17 Best Restaurants in Tulare, CA

This article was written by local contributor Eleanor Gill & edited by the Travel Lens team.

Eleanor Gill

Jun 25, 2023 • 12 min read

Tulare is a charming city nestled in Central California that I've been fortunate enough to call home.

As someone who's spent years exploring the nooks and crannies of this city, I can attest that one of its shining jewels is its diverse and delectable dining scene.

From mouthwatering Mexican cuisine to succulent steaks, Tulare has a little something for everyone.

So grab a fork and come along with me as we embark on a culinary journey through the best restaurants in Tulare, California!

Hazel's Kitchen

If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend stopping by Hazel's Kitchen for a bite to eat.

I've been a regular customer for quite some time now, and I can confidently say that their sandwiches are some of the best in town.

Their turkey sandwich on sourdough is my personal favorite, and the pasta salad side is a perfect complement to the meal.

Not only is their food delicious, but the service is always top-notch too.

Aside from their amazing sandwiches, I've also had the pleasure of trying their Angel hair pasta and homemade thousand island dressing, both of which are simply delectable.

Taqueria Encino

One fine Saturday morning, I decided to head to Taqueria Encino for breakfast with a couple of friends.

We arrived shortly after opening and were pleased to find ample parking available.

As we entered, I noticed that the ambiance could use a little work - some background music would be nice, and there was no heater, so it was a bit cold inside.

I ordered five tacos: asada, adobada, chorizo, cabeza, and birria, along with a coffee.

The tacos were all flavorful and delicious.

My friends ordered a birria burrito with cheese on top and a plate of eggs, potatoes, and bacon, which they thoroughly enjoyed.

One thing to note is that coffee refills are not free at Taqueria Encino.

I also found out later that they offer handmade tortillas upon request, which I'll definitely try next time.

In addition to its regular menu, Taqueria Encino offers menudo, birria, and quesatacos on weekends.

Salles Café

One day, while on the hunt for some delicious food, I stumbled upon Salles Café, a hidden gem in the neighborhood.

The food at Salles Café is hearty, rich, and flavorful. I treated myself to biscuits and gravy, and let me tell you, they were amazing!

In fact, I love this place so much that it's now my favorite spot, even more than Apple Annie's.

I especially loved their crunchy French toast, soft and fluffy eggs, and perfectly prepared bacon.

Flying Taco

Just recently, I stumbled upon this amazing Mexican restaurant called Flying Taco, and I am so glad I did!

Their asada fries are incredibly tasty, and I can't get enough of them.

I must also mention how fantastic their tacos are, with tender meat and a delightful mix of cabbage, cilantro, and onions.

The unique and cozy setup inside an old airplane, along with the option of outside seating, makes it an unforgettable dining experience.

What really stood out to me, though, was the outstanding service.

Mikey V's Mexican Restaurant

Mikey V's is a Mexican restaurant that turned out to be an incredible find.

My partner and I decided to try their Mexican plates, and I must say, they were delicious!

The food was fast, fresh, and packed with flavors.

I even tried their breakfast enchiladas on a separate visit, and they turned out to be equally scrumptious.

I was even more impressed when I noticed that the amazing customer service wasn't just a one-time thing; it remained consistently great on every visit.

El Charro Cafe

The other day, my friends and I decided to try out El Charro Cafe for dinner, and we were not disappointed.

The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, with traditional Mexican decorations adorning the walls.

I decided to order the carne asada, and even though it was a tad tough, the flavor was spot on.

My friends also enjoyed their dishes, especially the perfectly cooked Sunnyside eggs with a beautiful orange hue.

What really stood out to me was the hibiscus water, which was hands down the best I've ever had in any restaurant.

The fresh fruit pie for dessert was also a delightful treat to take home and enjoy later.

Krave Asian Fusion

Being a resident around here, I have visited Krave Asian Fusion several times, and, believe me, it never disappoints.

I usually order my food to go, so I can't show off their incredible bowls, but trust me, they're worth every penny.

On my first visit, I experienced Ramen for the first time, and it was beyond amazing.

The flavors in both the shrimp and pork Ramen bowls were exceptional, and the shrimp tempura and musubi were equally delicious.

9 Iron Bar & Grill

I have had the pleasure of dining at 9 Iron Bar & Grill on multiple occasions.

This restaurant offers well-priced and delicious meals, and my experience has always been positive.

I remember ordering the steak and shrimp, which was cooked to perfection.

Although the cocktail sauce was a tad sweet for my taste, and the BBQ sauce didn't quite hit the mark, the homemade ranch dressing more than made up for it.

My partner, on the other hand, tried their steak salad and loved every bite.

The steak bites were tender and juicy, making it evident that they source their meat from a quality supplier.

On one occasion, I ordered their 9 Iron Lunch Burger with a side of potato salad, which was incredibly satisfying.

To accompany my meal, I sipped on a Kentucky mule with a splash of cranberry - a delightful combination, if I do say so myself.

La Piazza Ristorante Italiano

I was looking for a place to take my partner for a special night out, and I came across La Piazza Ristorante Italiano.

I decided to give it a try and called ahead for a reservation.

As soon as we arrived, the ambiance caught our attention.

The spacious eatery, with its dim lighting, was just what we needed for a romantic evening.

The well-stocked bar was a major plus, and the drinks we ordered were simply amazing.

We started our meal with some appetizers, and the main course was even better.

