My fiance and I went in for our 9 year anniversary, and we were very excited to try the authentic cuisine after reading all the great yelp reviews. I made a reservation a few weeks prior, just because I knew it was Valentine's weekend and it would be busy. Reservation was for 830 and we checked in about 820. There was a couple in line right before us that did not have a reservation, but they knew someone who worked there, and were seated right away. Although there was a little hesitation from the host who seemed as though he could not find our reservation, we were seated in the back area of the restaurant. The table was right on top of another table, with barely any room to breathe let alone have a quiet conversation. We checked out the menu and wine list, and were quite impressed and ready to give the food a try. However, our server was nowhere to be found. No big deal, I understand that they want to give us some time and not rush us. So about 15 minutes later, the owner, who was also serving tables, asked us and the couple next to us if we had been helped. We both said no, and she politely said that she would be right with us. So I was not mad at all that we had waited quite a while, because I knew that we were going to get great service. To our disappointment, another guy came to our table, and literally, his first words to us were, "uhhm, you ready to order?". Not, "hi, welcome to Parma" or "hi, how are you doing this evening?" or even if we had any questions on the menu. I was so disappointed after that. We reluctantly ordered a glass of wine each and the caprese salad because we were starving, but could not get ourselves to order entrees after the way we were treated. The server took one look at us, and even though we are both in our late twenties and have a lot of fine dining experience, saw us as kids and immediately judged us on that. I understand that it was a busy night, but after already having somewhat of a bad day before, and highly anticipating this meal, it was such a let down and a horrible end to our anniversary. We may give it one more chance, but it will have to be on a very slow night when the owner can be our server. read more

We had dinner there for the first time and the food was excellent and not the run of the mill Italian stuff. I never thought too highly of ravioli until I tasted there's, it was outstanding and it all tasted home-made. Be prepared for a leisurely dining experience as it is not a fast in and out place like most people are accustomed to. The waiters were very attentive but not hovering. The prices were on the $$$ side but the food was worth it. read more

We were greeted at this restaurant by a very rude greeter. It took him 5 min to decide if we were worthy to eat there. The restaurant was empty. A few people were there. We wanted o eat outside. He finally seated us outside. It took at least 15 min before anyone acknowledge us. Our waiter was wonderful . The food was good . My husband ordered the risotto. Nothing else on a big plate. No vegetable. Was very good. Not enough for a man. Anyway not worth the price. Loved the patio & the yellow & blue colors. Need to be a little more friendly. Get rid of the greeter!!! Best of luck to you in your new location. Kathy Diebert read more

Recently had the opportunity to go to Parma with my husband and son (a chef). We love the new location and the patio ambience is fantastic this time of year. The food and service were nothing but supreme. They did not disappoint! We all ordered different things and not only were they a joy to look at upon arrival at our table. The food was amongst the best in Fresno County... right up there with Elderberry House and Ripe Tomato. We loved every minute and have put this on our very short list of restaurants that we must hit every 2-3 weeks -- why wait for an important occassion...... You must give it a try!!! read more

First of all I want to apologize to our OUTSTANDING server Trevor for not putting up this review sooner. On 12/24/2012, My wife and I celebrated our 3rd year anniversary here. THIS PLACE IS SPECTACULAR!!! This place has a real homey feel. Its like going to a family reunion dinner at one of your cousins. The owners, especially Elena, made certain that everything was nothing short of EXCELLENT. If you go to this place ask for Trevor. He made our experience even more worth while with his SPECTACULAR Customer Service. There was practically no wait time in between refills and service. He always came by at the right time to make sure everything was EXQUISITE. THIS IS OFFICIALLY OUR #1 FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN CALIFORNIA!!! WE WILL DEFINATELY COME BACK. THANK YOU FOR SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE. read more

Fantastic! Stumbled upon Parma Restaurant while visiting Fresno and was pleasantly surprised. Better than Marea in NYC. Great atmosphere, wonderful food, a total package. The house made pasta was perfectly done and the sauces were outstanding. Service was exceptional. Can't wait to eat there again. read more

This is my go to restaurant. Their food is so damn good I crave it. I'm not a pasta consumer but their veal and chicken dishes are delish. Never disappoints. read more

I'd give it 6 stars for authenticity. The closest to being in Italy. Fabulous. Will be back every time I am in Fresno.

