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Have a meal at one of the best spots in town. Find one near you on the map or sort by categories.

We mapped our restaurant critic Pete Tittl’s favorite restaurant picks so you know where to go the next time hunger strikes. Pete designated a winner in certain categories - look for them in the sidebar.

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Dining guide

BY PETE TITTL, Contributing columnist
e-mail: ptittl@bakersfield.com | 01/29/07 15:50:21

Last Updated: 01/25/07 16:13:33

OK, so where do you like to eat, Pete?

I get asked that a lot, and people naturally assume that since I've been to almost every eatery in Bakersfield and beyond, that I'll be able to tell them about some unknown (to them) gem. Because of that, we've tried to create an almost-annual package offering my recommendations for places to dine out.

This year we're doing something different: more categories. In previous years I had lists for fine dining, casual dining and special experiences. That was it. Now we're more specialized, and I've tried to come up with five in each category with one winner, kind of like the Oscars, the exception being the top 10 fine dining restaurants and the 10 best casual places. To compile the list, I've gone back to reviews of the past year and, in some cases, revisited places to either include them or eliminate them from contention. I've been working on this since June.

I know your favorite place may not be on the list. We'll have to agree to disagree, as the saying goes. Or you can send me a scathing e-mail that will reveal the depths of my ignorance. Whatever works.

The issue of chain restaurants vs. locally owned always comes up in this sort of debate, so I need to explain my philosophy on that. Food is food. If they deserve a spot on any of these lists, I've tried not to discriminate against the chains. People tend to feel the same way when it comes to spending their food dollars.

FINE DINING

(top 10, in alphabetical order):

The Bistro

(5105 California Ave., 323-3905)

The restaurant at the Sheraton is not your typical tired hotel eatery but actually an oasis of taste and culinary excellence. After a down period, it has surged back with new strength. The menu changes every few months to match up-to-date food trends, but the emphasis on innovation and quality is always present.

Cafe Med

(4809 Stockdale Highway, 834-4433)

A Bakersfield institution that started small in the northeast and over the years has established itself as one of the top two or three restaurants in town with its Mediterranean cuisine. Such variety, and something of a social hot spot among Bakersfield's elite on the weekends.

Little Italy

(8200 Stockdale Highway, 833-4055)

A couple opened this small Italian restaurant (now being expanded) in late 2004 and created an instant hit. I love the lobster raviolis, but then again everything is good. The restaurant has been through an expansion, so expect more details in a future column.

Mama Roomba

(1814 Eye St., 322-6262)

Look, I realize many people have master bedrooms bigger than this tiny Caribbean restaurant downtown, but it's a gem that opened in fall 2005, and has never faltered. If you're tired of the same old foods, visit Mama.

Mama Tosca

(9000 Ming Ave., 831-1242)

A Bakersfield institution where "Mama does all the cooking." That's more than a slogan, as you will see her pop into the dining room occasionally. A restaurant that's superb with everything from the simplest pastas to the osso bucco and steak and lobster.

McGee's at the Ice House

(3401 Chester Ave., 323-8730)

A beautiful, classy place with great steaks and California cuisine. Another restaurant where ambience is a big draw.

P.F. Chang's

(10700 Stockdale Highway, 664-8100)

This new gourmet Chinese restaurant lives up to the hype in atmosphere, food quality and service. Definitely a first-rate addition to the Bakersfield restaurant scene.

T.L. Maxwell's

(1421 17th Place, 323-6889)

Owner Terry Maxwell is passionate about good food and wine, and he runs his restaurant as if he were your best friend who just invited you to dinner. I've never had a bad meal there. I love the authentic brick wall, downtown atmosphere, too.

Uricchio's Trattoria

(1400 17th St., 326-8870)

One of our city's best restaurants is something of a retirement project. After a lifetime of restaurant work in Beverly Hills, Nick Uricchio moved to Bakersfield to retire, but got back into the business. Instant success. I still love all the pictures on the walls with stars like Ronald Reagan and Dean Martin. The place to be seen in downtown Bakersfield.

