Matt is amazin waiter @ fresco cocina if you are ever in Carlsbad the whole restaurant is a vibe very attentive. Matt has the perfect personality to be the waiter. 1st time and i will be back. Oh the food and drinks are great as well read more

Came here for the first time tonight. My wife and I don't go out a lot any more.. I'm really glad we came to Cocina tonight. Our server Nikki did a great job!! She was super helpful. I have a lot of food allergies, and she accommodated all of them. This is so hard to find.. Thankful for you for hiring the right staff. Food was also amazing. Definitely coming back. read more

Guys my enchiladas from here were so good I literally cannot stop thinking about them. Shoutout the birria enchiladas fr My mom got a salad with chicken and also won't stop talking about their BASIC chicken, like you know it's good when the basic chicken is being raved about read more

Disclaimer: only came for drinks First round was very great, drinks were awesome super tasty. Sat at the bar and told our bartender that we just wanted drinks. Place was almost literally emptied out, the bar was completely empty. Fantastic carijillo, I got the one with tequila my spouse got the regular one both were prepared very well!! We finished then multiple staff members walked by and clearly noticed our empty glasses but no offers for second round. The first round was great we made it known we wanted another they were so good! Took about 30 minutes of empty glass to finally flag someone down, at that point just asked to get the check. Bartender finally came around to give us the check and made a slightly snarky comment about only getting one round and leaving. We wanted another they were good just didnt want sit around for another 30/40 plus minutes waiting :( Will definitely try again and get food next time! read more

We ended up at Fresco Cocina because there was an open parking spot in front. We were headed down the street for lunch and saw the food being presented to a table on the patio. We steered ourselves right in! Everyone was so friendly! Of course. they get to work in Carlsbad. We had the privilege of having Kelsey as our server. She walked us through the drink and food menus. Quite the lineup! Blondie had the Casa Margarita and i tried the El Guapo, with serrano chile-infused tequila! The drinks were excellent. We settled on tacos. we tried five of the eight? choices. They were all awesome. My favorites were the Prime Ribeye and the Quesabirria. But the Pork Belly, Chicken Verde and beer-battered seabass were all tied for second. We can't wait to go back! In fact, we're taking a group of 8 to dinner there this Sunday! I hope Kelsey is working 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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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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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 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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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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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

It was ok. If I'm gonna shell out money for upscale Mexican food I'm going to go to South of Nicks. Service was ok and the food was ok but all in all I wasn't impressed. read more

Such an excellent experience and Matt took such great care of us!!!! Food is just top notch and from walking in the door to leaving we felt like we were family read more

First time here and it was a great place for a birthday celebration. The food, service and atmosphere were spot on.

Best taco in Carlsbad good service nice bar nice menu fantastic happy hour love the restaurant

We ate at Fresco Cocina for the first time today and we were very impressed with the service and food! We had the tuna tostadas for appetizers and they were so good. My husband had the carne asada plate and it was beyond delicious. The meat was tender and smashed potatoes and carrots were so good. I had a birria taco and a rib eye taco. They were excellent! The meat was tasty and the blue corn tortillas were delicious. We ordered the Mexican flan for dessert and it was the perfect way to end our delicious dinner! Our waitress Kayla was super helpful with recommendations and so kind and friendly. We cannot wait to go back again! read more

Fresco Cocina - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

The food and service was amazing! Matt's the best and made great menu recommendations. We'll keep coming back here.

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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Food was amazing and Matt was an epic server. Once in a lifetime dining experience. Would eat here weekly if local.

What a lovely spot for dinner! We opted to sit on the patio, and we were lucky enough to have Matt as our server -- he was truly the highlight of our experience! We had our 1 year old with us, and he was so kind and welcoming to her. It was truly so sweet. He even offered to have her meal brought out first, which was clutch so we could feed her quickly before our food arrived (she devoured her quesadilla). Excellent service all around, and we would absolutely visit again! read more

I ordered the Mole fried rice and had to send it back, taste was not good, and ordered a cup of pozole and didn't taste like pozole,. Favor taste like strong mole sauce, Broth was thick and didn't have any barely corn hominy, no cabbage on the soup, read more