Sorry, not a fan whatsoever. We were running late for our 6:30 reservation. I called to see if we could delay it till 7:00. The person said sorry, on a tight schedule. So hurrying down the freeway, we got there at 6:40. Much to my surprise, there were 5 empty tables. First negative. The manager/waiter not friendly at all. So we get appetizers and more and more bread. Now, it's close to 8:00, still no dinner. Second negative. A big party in the patio was their first priority. Now the owner starts avoiding us. Third negative. Finally dinner comes. It was good but not worth the wait. We will NEVER go back again. read more

Wow the pasta is excellent and the service exceptional. Definitely a hidden pearl in Fresno. Love it... A must experience.

We went to early mother day dinner at 5:30 Saturday night. What a mistake. When making reservation we asked if they had high chairs. They said yes. All they had was a booster seat with no straps. Luckily we had a Bumbo in the car. Other baby had to seat in his car seat. If you don't want small children just say so. On that note you think they would hurry us but 3:20 minutes later we were just leaving. The wait staff was negligent. Never asked if we wanted more bread , never asked if we wanted a second drink. My husband went to the bar to get a second glass of wine. I asked for more water and 15 minutes later had to ask again. By that time everyone's water glass was empty. On to the food. The meat dishes were excellent especially lamb. However my pasta was not good. The ravioli was hard around the edges the asparagus sauce was way too thick and the spicy sauce only tasted hot. No flavor. After the meal 30 minutes went by before they started cleaning up dishes. Two people's dinners came with dessert but they never took the order. We had to remind them. This is an experience I will never repeat. I'll give one star for the meat dishes. read more

the very best food in fresno! elena rules with dignity!

Pretty overrated in my opinion. packaged bread sticks? Everything was very bland and tiny portions for the elevated prices. Very pretentious owner IMO read more

This restaurant needs a recent review to be relevant. It has moved to 6729 N Palm Ave., a larger and nicer place with patio dining outside. Four of us, all near retirement age males, sat down at 5:30 when they opened and dined for two hours. Before dinner drinks were brought to the table which was immediately set with bread and butter and Parmesan cheese. We followed with two appetizers that we shared that everyone enjoyed and though delightful. The three others shared a bottle of imported wine which I did not recognize but the others made good sounds as they enjoyed it. The server brought out an already opened bottle to give them samples before they opened the bottle for the table. Then they refilled the glasses as needed. Each of us ordered a separate main dish. Lots of sharing. We ordered, gnocchi, pork, T-bone steak, and Quail Salad, plus one side order of Pasta with sauce. Everyone liked everything and nothing was without some special taste or character. The grilled quail came on a big bed of spinach with grilled polenta, all covered with thin slices of cheese. The side order of pasta was a soft pasta and a sauce with Parmesan cheese. That everyone agreed was probably the best tasting spaghetti in Fresno. We were all full and content but ordered two deserts to share. They were equally creative in presentation and taste and texture. What a nice finish to a nice meal. The waiter staff hovered constantly as the took control of the table top removing and adding plates and utensils frequently. My water glass was refilled 3 or 4 or more times. I lost count. Every time the bread, butter, or cheese got low the plates were removed and fresh ones brought. At least four times. The owner, who I had never met before came over to the table when we got started, half way through the meal and when we were done thanked us again for coming. She was delightful and sincere. It was last night, a Saturday, and the place was full by the time we were eating our main dish. I don't see how it could be any better than this. read more

Last night was our first dinner at Parma and it certainly will not be our last! We were met by Elina, the owner, who came to our table after we were seated and described the specials and made suggestions; she came by often to "check" on us and was very attentive without being intrusive. My wife and I enjoyed everything about the evening and our meals (duck and a pork dish) were excellent; the portions were generous and very well prepared. Elina's wine suggestion was perfect. We'll be back; we don't live in Fresno but are there on business a couple of times a month so now we have another excellent place for dinner. read more

This is the best Italian restaurant in the area. The owner is attentive and always greets you. She makes you feel like a close friend even if it's your first time. I tried the lasagna and was awesome. Perfectly cooked. Like some other comments stated, don't come if you're in a hurry. Good, freshly prepared food takes some time. read more

Parma is one of my most favorite locations to eat in the over million miles I have traveled for work and and pleasure. I have eaten there many many many times in the last 12 years and was never disappointed. On several occasions when I was driving up I-5 from LA to Oregon I have driven well over an our out of my way to stop in, that says a lot!....The owner Elena deserves a Michelin star and I cannot fathom why they do not have one yet. Worth every dollar! read more

undoubtedly the BEST restaurant around. the news location offers a pleasant bar experience and new banquet facilities helps keep the larger parties away from the intimacy of Parma. i cannot go there enough. the food, the service and the charm of elena is well worth the $. read more