Chef Paul’s Cafe: Indulge in Comforting Soul Food in Fresno

After an event, we stopped by to eat here and did not regret it at all. The food was amazing as well as the service, and overall atmosphere. We tried the BBQ combo plate which was not only affordable but also delicious. We wished we could have tried everything but it gives us a reason to make the drive to try more of the menu next time! Thank you chef Paul's cafe. See you soon!

Don’t let the humble exterior fool you—Chef Paul’s Cafe is legit. Good down home soul food, but with a twist, at least to this Southerner. I got the”tri-tips,” which is thin slices of beef with a side of BBQ sauce. The beef was nice and tender and flavorful. Also got the Mac & cheese and potatoes & gravy, which were great. The biggest surprise was the green beans—nice and tender but served with some kind of delicious tomato relish mixed in. Chef Paul and Pam were friendly, gracious hosts. Liked the classic soul/R&B playlist too. If you only have time for one meal in Fresno, like me, make it Chef Paul’s!!!

Had a special where they smoke some ribs and then cut off the tips and cook them in some garlic and sauce. It was excellent. This place has great food and the staff is very friendly. Definetly plan on going back and trying other things off the menu. Highly recommend.

The smothered pork chops were amazing! Everything we've tried there has been simply delicious. And everyone who works there is nice, friendly, and makes it a great place to have lunch! Portions are large. We love it, and plan to eat there again next week!

It's a wonderful experience to enter a restaurant and be warmly greeted and appreciated. The food was delicious and my daughter from out of state thoroughly enjoyed both the food and the friendly staff. Not a fancy establishment but spacious and well maintained. I strongly recommend it. My meal pictured was hot sausage sandwich with sweet potatoes in a delicious buttery sauce and chop string beans. Not to forget a very tasty peach cobbler.

Came with my mom and sister for lunch. The fried chicken here is so incredibly good. We also had chessy grits, greens and Mac and cheese and everything was so good. My mom also had the ox tails. They were a little small but came with plenty and they were so tender!! I had a sweet tea and let me tell you that was some sweeeeeet tea. The flavor was great but I did have to dilute it. I will definitely be coming back!

I can't say enough good things here. Never had shrimp & grits before...absolutely delicious! We also tried ox tails, shrimp po' boy, burnt ends, most of the sides, and all were great. My favorite side was the cabbage. Next time I'm taking a huge container home. Everyone there was super friendly and the atmosphere feels like going to a friend's house for lunch.

I've been to Chef Paul's a handful of times now, and it's HANDS DOWN, the best soul food restaurant you'll find in Fresno! Their fried chicken is bomb!! Crispy and well seasoned on the outside but juicy inside! Fried okra and fried green tomatoes also are amazing to share with the table. The hot link is delicious as well, definitely get the after kick of spiciness, but doesn't overwhelm! And the chili beans have deep flavor to them! Servers and staff are super friendly and you can tell they enjoy working there. Chef Paul is usually hanging out and stops by tables to say hello. The restaurant itself is small but has larger tables. Which is needed when you order so much food! Would recommend Chef Paul's to anyone looking for some good old-fashioned soul food