Valentien's

(3310 Truxtun Ave., 864-0397) Another retirement project of sorts, but this time the proprietor came from New York City to be closer to family. Haute cuisine at reasonable prices, a great wine selection, super desserts, professional service. Very small, though, so reservations are a must.

CASUAL DINING

(top 10, in alphabetical order):

Buck Owens' Crystal Palace

(2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 328-7560)

The food here nearly reaches the category of fine dining in quality but, in assembling this list, I was also concentrating on atmosphere, and the Crystal Palace is a pretty relaxed place. Jeans are almost required. The chicken-fried steak is unsurpassed.

Chipotle

(4950 Stockdale Highway, 335-0400)

Hey, chains are people, too. And this gourmet Mexican burrito place is unmatched in value and quality. Every time I try something new, I have more problems ordering the next time. Burritos, tacos and bowls made with juicy carnitas (from free-range pork), succulent barbacoa or spicy steak, all for about $6. The chicken is good, too. The Bakersfield restaurant is particularly well-managed, always clean and staffed by friendly people.

China Bistro

(9000 Ming Ave., 664-1802)

I know people think I've lost my critical sensibilities praising this place, but the food is always freshly made and hot, and superior to any buffet in town. The orange chicken is crispy, but the shrimp (off the menu, not the buffet) are a special treasure.

Coconut Joe's

(4158 California Ave., 327-1378)

Maybe I just love the kick-back surf atmosphere, but both the marinated/garlicky grilled chicken and the juicy, sliced tri-tip make for an excellent casual meal. A true "escape" restaurant that is a great value.

Frugatti's

(600 Coffee Road, 836-2000)

Frugatti's has evolved into one of those satisfying, big portion Italian restaurants. The pizzas from the wood-burning oven have improved recently, and the kitchen's reliance on whole milk cheeses adds such richness to the food. Steaks and shrimp are good here, too.

Grandview Asian Cuisine

(2217 Ashe Road, 832-2288)

The dim sum is impressive, but I love the French influences on the Chinese classics and the stunning presentation. A must try is the filet mignon, prepared with an artistry seldom found in a steakhouse.

Jake's Original Tex-Mex Cafe

(1710 Oak St., 322-6380)

Before Chipotle brought its casual cafeteria service to Bakersfield, there was Jake's, best known for its belcher spuds, garlic chicken and the best pit-style beef in town. You don't have to be from Texas to love what they produce here at such reasonable prices.

Que Pasa

(various locations)

This local Mexican chain covers the basics but also shows some flair in the kitchen with its use of smoked meats and cheeses. Fun family atmosphere and reasonable prices, too.

Red Pepper

(2641 Oswell St., 871-5787)

Where else can you get lobster chile verde? Owner Gilbert Sabedra is a gifted, imaginative artist, elevating a cuisine considered by most experts to be too simple to be great. Watch the specials board for the most exceptional of his creations.

Tahoe Joe's

(9000 Ming Ave., 664-5909)

This Fresno-based chain has a very popular restaurant at the Marketplace, and the recent addition of the lunch menu on Sunday is a big plus. Seafood, pasta, beef, and more beef, but the pork chops are fantastic, too.

MOST ROMANTIC

Valentien’s

Runners-up: Mama Tosca, T.L. Maxwell, The Bistro and Cafe Med

You can hardly go wrong with any of these, but Valentien’s seems to combine that dark, secluded atmosphere with a smallness that speaks of intimacy. We were once seated in this alcove just to the left of the front door that almost made us feel like we were in a restaurant by ourselves. The other restaurants are more social, but the Mama Tosca space in particular seems like a trip to another land. The dim lighting of The Bistro and some parts of the Cafe Med dining room are similarly seductive. Book now for Valentine’s Day.

