Matt was the BEST server of ALL time!! Never had more incredible service and a better dining experience! His energy and passion for the restaurant and his town was contagious! AND MOST delicious spicy margarita EVER!!! read more

Absolutely loved this place! From the moment we walked in, the service was excellent and the atmosphere was on point. Every dish we ordered was flavorful, beautifully presented, and clearly made with quality ingredients. The staff was attentive without being overbearing, and the whole experience felt welcoming and well thought out. Definitely a spot I'd recommend to anyone looking for a great meal. We'll be coming back for sure! read more

I've never left a review before but this place warranted some notes. Not only was the service perfect - fast, professional, and friendly, but the steak was cooked to perfection. If you're planning a trip to Carlsbad and you want a lively restaurant in a great location with a meal that will leave you with a full belly and a smile then look no further. A++ for this spot! read more

Mexican restaurants can sometimes feel like they're a dime a dozen, and ultimately you have to find one that fits your particular taste. For me, the harder thing to find is Mexican food where the emphasis is truly on quality--and Frisco Cocina delivers. We originally started going to their Italian restaurant and thoroughly enjoyed it. When we happened to learn that they also had a Mexican restaurant with a slightly different flair, of course we had to give it a try. We've now been back multiple times, which probably says everything! The food has consistently been excellent. We've tried several of the main dishes and usually end up sharing an entrée because the portions are more than enough for the two of us. And I have to mention my absolute favorite--the Mexican street corn! I could probably go there just for that. So good! The restaurant is clean, comfortable, and inviting, with a nice outdoor dining area. Service has always been great, and we haven't had much difficulty finding parking. Frisco Cocina has become one of those restaurants we're genuinely happy to return to. Great flavors, generous portions, and most importantly, quality food. Highly recommend! read more

During the ordering process, every now and then, a server will say "great choice!" when hearing of your selection. Whether or not that line is sincere is up for debate, but here at Fresco Cocina I know it was sincere. Why? Because it was said after I'd ordered the Esquites ($12) and after sampling the offering I had no doubt. It really was a great choice. Not just ridiculously ample, Esquites (charred corn, chipotle aioli, & cotija) was addictive. The bowl of fresh chips on my table was the perfect delivery vehicle for getting the Esquites from tabletop to mouth. What a great flavor sensation. Equally delightful things could be said about the Cuatro de Dip ($16). Featuring guacamole, queso blanco, an astoundingly unique and delicious bean dip, along with chips and salsa, the combination of starters could equally have served as an entire meal for two. But we had to try more. The tacos ($9-$14) here are somewhat opposite of the ample starters. They're small and delicate, which can sometimes appeal but after what I'd begun with, proved inconsequential. It's a rare day when one finds the food served later in the meal to be upstaged by the food they'd begun with. Everything here was very good, but what I'd come back for is those starters. Fresco Cocina has an upscale vibe but not a stuffy one. There's outdoor seating on two sides of the restaurant (the only place anyone sat the whole time I was there) and the side overlooking the parking lot is the quieter, more inviting of the two seating areas. Cocktails and starters in that al fresco space are a recipe for a pretty perfect Carlsbad evening. read more

Fresco Cocina - Tacos are good and lovely - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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This place was great. Matt was the man and made the experience. P.S. Birra tacos are the move read more

we've been coming here for a while and just getting drinks and the drinks are pretty good, but the service is always a little weird. But this time we came just to get food and it wasn't very busy so the service was pretty average definitely not bad but the food was actually really good! We got the four dip chips, which was very good. The guacamole wasn't anything special, but the other dips were delicious and the enchiladas. We both got two different kinds were very good. Definitely would go and get the enchiladas again!! read more

Fresco Cocina - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Solid 4 stars, I say this because of the service and waiter that we're helping us. The food was great and I found the flavor combinations to be really tasty. I do wish the sugar salmon had more seasoning on it but the unique flavors of the corn and salsa tasted well. Interior is decorated well and I would say the lighting is just right. The chips and salsa was great but $15 for a serving of guacamole was a bit high for my preference. You are paying for vibe and food. I would come again for a special occasion but maybe minus the guacamole. read more

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Great place! Slightly overpriced but a good experience. Not very celiac friendly, which is surprising for a mexican restaurant. Even the tortilla chips are cross contaminated in the fryer. They were good at noting it and made tortillas in a pan instead of the flattop. The enchilada suizas were yummy, but the sauce was slightly overpowering. read more

