We hosted a party for our parents on the patio at Strings and had a fantastic experience. Keelie was super easy to work with and so thoughtful, and made party planning much simpler than expected. The staff was gracious and flexible, and we were able to be creative in how we set up the event. The selection of appetizers (bruschetta, pizza, stuffed mushrooms, scampi, and meatballs) and lemon berry cake were a big hit with our partygoers young and old. We got many compliments! And the patio is a great setting for a private event, with fans and heaters at the ready for any weather. In making a special event for our parents, we got everything and more than we were looking for. We are grateful and will be back! read more

Super inviting atmosphere and staff! I really enjoyed the chicken pesto sandwich--great flavors! read more

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Excellent, very attentive service it was my mom's 96th birthday and they made her feel very special. The food is fantastic! I love the puff pastry stuffed lasagna. I would highly recommend read more

It was delicious! Haven't been there in several years and decided to go for dinner recently and we were not disappointed! The same delicious food and very nice atmosphere and restaurant that we remembered! We will visit again soon! read more

Awesome food & staff ... always a great experience. Keele has made this a family experience

My husband was craving Italian, and we were searching and searching and searching for a good spot to go to. Suddenly we remembered this place! We totally forgot this place existed! Anyway, we arrived on a Tuesday around 6, and there was no wait to be seated. We noticed that they had expanded the restaurant with an outside patio, which was super cute! But we decided to dine in. Lol. We ordered the Artichoke dip as our app and it was sooo good! The bread it came with was omg delicious! I ordered the Pasta Sienna with chicken only, and it was good. The only downside is that the chicken was dry, so I didn't eat the chicken. My husband ordered the Chicken Fettuccine, and he also said his chicken was dry as well. The pasta was bomb though. Daughter ordered the cheese pizza, which was hella good to us, we would order that as an appetizer! Lol. Salad was good and soup was good as well. Bread came fresh. Now.. let's get into why I'm not giving this place 5 stars. When I ordered the Artichoke dip, I didn't want to finish it bc I didn't want to get full, so I asked our friendly waitress if she would bag it up for us. I also asked for extra bread to take home with it. Let's fast forward the to the next day when I'm craving to eat my leftover Artichoke dip. I dig into the bag, take out the paper bag, which had the bread in it, and there was a PINCHER BUG crawling all inside of it. I was super effing sad man. I hellla wanted that Artichoke dip and those delicious breads. My husband told me to quit being dramatic and eat it anyways bc "it's just a PINCHER BUG" but what.. the.. hell. NO! This bug messed up my whole day bc I wanted it sooo bad bc it was sooo good. Now I can't eat it and now I won't even come back to this place bc of that damn pincher bug. Now, before you say "well it coulda been from your house" uuuhhh the BAG WAS TIED SHUT! And the paper bag, which the bread was in, was rolled shut too! I am sooo disappointed man. read more

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Was an amazing Italian spot. Very clean and well kept restaurant. Had it while I was in town visiting. Staff was friendly and service was quick and on point. I'm a huge pasta fan so I had the traditional dishes. Would highly recommend lasagna. If you're in the mood for dessert it's a must have as well. read more

My wife and I haven't been here in many years. We stopped by tonight for their all you can eat pasta night. I've got to say their Pomodoro sauce is delicious! We are looking forward to going back and trying several things that look great on the menu. So nice to see a local place doing well even many years later. read more

We've had dinner at Strings many times & it's always a 5 star experience. Customer service is excellent and food is absolutely delicious. In fact, there isn't anything negative I could say about this restaurant. 12/10 would recommend! read more

I had the spicy Cajun shrimp fettuccine. I liked the spice, had good heat to it, and overall flavorful. However, for the price they charged, my dish only had 5 or 6 smalls pieces of shrimp. Not worth the price. read more

Strings Italian Cafe - Italian Near Me - Modesto, California

This was my first time to this restaurant. Called in and picked it up. The food was ready in 20 minutes. The salad was ok. The clump of raisins was a bit much. I liked the portion size. I would say that of the three Italian places I've been to, this would rank as the the third best. Now that's not a knock but it really came down to the Alfredo sauce. It wasn't bad just got beat. All in all I would go back. I'd like to eat inside the restaurant next time. read more

