Fresco Italian Cafe
1513 S 1500 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84105
Fresco Italian Cafe Menu
-
Appetizer
-
Soup And Salad
-
Pasta And Risotto
-
Entrée
-
Dessert
Healthy Meal suggestions for Fresco Italian Cafe
-
Appetizer
-
Soup And Salad
-
Pasta And Risotto
-
Entrée
-
Dessert
Visit below restaurant in Salt Lake City for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Salt Lake City for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
1513 S 1500 E
Salt Lake City, UT, 84105 - Phone (801) 486-1300
- Website https://www.frescoitaliancafe.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 pm - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Mike O.
This place was once home to Afterwords. It was a play on the King's English Bookstore. I liked the Pot Roast Rabelais. I didn't get the reference then but just now figured it out thanks to Wikipedia ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fr… ). They did these potatoes in a au gratin style that were simply the best thing I've have ever eaten before or since. Afterwords is now long gone. They call it Fresco Italian Cafe. David Harry started it and Lane Pellinger took it over. Don't know who runs the show now but my guess is it's superb. It's been a long time since I was there. You shouldn't consider anything I have to say about the place when deciding whether or not to eat here. My most recent experience is with Mazza out front. Now that's something I can talk about. Look at their average stars. This place is solid. Consider the neighborhood. There's a reason this place is in business and will continue to remain in business. It's simply phenomenal in every sense of the word. The owners, the kitchen help, even the busboy and dishwasher know what they are doing. Go. Eat. Enjoy!
(5)A N.
This is a unique place with fantastic food. The atmosphere is perfect for a more intimate quiet dinner for two, or with a small group. The chef specials are fantastic with tastefully paired flavors. The salads and deserts will not disappoint either. You can expect a variety of freshly baked breads, extremely prompt service, and wonderful food options. If you are unfamiliar with Italian food vocabulary you may find the menu difficult to understand but the servers are happy to explain any dish. This place is in a class not many SLC restaurants are privileged to be a part of. For a fine dining experience I highly recommend Fresco.
(5)Neha S.
I loved this place the first time I tried it which was a couple of years ago. Last week's dinner experience was "Meh". The mushroom app was delicious. I had the fettuccine entree and my hubby had the risotto special. They were both so-so. We tried the cannoli for dessert and did not like it. It was too heavy and dry. It was too pricy for mediocre food... Disappointing..
(2)Nicki N.
Fresco is a wonderful place for a romantic dinner (or any special occasion). The staff is incredibly accommodating and knowledgable, the manager Cherie is delightful and personable, and their chef Logen Crew is truly one of Salt Lake's finest. A renovated house with an ivy-lined patio and garden, their location and ambience is magical. The wine list is one of the best in SLC, clearly hand-picked with much care and knowledge. Highly recommended.
(5)Erika K.
Wonderful atmosphere for a date or cozy family gathering. There is minimal decor and a lovely fireplace. I had the Wagyu beef and it was AWESOME! It came with perfect gnocchi. I had been once before and had the risotto and didn't love it. It was very rich and buttery. I don't think I have ever had risotto in a restaurant, so maybe this is exactly how it supposed to be prepared. I am not well versed in Italian cuisine, but I didn't like the risotto. My husband always loves the pasta dishes that he orders. Very fly waitstaff.
(4)Julie D.
We arrived in Salt Lake City late on a Saturday night. We had a red eye flight, so we had plenty of time for a nice dinner. BJ found this restaurant while using my Yelp iPhone app. I was a little put off by the location. We were driving thru a residentual neighborhood! What? We must be lost. And finally, we saw a cute, tiny little block of businesses..... With no reservation, we were pleased to get the last available table on their beautiful outdoor patio. So serene. Loved the ivy covered arbor and the stone paved floor. Our server was okay, but the rest of the waitstaff crew was great. I got freshed brewed ice tea, very good flavor and BJ opted for a local beer. I got a bowl of chilled califlower soup. The soup was truly amazing. Definately the best soup I have ever eaten, awesome flavor. For my meal, I got a Watercress and Beet Salad. It was nice nice, enjoyed the golden beets and the orange and walnut dressing. BJ got a the Prawns and Calamari. Loved the torchio pasta and the arugula. Wasn't quite spicy enough, so BJ added some red pepper flake. The shrimp and calamari were perfectly cooked. Everything was so good, we knew that we couldn't pass on dessert. We shared a ricotta cheesecake with apricot and cherry compote. So good! We would definately go out of our way to visit this restaurant again, the next time we are in Salt Lake.
(5)Gary A.
This place always impresses from its ever changing menu and creativity. Most importantly you never feel rushed and can really enjoy not only the great food but also your company. I always recommend this place!!!
(5)Nate S.
I love Fresco with a deep, abiding affection that goes back decades. Whenever I return, not only is that fondness confirmed, I experience at least one refiring of the original passion. In recent memory, the trigger for my swoon has been their soups, of all things. Order whatever soup is on at Fresco. They are exceptional. Giver yourself enough time to wander The King's English before or after you eat, and don't be afraid to do so with a glass of Fresco's lovely wine in hand. If you have a chance to eat al fresco at Fresco, take it. If not, you'll love the quiet intimacy of the interior. There are newer, louder, more brashly self-congratulatory Italian restaurants in Salt Lake, but they do not compare favorably. Fresco remains singular - a very good thing.
(4)Lisa P.
Came here with a group of 6 on a Sunday evening after getting many recommendations from my coworkers. I used OpenTable for a reservation and could only get a 6pm or 9pm reservation. The odd part is that by the time we left the restaurant at 8pm, there were only 2 other tables seated. I was totally confused as to why we couldn't have a 7pm reservation if they didn't' have any other tables. Not a huge deal, but thought it was odd. My friend speculated that maybe they were going for the "unavailable" appearance. I digress. The restaurant was pretty hard to find because it's not located on the street, but through a tiny opening next to Mazza and around the back of the strip. The restaurant is extremely cozy (aka tiny) and minimally decorated. Definitely a white tablecloth restaurant. We didn't really know what to expect, but it was more formal than we were anticipating. Service was great - no complaints there. On to the food. To be honest, i can't remember many specifics. It was definitely good, but judging by my lack of memory, nothing extraordinary. We got a decent bottle of red wine at the waitress's recommendation. I started with the house salad, and had the pork chops as my entree. The food was well prepared, however I was not particularly impressed with the menu in general. Nothing creative and everything seemed too ordinary. The reason i give Fresco 3 stars instead of 4 is the prices. Definitely not worth the big price tag for the ordinary (albeit well prepared) food. The bill came out to about $500 for our party of 6, including the bottle of wine and two desserts. I probably won't be coming back to Fresco's. It was nice to try once, but I would rather go back to Cafe Trio - much better prices, more creative menu, and less stuffy atmosphere.
(3)Bob A.
First, I have to mention that the only time I have been to fresco's was this thanksgiving. Anyway, I am a vegetarian so I called ahead, a few days before, to make sure that they would have a vegetarian option and requested that they put a note on my reservation. I was assured that they would accommodate my dietary restrictions. However, when I showed up, they had no vegetarian option and then charged me the full set menu price ($$$$) for a side of mash potatoes and cranberries (uck). Extremely disappointed. To make matters worse, I had a waiter that didn't know how to open a bottle of champagne, passed dishes across the table (over my girlfriend), and then asked us to remove our silver wear from our dirty plates to reuse. Totally unprofessional. I don't think I will be going back.
(1)Justine J.
Made reservations and I am glad I did! This place was packed on a Friday night, but I could see why -- this place is beautiful, homey and in a great neighborhood. Opt for the patio seating if it's available. We brought in our own bottle of wine and paid the $12 corkage. Worth it to have the exact wine that I want. Then ordered the antipasto to start with. Delicious. I would highly recommend this to share -- all cheeses and meats were local. For dinner I ordered the risotto of the day (prawn parmesan) and it was good, not great. A little too salty and the risotto was still a bit firm. Maybe needed another minute of cooking and then the texture would have been perfect. But again, I thought the dish was wayyyy oversalted and thus, the cheesiness wasn't really allowed to shine through. My companion ordered the duck ragu, which of course, he snarffed down. Really no complaints from his end and he enjoyed being able to try duck for the first time. If you're looking for fast service, do not come here...but this is really not a complaint of mine. I was looking for a leisurely, slow-paced dinner and this is exactly what I received. The service was great! Don't expect to be in-and-out within an hour. Good Italian takes time.
(4)Ryan H.
Every time ive been it has been fantastic. Amazing fresh and from scratch cuisine.
(5)Jeff F.
I checked out Fresco for Dinner on Saturday and was impressed. I haven't incredibly light, inspired Gnocchi since I hit up Spinasse in Seattle tinyurl.com/yjrrquw . I was blown away, probably because I thought SLC was a bastion of chain food without any incredible restaurants. Fresco was impressive - you could drop it in Boston, SF or just about any other Tier 1 city and they would do well. Fresco is quaint little restaurant about 10 minutes from downtown SLC. To classify it as simply Italian would be lazy. Fresco is more what I consider to be "modern Italian" because the food is incredibly light, flavorful and perfectly presented. I followed up the Gnocchi special with the Garganelli alla Bolognese (Veal and Pork Ragu, Ricotta Salata, Chives). Bolognese is common in many Italian restaurants but you won't find this often - another excellent, light pasta dish with a Bolognese that may have you inhaling pasta. Wrapped up the dinner with the Rack of Lamb served medium rare with Chevre Potato Puree, Stewed Mediterranean Vegetables, Rosemary Jus - one word - awesome. Important to note is that I was sharing all of these plates and our server had these three courses plated separately for us - this was above and beyond and greatly appreciated. Finally, we ended with the Chocolate Spice & Everything Nice (Warm Chocolate Spice Cake, Chilled Chocolate Espresso Soup, Cinnamon Infused Whipped Cream) - keeping it simple, I rate this - retarded... that means exceptional. Highly recommend trying Fresco for some truly inspired food.
(5)Max S.
I can't explain why i don't t like this place. It is very pretentious, serves mediocre overpriced food, has a very nice selection of vines, always crowded, and parking in that area is a bitch. Based on these factors, Fresco suppose to be a nice place, and yet it does not meet my expectations. I gave this place several tries, and finally decided I will not be back.
(2)Jason K.