We came during happy hour. Got the carne asada and shrimp tacos and Enchiladas de birria The ahi tostaditas and crispy brussels sprouts to share. The service was very good. The tacos were really good. The brussels sprouts had a nice char to them. Probably one of the best brussels sprouts In had. The ahi tostaditas in my opinion had too much sauce on them, but still good. Came here a few times and it is always cold inside. They have a parking lot and there is also street parking. Place got packed pretty fast after happy hour. read more

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We started with their Cadillac margarita straight up with an extra shot of tequila on the side. The margarita and tequila were very smooth. I usually get Patron Silver but this time we tried Cierto Blanco. Happy surprise. We nibbled on the chips and salsa as we enjoyed our drinks. Then we ordered the chicken Fajitas de la Casa with all rice and no beans. The guacamole was bright green. They cover the chicken fajitas with a crema. I assumed the crema was on the side. Their corn tortillas are amazing. I could eat them separately by themselves. There's no shredded cheese, just the crema which was different. I definitely prefer shredded cheese. Then there's the grilled bell peppers, onions and a couple tomatoes. Excellent flavors. Great service from our server. The restaurant has a fun upbeat vibe with positive energies. For me, the margarita was a 5, service a 5, corn tortillas, guacamole, grilled vegetables and rice were a 5. The crema on the grilled chicken was a 3.75. Suggestion: have the server inform the customer the crema usually is on top of the chicken and would they prefer it on the side. read more

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We stopped by last night for dinner. We asked to be seated outside and were promptly given a table out on the deck. The host appeared to be in a not very happy or pleasant mood. We were never given water. No one ever attended to our table. We waited 10 minutes and decided to leave since they were not interested in our business. We do not recommend this restaurant. read more

Fresco Cocina came recommended to us by our hotel concierge. It did not disappoint. Highly recommend the hearty Pozole, the delicious Carne Asada & the inventive Squash Blossom & Mushroom Tacos. All were outstanding. Gave the Blood Orange Beer a go, too, which was quite refreshing. Definitely don't miss this spot. Nice place to chill. read more

Fresco Cocina - Squash Blossom Taco - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Dinner was good, but I wasnt blown away. The service is as attentive and the restaurant was beautiful. But I feel like there are better spots in the area. The bread pudding was disappointing and expensive for what it was. read more

Wow wow wow by far the best modern Mexican place I've had with my family. Mexican parents and grandma approved! Located in he heart of Carlsbad village (with their own parking lot) Fresco Cocina offers such delicious food with a modern Mexican twist. I had the Carne asada (sorry for the half plate I forgot to take a picture -- that's how good it was) it came with onions and baby carrots. Yes, it's not traditional HOWEVER it is a fun and delightful twist! My grandma had the salmon plate, while my parents had the chicken fajitas. Keep in mind as a Mexican family, my grandma especially never truly enjoys modern Mexican-- but this as the first time she loved a place and requested to come back! The rice and beans looked and tasted so authentic, it was truly a great experience all around! Staff was super friendly and kind! Will be coming back for sure! read more

Fresco Cocina - Carne Asada - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Great night and service! The entire venue was for our party. We had drinks and were served finger foods that were pretty good. Taquitos, quesadillas, chicken, a green sauce with chicken and guacamole all very tasty and warm. Great bar service as we drank and celebrated! read more

Fresco Cocina - Bar area. - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Can't get enough of this restaurant!! The food are drinks are amazing - best Mexican in Carlsbad. The service was prompt and our entire table left full and very happy. Ambiance was great and so fun, will be taking design tips! Can't wait to go back soon! read more

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I really wanted to like this place. My husband and I came for our 6th month anniversary. We live in the area and pass by it on occasion. I was looking forward to trying their octopus. The staff was nice and attentive and the ambiance was clean and inviting. We didn't order the chips - they were $5 but for apps we ordered the chicken taquito because they were out of the short rib taquito. Unfortunately, they were very dry and there was little sauce on them, as shown in the photo. Very underwhelming. The rolled tacos from the taquerias are much better. After my husband finished the rest of the taquitos the server was very kind to bring chips and salsa on the house. That salsa would have been great with the taquitos. My octopus was a bit on the sweeter side, but the texture was great. I prefer a more savory sauce. Potatoes were ok. The octopus from Kings is still my fav with their veggie caponata. My husband loved his dish, the birria enchilada, rice and beans. He said his old fashioned was a bit too smoky tasting. Was a good experience overall but wouldn't seek it out. read more