Strings Italian Cafe - Inside - Italian Near Me - Modesto, California

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For Mother's Day my fiancé wanted to surprise me with dinner & Italian is my favorite. This restaurant is close to home, but we've yet to try it. So today was the day we thought we'd give it a shot. First off, I understand it's Mother's Day, but the wait for our food was ridiculous. Then when we got home my Chicken Parmesan looked like this. Obviously burnt. I called to request a new order & they advised they would remake it, but are really busy so it would be at least 30 minutes, for their mistake. Again it's Mother's Day & they're busy, but the fact my food was burnt was not my fault, but ok fine. So I showed up 40 minutes later for my food, there's a huge line of people, & they're obviously still busy. When I finally get to speak to a waitress mid doing something else, I let her know I'm just here for a remake. She grabbed my to box and said "ok wait, she'll get it". Another waitress walked by grabbed my new food from the window & said "here". That's it, no apology, no kindness, customer service, anything. I understand being busy can be overwhelming but other customers still deserve kindness and respect in your moment of chaos. Unfortunately my remake was still burnt all around the edges. So in conclusion, if you'd like well done chicken parm & a lack of customer service, this is the place. read more

Strings Italian Cafe - Italian Near Me - Modesto, California

To the older gentleman that was our waiter tonight, if you don't want to work and be friendly you shouldn't be a waiter. I brought friends that were moving out of town for a good bye dinner and you acted like we were putting you out to be there! Even our guest said dang he just looks pissed off! Well your service was not what I wanna pay for .... Do better or find a different job read more

Wow! It's been a while since I've been here talk about dressing it up with major improvements I'm impressed, beautiful ambience inside and patio redecorated and food was absolutely delicious, give it try next time your wondering where to eat, or want to try something different. I will be coming back great job! read more

Strings Italian Cafe - Salmon Nicolette - Italian Near Me - Modesto, California

Artichoke dip delicious Salad delicious Minestrone soup delicious Service good So why not 5 stars? AMBIANCE: I requested that the music be turned down. That occurred for only 20 minutes. Most people go to lunch or dinner to share a meal and to TALK. Most people do NOT go for music. read more

The food is good but not a place that I would crave. We went with a group of people and my wife is very picky when it comes to sharing her salad and when the server brought the salad , she brought it in a big bowl for 5 people to share . We couldn't reach it ! When the waitress saw my wife was not eating her salad , she said " your salad portion is in that bowl" . I personally think that each person should have their own salad , and more due to Covid doing a come back . read more

We went for Father's Day and ordered Bread that comes for free as a appetizer- was soft and delicious. 1. Fisherman's stew- came with garlic bread and some pasta 2. Shrimp scampi 3. Salmon pescatora with mashed potato - delicious. 4. Kids menu- margarita pizza and gluten free pasta with pink sauce. 5. Brownie half order with ice cream- good enough to treat 5 people I had gone to this place 5 years ago and never went back bcoz the food was average. Now it's under a new ownership that has turned this place around- ambience, food and servers were nice. read more

Came here today with my boyfriend after years of not trying it and I was so disappointed. I got the chicken parm and you can tell everything is just microwaveable crap that you can get at a grocery store. Everything came out in less then 10 mins so that's how I know they just heated it up in a microwave. Our waitress was nice but I was shocked at how much the food lacked flavor. The noodles they gave me on the side of my chicken parm were so disgusting I didn't even eat it. I think it was supposed to be Alfredo fettuccine but it was the worse I have ever tasted. The bread was good but that was the only thing enjoyable about our meal. My boyfriend and I were both disappointed. It definitely isn't as good as it use to be. The only good thing about our dinner was the entertainment. They had a guy singing some really good songs which was enjoyable and is the only reason why I'm giving it 2 stars. read more

Very good food, nice, comfortable atmosphere, excellent and friendly service. We will be back!