I give five stars for atmosphere, four stars for service, and two and a half stars for food. I would give three and a half stars if I could since I liked it better than Cucina Toscana. We dined here early on a lazy Sunday evening...as a result, there were only two other occupied tables. We ate al fresco on the veranda under a small trellis while cool jazz was piped outside, and it was beautiful. Our server might have been new, as she seemed a little nervous and unsure of herself, but she was friendly and tried very hard to please. Little slip ups included forgetting our bread and not noticing I was missing my silverware, but these oversights were promptly corrected. I started with a daily special, the cream of asparagus soup. It was nicely creamy and rich, but was lukewarm when served and missing the promised parmesan tuille (too bad because it would have really benefitted from the textural contrast). It was also a little underseasoned. My wife had the cafe salad which included local greens, candied walnuts, apple, a toasted fontina crouton, and a sherry-thyme vinaigrette. She really enjoyed it but since I'm allergic to nuts, I did not partake of this treat. I chose another special for my entree, a sauteed fillet of wild, king salmon with steamed mussels and clams on a bed of diced yukon gold potatoes, ham, wild mushrooms, and spinach. The salmon had a nicely crisped skin, but was slightly overcooked and thus a little dry. The mussels and clams were perfectly steamed and succulent but the accompanying "hash" was again a little underseasoned. My wife had the linguine primavera. This pasta tasted homemade and was nicely al dente. But curiously, the list of vegetables included cauliflower, carrots, and mushrooms which I associate much more with winter. How about some nice English peas which were all over the menu, or even some heirloom tomatoes which would provide some much needed acidity? Aside from this, the dish included asparagus and steamed artichoke hearts, and was served with a very light vegetable broth. The problem with this dish, aside from underseasoning, was that it was very one-note. It screamed for some acidity or some textural contrast...how about slicing the artichoke hearts thinly then deep-frying them for a garnish? The short dessert list did not inspire us so we passed. Including a bottle of sparkling water, tax and tip, dinner cost us $94...pretty steep for what we got. Considering some of the other reviews, I wonder if the regular chef had the day off...in any case, we loved the atmosphere if not the food.
(3)Greg A.
Wow!!.. excellent and quaint little place. The pork medallions and dessert doughnuts were outstanding.
(5)Lexi S.
Had a lovely evening at Fresco's on Friday but am downgrading my review today for numerous reasons. I have been a frequent Fresco diner and it is still one of my favorite Italian places in Salt Lake. However, on Friday, it proved to be my favorite spot for ambiance...not for flavor. I was so dissapointed to find that the pasta portion sizes seemed smaller while the price tag, outrageous. I understand overhead for small business, making the bills and all that comes with owning your own restaurant. But, gnocci are not expensive...go ahead, charge me $20 for the dish, but throw a few more dumplings on the pile. Not to mention, it was over salted and the sauce didn't do much for the gnocci. The lamb bolognese was the dish I was most excited about but it came out pretty bland. The flavor of the lamb was nice but it was screaming for some salt and that long, slow cooked together flavor that we all know and love from a good bolognese. I will say, I started the evening with the soup of the day...it was a velvety carrot bisque and it delivered on flavor. Again, price point was high but it was fabuluous, so that works for me. Service was terrific as usual...Skyler is so pleasant and sweet that you want him to sit down and have a glass of wine with your table. The evening was still lovely...the ambiance in the small space inside is warm, inviting and cozy. I will continue to dine here...I just hope that they continue to put out flavorful food and not the dissappointing entrees that we encountered this time.
(3)Becky G.
My husband and I went here for our 1 year wedding anniversary (4 years ago) and it was our first time fine dining. We absolutely loved the atmosphere. It was quiet, and romantic. And the staff was helpful. They brought us a sample of raw fish, and I fell in love. The husband tried calamari, and thought it was okay. I tried cous cous. The flavors were new to us, and they were special, but we weren't completely BLOWN away by the food in general. We were very impressed with how everything looked though, and got to sit outside. I hope to go back one day though. Spent just over $100.
(3)Chris S.
Solid upscale experience. Service was great. The food was well above average - my steak was cooked exactly as ordered. The calamari was unusually good. Everything from the bread to the chocolate almond crema was on point.
(4)Joshua S.
12/18/10 first visit ambience: A very tiny establishment. ok, we'll call it cozy, because it is. another thing it is is wonderful! service: A no flaws. really. i didn't like my entree and they comped it. everything else was spot on. food: B- seasoning issues for me, but my GF loved her dish. vanilla italian soda delicious. and the cream didn't split. fresco polenta LOVED the wild mushrooms, the polenta, and the fontina crema, BUT, the pomodoro was not needed. at least for me. autumn squash ravioli and braised pork belly too salty. decrease the saltiness, and it would have been amazing. carrot soup near perfect. not too sweet, and that is all i have to say. basil risotto with salmon i thought this dish was decent. my GF loved it. she has a better sense of taste than i do...wait. overall: B loved everything else, but the food didn't impress. maybe my taste buds have gone awry. anyhow, i DO want to go back and most likely will. i'll just go for a tried and true bolognese next time. bumping up the rating to 4 stars because i didn't have to pay for something i didn't like.
(4)S.J. K.
Action packed. Gnocchi is the best. Hard to find, but it's worth it in the end. Great service and atmosphere as well
(5)Kenny H.
Since I can't do half stars I'll just tell you, 3.5 stars. At times it can be a solid four stars but I'm not sure maybe a new chef... The menu changes up due to seasonal and locally used food so the focus on that and freshness is enjoyed. But other than the variation of how the meals have been prepared, I like this place for a nice romantic dinner. The service has always been impeccable, the staff friendly and attentive, great deserts and it's very small. So there is not much indoor seating. Which in most cases is nice until you get a loud group which in a small area destroys the quaint experience.
(3)Jordan G.
Fresh, flavorful food and divine desserts--that's how I would describe Fresco. My husband and I went there for our anniversary a couple of weeks ago and we had a great experience. The service was superb, the atmosphere was romantic, and the food was delicious. But don't miss out on dessert, because their pastry chef is very talented (and I'm picky about dessert). I also loved supporting a local restaurant that in turn supports local farming. No need to drive to Park City for a mouthwatering meal and fine dining--it's right here in our neighborhood! I can't wait to go back and enjoy the patio in the summertime.
(5)Gina E.
The atmosphere is on of the best in the valley, a little gem tucked away in the 15th & 15th area. Appetizers were great, but all three of the main courses were heavy on olive oil and garlic. Cannelloni was VERY bland. Risotto was the most flavorful dish. Dessert menu however was nothing to write home about.
(3)R W.
If you haven't tried the risotto at Fresco, exit Yelp immediately and atone your sins!
(5)Jean P.
Great neighborhood food place. Beautiful setting and fantastic service, I have been a fan for years when I travel to SLC.
(4)Antonietta T.
Thank. God. For. Fresco. Impeccable service, exciting wine list, consistently good food. Like Jeff from Boston said, the best nights to go are the nights with the gnocchi specials. It's easily my favorite part of the menu, and I love trying their new specials. Ask for wine recommendations to pair with your entrees, there is always someone who can offer a great wine to compliment what you've chosen. The protein dishes are always cooked to perfection, but you will never go wrong with any pasta dishes...and you may not stray from them either. And please, for the love of all things holy and powerful, don't skip dessert. Seriously, Robiola cheesecake. What's not to love about that? Robiola is an Italian cheese made from cow's and sheep's milk. It's soft, sweet, and makes an extraordinary cheesecake- and you can get it in town at Caputo's Market on 3rd South and 3rd West. Stop drooling and go try it!
(4)Aaron J.
My wife and I had dinner here a few weeks ago after wanting to dine here for months. The restaurant gets a lot of top spin from local write-up's and based on the reviews here, Yelpers seem to love the place as well. For starters we both had a the Cafe salad that was light, small and tasty. For my entree I ordered the Niman Ranch Filetto di Maiale (Pork Tenderloin), which was almost cool to the touch, very rare, and drizzled in a sauce that was very bland. My wife ordered a Pollo Piccata alla Maria (Chicken w/ Pasta) that she enjoyed, but when asked, she wouldn't get it again. We didn't stay for dessert. Without drinks and a dessert, the bill w/ tip was $92, which for what we got and the quality of the food was far too much. The atmosphere is very cool and probably deserving of another shot for the patio alone. Maybe we went on an 'off' night?
(3)Jason F.
This is a little nugget of Salt Lake food goodness tucked away in a neighborhood in Salt Lake City on the East Side. Parking can be a bit of a chore but there are hidden parking spots behind the restaurant which are not obvious. Plan on taking a few minutes to find parking. If you visit in the Winter months there are not very many tables inside. Certainly less than 20 total. During the Summer season they have a large patio area where you are able to dine. It is highly suggested that you make a reservation as this is a popular place with the locals. This is what we did and no issues getting right to our table. The chef here clearly knows how to cook and the food reflects that passion. It is the kind of place that someone like Chef Gordon Ramsey could eat at and wouldn't spit out the food or call everyone "donkeys." They create specials daily that will liven up your dining experience especially for return visits. The risotto was a little al dente for my taste. But it had good flavor. The sourdough bread was freshly made and tasty. The potato crusted Branzino was very delicious and I highly recommend it. The prices are reasonable given the caliber of food served. We had to skip desert because we were both dieting at the time. There is a Starbucks next door but like all Starbucks in Salt Lake they close early (for shame). For my return trip I will try the Brick Roasted Chicken, which I have heard is very good. You should be able to have an excellent dinner here, which will include good service. The staff was very friendly and helpful with all of our questions. They are not open for lunch. They accept opentable reservations which is a big help. Their website a menus available as well. And *no* annoying music on the web site. Do you see how they "get it?" Since I have only eaten here once and I;me very stingy with handing out five stars I need to go back again and have another experience before awarding them five stars.
(4)Katherine S.
I have enjoyed Fresco over the years as a lovely way to celebrate a special occasion but last night's dinner was really bad-the chicken and pasta were over salted and the trout was ok at best. The apple tart dessert was so tiny that everyone at the table started to laugh when it arrived-it was a 3 by 3" circle of flat pastry with one apple slice in the middle. I do not know if the usual chef was on vacation but I was embarassed at having suggested Fresco for our celebration. I like the ambience of Fresco and the outdoor patio is lovely. The service is good. Fresco is too expensive to have this mediocre of a meal.
(2)David K.
Ok well first of all, this is SLC, not Atlanta, Miami, LA, DC or NYC....so take that into account. Hands down one of the best Italian places in Utah...haha. No seriously, it's very good. Pricey, but very good. Waitstaff and hostess was great, it's a cool, cozy vibe (I typically don't like tiny spaces stuffed with tables but this place won me over). Great (and pricey) wine list. Def eat here again, but it's not a "every Tues night" kind of place. Really nice seating area outside for warm nights.
(4)Jessica M.
The place is small but looks nice. Service is pretty good. I ordered a pasta and a gelato, but not as good as other people recommended... The pasta was salty and the gelato seemed not fresh (tasted like it was put in freezer for a long time).
(3)Thomas W.
A romantic, intimate restaurant that would be great for a second date. I loved sitting outside in the cool Utah mountain air. The space heaters kept things comfortable--like a nice Fall day in June! Our waitress was very helpful, and the other staff gave support to make it a wonderful evening. I enjoyed my meal. True Italians, or foodies would give this place very mixed reviews in my opinion. The bread was warm, and enjoyable--not outstanding. We had an antipasta appetizer that was adventurous with some boar meat--very lean. The cheeses were good, not outstanding. I had a Caesar salad that was probably the weakest part of the meal. The anchovies were outstanding, but the salad was probably something I would not order again. I had the linguini carbonara which was a little too rich--too many ingredients. I had some zeppole's for dessert--very warm but a little too heavy. I enjoyed my meal, but would be anxious to try other dishes. Even though I am only giving the food an average rating--I must admit I have high standards when it comes to Italian food. If you are looking for something a little different in Salt Lake City--this would do the trick! We were the last group to leave this restaurant. Being from the East Coast I was never able to get used to the restaurants closing so early. In DC this place would be really busy at 10:00 PM! P.S. The coffee here is outstanding!
