The food here is excellent. If I were in town longer I would've gone here everyday. Such a big variety of food and the service is excellent. The vibe of the restaurant is so calming. The picture of the food does not do it justice read more

Fresko - Blackened Salmon - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I have been here three times and all three times the food has been amazing!! Gluten free options are so good and there are so many ... my three stars are because all three times I've had bad service! Maybe average at best! One of the times the waitress took one order out of our party of 8 then just walked away for 10 minutes. The next time our waitress forgot to place one of our orders then came out and said "well now there's a party that just ordered so its gonna be a while" Still recommend but yikes read more

We ate here on a Monday night. It was not very busy. We were seated promptly by very polite front staff. Our server was very helpful choosing a meal since it was our first time here. The service was fast and the food was spot on. I'll be back for more. read more

I don't mean this lightly - Fresko may be one of the worst restaurants in Des Moines. Now before you say, "No way, it's trendy and new!" - let me explain. Tonight marked the second time I have eaten here, just to give it another go, and it was honestly extremely poor quality. Both times I have been here, the potatoes are what stood out as AWFUL. I can not emphasize how bad the potatoes at Fresko are, both for breakfast AND for dinner. The potatoes are WET, COLD, and whoever is cooking them is EXTREMELY overcompensating for whatever texturally is going on with them, by adding some BIZARRE, caustic amount of paprika seasoning. Each time I have eaten here EVERY member of my party has commented on how gross the potatoes are, and how they wish Fresko "just served normal fries". I can not explain with words how bad the potatoes are. DO NOT serve more of them, stop making them altogether and go back to the drawing board. Next...are the wings. What in the world is going on with the wings? Not crispy, EXTREMELY rubbery, undercooked and doused in that same awful paprika disgust that is al over the potatoes. Inedible. Seriously, the spice being used in the kitchen is horrid. There seriously needs to be a discussion with whoever is in charge of seasoning and revamping the seasoning altogether would be highly recommended. The steak sandwich? It's not steak at all, but more chopped beef like a Philly gone wrong. Everything on the menu exudes heartburn and you fee like a sodium laden Oompa Loompa after eating at Fresko. Honestly, to the management - I have eaten here twice, and each time my table has been severely underwhelmed and disturbed by the food we received. Drinks were great. You could say I am exaggerating, or you could choose to believe me and eat the potatoes, wings and steak sandwich for yourself. Did you like it? No. Have another person try it. Did they like it? No. What could be better about all of them? Who is the person that is going berserk in the kitchen with the paprika? For an "all natural" restaurant, the food really is terrible. Please make it better, I am begging you. For Des Moines. read more

Fresko - Who is in charge of the potatoes?! SO GROSS. - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Fresko has an awesome selection! It truly has a huge variety covering seafood, beef, vegetarian, mixed drinks, and so much more. Quite often a restaurant that has so much does not pull it off they may be good at beef but subpar for seafood, etc. However, each facet of their menu is executed with quality. The atmosphere is modern and clean. There's a variety of seating: bar, high tops, etc. So, you can usually find a place that's comfortable for you. I have enjoyed all the staff I've interacted with. There's always a helpful suggestion or tip to guide choices. read more

I love their kale and greens caesar salad with salmon. I eat it in the side but is the flakiest, grilled to perfection salmon I've had. Their pizzas are good too! good space and service. read more

Usually I have had good experiences, but not last night (a Friday). My date and I arrived at 5:30 and it wasn't very busy - our reservations were for 6. We were seated, and immediately taken back to the area that crams 2 people in together with other couples of 2. We asked for a booth and were told no even though we had reservations at 6. The whole setting was very odd, and it made no sense considering there were tons of open booths. Let people sit where they want to sit. This ruined the night having to feel like we were sitting in on someone else's date. Bar service was also sub par at best. read more

Fresko - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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We came in on the weekend for lunch. The street parking was not bad. No wait when we arrived. There was a table available for our group of 5. The waitress was attentive and we didn't have to wait long to put in our orders. The food also came out fast. I also ordered an entree to go. I really liked my eggs Benedict. We also ordered one side of pancakes. It was huge! We all shared it. It was delicious! My to go order was not as good. The gravy was different and it didn't hit the spot. But it was a great portion. read more