The food wasn't bad, but not what we thought we were ordering! My wife and I both ordered the Fried Ravioli and we wanted salad for our side. What we got, we realized when we got the bill was two appetizers of Fried Ravioli. Which explained the dipping sauce instead of a marinara style sauce you would get with an entrée. We also noticed that the café salad for both of us was extra cost and pretty pricey. And we did shared one big bowl as usual. Then there was the bread: We didn't get any until we were just about done eating. The older salt-n-pepper male server who waited on us was very unfriendly and kept telling us he's still waiting for the bread. Strangely a group was seated and he gave them bread but a few seconds later told us still waiting for that bread. I was very disappointed with the bill. Two appetizers and a little salad (had to ask for extra dressing due to being a little dry). This server has waited on us before and he was also cold and not friendly then so not just once. There is a very friendly female server that keeps us coming back (might be the owner/manager) but the lack of communication and inconsistent service from staff may keep us away. P.S. we tipped normally, didn't want to punish everyone in case they share the tips. Should be-$$$ read more

I used to love Strings in El Cerrito, this is a far far cry from the quilty and service. Shame. Lasagna was good.

Orange juice with red wine for sangria, chili peppers and black olives in lasagna....these are flavors that just don't go together. On the positive side, customer service is excellent. read more

Great people great food best Italian restaurant around. if you want a relaxing Italian dinner you can't go wrong with Strings!

Love, love, love Strings! I moved to Southern California years ago but every time I come home to visit my family Strings is my first stop! Love the salad and bread! And of course the pasta! Staff is always friendly and fast! I'd be here at least once a week if I lived in the area. read more

Went to Strings tonight for the first time in over 15 years as a Jamie Byous, a very good local musician was playing. We were pleasantly surprised. The restaurant had been updated since we were last there. Great outdoor space even though it was too hot today to sit outside. Very attentive service The meal was really good and we were excited that they still had the favorite lasagna pastry. We will definitely be back soon read more

Love love love this place! First time at this location and the service was amazing! I should say Amy-mazing because my server was fantastic! The food came out quick and hot and the restaurant was cool and clean! read more

Food is Amazing here. The service is amazing here. And they actually answer there phone even when there slammed. Thank you Strings of Modesto for being Awesome. read more

May 25 ladies night out at strings. The service was outstanding. The food is always great. This is probably the fourth time I've been there. I absolutely love the food and I absolutely love the service. There was about 12 of us last night. Everything went so smoothly I highly recommend this place. read more

Service was great Food was good Four of us and everyone enjoyed dinner I had the Salmon and loved it

Always a 10/10 experience! Food, service, atmosphere! Highly recommend the pasta siena!

Went with my daughter ordered a small pepperoni pizza and a chicken Alfredo and it was amazing. Definitely recommend! The ratio of cheese on the pizza was on point! Took a little while to get helped, but definitely recommend. read more

Great spot to dine in. Great service and friendly staff. You have to try the seafood bisque! I'll definitely be coming back. Keelie actually understands customer service which goes a long way. read more

Strings Italian Cafe - Shrimp Scampi Lunch - Italian Near Me - Modesto, California

Went for a late lunch with the family. Food is subpar at best. Salad was wilted and soaked with dressing ( used to be my husband's favorite). pasta was not well seasoned pretty much tasted like just tomato sauce was thrown on it. It has gone down in quality since a few years back. Won't be going back anytime soon. read more

The service was extremely nice..so nice I wish they could sit and eat with us. During this pandemic it was so nice to got out and get good food and great service. read more

Strings Italian Cafe - Food and company was DELICIOUS ! - Italian Near Me - Modesto, California

This is the 3rd time we have used Strings for a group type gathering. Not only is the food wonderful but it's always plenty. Staff and service is great and they are willing to adjust as to our request. Price is affordable and quantity is on point. read more

