Dewz Restaurant

Dewz is a family-owned fine-dining restaurant in downtown Modesto, opened in 1997 by Judy and Scott Aspesi and named in memory of Scott's brother Dewayne, who died of leukemia at 26. Now led by chef Daniel Jacinto, the kitchen serves elevated, globally inspired American cuisine that changes seasonally, with dishes that have included butter chicken croquettes, pork belly with tonkatsu sauce, and Norwegian halibut.

The restaurant has built a long-running local reputation, having been voted the Modesto Bee's favorite fine-dining restaurant multiple years running and earning Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence for its wine list.

Dewz stands out for its combination of nearly three decades of continuous family ownership with a menu that keeps evolving rather than resting on tradition, and its formal-but-warm dining room makes it a consistent pick for anniversaries, milestone birthdays, and romantic dinners in Modesto.