Each bite is a symphony of seasoned perfection, revealing a blend of herbs, spices, and meaty goodness. These little gems will have you yearning for more, and you'll find yourself engaged in a delightful game of "just one more bite" until the plate is polished clean.

But wait, there's more! The crafty structure of 5ive's menu extends beyond these delectable delights. The impeccable service and attention to detail are the icing on the cake, or perhaps the drizzle on the filet. The knowledgeable staff takes pride in guiding you through this culinary adventure, ensuring that your dining experience is nothing short of extraordinary. They weave tales of flavors, provide recommendations with finesse, and create an atmosphere that is both inviting and charming.

So, my fellow culinary explorers, if you find yourself at 5ive Restaurant in Fresno, prepare for a gastronomic trilemma that will leave you enchanted, amused, and utterly satisfied. Whether you embark on the blackened salmon escapade, savor the filet extravaganza, or indulge in the meatball soiree, you'll find yourself caught in a whirlwind of flavors that will leave a lasting impression. Embrace the crafty structure, the witty undertones, and the sheer culinary prowess of 5ive, for it promises an adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and ignite your appetite for...