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First visit, was very good. Tried various items. Second time, I had crab cakes eggs Benedict. I did not enjoy the texture of the crab cake. There was not enough sauce and it was a little bitter. Fried potatoes were more baked with a old bay seasoning on them. read more

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Odd menu from tacos to sushi to grilled meats. Their idea is everything is fresh and natural. Korean bbq pig wings ( actually shanks). Achiote chicken tacos.... fun dinner read more

Having a bad day! I came to Fresko to relax and grab a bite to eat. Haley took great care of me and respected the fact that I wasn't having the best day. It was perfect treatment and really brought me back around to the reality that... this will pass and I'm gonna be fine. It's funny how a good server and good food can really bring things around to the positive I give it up for Haley. read more

Amazing gluten free menu esp for Celiacs, like myself. They get it - separate prep area etc. We ate here everyday for a week and loved all the dishes we ordered off the menu. Brunch, dinner just splendid. HIGHLY recommend. Even if you're not gluten sensitive - this food is outstanding. Friendly staff. Great service. Brightly lit open ambience GF pancakes! Mic drop. read more

I've been here for brunch, lunch, and dinner and never been disappointed with a meal.

This place is so great with allergies & the staff is incredibly friendly. Everything tastes fresh and delicious. read more

Fresko - Margherita Flatbread - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

The food... phenomenal... the service... exquisite. Plate presentation, texture, and taste... beyond comparison. I dare you to try it for yourself! I had the filet with potatoes and it was outstanding! read more

Fresko - Seasonal dessert- s'more canole - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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This was my second time here for brunch. The first was with a HUGE wedding party and it didn't seem fair to leave a review because of the circumstances. This time, I wanted a birthday breakfast with a small group of friends so we gave it another shot. Drinks all around were a hit, I had a Paloma. (Just like the beach in Mexico.) I asked the server not to judge me for drinking tequila at 10:30am, as it turns out it was her birthday, too. So I drank for the both of us. Everyone ordered a variation of the eggs Benedict and no complaints. My short rib skillet was VERY good... warning: it was heavy. Prepare for nap after. Just when I was about to ask for someone to roll me out the door, she showed up with THE MOST delicious warm chocolate lava cake. A very sweet surprise. I'll be back to try dinner sometime soon. P.S. The decor and ambiance is on point. Just what downtown DSM needs. I love the wall color so much that the manager dug around the utility closet and found the paint can for me to note the deets. BRB while I paint my entire house in Courtyard green. read more

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Went to Fresko for the first time to have brunch on my husband's birthday. Lisa, our waitress, was outstanding. She provided helpful information about various dishes, was extremely attentive without being annoying, when a dish wasn't quite what was expected she offered to get something else in its place, and she was just incredibly outgoing and friendly, even to our 13-year-old who was with us. She truly was phenomenal. The food. The menu is very unique with reasonable prices and good portion sizes. We had the chicken chilaquiles and the short rib skillet. Both were very hearty and delicious. When they came out they didn't appear as large as expected, but looks are very deceiving as they were extremely filling and taste was outrageous. Every ingredient had a purpose and you could taste all of them, and it wouldn't have worked without any one of them. They were also beautiful to the eye, as well. Lisa brought a surprise chocolate cake, vanilla ice cream, and candied walnuts for my husband's birthday. It was stunning and the 3 of us fought over every last bite. Truly amazing. We were also stunned when we received our check, because the cost for these 2 breakfasts, a grapefruit mimosa (also amazing!), and a cup of coffee was the same as we pay for breakfast at our local diner and there is absolutely NO COMPARISON in quality or taste. It really was shocking to see that such a spectacular brunch was not just delectable, but affordable. We look forward to returning for lunch and/or dinner! read more

Fresko - Chicken Chilaquiles, Short Rib Skillet, and Chocolate Cake with ice cream & candied walnuts - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Went here last week and absolutely loved it! The food is fresh just like the name! I would have to say the seared tuna was amazing that was paired with a fresh "salad". So good! I wasn't impressed with lavender lemonade.. it tasted more like lemonade and vodka. The lobster avocado was good, but I probably wouldn't get it again. The sushi was very good! I loved my scallops, but not the greens. My boyfriend loved his steak, but not the greens as well! We will def be back! read more