SPECIALTY DISHES

Stir-fried hot and spicy shrimp at Lam’s Chinese Restaurant

(2510 University Ave., 871-7455)

Runners-up: George’s Special at Dewar’s (two locations), chicken-fried steak at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, pastrami sandwich at the Knotty Pine Cafe (1530 Norris Road, 399-0120), fish and chips at Westchester Bowl (1819 30th St., 325-2287), fish and chips at Lengthwise Brewing Company (6720 Schirra Court, 836-2537)

The spicy wok-fried shrimp at Lam’s are positively addicting. If I go a month or so without having them, I start getting antsy. George’s Special is the official milkshake of Bakersfield — call it Ice Cream as it Should Be! The chicken-fried steak at the Crystal Palace is the best I’ve ever had, and I’m not sure why it’s so good. Though some have praised the pastrami sandwich at Carla’s Cafe (9809 Union Ave., 397-8404), I prefer the incredible creation at the Knotty Pine. I’ve raved long and loud about the fish and chips at Westchester Bowl, and they have the same product available at Southwest Lanes. If you don’t like that version, check out the beer-batter fish at Lengthwise Brewing Company, an underrated brew pub just south of White Lane.

JAPANESE

Sushi Kato

(3631 Rosedale Highway, 323-5286)

Runners-up: Bento Express (1652 Oak St., 327-3777), Miyoshi Sushi Bar Teriyaki (8200 Stockdale Highway, 398-3397), Shogun Palace (5498 California Ave., 325-0007), Tokyo Garden (4149 Ming Ave., 835-7874)

For overall excellence, I give the nod to Sushi Kato, which does well with tempura, sushi and teppan grill, as well as offering the very expensive Kobe beef. Bento is a new, impressive restaurant in a very small space with tight parking, and Shogun has an L.A. atmosphere that is charming. Tokyo Garden has a solid teppan service, too.

MEXICAN

The Red Pepper

Runners-up: Cactus Valley (4215 Rosedale Highway, 633-1948), El Portal (6641 Ming Ave., 834-2629), El Pueblo (9705 Main St., Lamont, 845-4545), Mauricio’s Grill and Cantina (10700 Rosedale Highway, 589-5292), Que Pasa (Valley Plaza or the Marketplace)

This is a tough one as there are soooo many solid Mexican restaurants in this city. I’ve already raved about Red Pepper, but Cactus Valley has great chips and salsa, great fajitas and friendly people. El Portal does everything well, from combo meals to more adventuresome selections. Mauricio’s once was known mostly for its fajitas, but in its new, expansive Rosedale Highway building, it’s a classy, reasonably priced place. I love the way the Que Pasa chain has fun with smoked meats, and some of the enchiladas are up to the standards of Red Pepper.

CHINESE

P.F. Chang’s

Runners-up: Grand China (3770 Ming Ave., 831-6300), Great Castle (410 Union Ave., 325-3311), Lam’s Chinese, Peking Palace (5600 Auburn, 872-9686)

I’ve been a big fan of Peking Palace for so long because it’s difficult for a Chinese restaurant to do so many of the major subcategories of that cuisine well, but somehow they pull it off. But I have to say the new king is P.F. Chang’s, which is pricier than the others listed but puts a fresh spin on familiar Chinese standards. Grand China on Ming has a similar consistency, and a bit more variety. Great Castle is deservedly still a big draw on Union Avenue — best potstickers in town. I’m a huge fan of the shrimp at Lam’s, but there’s a lot more to the menu if you’re a stronger person than I am and can get past a shrimp addiction.

BASQUE

Wool Growers Restaurant

(620 E. 19th St., 327-9584)

Runners-up: Benji’s French Basque Restaurant (4001 Rosedale Highway, 328-0400), Maitia’s Cafe (4420 Coffee Road, 587-9055), Noriega Hotel (525 Sumner St., 322-8419), Pyrenees Cafe (601 Sumner St., 323-0053)

A tough call to pick only one of these, as all offer great Basque food at fair prices. Old-school customers who prefer the family-style sit-down-with-strangers experience will head to Noriega or Pyrenees. Maitia’s has really improved in recent years, and has great steaks and a friendly staff. Benji’s and Wool Growers have been doing this so long and so well, you know you’ll be treated well. Order a souffle if you can at Benji’s.