(3)MC Free W.
High-quality Italian food. Robust wine list. Intimate and romantic atmosphere. Courteous staff. An owner that cares. Fresco scores on all counts. The gnocchi are piles of pillowy potato goodness. The risotto of the day is always a creamy, al dente concoction, laced with whatever seasonal ingredients the chef fancies. My favorite entree, the Pasta Carbonara, is rich and heavenly, with a perfectly poached egg on top to puncture and mix with the rest of the ingredients. I enjoy their nice selection of after dinner cordials as well. For me, a taste of Grappa is essential to finish any quality Italian meal. As for The Blonde, she requires some type of creamy custard dessert in order to be completely satisfied. And Fresco's alarmingly good Panna Cotta does the job just fine.
(5)David S.
Good food, good service, good wine list. Nice outdoor dining in good weather, a cozy dining room in winter. I always enjoy a dinner here.
(4)Bill A.
Very nice. Service was fantastic--attentive and knowledgeable. And the food was great. Maybe a bit pricey for Italian.
(4)Adam M.
I looked for Italian food on yelp and found that out of 20 reviews Fresco had a 4 1/2 star rating so we ate here. I think that the owner of this restaurant must have written almost all of reviews because this dinner was crap. The restaurant was really cute and the service was friendly but that's it. We both ordered salads, mine was okay but the one my sister ordered was random & not good. The menu literally only had about 10 items on it including salads & appetizers so I figure that if you only make 10 total items you probably do them well, but I was wrong. We both ordered the chefs special which didn't have the price listed, but it was parmesan gnocchi with pork loin, that's not how they describe it on the menu but I don't remember how they described it. GROSS. The gnocchi was burned (how the hell do you burn gnocchi?) and the pork was covered in pepper which overpowered the whole meal. The meat sat on top of wilted spinach leaves and quartered tomatoes that were uncooked. I was completely starving and I ate half of my meal and my sister only ate about 4 bites of hers. We would have sent the whole meal back, but it took forever to get the food & we didn't want to wait around. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the sauce, it was like flavorless, clear, watered down jelly. When the bill came it was $95! Each entree was $30. WTF? I would have been pissed paying $10 for this meal but this was so lame. If I cooked this meal at home (would never happen cause I can cook) my wife would have told me it was gross, I would have agreed and we would have thrown it away. With so many good restaurants in salt lake and such a high rating I was totally let down & I'm bummed that this was our last meal before leaving. Do yourself a favor & ignore all the good yelp reviews about this place and go eat somewhere else, yeah the restaurant is cute but the food sucks.
(1)Denise L.
Food was great quality but not as good as other places of similar price. Good, but nothing exceptional. Staff was friendly and helpful, but service was overall slow. Charming atmosphere.
(3)Jeff W.
Nice atmosphere and very attentive service but overpriced and small portions. The food overall taste good but really not very memorable.
(1)Max S.
I've enjoyed occasional visits to Fresco over the past 10 years, but my most recent was a surprising disappointment. The summertime patio retains all of its charm and elegance, and our hostess was delightful and efficient during the reservation process and when we arrived. Unfortunately our experience deteriorated from there. Service was maddeningly slow. While I enjoy lingering over a good meal, taking two and a half hours to serve a straightforward meal from the menu consumes your patrons' entire evening. My past meals at Fresco have been superb without exception, but all of our entrees on this visit were unremarkable. My salmon was overcooked, oversalted and not particularly fresh. The chef's special of the night was a basil risotto with halibut. The risotto was excellent, the fish not so much. On the plus side, I appreciate Fresco's commitment to using locally grown ingredients wherever possible; my caprese was greatly enhanced by ripe heirloom tomatoes. I'm hoping that we just caught Fresco on an off night, and our experience isn't indicative of a general decline in quality at this SLC gem. I'll definitely be back to give it another go, but for now can no longer recommend it as worth the price.
(3)JP O.
Hadn't been there in about 15 years. Ate inside last night -- despite reservations for 7:30. Four of us, who go out to dinner every Friday night, this time in very noisy environment. Was given wine list, but not menus. Sat there for a while -- how would we order wine without knowing what we were going to ear? Waiter appeared to take drink order and we explained we needed to determine what were were going to eat first. Finally hostess brought menus. Had to ask another server to get our waiter. Had to ask if there were any specials. Then the waiter told us. Two in the party ordered veal breast, (on menu, not a special) one chicken and one pork. Ordered one glass Pinot Noir, one glass Soave, two glasses Chardonnay. Waiter brought one Chardonnay, two Pinots and the Soave. Sent him back. Then waiter came back and told us no veal -- so orders changed to chicken and pork. Waited a LONG time for food. When it arrived it was delicious! Finally asked for check -- waiter brought it, with the original (higher priced) veal dishes listed, not what was eventually available. Sent waiter back. Finally got right bill. Repeating -- food was delicious and imaginative. Too bad restaurant ran out of a menu item. Service was either lackadasical or incompetent -- take your pick, and if the slow meal arrival was waiter -- then I guess we should have expected it. If it was the kitchen, then there was double "misses". Too much aggravation for a "nice meal", and all four of us decided it would be at least another 15 years (or change of ownership) before we would go back..
(2)David G.
Lots of mixed reviews here but my experience was excellent. We sat outdoors for dinner on a recent Thursday evening. Service was spot-on, friendly, and helpful. The menu isn't enormous but that makes for easier decision making. Our server offered some suggestions and we were not disappointed. I had the caprese salad to start and the house made agnolotti for the entre (recommended by our server). Both were delicious. I wouldn't hesitate to return.
(5)Tom C.
Fresco is an absolute gem, tucked away so that you could easily miss it at 15th & 15th. Among the highlights: - Nice, covered outdoor seating area - Great waitstaff - Extensive (though expensive) wine list - The food is outstanding, just top-notch dining - Street parking is a breeze or you can walk to it if you live close Definitely check it out ... be prepared to spend. As another reviewer already said, a great choice for a celebratory/special meal. Probably not ideal for the kids.
(5)William B.
I have been putting off writing up my review of this restaurant because I have been trying to figure out how to do it justice. But as time passes, I realize I am unlikely to be able to manage it. This is pretty clearly the finest meal I have eaten in Salt Lake City-- I had the bruschetta assortment and fish, and the lamb bruschetta probably took first place. It is expensive, but if you're looking for a celebratory meal (or even better, somebody else is looking to buy one for you) you should go here.
(5)Dan M.
Both service and food exceptional. We hadn't been there for a while, but we'll certainly be back soon.
(5)Val E.
My boyfriend and I like to travel. We live in the Los Angeles area, but we enjoy taking quick weekend trips to anywhere there are cheap flights. In December we found cheap flights to SLC. We were skeptical. But, hey, I grew up in SoCal! The most snow I've ever seen is at DIsneyland! We bought a book about UT and in the restaurant section was this cafe. As soon as I read "attached to a bookstore" I was in. We showed up without any reservations, and despite being full the staff was extremely accommodating. They squeezed us in, and holy mother of god, am I ever glad they did. The place is tiny and adorable. It was lit dimly and the snow falling outside and warmth of the fire inside was romantic. I had the risotto, and you guys? I almost cried when I tasted it. It was THAT good. Like I said, the staff was wonderful, the food was tear-inducing... what else do you need to know? Oh, except make a reservation. Like, now. Go.
(5)Steve O.
Took clients from San Francisco. It was a home run. All of the appetizers, entrées, and desserts were beautiful and yummy. Our guests were also impressed by the local meats and produce that were well represented on the menu.
(5)Christopher W.
I think the Fresco is my favorite restaurant in Salt Lake City. I will eventually get around to reviewing other ones that I used to go to, but the Fresco stands out as a special one. First discovered by my father, through business, my parents frequented it, and then I went with them a few times. Then I went on my own several times. It is a great Italian restaurant. You should definitely check it out. Make reservations and show up 30 minutes early. Since you are early, check out the King's English bookstore next to it. It is a quaint bookshop that is a fine destination in its own right. But I digress. We're here to eat, not by books. The food is spectacular at the Fresco. Good sized portions, and a pretty diverse menu. While some people don't eat veal (and that is there choice), I think that my favorite meal there was veal though I have many different things. I definitely liked the restaurant's interior, too. It's a great establishment. I don't know if it is the same since the old chef is gone, but I think I'd risk it again...
(5)Linus A.
Very overpriced. We went there for dinner tonight. The appetizers we ordered were calamari, artichoke and antipasto. The calamari was underseasoned. The artichoke was ok but nothing great. The antipasto was OK. On the entree, the risotto was good (ordered by my companion). I ordered the roasted chicken which was really dry. All entrees wee 25-30 dollars and plainly ordinary. There are many other good choices in slc, fresco is not one of them
(2)Emily A.
Really great restaurant with a lovely patio. We made a reservation for 5:45 and were able to get a table outside. We found out those tables are first come, first serve so make an earlier reservation if you want to be outside. We tried the Meyer lemon and parsley gnocchi and the seafood linguine. They were both excellent. We also had an almond cake for dessert that was delicious.
(5)Nathan V.
I came to Salt Lake City for Sundance. Being a student and on a budget, my group decided that we would have one really nice meal out. Based on Yelp Reviews, we decided to try Fresco Italian Cafe. I wish that I had not wasted my money here. The Positives: The Atmosphere is really nice and cozy. The Negatives: Just about everything else. It was over-priced. I ordered Risotto, and it was well over 20 dollars. As a cook I can tell you that it was not worth it at all. They added marinara sauce as a garnish to a roue-based recipe. The flavors didnt work. The meal was not flavorful. The presentation was decent. Of the 8 of us that went, only one person said they thought their meal was ok. That person had fish. He said it was overly-salty however. The staff was a bit condescending. The wine-list had a good selection. Although the staff seemed to know little about wine-parings. Given that this was the only "nice" restaurant I visited in Salt Lake City, I am curious to try others. I would STRONGLY recommend you do the same. I forgot to mention. There are no vegetarian options. They had a risotto with steak that they said they could make without the steak. My non-vegie friend got the same. We both got charged the same amount! We had the same amount of rice, but he had a steak as well! They had steak on the menu by itself for 20 dollars, and I paid almost 30 dollars for just rice!
(1)Lieu N.