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I was recommended to try this place out so I finally did! I was super excited as the menu looked... interesting. I ordered a mocktail- Lavandu 7. It tasted like a mixture of lemonade and Kool aid. Very tart. Not my favorite mocktail in town. I had the Texas B&G. It sounded really good. Biscuits with scrambled eggs, bacon, chorizo gravy and avocado. Oh and a side of potatoes. The gravy chorizo was kind of sweet, which I honestly don't appreciate sweet with chorizo at all. The potatoes also had a bunch of seasoning. The seasoning in the potatoes was sweet as well. The ambiance was nice though and staff was very friendly, which I was grateful for. I appreciate the experience but I don't think I will return as I was not impressed with the food. With all that said, I wish Fresko the best and I hope many have great food experiences! Best wishes, Bex read more

Fresko - Texas B&G and a mocktail. - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Wonderful meal. Friendly, attentive service and tasty food that mixed a permanent menu with seasonal favorites. I had banana bread French toast and a yam creme brûlée that was delightful and perfect for October. Prices were not cheap but still an excellent value. It came highly recommended and for good reason. read more

What an amazing spot. So many great choices. Lots of vegetarians options and even a few vegan. I got the 1/2 beet and goat cheese salad. And it was incredible. I also had two Stella Artois'. My bill was $19!!! read more

Fresko - 1/2 Beets & Goat Cheese Salad - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Everything was amazing! Food, drinks, atmosphere and the server was great! Highly recommend and will definitely be going back read more

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My friend and I went here for brunch and it was amazing! The service was amazing, as was the food. I had the Florentine crepes which were to die for and I licked my plate clean. My friend had the chicken chilaquiles which I had to also try of course and they were also delicious! I will definitely be coming back here soon to try more of their menu! read more

Fresko - chicken chilaquiles - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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I came with coworkers for a weeknight dinner. The cocktail menu was great with some unique options. We shared a lava roll sushi roll. It's was so fresh and delicious! I wasn't very hungry so I order the seared ahi tuna appetizer for my entree. It melted in my mouth! It was so good! My coworkers ordered the hangar steak and crab stuffed walleye. They both stated that it was their best meal of the week. The service was friendly, welcoming, and quick. The restaurant was light and airy and inviting. read more

Lovely breakfast, if you get there early enough to be at the head of the line. If not, it's worth the wait. Fresh food, served quickly by professionals. read more

Fresko - Chocolate berry pancake, fried egg - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Loved EVERYTHING. From the wine to the service and everything in between. We also shared some Cajun type mussels with the table for an app and it was phenomenal. Super bummed they were out of the oysters but we'll just have to go back read more

Fresko - Weekend special roll and Lava Roll - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I decided to try this place because of its good reviews and how its menu intrigued me. Their food was worth the wait. I ordered mussels and two sushi rolls. Both were fresh and hit the spot! read more

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My cousin brought me here for my birthday. I chose to come here as I had the chef in my Lyft one day and he said it was amazing. Maybe he isn't a chef? The atmosphere carries noise very easily. The drinks are okay. They look amazing and don't taste as good as they look. RoCA still has the best cocktails and Republic on Grand for a second. We did not order any starters. None of them did not really say starters to me. They all looked a little heavy and also priced heavy for an "appetizer". I decided to order the scallops. I'm very angry that I did. The menu says: PAN SEARED SEA SCALLOPS: Spicy greens, bacon lardons, cauliflower gratin, leek & Fresno chili relish GF. It sounds amazing, right? It also cost $39. Well the pan seared scallops did not even look pan seared, they looked fried. They were very chewy. I'm used to a melt in your mouth scallop so I was very confused. The bacon lardons were not lardons. (Well not how I've had lardons at French restaurants) They were boring wilted pieces of tiny bacon in the greens. The greens were seasoned nicely. This cauliflower gratin was just an omelette muffin. Very confused on how that goes with scallops. The plate was not very inviting. I could have made this at home. I was hoping maybe a little sauce or something to pull everything together. I sent it back and got the chicken confit pappardelle which was really good, just needed some pepper or something. Although the pappardelle was too chewy for my liking. A birthday dessert of some type of chocolate cake that comes out cold. I'm guessing their version of a torte. Forgettable. I was really excited for this fruit tart which was a lemon curd, some type of fruit couli, white chocolate powder and some fruits IN A PASTRY SHELL. It did not come in a shell. The couli was very lackluster. The curd was fine, needed more lemon. It tasted good all together if it would have came together. That little piece of puff pastry was no enough for the whole dessert. (My cousin had the chicken caprese sandwich with the potatoes. She liked the sandwich but some of the potatoes weren't cooked all the way) Would I come here again? No This restaurant is all over the place. Maybe make the menu smaller and do some little things great and not a lot of things mediocre. read more