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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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I came here for brunch with a friend and we ordered the following to share: - Mole Spiced Salmon Hash - Aguachiles - Short ribs benedict These paired very nicely with margaritas! Beautiful ambiance, delicious food, and great service! read more

The interior is nicely laid out and spacious with comfortable seating and is well decorated. The attention to detail in the art, greenery, and finishes went beyond the dining area and into the restrooms as well, which was a great touch. The service was great. Our waiter informed us of a longer wait, brought out chips and dip, and was super friendly and attentive throughout. The food was really tasty and portions were good, but I think the ratio of protein to the rest of the plate was lacking. My sopes plate had a heap of black beans at the bottom of each sope with a sprinkle of birria on top. There was a LOT of filler-- rice, beans, cabbage, compared to other restaurants similar to this... especially for the price of our plates. For three plates and one beer it was over $100. read more

Fresco Cocina - Restaurant from across the street - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

This place is great. The service is impeccable. I got the Caesar salad and the hamburger and it was really good. Recomended. read more

Fresco Cocina - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Food: 2 Cheese Enchiladas - choose red, green or suiza salsa, cilantro, lime crema, onion, rice and beans; 1 Fish Taco & 1 Cheese Enchilada - local fish, citrus slaw, avocado salsa, pineapple salsa Service: only 1 server for the whole restaurant at lunch time and only 3 tables with guests Design: interiors is beautiful, contemporary style with lt. grey concrete floors, white walls & ceilings with lots of greenery, hanging plant baskets, a lot of windows with natural lighting, light maple wood tables with light tan leather chairs; the bathroom has a cool, 1950s space vibe wall covering Overall: if you want good latin food in Carlsbad, then check out this place read more

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Awesome little restaurant located right off the 101 in carlsbad village. They have some of the best margarita in town and I'm a Huge fan of the enchiladas here! Highly recommend the Quesabirria ones as they're delish! read more

Fresco Cocina - Enchiladas de Birria - Tacos Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Ambiance was great. Cute, modern restaurant close to the beach. They had all the doors open, which was beautiful but quite cold; but we managed. I had grilled fish taco and portobello mushroom taco. They both tasted great, moist and tasty, but the mushroom ended up being my favorite more than the fish. My friend got the crispy pork belly taco and she said that was her favorite over the fish taco. Another friend had portobello mushroom taco and the carne asada taco but said she liked the portobello over the mushroom, as the carne asada was a little dry. The guacamole with chips was ok, and I felt like the guacomole could've added some salt or something, it just tasted very plain. It did include the mole sauce, which I usually love mole sauce but this one tasted different to me; it was just ok. I feel like restaurants that serve guac, chips and sauce have to always get that right as that's the first thing that comes out before your meal. Our server was super nice and great; she also did split our bill up with ease. read more

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My first visit since Fresco replaced KoKo Beach. I was very pleased at the food and also finding a missing friend from 12 years ago at a defunct restaurant! So grateful that Laura is okay. Whew. What I ordered was the special of the day -- seabass on risotto. Everything was to perfection and what I had left over was eaten by me later that evening, cold. It was still delicious. The caesar salad was outstanding. I loved seeing anchovies afloat. Fresco is now on my go-often-list. Food Service Ambiance - great! read more

Bring back Koko Beach......PLEASE!! How can Yelp be wrong about a restaurant, oh let me count the ways! Another Mexican restaurant in North County, ok good reviews, let's go. Had reservations, we're seated next to the bar, just very bad acoustics, we couldn't even hear our conversations...we asked to be moved so we got seated outside- much better. Overpriced pseudo Mexican food, flavor meh, service...I think our waiter had too many tables or everything was just so slow from drinks, ordering of our food, etc. chicken Mole ok, shrimp fajitas/vegetables were steamed not grilled and no accoutrements like guacamole, salsa or sour cream, it was tasteless. Top it off 50% of us had stomach aches the next day.....will not go back. Let the tourists have this restaurant. read more

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