I'll say this: If ambiance could be eaten, it certainly is here. In the middle of winter, you can sit in the cozy restaurant and nip over to the Kings English bookstore (which is attached, which I love) while you wait for your table. In the spring/summer/fall you can sit outside on the gorgeous patio and let the night take you away... This is the most romantic restaurant in Salt Lake and I was lucky enough to find it in high school. Now in my mid thirties, I can say no other place in Salt Lake can compare for an intimate dinner with friends or a loved one. I should talk about the food, so full-bodied and creative. So fresh and clean, never overpowered by anything but on one occasion, rosemary. I can't complain, that's the stuff!!! The staff caters to you as should a restaurant of that caliber vittles. I have never once had a poor server, they are all well trained in the artistry of service.... It is a secret paradise that gets filled up fast, so make your reservations and indulge. You deserve it! If you don't, they'll never know, they'll treat you like you do regardless. Simple Perfection in every way. That's Amore!
(5)Allan B.
This restaurant is "off the charts" as my partner said. We are vegans and normally we have to adjust in order to eat out. I sent a request in with my reservation and Star and the kitchen staff went to work. They created a multi-course Vegan feast from scratch. the service, ambiance and food make this a must fir anyone in Salt Lake. The food was creative, beautifully presented and delivered by a dining staff that are professional and well trained. We can't wait to come back to Salt Lake for a visit and meal at Fresco ! Go Vegan !
(5)Rachel R.
Now that chef Lane Pellinger has moved on, I'm not sure that it would be the same, but I loved the authentic Italian deliciousness of Fresco.
(5)Shirley W.
Very cozy and romantic feel to the place, great place for a date. They have a good selection of gluten free dishes. The staff is more than happy to help you with the menu if you have any questions. Certain nights it might be very pack so I do suggest you to make reservations for dinner. Arrive little early to your reservation so you can have a drink and browse around in their waiting room which is a bookstore. I eat a lot (literally I'm eating something every 3 hours) and I never finish their entrees. I don't know whether it's because I always over order (the food is really good) or their portions are just huge. Either way it's a place you definitely need to try if you're in SLC.
(5)Vi T.
Fresco will always have a little piece of my heart. I don't go very often but I always enjoy it when I do. It's a great spot for special occasions, especially of the romantic nature but I've been there with girlfriends and family so don't let the romantic talk deter you. My favorite time to go is when the weather is warm because I love to take advantage of their quaint patio. It's really lovely with twinkling lights. It's perfectly situated in the 15th and 15th area. I wish I lived in the neighborhood because I can picture myself browsing the shelves at The King's English Bookshop and then wandering over to Fresco for a beautiful summer dinner with someone. In this scenario, the person is a significant other and we're drinking champagne with arms entwined. You know, that silly thing people do on their wedding day even though it's really awkward and everyone is staring. Ridiculous but tell me you're not picture that for yourself too. I guess I should talk about the food. Let's just get this out of the way: it's not cheap. And if you're used to American sizes, you might be disappointed in the size. If food isn't your thing, you might feel cheated, but me? I love food. I would rather spend money on food than clothes. So while the portions aren't huge, the flavor is there and it's worth it to me. It's not like it's insanely expensive and you're paying a pretty penny for 10 courses that are a bite size each. I usually leave comfortably full. The last time I went, I had their sweet potato and chestnut ravioli and it was incredible. I'm a fool for ravioli and I've been on a weird sweet potato kick but this dish took it to a whole different level. It was creamy, sweet, and nutty. The Brussels sprouts and black currants added another notch and the only downside was the fact that it's inappropriate to lick the dish clean. We got a couple of desserts that weren't really memorable but I have had good dessert there so perhaps it's hit or miss. Keep Fresco in mind the next time you want to treat someone to a nice dinner with great ambiance.
(4)Jeff W.
My wife and I ate here recently and it was absolutely great! The food was some of the best Italian I've had for a long time, and the service was great. Will definitely be telling my friends! Our server and host were both very welcoming and attentive, keep it up Fresco!
(5)sheldon b.
I live in Los Angeles, but ski in Utah one trip a year. No trip is complete without a visit to Fresco. The food, the ambience and service and unfailingly wonderful.
(5)Candice S.
My darling dearest took me out for a quiet and delightful evening sans ankle biters and surprised me by bringing me to Fresco for the first time. We were one of the first tables to arrive for the evening. We received a warm welcome from our hostess and settled in to peruse the lovely menu. I was very pleased with the vegetarian options and we quickly chose the fresco polenta and roasted red pepper soup to start. The polenta really hit the spot! Cooked to perfection topped with wild mushrooms, pecorino and a fresh pomodoro (the menu said pesto but I don't recall it showing up on the plate.) The pecorino brought up the salt level a little too much for my liking, but tasty regardless. The red pepper soup was a transcendent experience. Too dramatic? Maybe. But from the presentation to the flavor elements to the little herbed mozzarella ball floating in the middle, I was in heaven! Husband ordered a featured chocolate tasting menu in conjunction with Chocolate: The Exhibition at the Natural History Museum. A splurge at $40, but the included dishes were unique and inventive (Chocolate fettuccine with duck, salad greens with sausage and a dark chocolate vinaigrette and a rich hot chocolate with a fried pastry.) I chose the sweet potato and chestnut ravioli. The dish was lovely and creative but it fell a bit flat for me. Again, overly salty and Brussels sprouts and currants did not work for me in the slightest. Ravioli itself was delicious, but not worth picking through the rest. Fresco offered a relaxed atmosphere with excellent service. It's definitely something special.
(4)Amelie B.
Okay so here is my two cents. We went there on a romantic night out. We reserved a table for two but if you go you need to be more specific and order your table outside in the summer.. We ended up inside (almost the only ones) which was okay I guess.. Truth to be told the food was OK.. but WAY TOO pricy. I ordered the veal pasta but there was so little veal in my plate you needed to hunt for it. you could barely feel it. The menu needed to mention with veal essence or a tiny hint of veal. My husband ordered another pasta dish which turned out to be a very pricy meat ball pasta :) .. All and all it was OK.. Not too impressed. Not bad to try it once I suppose.. Cheers,
(2)Jessie M.
LOVED the atmosphere, but the food was not good enough for me. Below average with a little above average price. The atmosphere is quiet and romantic, too bad the food won't have me coming back.
(3)Brant B.
We love this place. The soups are always exquisite. In general the food presents a sleek and modern presentation of Classic Italian methods and the freshest ingredients. Looking forward to our next return!
(5)A S.
Not so great ambiance & service were great, but 4 of the 5 entrees were very mediocre the gnocchi & sausage special of the evening was full of flavor and delicious. I ordered the veal pasta / ravioli with a whey and curd sage sauce. It was completely without flavor except for a lingering sour taste from the whey. Weird and definitely too much for a main dish. To others at the table ordered the fettucini with saffron bay scallops and shrimp. Neither of them like theirs either again there was really very little flavor . The actual pasta noodles were quite, good but there was really nothing else going on with the dish. The Caesar salad and the fig and arugula salad were very tasty I wish I could just ordered that for my meal I would have been a lot less dissapointed.
(2)Dave D.
After a hiatus we return again to Fresco, once our go-to restaurant. Could it work out again, after so many years apart? Yes. Our server chose most of the menu for the evening and did so capably. A polenta starter had all the right textures and flavors. A Caesar salad was spot on. The pasta suggested by our server came with house made mozzarella and house made sausage. Unspeakably satisfying on a cool winter evening. A perfectly paced meal. Attentive skilled service. Who serves better Italian in Salt Lake than this? Cozy, romantic, intimate.
(5)Craig H.
Once you discover Fresco in the small house behind and between two picturesque brick buildings you find a tiny, packed, meticulous little Italian restaurant with fantastic food, distinct entrees and impeccable service. Definitely worth the discovery.
(4)Sarah C.
Water immediately., but good thing we weren't very hungry as it took over 45 mins to get the next course after water...a salad..... Place needs to get rid of atleast 3 tables. My chair was in an aisle and servers were hitting the back of it constantly. my hubby's back was pushed against the persons behind him. it was bright, noisy, expensive and crowded. My Tuna was awesome, Kale salad great! My hubby's dish was incomplete as the kitchen ran out of a main ingredient. .Even without the ingredient, it wasn't that good anyways. not a big loss. Food gets a 2 Ambiance gets a 2.5 Glad we had a 100.00 gift card.
(2)Alida S.
We are in SLC several times a year (medical), and the trip is never complete without a dinner at Fresco. The food is always lovely, they have good wine, nice desserts. They are always very on the ball accommodating the gluten-free necessity, and do it graciously. Service is lovely and attentive in general. The only negative really is the proximity of the other diners, I understand the place is small, but when you are constantly being bumped into, it gets annoying. Hence the subtraction of one star! We will still keep coming.
(4)David K.
Ok well first of all, this is SLC, not Atlanta, Miami, LA, DC or NYC....so take that into account. Hands down one of the best Italian places in Utah...haha. No seriously, it's very good. Pricey, but very good. Waitstaff and hostess was great, it's a cool, cozy vibe (I typically don't like tiny spaces stuffed with tables but this place won me over). Great (and pricey) wine list. Def eat here again, but it's not a "every Tues night" kind of place. Really nice seating area outside for warm nights.
(4)S.J. K.
Action packed. Gnocchi is the best. Hard to find, but it's worth it in the end. Great service and atmosphere as well
(5)R W.
If you haven't tried the risotto at Fresco, exit Yelp immediately and atone your sins!
(5)Dan H.
This is one of the best restaurants I've ever experienced. From having lived in Italy for ten years, it is the most authentically northern Italian cuisine that I had since I've been back. The restaurant itself is hard to find because it is in a converted house in the Sugar House neighborhood, which is one of Salt Lake City's oldest and quaintest. The home setting makes it an intimate experience and lends itself to romantic dining even though there were two tables of kids when we were there. The seared polenta came highly recommended but we went with the soup special, and the Beet & Chevre Gratin, which was beets, fried basil, charred fava beans, and balsamic reduction. It was unbelievable. Our main dishes were the risotto, which was the special and served with prawn, and the Meyer Lemon & Parsley Gnocci. This gnocci was the best I have ever had. The people at the table next to us asked us what we had ordered and they had the same reaction when they got their gnocci. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! For dessert we went with the Tiramisu (fantastic) and the Mascarpone Cheescake, which I would order again and again and again. It is make with a cherry sauce (Gelee) and bourbon plumped cherries and a gingersnap cookie. perfect! There are four other small restaurants right on the same corner as this little gemstone and so we have decided to designate this as an area of continued interest. However, it will be quite a while before we're able to walk past Fresco without veering in to dine there.
(5)Natalie C.
It's not often that you find neighborhood joint that is always on point. I love that I can walk to and from here (when the weather is good). Also, I appreciate that's is tucked away from the main corridor on 15th East, so you get the serenity of a shaded patio and privacy of a cozy dining room. Fresco and I go way back - I had my first meal here at least ten years ago. That first time, my mother brought me here and since then I've kept it my little secret. Usually dining here when my mother comes to Utah for a visit, for special occasions with my man friend (yes, I've only ever brought one here), and most recently for dinner with my partner's parents. Their menu changes like the weather in Utah so don't get too infatuated with a single item. Some of my favorite staples are the polenta appetizer (usually served with some melange of wild mushrooms), the soup du jour, fresh stuffed pasta that is made in-house, and market fish. You'll never the same thing twice, they present their dishes beautifully, it's always fresh, and delicious. Just, please, don't bring your loud, obnoxious groups or rowdy children. I'd like to keep this little gem a secret between you and me.