I ordered the NY steak and Scampi with a side of alfredo pasta – it was truly a mouthwatering experience.

The steak melted in my mouth, and the flavors just kept coming.

My partner also enjoyed her seafood dish, and we both appreciated the wine selection, featuring bottles from Italy and California.

The entire evening at La Piazza was a delightful experience, and I'm certain this won't be our last visit.

Bravo Farms Restaurant

Bravo Farms Restaurant is one of my favorite spots in the city.

The food is always fresh and hot, and I particularly love the onion rings and zucchini, which are crispy and flavorful.

The grilled cheese is another favorite of mine, with its satisfying crunch and melt-in-your-mouth cheese.

However, during this visit, I tried their taco salad, which unfortunately came out overdressed.

The lettuce was dripping with dressing, which made it hard to enjoy the other ingredients.

Jalisco's Tacos

Jalisco's Tacos is a Mexican restaurant that has an authentic and adorable setup.

Whenever I pass by, I can't help but notice the quaint atmosphere that always draws me in.

The food here is simply amazing - Pastor and Carne Asada tacos are my go-to choices.

It's no surprise that there's always a line of people whenever I visit, from the time they open until they close.

Not only do they serve incredible tacos, but their Tortas are also to die for!

I often find myself wondering if they use butter on the bread, as it's just so scrumptious and not dry at all.

What sets Jalisco's Tacos apart from other taco trucks in the area is their genius offering of whole beans as a condiment.

The Curry Pizza Company

As a food lover in the valley, I've been on the hunt for unique and delicious pizza options, especially those with vegan alternatives.

That's when I stumbled upon The Curry Pizza Company. I must say, their menu is diverse and fantastic!

I was incredibly impressed by their vegan options, like using Follow Your Heart cheese.

Even my non-vegan friends have raved about their Butter Chicken Pizza, which is packed with flavor and just the right amount of spiciness.

Aside from their delightful pizza offerings, The Curry Pizza Company also has amazing wings.

We often stop by for a quick lunch on our way to Fresno and have never been disappointed.

It's also worth mentioning that their service is top-notch and the restaurant is always clean.

Apple Annie's

Apple Annie's has a unique charm that makes it the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with family or friends.

The decor takes you back to the 50s and 60s, making you feel cozy and nostalgic.

What I really love about Apple Annie's is their diverse menu offering, from typical American diner fare to more unique dishes.

Another thing that sets Apple Annie's apart is their apple-centric dessert menu.

Although their dumplings could use some improvement, their homemade pies are a must-try.

Every time I visit, I make sure to leave some room for dessert to indulge in their scrumptious apple pie.

Rancho Grande

I finally decided to give Rancho Grande a try after hearing some good things about it from a friend.

Although the place looks like a "hole in the wall" from the outside, I was impressed by how clean it was on the inside and noticed that they were very vigilant about cleaning up after customers.

I ordered a variety of tacos, and I must say, each one was delicious!

The food was fresh, hot, and full of flavor.

Blaze Pizza

What sets Blaze Pizza apart from other pizzerias in the area is its extensive selection of fresh toppings.

It was almost overwhelming - but in a good way!

I had the chance to customize my pizza exactly the way I wanted it, and it came out hot, fresh, and incredibly tasty.

Another thing I loved about Blaze Pizza was their fire-roasted cooking style, which gave my pizza that perfectly crispy bottom and authentic flavor.

I also decided to try their specialty lemonade, and I chose the blood orange flavor, which was a refreshing complement to my meal.

Korean Chili

One of my go-to spots for a delicious meal is Korean Chili.

Over the years, I've seen this restaurant go through some changes, but I must say they've come a long way since the first time I tried their food.

The hot plate bibimbap has always been one of my favorites, and they've managed to improve the taste and service, making me enjoy it even more.

Not only is the food at Korean Chili absolutely amazing, but the atmosphere and service are top-notch as well.

Every time I walk in, I'm greeted with friendly faces and efficient service.

I've been here with my family on numerous occasions, and we've never been disappointed.

It's always a pleasure to discover new dishes on their menu, like the Korean corn dogs my partner saw on TikTok.

We decided to give them a shot, and they did not disappoint!

We also love their egg rolls and beef ramen – it seems like everyone in the restaurant enjoys their meals as much as we do.

Ana's Place

I was driving by the terminal near my home and realized that I'd never tried Ana's Place, the Mexican restaurant that's been there for quite a while.

As a fan of authentic Mexican food, I decided to finally give it a try.

I'm so glad I did, their steak picadillo burrito was absolutely delicious, and I could tell that it was made with love and care.

The restaurant itself was very clean, which is always a good sign for me, and even the restroom was spotless.

I also appreciated the ample parking space available, enough for RVs and big trucks, which can be quite rare in the area.

Their al pastor tacos are another must-try, as well as their machaca with eggs.

I've heard from other local residents that they always stop by Ana's Place whenever they're in the area, and I can definitely understand why.

I'm looking forward to my next visit to enjoy more of their delicious, authentic Mexican dishes.

Final Thoughts

Living in Tulare has allowed me to explore and enjoy the diverse culinary scene this town has to offer.

From the mouthwatering tacos at Taqueria Encino to the delightful Italian dishes at La Piazza Ristorante Italiano, there's something for everyone's taste buds.

If you ever find yourself in Tulare, be sure to check out some of these fantastic restaurants!

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