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Oh my goodness, this place is a gem. Matt is the most awesome waiter not only does he give his undivided attention he's bussing on the backside. Linda, the owner comes by to make sure you're satisfied and get your feedback. We had the shrimp fajitas and they were absolutely amazing. Shrimp was perfectly cooked. Such a fun atmosphere! Highly recommend this place. read more

Fresco Cocina - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

We've been coming here for years! Docking it one star because I think it's pricey, but overall, the food, service and ambiance are top notch. We just recently came here with our 3 month old baby hoping to catch happy hour and the manager let us sit outside with our stroller and still partake (even tho HH is only at the bar). Really appreciated them being so accommodating. Our server was so sweet and helpful! We got an assortment of tacos (30% off tacos on Tuesday!) : fish, crispy pork belly and octopus! Plus guac and chips. Everything was so fresh and delicious! I will say the tacos are on the smaller side but order enough and you'll be full. Def recommend coming here for a date night or outing with friends! Oh and their mocktails and cocktails are delicious!! read more

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Best shrimp fajitas I've ever had, and our server Matt was amazing!! Spicy margarita was also 10/10 as well as the 4 dips

From the moment we walked in, the staff was warm, welcoming, and attentive. The atmosphere is stylish yet comfortable, making it a great spot for anything from a casual lunch to a special dinner, I like to sit on the patio and ppl watch too! The food was outstanding-fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Every dish we ordered was thoughtfully prepared with high-quality ingredients, and the cocktails were just as impressive. You must try the octopus too! Service was exceptional throughout the meal, with everyone, We'll definitely be back again and again! read more

Fresco Cocina - Citrus ceviche - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Loved the Caesar Salad paired with the octopus So filling no crazy carbs Leaves you with a wonderful after taste, no fatigue. My tummy is sorta picky and I appreciated it so much! Great place to have a sit down, downtown Carlsbad you can go walking and get ice cream after! read more

Fresco Cocina - Octopus - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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The food here is outstanding. On vacation in Carlsbad & found this place on yelp. It is some of the best Mexican food I've ever had & I live in Southern California. My friend & I shared, a squash blossom taco, black beans, rice, corn & homemade tortillas. My friend enjoyed flan for dessert, again best she ever had. The service was excellent. We ate inside & the restaurant is charming. We will definitely be back when we visit Carlsbad. read more

Fresco Cocina - Flan, delicious - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

First time here. We had a reservation for 1030am. They open exactly at 1030am. There is a parking lot behind the restaurant, but also along the street. It wasn't very busy since they just opened. We were seated right away. They served chips and salsa fairly quick, and those were delicious! The food took awhile to get served though, but maybe because it was early morning for them and they make things fresh vs using old batches? Not sure... but the items came out all together. The guacamole came out last but the server said it was because it was freshly made. The calamari was just OK. The tacos a la carte order is 1 taco each. You can order as many as you like, but I don't think they are worth the price. We ordered a variety of tacos, and they weren't that great (very dry and small portions). The corn dish was OK (esquietes). The ribeye fries were dry. Was a bit underwhelmed by the food. Service was pretty good, and the interior fit the mood, however, it felt like a day club. Day club with good ambiance but costly mediocre food. Maybe their drinks are good? Didn't order any today. The best foods were the chips and salsa- they were actually delicious! Nothing to complain about the staff. They were all friendly and welcoming. read more

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What a disappointment! Had high hopes given such high ranking but I doubt they are real given our experience. Food - BAD- enchiladas (soggy mushy rice and tasteless chiken) and tacos were just splash of sauce with wtvr filling. Both with barely edible sour/super salty guacamole. Mediocre - Fajitas and ceviche Excellent - grilled octopus, truly excellent. Kids burger was really good, excellent quality and size! Atmosphere/service - bathroom was dirty with papertowels all over the floor. Couldn't find our waiter through out the dinner. Literally had to get up and look for one to get water refill during dinner. Couldn't find him at the end of the dinner either, ended up asking the hostess. read more

Fresco Cocina - Bathroom was dirty, not even a basket in the stall. - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Fresco Cocina has a nice, modern atmosphere with interesting decor, especially near the large windows by the bar. The staff was welcoming and attentive without hovering too much. The cocktails were delicious, and the birria enchiladas were definitely a highlight. The complimentary chips and salsa were also very good. I wasn't a fan of the birria sopes -- the texture and flavor were both a bit underwhelming for me. Prices were on the higher side -- our drinks were about $16 each and the sopes were $18 -- so while it was a nice experience, it's probably not somewhere I'd go back to often. read more