(5)Kirsten H.
My fave restaurant in Salt Lake! Food to die for...ambiance galor...LOVE this place. Menu changes frequently; super fresh ingredients.
(5)Val W.
What the hell happened? This place used to be so lovely and now? Pffft. I had a dish with scallops on it. There were, literally, three scallops and they were the size of a quarter. Spouse had a pasta dish that tasted as if library paste was one of the ingredients. And the prices were simply ridiculous. I am sad that this place has gone downhill. The atmosphere and neighborhood feel is so lovely but the food just doesn't match.
(1)Emily A.
Really great restaurant with a lovely patio. We made a reservation for 5:45 and were able to get a table outside. We found out those tables are first come, first serve so make an earlier reservation if you want to be outside. We tried the Meyer lemon and parsley gnocchi and the seafood linguine. They were both excellent. We also had an almond cake for dessert that was delicious.
(5)Gina E.
The atmosphere is on of the best in the valley, a little gem tucked away in the 15th & 15th area. Appetizers were great, but all three of the main courses were heavy on olive oil and garlic. Cannelloni was VERY bland. Risotto was the most flavorful dish. Dessert menu however was nothing to write home about.
(3)Kenny H.
Since I can't do half stars I'll just tell you, 3.5 stars. At times it can be a solid four stars but I'm not sure maybe a new chef... The menu changes up due to seasonal and locally used food so the focus on that and freshness is enjoyed. But other than the variation of how the meals have been prepared, I like this place for a nice romantic dinner. The service has always been impeccable, the staff friendly and attentive, great deserts and it's very small. So there is not much indoor seating. Which in most cases is nice until you get a loud group which in a small area destroys the quaint experience.
(3)Candice S.
My darling dearest took me out for a quiet and delightful evening sans ankle biters and surprised me by bringing me to Fresco for the first time. We were one of the first tables to arrive for the evening. We received a warm welcome from our hostess and settled in to peruse the lovely menu. I was very pleased with the vegetarian options and we quickly chose the fresco polenta and roasted red pepper soup to start. The polenta really hit the spot! Cooked to perfection topped with wild mushrooms, pecorino and a fresh pomodoro (the menu said pesto but I don't recall it showing up on the plate.) The pecorino brought up the salt level a little too much for my liking, but tasty regardless. The red pepper soup was a transcendent experience. Too dramatic? Maybe. But from the presentation to the flavor elements to the little herbed mozzarella ball floating in the middle, I was in heaven! Husband ordered a featured chocolate tasting menu in conjunction with Chocolate: The Exhibition at the Natural History Museum. A splurge at $40, but the included dishes were unique and inventive (Chocolate fettuccine with duck, salad greens with sausage and a dark chocolate vinaigrette and a rich hot chocolate with a fried pastry.) I chose the sweet potato and chestnut ravioli. The dish was lovely and creative but it fell a bit flat for me. Again, overly salty and Brussels sprouts and currants did not work for me in the slightest. Ravioli itself was delicious, but not worth picking through the rest. Fresco offered a relaxed atmosphere with excellent service. It's definitely something special.
(4)Amelie B.
Okay so here is my two cents. We went there on a romantic night out. We reserved a table for two but if you go you need to be more specific and order your table outside in the summer.. We ended up inside (almost the only ones) which was okay I guess.. Truth to be told the food was OK.. but WAY TOO pricy. I ordered the veal pasta but there was so little veal in my plate you needed to hunt for it. you could barely feel it. The menu needed to mention with veal essence or a tiny hint of veal. My husband ordered another pasta dish which turned out to be a very pricy meat ball pasta :) .. All and all it was OK.. Not too impressed. Not bad to try it once I suppose.. Cheers,
(2)Jessie M.
LOVED the atmosphere, but the food was not good enough for me. Below average with a little above average price. The atmosphere is quiet and romantic, too bad the food won't have me coming back.
(3)Brant B.
We love this place. The soups are always exquisite. In general the food presents a sleek and modern presentation of Classic Italian methods and the freshest ingredients. Looking forward to our next return!
(5)Jeff W.
My wife and I ate here recently and it was absolutely great! The food was some of the best Italian I've had for a long time, and the service was great. Will definitely be telling my friends! Our server and host were both very welcoming and attentive, keep it up Fresco!
(5)sheldon b.
I live in Los Angeles, but ski in Utah one trip a year. No trip is complete without a visit to Fresco. The food, the ambience and service and unfailingly wonderful.
(5)A S.
Not so great ambiance & service were great, but 4 of the 5 entrees were very mediocre the gnocchi & sausage special of the evening was full of flavor and delicious. I ordered the veal pasta / ravioli with a whey and curd sage sauce. It was completely without flavor except for a lingering sour taste from the whey. Weird and definitely too much for a main dish. To others at the table ordered the fettucini with saffron bay scallops and shrimp. Neither of them like theirs either again there was really very little flavor . The actual pasta noodles were quite, good but there was really nothing else going on with the dish. The Caesar salad and the fig and arugula salad were very tasty I wish I could just ordered that for my meal I would have been a lot less dissapointed.
(2)Dave D.
After a hiatus we return again to Fresco, once our go-to restaurant. Could it work out again, after so many years apart? Yes. Our server chose most of the menu for the evening and did so capably. A polenta starter had all the right textures and flavors. A Caesar salad was spot on. The pasta suggested by our server came with house made mozzarella and house made sausage. Unspeakably satisfying on a cool winter evening. A perfectly paced meal. Attentive skilled service. Who serves better Italian in Salt Lake than this? Cozy, romantic, intimate.
(5)Craig H.
Once you discover Fresco in the small house behind and between two picturesque brick buildings you find a tiny, packed, meticulous little Italian restaurant with fantastic food, distinct entrees and impeccable service. Definitely worth the discovery.
(4)Sarah C.
Water immediately., but good thing we weren't very hungry as it took over 45 mins to get the next course after water...a salad..... Place needs to get rid of atleast 3 tables. My chair was in an aisle and servers were hitting the back of it constantly. my hubby's back was pushed against the persons behind him. it was bright, noisy, expensive and crowded. My Tuna was awesome, Kale salad great! My hubby's dish was incomplete as the kitchen ran out of a main ingredient. .Even without the ingredient, it wasn't that good anyways. not a big loss. Food gets a 2 Ambiance gets a 2.5 Glad we had a 100.00 gift card.
(2)Alida S.
We are in SLC several times a year (medical), and the trip is never complete without a dinner at Fresco. The food is always lovely, they have good wine, nice desserts. They are always very on the ball accommodating the gluten-free necessity, and do it graciously. Service is lovely and attentive in general. The only negative really is the proximity of the other diners, I understand the place is small, but when you are constantly being bumped into, it gets annoying. Hence the subtraction of one star! We will still keep coming.
(4)Mike O.
This place was once home to Afterwords. It was a play on the King's English Bookstore. I liked the Pot Roast Rabelais. I didn't get the reference then but just now figured it out thanks to Wikipedia ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fr… ). They did these potatoes in a au gratin style that were simply the best thing I've have ever eaten before or since. Afterwords is now long gone. They call it Fresco Italian Cafe. David Harry started it and Lane Pellinger took it over. Don't know who runs the show now but my guess is it's superb. It's been a long time since I was there. You shouldn't consider anything I have to say about the place when deciding whether or not to eat here. My most recent experience is with Mazza out front. Now that's something I can talk about. Look at their average stars. This place is solid. Consider the neighborhood. There's a reason this place is in business and will continue to remain in business. It's simply phenomenal in every sense of the word. The owners, the kitchen help, even the busboy and dishwasher know what they are doing. Go. Eat. Enjoy!
(5)A N.
This is a unique place with fantastic food. The atmosphere is perfect for a more intimate quiet dinner for two, or with a small group. The chef specials are fantastic with tastefully paired flavors. The salads and deserts will not disappoint either. You can expect a variety of freshly baked breads, extremely prompt service, and wonderful food options. If you are unfamiliar with Italian food vocabulary you may find the menu difficult to understand but the servers are happy to explain any dish. This place is in a class not many SLC restaurants are privileged to be a part of. For a fine dining experience I highly recommend Fresco.
(5)Neha S.
I loved this place the first time I tried it which was a couple of years ago. Last week's dinner experience was "Meh". The mushroom app was delicious. I had the fettuccine entree and my hubby had the risotto special. They were both so-so. We tried the cannoli for dessert and did not like it. It was too heavy and dry. It was too pricy for mediocre food... Disappointing..
(2)Nicki N.
Fresco is a wonderful place for a romantic dinner (or any special occasion). The staff is incredibly accommodating and knowledgable, the manager Cherie is delightful and personable, and their chef Logen Crew is truly one of Salt Lake's finest. A renovated house with an ivy-lined patio and garden, their location and ambience is magical. The wine list is one of the best in SLC, clearly hand-picked with much care and knowledge. Highly recommended.
(5)Erika K.
Wonderful atmosphere for a date or cozy family gathering. There is minimal decor and a lovely fireplace. I had the Wagyu beef and it was AWESOME! It came with perfect gnocchi. I had been once before and had the risotto and didn't love it. It was very rich and buttery. I don't think I have ever had risotto in a restaurant, so maybe this is exactly how it supposed to be prepared. I am not well versed in Italian cuisine, but I didn't like the risotto. My husband always loves the pasta dishes that he orders. Very fly waitstaff.
(4)Julie D.
We arrived in Salt Lake City late on a Saturday night. We had a red eye flight, so we had plenty of time for a nice dinner. BJ found this restaurant while using my Yelp iPhone app. I was a little put off by the location. We were driving thru a residentual neighborhood! What? We must be lost. And finally, we saw a cute, tiny little block of businesses..... With no reservation, we were pleased to get the last available table on their beautiful outdoor patio. So serene. Loved the ivy covered arbor and the stone paved floor. Our server was okay, but the rest of the waitstaff crew was great. I got freshed brewed ice tea, very good flavor and BJ opted for a local beer. I got a bowl of chilled califlower soup. The soup was truly amazing. Definately the best soup I have ever eaten, awesome flavor. For my meal, I got a Watercress and Beet Salad. It was nice nice, enjoyed the golden beets and the orange and walnut dressing. BJ got a the Prawns and Calamari. Loved the torchio pasta and the arugula. Wasn't quite spicy enough, so BJ added some red pepper flake. The shrimp and calamari were perfectly cooked. Everything was so good, we knew that we couldn't pass on dessert. We shared a ricotta cheesecake with apricot and cherry compote. So good! We would definately go out of our way to visit this restaurant again, the next time we are in Salt Lake.