ITALIAN

Mama Tosca

Runners-up: Frugatti’s, Uricchio’s Trattoria, Joseph’s (3013 F St., 322-7710), Sorella Ristorante Italiano (7800 McNair Court, 396-8603)

Another tough choice. The owners of Joseph’s and Sorella are sisters, and the best things on the menus are the calzones. We’ve got some solid Italian restaurants to choose from in this city.

VEGETARIAN

Thai House

Runners-up: Garden Spot, Sushi Kato, Taj Mahal Cuisine of India (5416 California Ave., 633-2222)

Despite Bakersfield’s growth, we’re still not a hotbed of vegetarian/natural food restaurants. In fact, in the Yellow Pages, under the specialty listing for vegetarian restaurants, I noticed only a pizza place and a hoagie restaurant! But I was so impressed by the depth and breadth of what’s offered for non-meat eaters at Thai House as well as the quality of the food. Garden Spot always has at least two vegetarian soups among its six choices.

SPORTS BAR

Tailgaters Sports Bar & Grill

(900 Truxtun Ave., 322-9800)

Runners-up: Kosmo’s Restaurant and Sports Bar (1623 19th St., 324-4286), Lengthwise Brewing Company

A close call, as all three have that certain atmosphere combined with simple but satisfying bar food, as well as great TVs for the big game. That huge projection TV in Tailgaters as well as its modern industrial ambience gives it a slight edge.

PIZZA

Pizza Bob’s

(8105 Kern Canyon Road, 366-3500)

Runners-up: Cataldo’s Pizzeria (650 Roberts Lane, 387-0965), Frugatti’s, Pizza Barn (11401 Kernville Road, Kernville, 760-376-1856), Plumberry’s, Sbarro at Valley Plaza and East Hills Mall

Most people don’t even know about Pizza Bob’s, which closed its southwest restaurant a few years ago, but no matter where you live, it’s worth the drive. Get the deep dish-style Sicilian, with its thick layer of whole milk mozzarella and tomato sauce on top. Cataldo’s in Oildale offers a New York-style thin crust pizza, and all the Frugatti’s pizzas have the nice smoky taste

STEAKHOUSE

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

Runners-up: Cafe Med, McGee’s at the Icehouse, Tahoe Joe’s, T.L. Maxwell’s

Some time ago, the Crystal Palace folks changed the menu to emphasize steaks, and this is a great place to get a steak, though you can’t go wrong with any five of these places. I absolutely love the mustard steak at Cafe Med, and the sauces are what make the beef special at T.L. Maxwell’s. Tahoe Joe’s uses almond wood to add a special flavor to their steaks. Dig in — it’s what’s for dinner.

BREAKFAST

24th Street Cafe

Runners-up: Lorene’s (1531 23rd St., 322-6887), Mimi’s Cafe, Village Grill (2809 F St., 325-1219), Westchester Bowl

The 24th Street Cafe is a civic treasure, with so many great things on the menu from omelets to stuffed French toast that it gives any day a great start. Lorene’s is not as inventive, but it’s dependable. Mimi’s has a lot of personality for a chain, and the Village Grill and Westchester Bowl are so close to each other you can walk over to one if the other is too crowded. Great biscuits and gravy at Westchester Bowl.

HAMBURGER

Prime Cut

(8200 Stockdale Highway, 831-1413)

Runners-up: American Deli (13001 Stockdale Highway, 587-2468), Burger Hut (1112 19th St., 323-1084), In-N-Out (4545 Stockdale Highway, 325-8644), Steve’s House of Barbecue (5123 Ming Ave., 836-0100)

Prime Cut will be moving north when its new home is built, but this meat market makes a huge burger (the Mervburger) cooked over wood that is darn near heaven on a bun. I’m sure you’re surprised to see the American Deli on there, but reader Janice Rivera tipped me off to this. It’s thick, juicy and cooked over an open fire. A real find. Thanks, Janice! Burger Hut downtown is a classic, and In-N-Out is “what a hamburger’s all about.” Not sure where I got that phrase from. Steve’s specializes in barbecue, but its burgers are worth skipping the ribs for.

