Pamela S.

The food at Valentino's is absolutely scrumptious and truly speaks for itself. The first time I visited, I was lucky enough to try the lasagna, which was rich, comforting, and clearly made with care. On my second visit, I ordered the spaghetti and meatballs--and it did not disappoint. The spaghetti was perfectly cooked, with a hearty, house-made sauce that tasted deeply authentic. The sauce had a beautiful balance of savory tomato flavor, herbs, and just the right amount of richness, as if it had been simmering all day. The meatballs were tender, well-seasoned, and full of flavor, not dry or overly dense, but exactly what you hope for in classic Italian comfort food. Every bite felt homemade and satisfying, the kind of meal that reminds you of a family kitchen rather than a restaurant. Valentino's proves that size isn't everything; the small space is remarkably warm and inviting. The relaxed, cozy atmosphere perfectly mirrors the menu, allowing for a meal that feels unhurried. With its genuine family-run charm, the restaurant feels wonderfully authentic and approachable. Beyond the food, the experience at Valentino's is what truly sets it apart. It's a father-and-daughter business, and their pride shows in everything they do. They are incredibly friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, making you feel more like a guest in their home than just a customer. If you're looking for authentic Italian food made with heart and tradition in Fresno, Valentino's is a must-try. I'll absolutely be back again.

Patrick T.

Wow! Portion sizes here is off the chart!! Came here with colleges and every order could've fed 2-3 people really well. On top of that the food is delicious. I had the pesto tortellini. Stuffed with cheese, mixed with a creamy pesto sauce and mixed with bacon. There was so much to be desired and desired a second time because of the amount of leftover for later. Everyone that I was with loved their dish and all had to take it home for later. If you're in a mood for Italian, this is one of the good places and you certainly get your money's worth.

Andrew K.

Touted as downtown Fresno's premier Italian food, their top dish, the Lasagna Rossa, is made by hand daily and usually sells out before the close of business. This quaint restaurant in the Galleria meticulously prepares authentic, no-frills Italian dishes using just a few fresh, top-quality ingredients. Each dish tastes like it is home-cooked because it is. The owner and manager, Rafael (Rafa), and his daughter Gracie do everything at the restaurant, including all the cooking. So the food is traditionally prepared with family pride and their reputation rides on each dish. The Lasagna Rossa, $13, is a masterpiece of rich and zesty meat sauce, perfectly cooked and layered pasta, and generously topped with cream parmesan and mozzarella cheese. It is a comforting and flavorful dish, the meat, pasta, and sauces mix well. The guests who accompanied me all thoroughly enjoyed their dishes and look forward to returning. The dishes are top restaurant quality and home-made, prepared by the original hands that created the recipes, which are engrained in their culture, and culinary experiences, and time-tested through generations that meet the family stamp of approval. Rafa will bring all the dishes to your table and check to make sure each guest is enjoying their meal. Gracie is full of energy and will also engage the guests in conversation while preparing the dishes and her delectable baked goods. You have their undivided attention and we could not have felt more welcomed. The prices are extremely reasonable and the portions are generous. You are encouraged to call ahead with your orders, especially since dishes like the lasagna take time to prepare. You will not feel rushed here so do not be. Those on limited or tight lunch schedules should call ahead and order to-go. My 800th review had to be for a [new] favorite spot. Valentino's is a great choice for lunch in downtown Fresno, especially for group lunches and celebrations. They also do catering. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Closed on the weekend. There is free 2-hour parking in the Galleria parking lot adjacent to the restaurant on the north side.

Daisy C.

This place blows all other Italian eateries out of the water. It's located inside of a food hall tucked away, but worth the trip. The food is savory and flavorful. It's family owned and if you are lucky Chef Raf will usually start chatting. So far, I've tried the angel hair pasta, caprese salad, lasagna, and pesto tortellini. Everything was delicious, but be warned that the lasagna does come with a little kick to it. It's their number one seller, so I am glad I was able to try it before they sold out for the day. The restaurant had indoor and outdoor seating available.

Robert C.

Friday noontime Fresno Convention Center. As soon as we parked the car at Doubletree by Hilton Convention Center Fresno, walked 8 minutes to Valentino's. Small restaurant with windows overlooking a courtyard. Wife ordered the $14 Lasagna Rossa. 13 minutes wait for them to cook the item. Precooked but a large size serving of beef lasagna in a rich tomato sauce. They are famous for this dish, and it was worth rushing for. My $18 Alla Tony came with chopped mushrooms, chicken in creamy alfredo sauce over rigatoni noodles. Huge serving, very filling, tasty. We would both go into food coma from the large servings , and barely able to waddle out of there. Turned out we were correct to rush into the restaurant, as wife got the last piece of lasagna for the day.

Louise S.

Couldn't wait to come back and this time I brought my family who absolutely loved their entrees!! Thank you so much for making amazing flavorful authentic Italian food!!!

Kaleigh M.

I love it here! From the moment you walk in you instantly feel so welcomed. The owners are so personable and kind. The type of people you want to support and see do so well. It's so cute inside! And very clean. I love the way they have it set up and decorated, the floor is amazing. Indoor and outdoor seating available! And the food....delicious! So far I've only had the lasagna which was SO GOOD and I'm not even typically a lasagna lover. But theirs is to die for! Can't wait to be back to try something new.

Victoria B.

Came for a Yelp Elite event, so this review is a bit limited. It was a grab & go/takeout situation. Co-owner daughter was very nice. Was told IG has their most current menus & that DM'ing order is possible. Ambiance is very nice. They also have an outdoor patio area. Hidden gem location. Got the lasagna. Great sauce & plenty of it. I hate dry lasagna. Just wish there was more mozzarella. And fyi, I was raised in NY in an Italian family. So consider that! Also got dessert chocolate raviolis, but I haven't tried them yet. All in all, I'm really glad Yelp partnered w/them as I would've never known about them or gone there. Now, I think I will definitely go back to try more of their small menu. Give them a chance!

Joy S.

On a Monday midday visited this restaurant in the Fresno County Downtown area. Theres is plenty of street metered parking and parking lots nearby. The friendly staff greeted me as soon as I walked in. There is plenty of tables and seats inside and outside the restaurant. The atmosphere is very chill and welcoming. The food was also on point. This New Yorker Definitely stop by this restaurant when you are in the area. Food is so delicious and highly affordable.

Valerie S.

I come here for lunch whenever I crave lasagna or rigatoni. This is, by far, the best Italian restaurant in Fresno. Everything is made right in front of you, and the owners treat you like family. I love their energy and hospitality. I recommend calling ahead for takeout to ensure they have what you want. However, this is definitely a nice spot for a date as well.

Zulema G.

I had been eager to try this place out and finally did! This hidden Italian restaurant gem is in downtown Fresno inside The Galleria. They're only open on weekdays which is why it took me awhile to go here. The owner is super friendly, the service is top notch. The recipes are made by the owner as he's also the cook. The place feels very homey and love the music that is being played. My friends and I were so indecisive on what to order and ended up ordering the pesto tortellini. The pasta has chopped up piece of bacon and garlic, served with some buttered bread. The portion is big and for the price, it's a steal. Before we got our entree, the owner brought us out caprese and bruschetta on the house. It was DELICIOUS. The bruschetta was so good, the crostini was perfect. Caprese was good too. I'll be back to try the rigatoni and lasagna. They also have specials of the week too! This place is a must TRY!!!!