(5)Gary A.
This place always impresses from its ever changing menu and creativity. Most importantly you never feel rushed and can really enjoy not only the great food but also your company. I always recommend this place!!!
(5)Nate S.
I love Fresco with a deep, abiding affection that goes back decades. Whenever I return, not only is that fondness confirmed, I experience at least one refiring of the original passion. In recent memory, the trigger for my swoon has been their soups, of all things. Order whatever soup is on at Fresco. They are exceptional. Giver yourself enough time to wander The King's English before or after you eat, and don't be afraid to do so with a glass of Fresco's lovely wine in hand. If you have a chance to eat al fresco at Fresco, take it. If not, you'll love the quiet intimacy of the interior. There are newer, louder, more brashly self-congratulatory Italian restaurants in Salt Lake, but they do not compare favorably. Fresco remains singular - a very good thing.
(4)Jordan G.
Fresh, flavorful food and divine desserts--that's how I would describe Fresco. My husband and I went there for our anniversary a couple of weeks ago and we had a great experience. The service was superb, the atmosphere was romantic, and the food was delicious. But don't miss out on dessert, because their pastry chef is very talented (and I'm picky about dessert). I also loved supporting a local restaurant that in turn supports local farming. No need to drive to Park City for a mouthwatering meal and fine dining--it's right here in our neighborhood! I can't wait to go back and enjoy the patio in the summertime.
(5)Lisa P.
Came here with a group of 6 on a Sunday evening after getting many recommendations from my coworkers. I used OpenTable for a reservation and could only get a 6pm or 9pm reservation. The odd part is that by the time we left the restaurant at 8pm, there were only 2 other tables seated. I was totally confused as to why we couldn't have a 7pm reservation if they didn't' have any other tables. Not a huge deal, but thought it was odd. My friend speculated that maybe they were going for the "unavailable" appearance. I digress. The restaurant was pretty hard to find because it's not located on the street, but through a tiny opening next to Mazza and around the back of the strip. The restaurant is extremely cozy (aka tiny) and minimally decorated. Definitely a white tablecloth restaurant. We didn't really know what to expect, but it was more formal than we were anticipating. Service was great - no complaints there. On to the food. To be honest, i can't remember many specifics. It was definitely good, but judging by my lack of memory, nothing extraordinary. We got a decent bottle of red wine at the waitress's recommendation. I started with the house salad, and had the pork chops as my entree. The food was well prepared, however I was not particularly impressed with the menu in general. Nothing creative and everything seemed too ordinary. The reason i give Fresco 3 stars instead of 4 is the prices. Definitely not worth the big price tag for the ordinary (albeit well prepared) food. The bill came out to about $500 for our party of 6, including the bottle of wine and two desserts. I probably won't be coming back to Fresco's. It was nice to try once, but I would rather go back to Cafe Trio - much better prices, more creative menu, and less stuffy atmosphere.
(3)Bob A.
First, I have to mention that the only time I have been to fresco's was this thanksgiving. Anyway, I am a vegetarian so I called ahead, a few days before, to make sure that they would have a vegetarian option and requested that they put a note on my reservation. I was assured that they would accommodate my dietary restrictions. However, when I showed up, they had no vegetarian option and then charged me the full set menu price ($$$$) for a side of mash potatoes and cranberries (uck). Extremely disappointed. To make matters worse, I had a waiter that didn't know how to open a bottle of champagne, passed dishes across the table (over my girlfriend), and then asked us to remove our silver wear from our dirty plates to reuse. Totally unprofessional. I don't think I will be going back.
(1)Justine J.
Made reservations and I am glad I did! This place was packed on a Friday night, but I could see why -- this place is beautiful, homey and in a great neighborhood. Opt for the patio seating if it's available. We brought in our own bottle of wine and paid the $12 corkage. Worth it to have the exact wine that I want. Then ordered the antipasto to start with. Delicious. I would highly recommend this to share -- all cheeses and meats were local. For dinner I ordered the risotto of the day (prawn parmesan) and it was good, not great. A little too salty and the risotto was still a bit firm. Maybe needed another minute of cooking and then the texture would have been perfect. But again, I thought the dish was wayyyy oversalted and thus, the cheesiness wasn't really allowed to shine through. My companion ordered the duck ragu, which of course, he snarffed down. Really no complaints from his end and he enjoyed being able to try duck for the first time. If you're looking for fast service, do not come here...but this is really not a complaint of mine. I was looking for a leisurely, slow-paced dinner and this is exactly what I received. The service was great! Don't expect to be in-and-out within an hour. Good Italian takes time.
(4)Ryan H.
Every time ive been it has been fantastic. Amazing fresh and from scratch cuisine.
(5)Jeff F.
I checked out Fresco for Dinner on Saturday and was impressed. I haven't incredibly light, inspired Gnocchi since I hit up Spinasse in Seattle tinyurl.com/yjrrquw . I was blown away, probably because I thought SLC was a bastion of chain food without any incredible restaurants. Fresco was impressive - you could drop it in Boston, SF or just about any other Tier 1 city and they would do well. Fresco is quaint little restaurant about 10 minutes from downtown SLC. To classify it as simply Italian would be lazy. Fresco is more what I consider to be "modern Italian" because the food is incredibly light, flavorful and perfectly presented. I followed up the Gnocchi special with the Garganelli alla Bolognese (Veal and Pork Ragu, Ricotta Salata, Chives). Bolognese is common in many Italian restaurants but you won't find this often - another excellent, light pasta dish with a Bolognese that may have you inhaling pasta. Wrapped up the dinner with the Rack of Lamb served medium rare with Chevre Potato Puree, Stewed Mediterranean Vegetables, Rosemary Jus - one word - awesome. Important to note is that I was sharing all of these plates and our server had these three courses plated separately for us - this was above and beyond and greatly appreciated. Finally, we ended with the Chocolate Spice & Everything Nice (Warm Chocolate Spice Cake, Chilled Chocolate Espresso Soup, Cinnamon Infused Whipped Cream) - keeping it simple, I rate this - retarded... that means exceptional. Highly recommend trying Fresco for some truly inspired food.
(5)Max S.
I can't explain why i don't t like this place. It is very pretentious, serves mediocre overpriced food, has a very nice selection of vines, always crowded, and parking in that area is a bitch. Based on these factors, Fresco suppose to be a nice place, and yet it does not meet my expectations. I gave this place several tries, and finally decided I will not be back.
(2)Lexi S.
Had a lovely evening at Fresco's on Friday but am downgrading my review today for numerous reasons. I have been a frequent Fresco diner and it is still one of my favorite Italian places in Salt Lake. However, on Friday, it proved to be my favorite spot for ambiance...not for flavor. I was so dissapointed to find that the pasta portion sizes seemed smaller while the price tag, outrageous. I understand overhead for small business, making the bills and all that comes with owning your own restaurant. But, gnocci are not expensive...go ahead, charge me $20 for the dish, but throw a few more dumplings on the pile. Not to mention, it was over salted and the sauce didn't do much for the gnocci. The lamb bolognese was the dish I was most excited about but it came out pretty bland. The flavor of the lamb was nice but it was screaming for some salt and that long, slow cooked together flavor that we all know and love from a good bolognese. I will say, I started the evening with the soup of the day...it was a velvety carrot bisque and it delivered on flavor. Again, price point was high but it was fabuluous, so that works for me. Service was terrific as usual...Skyler is so pleasant and sweet that you want him to sit down and have a glass of wine with your table. The evening was still lovely...the ambiance in the small space inside is warm, inviting and cozy. I will continue to dine here...I just hope that they continue to put out flavorful food and not the dissappointing entrees that we encountered this time.
(3)Becky G.
My husband and I went here for our 1 year wedding anniversary (4 years ago) and it was our first time fine dining. We absolutely loved the atmosphere. It was quiet, and romantic. And the staff was helpful. They brought us a sample of raw fish, and I fell in love. The husband tried calamari, and thought it was okay. I tried cous cous. The flavors were new to us, and they were special, but we weren't completely BLOWN away by the food in general. We were very impressed with how everything looked though, and got to sit outside. I hope to go back one day though. Spent just over $100.
(3)Chris S.
Solid upscale experience. Service was great. The food was well above average - my steak was cooked exactly as ordered. The calamari was unusually good. Everything from the bread to the chocolate almond crema was on point.
(4)Joshua S.
12/18/10 first visit ambience: A very tiny establishment. ok, we'll call it cozy, because it is. another thing it is is wonderful! service: A no flaws. really. i didn't like my entree and they comped it. everything else was spot on. food: B- seasoning issues for me, but my GF loved her dish. vanilla italian soda delicious. and the cream didn't split. fresco polenta LOVED the wild mushrooms, the polenta, and the fontina crema, BUT, the pomodoro was not needed. at least for me. autumn squash ravioli and braised pork belly too salty. decrease the saltiness, and it would have been amazing. carrot soup near perfect. not too sweet, and that is all i have to say. basil risotto with salmon i thought this dish was decent. my GF loved it. she has a better sense of taste than i do...wait. overall: B loved everything else, but the food didn't impress. maybe my taste buds have gone awry. anyhow, i DO want to go back and most likely will. i'll just go for a tried and true bolognese next time. bumping up the rating to 4 stars because i didn't have to pay for something i didn't like.
(4)Jason K.
I give five stars for atmosphere, four stars for service, and two and a half stars for food. I would give three and a half stars if I could since I liked it better than Cucina Toscana. We dined here early on a lazy Sunday evening...as a result, there were only two other occupied tables. We ate al fresco on the veranda under a small trellis while cool jazz was piped outside, and it was beautiful. Our server might have been new, as she seemed a little nervous and unsure of herself, but she was friendly and tried very hard to please. Little slip ups included forgetting our bread and not noticing I was missing my silverware, but these oversights were promptly corrected. I started with a daily special, the cream of asparagus soup. It was nicely creamy and rich, but was lukewarm when served and missing the promised parmesan tuille (too bad because it would have really benefitted from the textural contrast). It was also a little underseasoned. My wife had the cafe salad which included local greens, candied walnuts, apple, a toasted fontina crouton, and a sherry-thyme vinaigrette. She really enjoyed it but since I'm allergic to nuts, I did not partake of this treat. I chose another special for my entree, a sauteed fillet of wild, king salmon with steamed mussels and clams on a bed of diced yukon gold potatoes, ham, wild mushrooms, and spinach. The salmon had a nicely crisped skin, but was slightly overcooked and thus a little dry. The mussels and clams were perfectly steamed and succulent but the accompanying "hash" was again a little underseasoned. My wife had the linguine primavera. This pasta tasted homemade and was nicely al dente. But curiously, the list of vegetables included cauliflower, carrots, and mushrooms which I associate much more with winter. How about some nice English peas which were all over the menu, or even some heirloom tomatoes which would provide some much needed acidity? Aside from this, the dish included asparagus and steamed artichoke hearts, and was served with a very light vegetable broth. The problem with this dish, aside from underseasoning, was that it was very one-note. It screamed for some acidity or some textural contrast...how about slicing the artichoke hearts thinly then deep-frying them for a garnish? The short dessert list did not inspire us so we passed. Including a bottle of sparkling water, tax and tip, dinner cost us $94...pretty steep for what we got. Considering some of the other reviews, I wonder if the regular chef had the day off...in any case, we loved the atmosphere if not the food.