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What a lovely spot and such a fabulous meal! The chips are absolutely a show stopper and our waiter, Noah was so fun but still quick and professional. The enchiladas and fajitas were great and the margaritas were Magic! We will definitely be back! read more

Fresco Cocina - Margaritas were awesome! - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

The worst customer service and experience I have ever witnessed at any restaurant! The manager standing at the hostess bar was extremely unpleasant and rude. I drove 30 minutes to come to the restaurant, which was fully open to book on OpenTable, but when we arrived 10 minutes before 6 o'clock, with plenty of tables open, she said there's nowhere to see you. She was extremely unaccommodating and did nothing to see us anywhere, or for any time throughout the evening. Would not recommend coming here ever! read more

Staff is friendly, attentive, professional. Tasty drinks and tasty bites. Happy hour was recommended by a bartender there. Will be back for sure :) read more

Fresco Cocina - Cuatro de Dip - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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We had lunch here with friends on a lovely September day and sat on the patio. Great margaritas, great chips. Between us we ordered beer-battered fish tacos, Baja shrimp tacos, chicken fajitas, and a side of black beans. Everyone enjoyed their food. Our friend who ordered the fajitas is not a huge fan of Mexican food, but he ate every bite of his fajitas, surprising even himself. We scooped up the excellent black beans with a second and then third basket of chips. Really good lunch. We'll definitely be back. read more

I had their sugar spiced salmon with roasted corn which was so good and very filling. Not to mention most of their food for the quality, was at a good price point. I had a little bite of their smash burger, which was fantastic, along with their carne asada fries. Everything was so packed with flavor, it's a must try if you're ever in the Carlsbad area. read more

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The service is great! The atmosphere is chill! And the food is amazing! Everything is clean and I loved sitting by the window people watching! read more

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Here's a balanced 3-star review that reflects your experience: We visited Fresco Cocina for the first time with our family and left with mixed feelings. The positives first: the restaurant is in a great location, the ambiance is beautiful, and the interiors are modern and inviting. The service was excellent as well. I had read several reviews praising Matt before visiting, and he absolutely lived up to the hype. That said, it wasn't just Matt--the entire staff was warm, attentive, and genuinely courteous, which made for a great dining experience. We started with the guacamole and chips. The guacamole was fresh and delicious, while the chips were standard but perfectly fine. The kids also had lemonade, which they really enjoyed. For the kids' meals, we ordered the taco and the burger. The taco was decent--not bad, but nothing particularly memorable. The burger tasted good, but it was very dry. It really needed some kind of sauce, as it was essentially just the bun, meat, and cheese. I ordered the Chicken Al Pastor. The chicken itself was cooked well, but the overall dish felt underwhelming. The base was mostly corn, pineapple, and other toppings, and while it wasn't bad, it just didn't have the bold, vibrant flavors I expect from a good Mexican restaurant. My wife ordered the vegan bowl, which was also just okay. Overall, the food was the biggest disappointment. Having eaten at many Mexican restaurants, we were expecting more depth of flavor and a little more punch in the dishes. Based on what we ordered, the food didn't quite match the quality of the service and atmosphere. That said, this review is only based on the items we tried. The restaurant has many other dishes that could be much better. read more

I had been hesitant to try this place and I can't tell you why...I don't even know...but I can say I regret waiting. The service is amazing, very attentive, super nice, and the manager even came over to each table asking for feedback. The margarita was great, I got the house marg but made it a Cadillac. I was between the carnitas, shrimp and squash blossom tacos. I went shrimp and squash blossom. The shrimp was good but OMG, the squash blossom was phenomenal and I'm so glad that's what I decided to go with. It arrived and I was confused because it was on a weird tortilla and realized one bite in it was a pounded portobello mushroom. The coolest idea and absolutely phenomenal. I cannot recommend enough. My partner got the Al pastor chicken. Also good but I think we'll get something different next time. It's definitely a little lively but it's a fun, inviting atmosphere. Overall, definitely recommend, we'll be back! read more

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We decided to give Fresco's another try.... We were seated right away... no line... it was a Thursday evening... we asked to sit on the patio... and they accommodated us.... there was a nice breeze... they took our drink order right away ... then dinner... drinks were okay but our dinner's were fabulous... Waitress was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu.... We walked so we didn't need to worry about parking... read more

