Chef John and Jerry are the best!!! I have not stepped foot in Galleto's since Surla's has opened. I recommend the pork belly app, so yummy. If youre not hungry, I'd check out Friday nights there for drinks and good conversation. Beautiful people and cool music. read more

I tried so hard to like this place. The restaurant itself is lovely. Even the live guitar music, which was unbearably loud, was a nice touch. What wasn't nice was the mediocre food, and frazzled waitstaff, and cramped seating. I had the Filet Mignon, medium rare which came out raw-rare and cold. It was presented on a pile of mashed potatoes that tasted right out of a box. Slick and greasy string beans rounded out the plate. Nothing special at all. The Korean-Style BBQ: ugh. Fatty meat and scooped mushy greens. The Kim Chee was pretty good. Our creme brûlée tasted burnt. The focaccia was tasty with its salted crust. I had great expectations for Surla's, and sadly it was an epic fail. read more

Surla's is amazing! Great service, wonderful food, awesome drinks, and romantic music. I love the ambiance of this place. I will continue to go back. My fiance proposed to me here on July 3, 2015, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. read more

Have heard numerous things about Sunday Brunch at Surlas. Decided to give it a try today, overall great food. Quality is awesome, omelette station and crepe station. Quality of food makes the price worth it. read more

Loved the salmon, aspagus, mashed potatoes. And the salads, tasted my husbands as well

Just went here for the first time on a recommendation from a friend. As a vegetarian, I loved finding plenty of veg-friendly dishes (tofu, quinoa, veg-based dishes). I went with my husband (a meat eater) and we were both very impressed. Even though we went on a Friday night, it wasn't too crowded and we didn't have to wait for a table. Service was spot on and very polite, and the food was fantastic. My personal favorite was the tofu lettuce wraps (an appetizer that's also available with chicken). We'll definitely be returning. It's so nice to find an urban, refreshing place to eat in Modesto. Very impressed. read more

First time at the Sunday brunch this last Sunday April 6, they knocked it out! $25 per person buffet the options are endless, menudo, lox, sushi, Korean pork ribs are to die for, eggs, bacon, potatoes, calamari salad, adobo chicken, shrimp Louie, plus green and fruit salads, crepe station, prime rib....very impressed with the food and the price, yes it's crowded because it's that good. Never did we feel rushed, if you want to do brunch in Modesto this is the place to go. Try to make a reservation as it does get busy. read more

Great atmosphere, great service and good food. Nice wine selections, it's true the restaurant is in Modesto, but I felt I was chilling in the Bay Area. Best part about it, my drive home took me 5 minutes. read more

Sunday Brunch...Fantastic! We were so pleased to find this culinary jewel in Modesto! Reservations are recommended for brunch, but after just a short wait, we were greeted by a friendly and attentive waiter who never let our glasses get less than half full. The outdoor seating is wonderful, and the assortment of gourmet dishes was outstanding, especially the Hawaiian calamari salad, the seafood pasta, and the sweet rolls in caramel sauce (Yum!). The made-to-order crepe station was delightful too. The price was a bargain, especially when it included mimosas! I would visit frequently if I lived less than an hour away. Modesto folks are very lucky! read more

Came in here with a group of friends. The service was wonderful. The waitress was so kind. The food however was not my thing. I ordered lumpia and a pizza. The lumpia is definitely not something that I am used to. The Lumpia was soggy from the red sweet-and-sour-ish type of sauce. And I got a pizza, The crust was really thin however was very filling or maybe it was just because I ate before I came I'm not sure. But the food was definitely not my thing their sushi roll of the day was an ahi tuna roll for $11 I definitely do not think it was worth it and they had a limited selection on the menu. read more

Went for brunch. Slow service and marginal food. Incredibly long line for omelettes/crepes, which are prepared so slowly that as you navigate the rest of the brunch offerings, you can fill your plate before anyone in that line gets their food. When they run out of something, it takes forever for them to refill it... so the line comes to a halt every so often because there's two dozen people clustered around an empty chafing dish, waiting to attack. Was told this place was pretty good. For Modesto, maybe? Honestly I'd rather grab something at Starbucks. read more

I had the fish and chips and the sauce didn't taste like much, and I don't like malt vinegar so I was out of luck for dipping my fish. The fries were pretty good with the scallions though. The fish was really tasty, but I wish I would of had a better sauce. =0/ Maybe next time I will try something else. read more

My friends and I along with her family went to this restaurant for brunch over the weekend because we were in town. My friends mom works here and she recommended we go to this place, had no idea it was going to be a buffet. It was funny because we got our table right away and we were all sitting there waiting for a waiter, her mom comes back and was like "serve yourself!" We walked around the corner and there was an amazing spread of Breakfast items such as eggs, bacon, sausage, eggs benedict, french toast, smoked lox, bagels. Then there was a lunch/dinner type of area where they served short ribs, chicken adobo, fried rice, salads and pasta. Dessert area was spectacular as well, try the cinnamon bun, its great! We met the owner John, really cool guy. The ambiance was relaxing more so because of the line guitarist who played a lovely spread of tunes from the Beatles to Sesame Street lol. If ever I am in Modesto again, i am definitely going to hit this place up again. read more