(3)Greg A.
Wow!!.. excellent and quaint little place. The pork medallions and dessert doughnuts were outstanding.
(5)Jean P.
Great neighborhood food place. Beautiful setting and fantastic service, I have been a fan for years when I travel to SLC.
(4)Antonietta T.
Thank. God. For. Fresco. Impeccable service, exciting wine list, consistently good food. Like Jeff from Boston said, the best nights to go are the nights with the gnocchi specials. It's easily my favorite part of the menu, and I love trying their new specials. Ask for wine recommendations to pair with your entrees, there is always someone who can offer a great wine to compliment what you've chosen. The protein dishes are always cooked to perfection, but you will never go wrong with any pasta dishes...and you may not stray from them either. And please, for the love of all things holy and powerful, don't skip dessert. Seriously, Robiola cheesecake. What's not to love about that? Robiola is an Italian cheese made from cow's and sheep's milk. It's soft, sweet, and makes an extraordinary cheesecake- and you can get it in town at Caputo's Market on 3rd South and 3rd West. Stop drooling and go try it!
(4)Aaron J.
My wife and I had dinner here a few weeks ago after wanting to dine here for months. The restaurant gets a lot of top spin from local write-up's and based on the reviews here, Yelpers seem to love the place as well. For starters we both had a the Cafe salad that was light, small and tasty. For my entree I ordered the Niman Ranch Filetto di Maiale (Pork Tenderloin), which was almost cool to the touch, very rare, and drizzled in a sauce that was very bland. My wife ordered a Pollo Piccata alla Maria (Chicken w/ Pasta) that she enjoyed, but when asked, she wouldn't get it again. We didn't stay for dessert. Without drinks and a dessert, the bill w/ tip was $92, which for what we got and the quality of the food was far too much. The atmosphere is very cool and probably deserving of another shot for the patio alone. Maybe we went on an 'off' night?
(3)Jason F.
This is a little nugget of Salt Lake food goodness tucked away in a neighborhood in Salt Lake City on the East Side. Parking can be a bit of a chore but there are hidden parking spots behind the restaurant which are not obvious. Plan on taking a few minutes to find parking. If you visit in the Winter months there are not very many tables inside. Certainly less than 20 total. During the Summer season they have a large patio area where you are able to dine. It is highly suggested that you make a reservation as this is a popular place with the locals. This is what we did and no issues getting right to our table. The chef here clearly knows how to cook and the food reflects that passion. It is the kind of place that someone like Chef Gordon Ramsey could eat at and wouldn't spit out the food or call everyone "donkeys." They create specials daily that will liven up your dining experience especially for return visits. The risotto was a little al dente for my taste. But it had good flavor. The sourdough bread was freshly made and tasty. The potato crusted Branzino was very delicious and I highly recommend it. The prices are reasonable given the caliber of food served. We had to skip desert because we were both dieting at the time. There is a Starbucks next door but like all Starbucks in Salt Lake they close early (for shame). For my return trip I will try the Brick Roasted Chicken, which I have heard is very good. You should be able to have an excellent dinner here, which will include good service. The staff was very friendly and helpful with all of our questions. They are not open for lunch. They accept opentable reservations which is a big help. Their website a menus available as well. And *no* annoying music on the web site. Do you see how they "get it?" Since I have only eaten here once and I;me very stingy with handing out five stars I need to go back again and have another experience before awarding them five stars.
(4)Katherine S.
I have enjoyed Fresco over the years as a lovely way to celebrate a special occasion but last night's dinner was really bad-the chicken and pasta were over salted and the trout was ok at best. The apple tart dessert was so tiny that everyone at the table started to laugh when it arrived-it was a 3 by 3" circle of flat pastry with one apple slice in the middle. I do not know if the usual chef was on vacation but I was embarassed at having suggested Fresco for our celebration. I like the ambience of Fresco and the outdoor patio is lovely. The service is good. Fresco is too expensive to have this mediocre of a meal.
(2)Adam M.
I looked for Italian food on yelp and found that out of 20 reviews Fresco had a 4 1/2 star rating so we ate here. I think that the owner of this restaurant must have written almost all of reviews because this dinner was crap. The restaurant was really cute and the service was friendly but that's it. We both ordered salads, mine was okay but the one my sister ordered was random & not good. The menu literally only had about 10 items on it including salads & appetizers so I figure that if you only make 10 total items you probably do them well, but I was wrong. We both ordered the chefs special which didn't have the price listed, but it was parmesan gnocchi with pork loin, that's not how they describe it on the menu but I don't remember how they described it. GROSS. The gnocchi was burned (how the hell do you burn gnocchi?) and the pork was covered in pepper which overpowered the whole meal. The meat sat on top of wilted spinach leaves and quartered tomatoes that were uncooked. I was completely starving and I ate half of my meal and my sister only ate about 4 bites of hers. We would have sent the whole meal back, but it took forever to get the food & we didn't want to wait around. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the sauce, it was like flavorless, clear, watered down jelly. When the bill came it was $95! Each entree was $30. WTF? I would have been pissed paying $10 for this meal but this was so lame. If I cooked this meal at home (would never happen cause I can cook) my wife would have told me it was gross, I would have agreed and we would have thrown it away. With so many good restaurants in salt lake and such a high rating I was totally let down & I'm bummed that this was our last meal before leaving. Do yourself a favor & ignore all the good yelp reviews about this place and go eat somewhere else, yeah the restaurant is cute but the food sucks.
(1)Denise L.
Food was great quality but not as good as other places of similar price. Good, but nothing exceptional. Staff was friendly and helpful, but service was overall slow. Charming atmosphere.
(3)Jeff W.
Nice atmosphere and very attentive service but overpriced and small portions. The food overall taste good but really not very memorable.
(1)Max S.
I've enjoyed occasional visits to Fresco over the past 10 years, but my most recent was a surprising disappointment. The summertime patio retains all of its charm and elegance, and our hostess was delightful and efficient during the reservation process and when we arrived. Unfortunately our experience deteriorated from there. Service was maddeningly slow. While I enjoy lingering over a good meal, taking two and a half hours to serve a straightforward meal from the menu consumes your patrons' entire evening. My past meals at Fresco have been superb without exception, but all of our entrees on this visit were unremarkable. My salmon was overcooked, oversalted and not particularly fresh. The chef's special of the night was a basil risotto with halibut. The risotto was excellent, the fish not so much. On the plus side, I appreciate Fresco's commitment to using locally grown ingredients wherever possible; my caprese was greatly enhanced by ripe heirloom tomatoes. I'm hoping that we just caught Fresco on an off night, and our experience isn't indicative of a general decline in quality at this SLC gem. I'll definitely be back to give it another go, but for now can no longer recommend it as worth the price.
(3)JP O.
Hadn't been there in about 15 years. Ate inside last night -- despite reservations for 7:30. Four of us, who go out to dinner every Friday night, this time in very noisy environment. Was given wine list, but not menus. Sat there for a while -- how would we order wine without knowing what we were going to ear? Waiter appeared to take drink order and we explained we needed to determine what were were going to eat first. Finally hostess brought menus. Had to ask another server to get our waiter. Had to ask if there were any specials. Then the waiter told us. Two in the party ordered veal breast, (on menu, not a special) one chicken and one pork. Ordered one glass Pinot Noir, one glass Soave, two glasses Chardonnay. Waiter brought one Chardonnay, two Pinots and the Soave. Sent him back. Then waiter came back and told us no veal -- so orders changed to chicken and pork. Waited a LONG time for food. When it arrived it was delicious! Finally asked for check -- waiter brought it, with the original (higher priced) veal dishes listed, not what was eventually available. Sent waiter back. Finally got right bill. Repeating -- food was delicious and imaginative. Too bad restaurant ran out of a menu item. Service was either lackadasical or incompetent -- take your pick, and if the slow meal arrival was waiter -- then I guess we should have expected it. If it was the kitchen, then there was double "misses". Too much aggravation for a "nice meal", and all four of us decided it would be at least another 15 years (or change of ownership) before we would go back..
(2)David G.
Lots of mixed reviews here but my experience was excellent. We sat outdoors for dinner on a recent Thursday evening. Service was spot-on, friendly, and helpful. The menu isn't enormous but that makes for easier decision making. Our server offered some suggestions and we were not disappointed. I had the caprese salad to start and the house made agnolotti for the entre (recommended by our server). Both were delicious. I wouldn't hesitate to return.
(5)Tom C.
Fresco is an absolute gem, tucked away so that you could easily miss it at 15th & 15th. Among the highlights: - Nice, covered outdoor seating area - Great waitstaff - Extensive (though expensive) wine list - The food is outstanding, just top-notch dining - Street parking is a breeze or you can walk to it if you live close Definitely check it out ... be prepared to spend. As another reviewer already said, a great choice for a celebratory/special meal. Probably not ideal for the kids.
(5)William B.
I have been putting off writing up my review of this restaurant because I have been trying to figure out how to do it justice. But as time passes, I realize I am unlikely to be able to manage it. This is pretty clearly the finest meal I have eaten in Salt Lake City-- I had the bruschetta assortment and fish, and the lamb bruschetta probably took first place. It is expensive, but if you're looking for a celebratory meal (or even better, somebody else is looking to buy one for you) you should go here.
(5)Dan M.
Both service and food exceptional. We hadn't been there for a while, but we'll certainly be back soon.
(5)Val E.
My boyfriend and I like to travel. We live in the Los Angeles area, but we enjoy taking quick weekend trips to anywhere there are cheap flights. In December we found cheap flights to SLC. We were skeptical. But, hey, I grew up in SoCal! The most snow I've ever seen is at DIsneyland! We bought a book about UT and in the restaurant section was this cafe. As soon as I read "attached to a bookstore" I was in. We showed up without any reservations, and despite being full the staff was extremely accommodating. They squeezed us in, and holy mother of god, am I ever glad they did. The place is tiny and adorable. It was lit dimly and the snow falling outside and warmth of the fire inside was romantic. I had the risotto, and you guys? I almost cried when I tasted it. It was THAT good. Like I said, the staff was wonderful, the food was tear-inducing... what else do you need to know? Oh, except make a reservation. Like, now. Go.
(5)Steve O.
Took clients from San Francisco. It was a home run. All of the appetizers, entrées, and desserts were beautiful and yummy. Our guests were also impressed by the local meats and produce that were well represented on the menu.
(5)Christopher W.