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Love that they offer HH on the weekends. The bar area is super cute with large open windows. Drinks are a great deal on HH. I enjoyed both the Hibiscus Mezcalita and the Guava Mojito. The food a little disappointing. The Birra pozole was very fatty and was mostly just broth. I was excited to try the fish taco since they use sea bass but overall it was very small and bland. The squash bloom tacos were 5/5 definitely recommend. HH guacamole is very small but you do get complimentary chips and salsa. Passion fruit crème brûlée was a little too sweet. Overall it was a great experience for drinks but food could be improved. Service was fine, attentive but you could tell they were busy. Small parking lot available otherwise street parking. read more

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Matt was legendary!! Great food, service and atmosphere!!!!! Don't sleep on the margs.

Food was great. Service was phenomenal. We sat outside and the ambiance was awesome. We will be back very soon. Matt is my GOAT read more

Bummed I didn't try this place sooner or for the two years I lived in Carlsbad. We often dined at 264 Fresco (amazing). The drinks, chips/salsa, ceviche and shrimp fajitas were all on the same level of quality (not always the case at a Mexican restaurant). read more

Happy Hour is silly the best! Highly recommend the Aquachiles: delicious fresh jumbo shrimp and not too spicy. Each drink I've tried is handcrafted with perfection and freshness. The salmon gets me everytime with the cilantro yogurt sauce, but their carnitas as insanely flavorful as well. They have a beautiful indoor space and a cozy outdoor space as well. read more

Fresco Cocina - Hibiscus Mezcalita - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Best burger that I've ever had! We found ourselves wandering around Carlsbad Village, in search of the smell of steak in the air beckoning to us. We landed at Fresco Cocina in the front dining area. Our server was extremely helpful. At first we were sad to see that Churrasco wasn't on the menu but after showing our server the picture and asking if there was something like that, we were told that is now called the carne asada. Perfect! It's what my husband ordered and enjoyed. I was tempted by the pictures of the burger. Normally when going out, that's not what I order. I could do that at home, right? Everything else on the menu looked great but I was in a burger mood. I don't regret it! Jalapeno, aioli, yuca fries just hit the spot on a cold winter's night. It just hit the spot. We split the bread pudding and it was amazing. It was more bready and not an oversaturated mess. Just perfectly balanced deliciousness. Perfect for splitting. The service was extra attentive and friendly. A good enough experience that this is going to turn into a regular date night location for us. I can't wait to go back and try more of their menu. read more

Ambiance: Nicely decorated and furnished Food: 4/5 Enchiladas Trio (the shrimp one was delicious and my favorite) the other three were Birria and cheese Drinks: Peach Mojito, refreshing and the peach adds the flavor Overall a good spot to check out read more

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Great location and they have a parking lot, so valuable. Interior is so pleasant and clean. Well done. We had the ribeye fries and carne asada steak with crispy potatoes and roasted carrots. Ribeye fries were loaded with fries, scant tiny overcooked pieces of ribeye, topped with guacamole & white sauce. Fries were limp & room temperature. The carne asada steak pieces looked great, veggies were tasty, the meat was a little tough. Bathroom was beautiful and clean. For after 2pm on Saturday so restaurant was near empty, oddly the service was very slow. read more

We found this place on Yelp -- visiting from out of town. The food tasted amazing. So delicious. I did have an issue and the manager Andrea sorted it out for me. She went above and beyond. Great customer service. The ambiance of the restaurant is so cute and has a special style. I'd eat here again. read more

Love coming back to this place! The food is always really good and the staff is super friendly. It's one of my go-to spots, and I'll definitely be back again. Highly recommend! read more

Drinks and appetizers were great. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. She offered to turn on the heaters when it got cold in outside seating. Our drinks were always full. read more

Fresco Cocina - Casa Margarita with Tajin rim & El Corazon Drink was so yummy! Cuatro de Dip. - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

They are tricky when it comes to asking you for what type of water you want at the beginning of your meal when you just sit down , they will charge you if you don't accept the tap water. If they would've stated that before hand or on their menu I would've understood and not be surprised when I saw my bill. read more

The carne asada plate was delicious, and our server, Matt, was awesome. He was so invested in our evening, he made excellent recommendations, and we left feeling like family. Great vibe in the restaurant too with beautiful outdoor seating. read more