Worse filet I have ever had!!! Went with some very good friends who are regulars.. Service is fine.. Filet Mingon was tough sent back as original order was over cooked and all side items on plate were cold! 2nd attempt filet over cooked and tough!!! Cheap cut of filet... Both who ordered filet thought it was tough...very tough.. One of the employees maybe the cook was quick to state that often their filet is grisly... Ruth's Chris or Flemmings would never allow their kitchens to even use the filet we were served as ground hamburger! Meal was very uncreative but that seems to be the pulse of what Modesto residents appreciate. The best thing of the evening was hanging with friends.. As the restaurant is friendly for get togethers.. If you are looking for an experience of fine dining go to Gary Danko's in San Francisco.. Not sure what this town uses as a standard in dining but I suppose Surlas's can be rated a bit higher than a fancy Denny's... At least Surla has the same medium par restaurant that does keep folks coming back.... Could do better from Save Mart cheap meats! read more

1st time there we were all out celebrating my boys birthday and come to the spot as soon as I get to the door the 1st security guard was cool checking my id as soon as the other comes up he automatically says you cant come in because of my shirt it was a nike shirt yet he lets all my friends in half of them are wearing shirts so I go home and change into a polo come back he let to guys with shirts with his lady's in what kinda of shit is that we were going to spend money guess they had enough bad service got in the security guards watching us the whole time what kinda of shit is that very uncomfortable didnt get his name but it was a white guy that was bald none of my friends or I will ever be returning I will spread the word and make sure it gets out very disappointing I hope management sees my comment and see how their employees to take care of the customers read more

My dad knows the chef so we have eaten here quite a few times over the the years. The lumpia is to die for. Really, everything is great and the service is wonderful. read more

Sunday Brunch with all you can drink champagne is a knock out. Chef John Surla has done an amazing job with his restraunt. A very cool and trendy place where you will not be disappointed. read more

We had brunch at Surla's yesterday and everything was very good. If the Brunch is an example of their other dishes we'll return.

We tried this place last week for the first time after reading the reviews on yelp. We were here last Sunday for their buffet brunch and they had a little bit of everything, such as a crepe bar and breakfast bar. I tried almost everything they had and were delicious. They served lumpia with a twist and it was good. I also like their creme brûlée. Overall, food and service were great (just can't remember all the names of food they served ). Will come back again. read more

I don't know what it is about this place. I just can't put my finger in it. Almost every time I have come in the service has been declined. Or maybe it's just the same server I have gotten the last few times. I think her name is Kathie or Kat. She doesn't make eye contact, she was in a huge rush and had no time or care for our order. When asking about menu items, she was in a hurry and rushed us to make a decision. When the food came out it was the complete and totally wrong meal. When we tried to ask about our order she said this is what you ordered and left us to be. I don't know, she needs to be put in her place and learn some real costumer service. Completely rude we will not be back, please help her she is lost. read more

Dined at Surla's for the first time. I had heard lots of great things about the place and so I was excited to visit. They didn't let me down. The restaurant is beautiful, upscale, and intimate. The service was impeccable - the waitstaff was very attentive and friendly without being annoying. The food was amazing. Lovely presentation and great flavors - absolutely delicious! We started with the lumpia and lechon appetizers. Being Filipino, I was a little leery about these "fusion" recipes but they were yummy. The lumpia had lots of flavor and I liked the contrast in textures with the creamy cheese inside. The lechon was tender and succulent. The sauce was a little sweet for me, but because it was an appetizer rather than an entre, it worked. My daughter and her boyfriend each ordered the chicken adobo. My husband and I both ordered the Korean BBQ. Both dishes were big hits. My only critique is not so much for the restaurant but for fusion dishes in general. I understand fusion dishes are a great way to introduce people to new cuisines and to put a twist on a classic. However, Filipino food is relatively little known so to introduce people to it through a "fusion" version somehow dishonors the classics. Lumpia done the proper way (not with cheap hamburger meat and potatoes) is heavenly. Fresh lumpia (lumpia ubod) is even better - and would appeal to a wide audience. Traditional lechon sauce is so very delicious and I think most people would agree (but yeah, I get it - the idea of a sauce made with pork liver would turn a lot of people off). Bottom line, I will be back to Surla's and will recommend it to friends. read more

Their Sunday brunch hands down the best!!! Different variety of foods. Bottomless mimosas! One of the best things on the menu is the salmon!!! To die for!!!! Best salmon I ever had in my life hands down! Service is perfect too! Definitely recommend you eat here. The Lumpias are amazing! So much flavor never a disappointment when I come here. Go home with a food coma. Literally read more

Yes, we love the menu and the new team. Lumpia is a staple and the fresh bread is amazing!

