The fusion of greasy, delectable bites and sweet-savory BBQ permeates the air as local music echoes through the garden’s labyrinth of flowers, vegetables and house plants. Fresno residents are ready to explore the flavors and experiences that define the city’s vast food scene.
Restaurants on the road, aka food trucks, have increased in popularity throughout Fresno over the last few years, expanding to at least 90 local trucks and changing the Central Valley’s culinary world. These food spots offer delicious and diverse menus while providing authentic, convenient cuisine. From farmers markets to festivals, Fresno’s array of kitchens on wheels brings a lively atmosphere to people of all cultures and walks of life.
Gazebo Gardens is a mainstay within the Central Valley and one of the food truck hot spots, nestled in the heart of Fresno. For more than 103 years, the gardens have provided a vibrant atmosphere, achieving the title of the oldest operating nursery in Central California. What began as a place to buy plants has transformed into a full-blown community hub, merging nature, music and cuisine into one unique outdoor experience.
The event center is known for its buzzing Beer Garden, where more than 100 craft beers are served to customers year-round. Patrons are greeted by hundreds of firefly lights and live music, with the scent of mouthwatering local foods filling the air every Thursday through Saturday. With such a vast array of options, there is guaranteed to be something for everyone.
Food trucks and bands rotate weekly, bringing a fresh new sensory experience with each visit. From sweet snow cone treats to global fusion full-course meals, the diverse menus guarantee a new taste for your palate weekly. Along with entertainment, customers are met with a blooming floral atmosphere that creates a laid-back social setting to eat, dance and commune.
The nursery itself at the Gardens is expansive, tied to a city known for its agriculture. It offers an impressive collection of vibrant and distinctive plant species. From floral decorations to practical succulents, the vast rows of roses, cacti and vegetables are sure to offer something of interest to all gardeners, even the pickiest of planters. Gazebo Gardens also provides the highest quality of gardening supplies in the valley, helping gardeners at all skill levels to bloom.
With trucks revolving in and out week to week, a wide range of cultures and flavors are available for your consumption.
Nuovo Wood Fired Pizza
Having opened in 2023, Nuovo Pizza is fairly new to the Neapolitan pizza business. The idea of Nuovo was born when owner Christian Tufenkjian obtained bricks after a friend’s tore down his brick fireplace. It’s rather uncommon to see pizza made in a food truck, but after creating his menu using fresh ingredients, Tufenkjian‘s Covid passion project has now turned into one of Fresno’s staple pizza food trucks.
Margherita Pizza – $14
Pepperoni – $16
Hot Honey Burrata – $18
The food trucks’ use of high-quality ingredients was pleasant to the palate, but lacked when it came to the crust being thin; the pizza came out a tad soggy. Nuovo offers one size fits all, making the $16 price a little pricey, but overall worth it.
TeppOnWheels
Tony Yangnouvong, the owner of TeppOnWheels, previously perfected his skills for 15 years in restaurant experience across the country before venturing out to the streets of Fresno. His contribution to the food truck industry has resulted in some delicious food.
Chicken Teriyaki Bowl – $19
Steak Teriyaki Bowl – $20
Shrimp Teriyaki Bowl -$21
TeppOnWheels’ teriyaki bowl was delicious and full of flavor. It featured a spicy sauce that perfectly paired with the chicken, rice and vegetables. The chicken was tender and not at all dry. For the serving size and $20, it is a justifiable bite for your price, further reinforced by its flavor.
The Meltdown Bistro
The Meltdown Bistro is known for its exceptionally cheesy bites, helping earn the title of Best Food Truck in Central California back to back in 2022 and 2023. The truck opened in 2015 after partners Pete Ramirez and Dany Syravong quit their jobs to run the Meltdown Bistro kitchen, enlisting in the help of family and friends, which became a well-known spot in the valley’s collection of food trucks.
The Pigmac – $14
Chipotle Chicken Jalepeno Melt -$14
Baked Mac & Cheese -$-14
Much more than your ordinary grilled cheese, the Pigmac infuses flavorful BBQ pulled pork into a classic American cheese on sourdough sandwich. This mix allows for a sweet and savory blend of ingredients that complement one another while standing out in your palate. For $14, the serving size is filling and perfect for one.
Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out with family and friends, Gazebo Gardens provides a welcoming space where all ages can enjoy and connect.
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