Good vibes and better food. Wife and I went for a date here and everything was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kenneth Pinna
This is a little piece of France. If you like traditional cuisine and wine with sharp service you will love this restaurant. Absolutely perfect
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ziwang Long
L’Aperitif is a fusion bistro that (in my opinion) serves some of the best French dishes in town.
Dish Breakdown
✨ Tapas (Beef Meatballs, Escargot, Tuna Carpaccio, Spicy Baked Mussels, Spicy Baked Scallops) • The Tuna 🍣 Carpaccio was a standout — fresh tuna balanced beautifully with olive oil, basil, onion, and lemon, bringing out layers of freshness and umami that linger on the palate. • The Escargot 🐌 came smothered in rich butter and garlic, enhancing the earthy snail meat with a savory punch. • The Spicy Baked Mussels & Scallops were incredibly addictive — the sauce had just the right heat and depth, perfect for dipping bread and savoring every last drop.
🥩 Tomahawk Steak • A feast for the table — bold flavors elevated with herb butter and roasted cherry tomatoes. While juicy and flavorful, it could’ve been perfect with a more even cook throughout the cut.
🍝 Chef Thomas’ House Bolognese Spaghetti • Simple yet outstanding. The sauce had depth without being overwhelming, coating the pasta just right — classic comfort food elevated to a house specialty.
🍮 Crème Brûlée • Hands down one of the best I’ve had anywhere. The caramelized sugar had the perfect level of crisp, giving way to a rich, eggy custard base. The tart fresh berries🍓 balanced the sweetness beautifully.
🍸 French Kiss Cocktail • A cute and playful drink with a sweet profile. The berry garnish and layered colors made it as pleasing to the eyes as it was refreshing to sip.
Recently had my birthday dinner there with family and friends. The food is always 10 star. The service and attention to detail was spectacular. The chef and staff went out of their way to make the night special.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Conner
This place is a hidden gem.
The food is so unique, creative and exceptional. So many items on the menu that I can't get anywhere else and/or the best I've had.
The cocktails and service are above and beyond. Thoughtful, approachable and remarkably friendly staff and owners.
The atmosphere is spot on at the bar or tables.
Anytime I take my friends or family to this restaurant, they fall in love and can't believe they haven't tried it.
Will take photos next time! A true 'hidden gem' in the area!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sae Jayle
Everything was good except lamb chops. It was a bit tough and gamy for my liking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Suzi Freeman
I was looking forward to trying this place for a long time, but I was very let down. The salad flavors didn’t go together, my authentic French dish was light on the classic taste and heavy on the fusion, and there were several elements that cheapened the experience, such as bacon bits that clearly came from a bag and bottles of water from Save Mart lined up on the counter waiting to fill pitchers. Our server was very kind though.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 4
Skyla
LOVE THIS PLACE! Perfect for special occasions and the staff are always nice and attentive. My husband and I have been here a handful of times (it would be more if they were open on Sundays because we always get random cravings on Sundays for this place). The steak is always cooked to a perfect medium rare, and the seafood pasta is DELICIOUS!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tim Rios
Outstanding! We were invited by dear friends to L’Aperitif, and though we’d never been before, we were completely blown away. From the first sip of our drinks to the last bite of dessert, every dish was thoughtful and delicious—the filet mignon, the spicy baked mussels, the fresh salad… all outstanding.
The ambiance is warm and inviting, but what truly sets this place apart is the heart behind it. Meeting Chef Thomas and Noy and hearing their story—opening during the pandemic and still going strong five years later—was incredibly inspiring. You can feel the love and passion in everything they do.
L’Aperitif is a true Fresno treasure. If you haven’t been yet, go. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why eating out can be such a meaningful experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baked Shrimp, Aged New York Steak
Greg Edelen
Terrific restaurant. The service was wonderful, very welcoming staff and the food was delicious.
This is one of our favorite spots to eat dinner. Food is great a really home atmosphere staff is all family and is super nice. Definitely recommend this place 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chandra
Telling a child they can't use the restroom because it's customers only is a great way to not get new customers :) I was getting my other child out of the car to come in and dine but we went to the Taqueria 2 doors down.... highly recommend the taqueria!
Service: 1
Michele Hayashi
Fantastic food! Our family enjoys many of the dishes but the chicken pasta is a favorite. The staff is friendly and Always accommodating with our large party.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eric Benitez
This restaurant deserves 10 STARS. This is the best European restaurant in Fresno and one of the best in the city, period. We did not have a reservation on a very busy holiday, but they were kind enough to accommodate us after calling just a little while before. The service was impeccable throughout, from the owner and head chef Thomas, the wonderful manager and all serving staff.
The food is absolutely perfect. The scallop appetizer is genuinely one of the most delicious things I have ever tasted. From the many tasty drinks they have to the starters, mains, and desserts, we were shocked by how accurately French and Italian the dishes are. They are crafted with utmost attention to detail.
The restaurant is clean, well-kept, tastefully decorated, and is not too large so it feels very enjoyable. This was our second visit and there will be many more! Thank you Thomas and everyone involved with this incredible establishment. It's a place I would recommend to anyone. It genuinely is one of my favorite restaurants in the world.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Feliz
On my first visit to L’Apéritif Bistro, a French-Italian restaurant, I ordered spicy baked scallops, scallops on shell, scallops risotto, and paella. The food was astonishingly delicious with high-quality ingredients. This is one of my favorite seafood places featuring French and Italian style. The atmosphere was very cozy for dinner. The service was excellent. I recommend this restaurant to French and Italian cuisine lovers.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken and Seafood Paella, Truffle Scallop Risotto
Good vibes and better food. Wife and I went for a date here and everything was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is a little piece of France.