A great new establishment for Modesto! Went to dinner with group of 10 and everything was fantastic. Great service and great food. The lumpia appetizer was amazing! Not sure why someone complained about the decor, its great! All in all a great place to go! read more

If you happen upon Surla's, I highly recommend that you check out the bar during happy hour. Besides the killer black and red decor and the classically, dimly lit ambiance, the drink and food prices are unbeatable! Furthermore, the service is quick, and the bartender is very knowledgeable. He was able to recommend a delicious drink for me and even stayed to politely chat with my party afterward -- it turns out that he was working toward becoming a teacher, which my party and I all are. It was very apparent that the establishment cared about my experience, and I will most definitely be back! read more

Lumpia was awesome, get the lumpia dude. Burger was good, but for a medium rare, a little on the rare side. I'd come back here, odd placement for a restaurant, but hey, no complaints. read more

Top notch fine dining area..it also brings out of asian cuisines, specially the Filipino dishes. They also have a full set liquors..the chef are very respectful and caring read more

One of my favorite spots in Modesto. Highly recommend Lumpia and the Moscow Mules.

Amazing service! It seemed like I took a sip of water and my glass was refilled before I could even swallow. We had two aps, the Duck Buns and the Lechon. Both superb. My lady and I shared the Korean style BBQ. It fell off the bone it was so succulent. So succulent. It was a little pricey but we were treating ourselves. Would go there again... unless I was with someone that didn't deserve to be treated. read more

Food is great, would like to see some different options but over all really good :) service is always friendly.

My wife and I had a first-rate meal at Surla's. First of all, the service couldn't have been friendlier. Genuinely nice people. The food was outstanding -- the kitchen is inventive and puts together dishes with flair. We had the salmon, which was delicate, beautifully seasoned and accompanied by well-prepared vegetables. The "deconstructed" beet salad was wonderful. The crisp that we had for dessert, accompanied by ice cream, was fruity and sweet. Although we had only a handful of dishes from an intriguing menu, it's clear that you're in the hands of people who know what they're doing and care about food. We'd happily return any time we're in the area. read more

Attentive, friendly staff. Generous portions. Unique menu. Risotto special was good. Went during the lunch crowd and it filled up quickly, so make sure you get there a little after they open. Casual dining, not recommended for those under time constraints and are looking for a quick meal. Nice restaurant, over all. read more

Such a cool little restaurant ! Here in Modesto! The service is very professional and we didn't have to wait very long for a table. Food is great for a buffet (not usually my first dinner choice). read more

One of the best places to eat downtown. The food is always fresh and they have interesting combinations. I appreciate the bread while waiting for the meal. Can't say enough good things about this place. I have tried a few cocktails here and they've been very good. Have yet to have a bad experience. Not sure why others have had bad experiences with the filet. I have ordered this in the past and it was cooked perfectly. Maybe an off night? read more

For the amount of money that we paid, the restrooms were absolutely atrocious. Only one working restroom and it had sewage water on the ground? Seriously? Disgusting!! Food was ok though. read more

An upscale restaurant in Modesto would appear to many like an oxymoron. However, Dew's and Surla's stand out as two great places in Modesto to have a very nice meal. Surla's in this case has a location very convenient to the office and consistently has a very good wait staff. On this last visit, had the salmon dish with asparagus...delicious. The salmon was juicy and flavorful, not dried out at all. Food is always consistently tasty and the wait is not long. Great place for lunch or dinner or if you have a banquet event. read more

This is a fantastic restaurant. We went to galeto the night before, but Surla completely outclassed it. One of my all-time favorite restaurants anywhere. read more

One of the best brunch buffets I've been to, especially on a holiday weekend. They have king crab legs, ribs, salmon, tri tip, braised beef, and seafood. Definitely will be back! read more

Excellent new restaurant by John Surla. Had dinner there last weekend and had great food and excellent service. I would recommend this place to everyone. The former Hazel's restaurant has been. Transformed into a cool modern place with a cool bar area that has nice seating and a cool red lighted bar top. The food is California cuisine with some great items such as butternut squash soup (excellent), steaks, and even ahi poke. It's got the traditional stuff to the Asian fusion. There's even a kid's menu. He uses locally grown food and products and I hear the menu is to change regularly. read more

Asked for a medium steak .. Got a bloody red/raw piece of meat. I should have complained but I didn't want to make a scene in front of company. The waitress came and acknowledged herself that my steak was not cooked to my request. Lesson learned: self-advocacy always and always! My cocktail was strong, the way I like it so thumbs up for that. Location is in a sketchy area. Not sure if I'll go back. Been there before and it was a good meal so two stars because my last meal blew badly :( and had no special flavor.. Was lackluster for a chef being back there. read more