COUNTRY BREAKFAST

Donna Kaye’s Cafe

(212 Oak St., 322-1875)

Runners-up: Hodel’s Buffet, Milt’s Coffee Shop (6112 Knudsen Drive, 399-4975), Molly J’s on Panama Lane, Pedal Car Cafe (1300 Coffee Road, 587-2430)

My definition of country breakfast is a lot of starch (biscuits and gravy anyone?) and maybe some cholesterol-rich bacon and sausage. Donna Kaye’s has all that plus great omelets, in a low-profile location on Oak Street. Hodel’s has a great breakfast buffet, and the quality at Milt’s is on par with 24th Street Café. Molly J’s has the best bacon in town, and Pedal Car Café does just about everything well.

SOUP

Garden Spot

Runners-up: Country Rose Cottage & Bistro (163 H St., 322-5965), Westchester Bowl, Cafe Med

I struggle to cut myself off at just a few bowls when I go to the Garden Spot. The solution is half bowls, I think, but it’s a solid product. Country Rose’s specialties are the cheesy broccoli and crab bisque. Cafe Med’s soups can sometimes be purchased to go at the Gourmet Shoppe next door. Westchester Bowl’s soups can be combined with a sandwich for a great lunch.

FRIED CHICKEN

The Pantry

(2200 Brundage Lane, 322-2686)

Runners-up: J’s Place Waffle House & Southern Style Cooking (5141 New Stine Road, 831-8420), Maitia’s Cafe, Wingstop (3880 Gosford Road, 835-9464), Wool Growers

You need to be patient if you order fried chicken at the Pantry — it’s cooked only when ordered at this Brundage Lane coffee shop — but it’s well worth the wait. J’s is a new Southern-style restaurant in the southwest that has chicken and waffles, Roscoe’s style. Wingstop offers only the wing segments, but the sauces are incredible, and the fries are fresh cut. Wool Growers and Maitia’s are the best of the Basque fried chickens.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY

John’s Incredible Pizza

(3709 Rosedale Highway, 859-1111)

Runners-up: Frugatti’s, Marie Callender’s (two locations on California Avenue and Oswell), Que Pasa

John’s is birthday party central, and I wouldn’t even visit unless you love the little ones, yours or the offspring of others. Frugatti’s, Marie Callender’s and Que Pasa have great children’s menus and the staffs there seem to handle family business with grace and skill.

SANDWICHES

Brink’s Deli

(3803 Ming Ave., 398-8525)

Runners-up: Bonnie’s Best, The Gourmet Shoppe (4801 Stockdale Highway, 834-5522), Philadelli’s Steaks & Subs (4405 Ming Ave., 397-9753), Spotlight Theatre & Cafe, Too Fat Sandwich Shop (various locations)

Brink’s has some classics, such as the Sicilian beef — a hot, cheesy, garlicky creation that no one else offers. Bonnie’s uses great ingredients, as does the Spotlight Theatre & Cafe. I love the bread at Too Fat. That Dutch crust bread, while not fresh baked, is very tasty. Philadelli's makes the best cheesesteak, but has expanded the menu in recent years and now offers White Castle-style hamburgers, too.

HISTORY-RICH RESATURANT

Luigi’s

(725 E. 19th St., 322-0926)

Runners-up: KC Steakhouse, Noriega House, Pyrenees, Tam O’Shanter (2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774)

It’s on the walls at Luigi’s: pictures, an aging that can’t be faked, a feeling that giants have lunched there. Saturdays are just so much fun. We love the Rat Pack atmosphere of KC Steakhouse. Don’t ever change, and I mean that. Noriega House and Pyrenees seem like they’re stuck in the 1950s, and that’s a good thing to me. The Tam O’Shanter was for so long the top restaurant in Bakersfield, back in the days when Margaret Lemucchi ran it. The feeling of history is still there, even if the food isn’t up to her standards.