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Wow! What a Great addition to downtown dining! We walked in on a Wednesday night without reservations and were seated at a high top in the bar. Great atmosphere, really fun, unique drinks and appetizers. I tried the chorizo mussels and I will go back just for that!! SO good!! read more

Taste is great. This is not worth $20. Pathetic. Adjust price AND portion. Flatbreads are still good. read more

Fresko - Tuna tartare - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Best dining experience I've had in years. Full stop. I'll expand: Justin was on point with suggestions, attentive, and friendly. The food was fresh, flavorful, and creative. And the atmosphere was welcoming, even for a family of 4 including two children ages 11 and 9. Kids menu was a plus. I had the Fresko Burger. The patty was outstanding and complimented nicely with the pickled onions. The spicy tuna roll was nice. The wing appetizer was enjoyed by my wife along with the truffled potatoes . The mussel app was a hit and great suggestion by Justin. Will be back for sure next time we are in Des Moines. read more

I can't talk about the food because the service was so bad when we walked in, we decided not to stay. Made a reservation at 4:30, we were the only people in the dining room and they put us by the bathroom in the back corner. Seriously!! We asked to move down at least away from the bathroom and they said they had other reservations. No Thank You!! Go another 1/2 block down to Centro!!! read more

Had brunch with family. Nice brunch menu something for everyone. The group tried a variety of items and all the dishes were delicious. read more

Fresko - Mascarpone cheese and raspberry stuffed French Toast. - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Great drinks and service! We went in on a Monday to catch the end of happy hour (4-6) and tried a couple cocktails from their happy hour specials. I had the blueberry tarragon aperol spritz which was sweet and summery, perfect for a warm evening. The bartender let us know that the daily specials for Monday included all night $10 flatbreads and $6 mules. We split a flatbread and a salad and each got a mule, the lavender mule was great, not overpoweringly floral. The space was modern and comfortable and not crowded, we would definitely return again. The specials made it a great value! read more

This is the ultimate venue for Date Night. The interiors are urban chic with a flash of glam and a lot of style. (Bonus: the TVs show fun shows with video of animals and things, so it's not all about sports!) The cocktails are memorable (like the Jalisco with a cilantro salt rim or the New York Sour with a red wine float--two things we had never experienced before. We are still dreaming about the mussels starter with white wine and Spanish chorizo chili butter and the incredible braised short ribs. We will be back and can't wait to try the brunch!! read more

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Good food, awesome service, ambiance is eclectic. I have wish that they gave you more options but when chef is right he's absolutely right. Don't ask for a change! read more

Amazing place! Beautiful open atmosphere, attentive service, interesting dishes! We discovered this restaurant just last week since we rarely get downtown and have now been three times! Everything is amazing! Lobster roll, lobster ravioli, their fish specials, lobster avocado all amazing! Raspberry creme brûlée is also delicious, and it's very unusual! A must go to; can get a bit noisy on a Friday night, but worth it. Nice location downtown with street parking available all around. Prices are a bit steep, but also worth it. read more

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Excellent food and service. I often get a cheeseburger and fries during a first lunch visit. The burger was great, cooked to order. Fries were hot but not crispy. Drink with lavender was quite good. read more

Fresko - Great drink, with Tito's vodka, lavender, and lemon. - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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We were visiting from Oregon. I had the vegan chorizo seitan tacos, truffle potatoes, and black berry mock tail. Every single item was DELISH! read more

Amazing salads, the chicken was perfect as well. Service was on point and the cheesecake was great.