Modesto's food scene punches above the weight of a Central Valley working town. The mix of Mexican, Portuguese, Italian, Sikh, and Hmong influences from the agricultural workforce gives the city a deeper menu than its tract-housing reputation suggests.
For Mexican, A&W La Morenita on Crows Landing Road and Tortilleria La Morenita further out are the local choices for tacos and house-made tortillas. Tresetti's World Caffe on K Street is the place for a sit-down dinner — Italian-leaning, big wine list weighted toward Central Coast producers. Surla's on McHenry has been doing strong California cuisine for over twenty years.
Breakfast and lunch downtown: Commonwealth on 10th Street for sandwiches and craft coffee, Brighter Side on McHenry for diner standards, Ralston's Goat in Tenth Street Plaza for ambitious brunch. The Saturday-morning farmers' market on 16th Street, late spring through autumn, is excellent for stone fruit, almonds, and the valley's tomatoes and melons in season.