SUNDAY BRUNCH

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

Runners-up: Tahoe Joe’s, Q Street Bistro at the Holiday Inn Select, (801 Truxtun Ave., 323-1900), Red Pepper

There’s a lot of competition in this category, but few real stars in my opinion. The Crystal Palace has the best combination of quality and variety, though Q Street Bistro downtown is a surprise. Tahoe Joe’s goes with a lunch menu instead of a buffet, as does the Red Pepper, and both offer a great option for those who prefer traditional restaurant service at the table.

BEST-KEPT SECRET

Tacone Flavor Grill

(Valley Plaza, 837-4000)

Runners-up: Courtside at the Bakersfield Racquet Club (1660 Pine St., 327-7669), Spotlight Theatre & Cafe (1622 19th St., 634-0692)

Tacone is a chain, but the food is an exceptional value and you don’t find this unique blend of wraps, sweet potato fries, sandwiches and other healthy entrees anywhere else. Courtside has great soup and sandwiches — not typical tennis club fare. Spotlight Cafe has some great sandwiches for the downtown crowd.

BUFFET

Hodel’s Country Dining

(Highway 99 and Olive Drive, 399-3341)

Runners-up: The Garden Spot, New China Buffet (2781 Calloway, 588-8666)

I haven’t been impressed with most of the many buffets in town, especially the big names, but Hodel’s offers variety and high quality, home-cooking for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Garden Spot doesn’t have the fried chicken items, but the soups, desserts and veggies are always fresh and tempting.

MOST ENTERTAINING ATMOSPHERE

Stars Theatre Restaurant

(1931 Chester Ave., 325-6100)

Runners-up: Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, Coconut Joe’s, Fishlips (1517 18th St., 324-2557), Uricchio’s

OK, so this is an odd category and why shouldn’t Stars win since you can get a play with your dinner? I’ve been impressed by the caliber of the shows, even if the food is only OK. Uricchio’s is a great people-watching place, if somewhat noisy. Fishlips is doing what it can to support live entertainment downtown, and it deserves kudos for that. Coconut Joe’s has all that cool surfing memorabilia and films running on the TVs. I have fond memories of going to the Crystal Palace for dinner while Buck was alive. The entertainment with a reasonably priced meal is still a great time.

BUSINESS LUNCH

The Bistro

Runners-up: Cafe Med, P.F. Chang’s, T.L. Maxwell’s, Uricchio’s

If you can take someone to The Bistro for lunch, you will be bathed in an atmosphere that suggests a more tasteful version of Donald Trump. The light is even flattering. The others are impressive, but more restrained perhaps in the dress-for-success department. It’s really fun to eavesdrop at The Bistro, though it’ll make you feel like a complete loser for not having your own brilliant business plans.

MOST INNOVATIVE

Valentien’s

Runners-up: Mama Roomba, Red Pepper, T.L. Maxwell’s

Before coming west, the owner of Valentien’s had worked in classy New York restaurants. The Big Apple’s loss is our gain. All four of these restaurants are the kind that push the envelope and embrace trends before they become commonplace. I hope Gilbert at Red Pepper never retires.

PAMPERING EXPERIENCE

Mama Tosca

Runners-up: The Bistro, Cafe Med, P.F. Chang’s, T.L. Maxwell’s

Mama Tosca has an amazing, experienced staff and they seem ever alert to a customer’s needs. The other three finished a close second.

BEST PLACE FOR A PROM DINNER

Sorella

Runners-up: Hungry Hunter, Uricchio’s, Tahoe Joe’s

What’s up with kids at formal dances nowadays? I’ve seen them coming out of virtually every type of restaurant, including Chipotle, sometimes even in groups of a dozen or more. I’d recommend Sorella, as they seem extremely patient with the young diners when I’ve been in the restaurant. Just about the same with the other three. Two recommendations, kids: Make reservations and BE ON TIME, especially if you’re in a group. Irresponsible prom groups are a pet peeve of some restaurant owners, and some won’t take reservations due to bad past experiences.