If you like traditional cuisine and wine with sharp service you will love this restaurant.
Absolutely perfect
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
L’Aperitif is a fusion bistro that (in my opinion) serves some of the best French dishes in town.
Dish Breakdown
✨ Tapas (Beef Meatballs, Escargot, Tuna Carpaccio, Spicy Baked Mussels, Spicy Baked Scallops)
• The Tuna 🍣 Carpaccio was a standout — fresh tuna balanced beautifully with olive oil, basil, onion, and lemon, bringing out layers of freshness and umami that linger on the palate.
• The Escargot 🐌 came smothered in rich butter and garlic, enhancing the earthy snail meat with a savory punch.
• The Spicy Baked Mussels & Scallops were incredibly addictive — the sauce had just the right heat and depth, perfect for dipping bread and savoring every last drop.
🥩 Tomahawk Steak
• A feast for the table — bold flavors elevated with herb butter and roasted cherry tomatoes. While juicy and flavorful, it could’ve been perfect with a more even cook throughout the cut.
🍝 Chef Thomas’ House Bolognese Spaghetti
• Simple yet outstanding. The sauce had depth without being overwhelming, coating the pasta just right — classic comfort food elevated to a house specialty.
🍮 Crème Brûlée
• Hands down one of the best I’ve had anywhere. The caramelized sugar had the perfect level of crisp, giving way to a rich, eggy custard base. The tart fresh berries🍓 balanced the sweetness beautifully.
🍸 French Kiss Cocktail
• A cute and playful drink with a sweet profile. The berry garnish and layered colors made it as pleasing to the eyes as it was refreshing to sip.
Ratings (0–10)
• Tastiness: 9.5/10
• Price Appropriateness: 8.5/10
• Portion Size: 7/10
• Overall Experience: 9.5/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recently had my birthday dinner there with family and friends. The food is always 10 star. The service and attention to detail was spectacular. The chef and staff went out of their way to make the night special.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is a hidden gem.
The food is so unique, creative and exceptional. So many items on the menu that I can't get anywhere else and/or the best I've had.
The cocktails and service are above and beyond. Thoughtful, approachable and remarkably friendly staff and owners.
The atmosphere is spot on at the bar or tables.
Anytime I take my friends or family to this restaurant, they fall in love and can't believe they haven't tried it.
Will take photos next time! A true 'hidden gem' in the area!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everything was good except lamb chops. It was a bit tough and gamy for my liking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
I was looking forward to trying this place for a long time, but I was very let down. The salad flavors didn’t go together, my authentic French dish was light on the classic taste and heavy on the fusion, and there were several elements that cheapened the experience, such as bacon bits that clearly came from a bag and bottles of water from Save Mart lined up on the counter waiting to fill pitchers. Our server was very kind though.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 4
LOVE THIS PLACE! Perfect for special occasions and the staff are always nice and attentive. My husband and I have been here a handful of times (it would be more if they were open on Sundays because we always get random cravings on Sundays for this place). The steak is always cooked to a perfect medium rare, and the seafood pasta is DELICIOUS!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Outstanding!
We were invited by dear friends to L’Aperitif, and though we’d never been before, we were completely blown away. From the first sip of our drinks to the last bite of dessert, every dish was thoughtful and delicious—the filet mignon, the spicy baked mussels, the fresh salad… all outstanding.
The ambiance is warm and inviting, but what truly sets this place apart is the heart behind it. Meeting Chef Thomas and Noy and hearing their story—opening during the pandemic and still going strong five years later—was incredibly inspiring. You can feel the love and passion in everything they do.
L’Aperitif is a true Fresno treasure. If you haven’t been yet, go. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why eating out can be such a meaningful experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baked Shrimp, Aged New York Steak
Terrific restaurant. The service was wonderful, very welcoming staff and the food was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
This is one of our favorite spots to eat dinner. Food is great a really home atmosphere staff is all family and is super nice. Definitely recommend this place 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Telling a child they can't use the restroom because it's customers only is a great way to not get new customers :) I was getting my other child out of the car to come in and dine but we went to the Taqueria 2 doors down.... highly recommend the taqueria!
Service: 1
Fantastic food! Our family enjoys many of the dishes but the chicken pasta is a favorite. The staff is friendly and Always accommodating with our large party.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This restaurant deserves 10 STARS. This is the best European restaurant in Fresno and one of the best in the city, period. We did not have a reservation on a very busy holiday, but they were kind enough to accommodate us after calling just a little while before. The service was impeccable throughout, from the owner and head chef Thomas, the wonderful manager and all serving staff.
The food is absolutely perfect. The scallop appetizer is genuinely one of the most delicious things I have ever tasted. From the many tasty drinks they have to the starters, mains, and desserts, we were shocked by how accurately French and Italian the dishes are. They are crafted with utmost attention to detail.
The restaurant is clean, well-kept, tastefully decorated, and is not too large so it feels very enjoyable. This was our second visit and there will be many more! Thank you Thomas and everyone involved with this incredible establishment. It's a place I would recommend to anyone. It genuinely is one of my favorite restaurants in the world.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
On my first visit to L’Apéritif Bistro, a French-Italian restaurant, I ordered spicy baked scallops, scallops on shell, scallops risotto, and paella. The food was astonishingly delicious with high-quality ingredients. This is one of my favorite seafood places featuring French and Italian style. The atmosphere was very cozy for dinner. The service was excellent. I recommend this restaurant to French and Italian cuisine lovers.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken and Seafood Paella, Truffle Scallop Risotto
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