I think the Fresco is my favorite restaurant in Salt Lake City. I will eventually get around to reviewing other ones that I used to go to, but the Fresco stands out as a special one. First discovered by my father, through business, my parents frequented it, and then I went with them a few times. Then I went on my own several times. It is a great Italian restaurant. You should definitely check it out. Make reservations and show up 30 minutes early. Since you are early, check out the King's English bookstore next to it. It is a quaint bookshop that is a fine destination in its own right. But I digress. We're here to eat, not by books. The food is spectacular at the Fresco. Good sized portions, and a pretty diverse menu. While some people don't eat veal (and that is there choice), I think that my favorite meal there was veal though I have many different things. I definitely liked the restaurant's interior, too. It's a great establishment. I don't know if it is the same since the old chef is gone, but I think I'd risk it again...
(5)Linus A.
Very overpriced. We went there for dinner tonight. The appetizers we ordered were calamari, artichoke and antipasto. The calamari was underseasoned. The artichoke was ok but nothing great. The antipasto was OK. On the entree, the risotto was good (ordered by my companion). I ordered the roasted chicken which was really dry. All entrees wee 25-30 dollars and plainly ordinary. There are many other good choices in slc, fresco is not one of them
(2)Nathan V.
I came to Salt Lake City for Sundance. Being a student and on a budget, my group decided that we would have one really nice meal out. Based on Yelp Reviews, we decided to try Fresco Italian Cafe. I wish that I had not wasted my money here. The Positives: The Atmosphere is really nice and cozy. The Negatives: Just about everything else. It was over-priced. I ordered Risotto, and it was well over 20 dollars. As a cook I can tell you that it was not worth it at all. They added marinara sauce as a garnish to a roue-based recipe. The flavors didnt work. The meal was not flavorful. The presentation was decent. Of the 8 of us that went, only one person said they thought their meal was ok. That person had fish. He said it was overly-salty however. The staff was a bit condescending. The wine-list had a good selection. Although the staff seemed to know little about wine-parings. Given that this was the only "nice" restaurant I visited in Salt Lake City, I am curious to try others. I would STRONGLY recommend you do the same. I forgot to mention. There are no vegetarian options. They had a risotto with steak that they said they could make without the steak. My non-vegie friend got the same. We both got charged the same amount! We had the same amount of rice, but he had a steak as well! They had steak on the menu by itself for 20 dollars, and I paid almost 30 dollars for just rice!
(1)Lieu N.
I'll say this: If ambiance could be eaten, it certainly is here. In the middle of winter, you can sit in the cozy restaurant and nip over to the Kings English bookstore (which is attached, which I love) while you wait for your table. In the spring/summer/fall you can sit outside on the gorgeous patio and let the night take you away... This is the most romantic restaurant in Salt Lake and I was lucky enough to find it in high school. Now in my mid thirties, I can say no other place in Salt Lake can compare for an intimate dinner with friends or a loved one. I should talk about the food, so full-bodied and creative. So fresh and clean, never overpowered by anything but on one occasion, rosemary. I can't complain, that's the stuff!!! The staff caters to you as should a restaurant of that caliber vittles. I have never once had a poor server, they are all well trained in the artistry of service.... It is a secret paradise that gets filled up fast, so make your reservations and indulge. You deserve it! If you don't, they'll never know, they'll treat you like you do regardless. Simple Perfection in every way. That's Amore!
(5)Allan B.
This restaurant is "off the charts" as my partner said. We are vegans and normally we have to adjust in order to eat out. I sent a request in with my reservation and Star and the kitchen staff went to work. They created a multi-course Vegan feast from scratch. the service, ambiance and food make this a must fir anyone in Salt Lake. The food was creative, beautifully presented and delivered by a dining staff that are professional and well trained. We can't wait to come back to Salt Lake for a visit and meal at Fresco ! Go Vegan !
(5)Rachel R.
Now that chef Lane Pellinger has moved on, I'm not sure that it would be the same, but I loved the authentic Italian deliciousness of Fresco.
(5)Dan H.
This is one of the best restaurants I've ever experienced. From having lived in Italy for ten years, it is the most authentically northern Italian cuisine that I had since I've been back. The restaurant itself is hard to find because it is in a converted house in the Sugar House neighborhood, which is one of Salt Lake City's oldest and quaintest. The home setting makes it an intimate experience and lends itself to romantic dining even though there were two tables of kids when we were there. The seared polenta came highly recommended but we went with the soup special, and the Beet & Chevre Gratin, which was beets, fried basil, charred fava beans, and balsamic reduction. It was unbelievable. Our main dishes were the risotto, which was the special and served with prawn, and the Meyer Lemon & Parsley Gnocci. This gnocci was the best I have ever had. The people at the table next to us asked us what we had ordered and they had the same reaction when they got their gnocci. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! For dessert we went with the Tiramisu (fantastic) and the Mascarpone Cheescake, which I would order again and again and again. It is make with a cherry sauce (Gelee) and bourbon plumped cherries and a gingersnap cookie. perfect! There are four other small restaurants right on the same corner as this little gemstone and so we have decided to designate this as an area of continued interest. However, it will be quite a while before we're able to walk past Fresco without veering in to dine there.
(5)Natalie C.
It's not often that you find neighborhood joint that is always on point. I love that I can walk to and from here (when the weather is good). Also, I appreciate that's is tucked away from the main corridor on 15th East, so you get the serenity of a shaded patio and privacy of a cozy dining room. Fresco and I go way back - I had my first meal here at least ten years ago. That first time, my mother brought me here and since then I've kept it my little secret. Usually dining here when my mother comes to Utah for a visit, for special occasions with my man friend (yes, I've only ever brought one here), and most recently for dinner with my partner's parents. Their menu changes like the weather in Utah so don't get too infatuated with a single item. Some of my favorite staples are the polenta appetizer (usually served with some melange of wild mushrooms), the soup du jour, fresh stuffed pasta that is made in-house, and market fish. You'll never the same thing twice, they present their dishes beautifully, it's always fresh, and delicious. Just, please, don't bring your loud, obnoxious groups or rowdy children. I'd like to keep this little gem a secret between you and me.
(5)Kirsten H.
My fave restaurant in Salt Lake! Food to die for...ambiance galor...LOVE this place. Menu changes frequently; super fresh ingredients.
(5)Val W.
What the hell happened? This place used to be so lovely and now? Pffft. I had a dish with scallops on it. There were, literally, three scallops and they were the size of a quarter. Spouse had a pasta dish that tasted as if library paste was one of the ingredients. And the prices were simply ridiculous. I am sad that this place has gone downhill. The atmosphere and neighborhood feel is so lovely but the food just doesn't match.
(1)Shirley W.
Very cozy and romantic feel to the place, great place for a date. They have a good selection of gluten free dishes. The staff is more than happy to help you with the menu if you have any questions. Certain nights it might be very pack so I do suggest you to make reservations for dinner. Arrive little early to your reservation so you can have a drink and browse around in their waiting room which is a bookstore. I eat a lot (literally I'm eating something every 3 hours) and I never finish their entrees. I don't know whether it's because I always over order (the food is really good) or their portions are just huge. Either way it's a place you definitely need to try if you're in SLC.
(5)Vi T.
Fresco will always have a little piece of my heart. I don't go very often but I always enjoy it when I do. It's a great spot for special occasions, especially of the romantic nature but I've been there with girlfriends and family so don't let the romantic talk deter you. My favorite time to go is when the weather is warm because I love to take advantage of their quaint patio. It's really lovely with twinkling lights. It's perfectly situated in the 15th and 15th area. I wish I lived in the neighborhood because I can picture myself browsing the shelves at The King's English Bookshop and then wandering over to Fresco for a beautiful summer dinner with someone. In this scenario, the person is a significant other and we're drinking champagne with arms entwined. You know, that silly thing people do on their wedding day even though it's really awkward and everyone is staring. Ridiculous but tell me you're not picture that for yourself too. I guess I should talk about the food. Let's just get this out of the way: it's not cheap. And if you're used to American sizes, you might be disappointed in the size. If food isn't your thing, you might feel cheated, but me? I love food. I would rather spend money on food than clothes. So while the portions aren't huge, the flavor is there and it's worth it to me. It's not like it's insanely expensive and you're paying a pretty penny for 10 courses that are a bite size each. I usually leave comfortably full. The last time I went, I had their sweet potato and chestnut ravioli and it was incredible. I'm a fool for ravioli and I've been on a weird sweet potato kick but this dish took it to a whole different level. It was creamy, sweet, and nutty. The Brussels sprouts and black currants added another notch and the only downside was the fact that it's inappropriate to lick the dish clean. We got a couple of desserts that weren't really memorable but I have had good dessert there so perhaps it's hit or miss. Keep Fresco in mind the next time you want to treat someone to a nice dinner with great ambiance.
(4)Jessica M.
The place is small but looks nice. Service is pretty good. I ordered a pasta and a gelato, but not as good as other people recommended... The pasta was salty and the gelato seemed not fresh (tasted like it was put in freezer for a long time).
(3)Thomas W.
A romantic, intimate restaurant that would be great for a second date. I loved sitting outside in the cool Utah mountain air. The space heaters kept things comfortable--like a nice Fall day in June! Our waitress was very helpful, and the other staff gave support to make it a wonderful evening. I enjoyed my meal. True Italians, or foodies would give this place very mixed reviews in my opinion. The bread was warm, and enjoyable--not outstanding. We had an antipasta appetizer that was adventurous with some boar meat--very lean. The cheeses were good, not outstanding. I had a Caesar salad that was probably the weakest part of the meal. The anchovies were outstanding, but the salad was probably something I would not order again. I had the linguini carbonara which was a little too rich--too many ingredients. I had some zeppole's for dessert--very warm but a little too heavy. I enjoyed my meal, but would be anxious to try other dishes. Even though I am only giving the food an average rating--I must admit I have high standards when it comes to Italian food. If you are looking for something a little different in Salt Lake City--this would do the trick! We were the last group to leave this restaurant. Being from the East Coast I was never able to get used to the restaurants closing so early. In DC this place would be really busy at 10:00 PM! P.S. The coffee here is outstanding!
(3)MC Free W.
High-quality Italian food. Robust wine list. Intimate and romantic atmosphere. Courteous staff. An owner that cares. Fresco scores on all counts. The gnocchi are piles of pillowy potato goodness. The risotto of the day is always a creamy, al dente concoction, laced with whatever seasonal ingredients the chef fancies. My favorite entree, the Pasta Carbonara, is rich and heavenly, with a perfectly poached egg on top to puncture and mix with the rest of the ingredients. I enjoy their nice selection of after dinner cordials as well. For me, a taste of Grappa is essential to finish any quality Italian meal. As for The Blonde, she requires some type of creamy custard dessert in order to be completely satisfied. And Fresco's alarmingly good Panna Cotta does the job just fine.
(5)David S.
Good food, good service, good wine list. Nice outdoor dining in good weather, a cozy dining room in winter. I always enjoy a dinner here.
(4)Bill A.
Very nice. Service was fantastic--attentive and knowledgeable. And the food was great. Maybe a bit pricey for Italian.
(4)