We decided to stop by for the first time today. Our service was mediocre and the vibe was unwelcoming. This was going to be the first and last time we ever end up going here, and for the price (expensive) I don't recommend this place. I'd rather go to Olive Garden, same price and better service and environment. My pastas were watery. I do not recommend Update 2am: not only that, I've been on the toilet since 1am. DEFINITELY NOT RECOMMENDED read more

My family use to come here years ago and loved their signature salad with raisins. I had the Antipasto Pomodoro about 6 months ago and the pasta portion size was pathetic. The spaghetti was gone after about 4 fork swirls, and I was left with a mountain of sauce. I almost felt like taking it home and adding my own pasta to it. Embarrassingly, I was SO HUNGRY after a long day of work, I sat there and just ate spoon full after spoon full of bare sauce (which actually was not that good). Unless your making your own pasta, if your using standard packaged spaghetti, it is fairly inexpensive. Strings - I don't know why you're trying to cut costs here... Strings- you've lost your way, but as long as that Open sign is on your door it's never too late to turn things around. read more

4 stars for food, 1 star for service. We always enjoy the food itself, but the service is always, ALWAYS, poor. Our worst experience to date was 10/22/23, around 630pm. There were only 5 tables with patrons, including ourselves. A young man seated us and promptly brought us our drinks. We then sat there for over 30 minutes while the blonde ponytail waitress tended to the table next to us several times, not once even looking at us. We finally had enough and left. When I went up to pay for our drinks the other waitress refused my payment after I told her why we were leaving (thank you for that). The food here is great, but maaaan...the service is terrible. read more

First all, very good Italian restaurant, nice ambiance, convenient location. My favorite is probably the Frutti di Mare, but tonight I decided to try something different - the Pasta Mediterranean - excellent choice! Paired with a glass of Chianti. The bread is also very good. Now, after being a regular here in the past year, the last 2 visits I've had subpar service. A hostess comes to take drink orders, but cannot take wine order. But thats what I want to drink! OK, fine, they need the actual waitress to come...but I have to wait like 10 minutes for her to show up? Tonight was particularly odd, as our supposed waitress spent practically our entire time there having a conversation with another customer, with her back against us. How inappropriate! I want to love this restaurant but the service the last 2 times and the behavior of the waitress tonight spoils it. read more

Terrible lunch experience. Coworker & I decided on a quick (we expected) soup & salad lunch, and she loves Strings. We were seated, but it took longer than typical for our order to be taken. When the salad was brought, it was by itself. We were waiting a long time for the soup, managed to finish an entire bowl of salad, and we're still waiting for soup. Finally had to ask for the soup (server was walking past us without looking our way for the 2nd time), and when it was served, had to specifically ask for a spoon to eat it with! My friend had the seafood bisque, so there were no options except wait another long time for the spoon to be brought. I was able to use my fork to start stabbing at the tons & tons of cabbage in the "minestrone" soup. Seriously, it should have been called cabbage soup. Minestrone has red beans & pasta. This bowl of soup had, literally, one single bean and 4 pasta shells, and a broth that wasn't as hearty as minestrone usually is. Then we were waiting for our checks. And waiting, and waiting. When they came, there was a mistake on them, and the person who brought them (not our main server) said she'd "ask her about it", then eventually she brought the corrected receipt (but failed to say anything else, so we were left wondering if we make the corrections ourselves on the copy to sign from the original tag, or what). More waiting ensued so we made the edits on the original "Restaurant Copy", signed them and got up to leave, when our server (name on the receipt is Jayden) curtly walked up and said, "I'll take your cards now!". We were caught off guard and had to dig out our cards again. We said we didn't know she'd need them again and she just as curtly replied, "I deleted the other one!". After she walked away my friend observed that the server was acting like a B towards us. Never at any time did she apologize for her mistake, or any of the delays during our time there, and we were in our work clothes so clearly on a timetable... hence ordering food that did not require cooking. The delays & errors cost money out of our pockets for being late back to work, so an acknowledgment of the problems would have gone a long way. Mind you, a larger group at another table with cooked entrees had their food twice as fast as it took us to receive soup. Very disappointed. read more