Fresco
227 State St, Madison, WI, 53703
Fresco Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Madison for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Madison for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Madison for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
227 State St
Madison, WI, 53703 - Phone (608) 663-7374
- Website https://www.frescomadison.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
- Mon :Closed
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Garage
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Upscale
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
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Matt C.
Beautiful outlook and atmosphere, a little to much white to the point of sterile, but the view was more than enough to make up for it. What can I say, I'm a sucker for rooftops. Food was good, creative, and really aesthetic. I had the scallops with lentils and a curry paste, all the flavors were spot on, even if the scallops were, how shall I say, Midwestern. But that is to be expected around here. Grilled Peaches with goat cheese, pecans, honey, and arugula sounded awesome, looked great, and want bad, but something seemed missing in the mouth. Come for the decently fancy food, come back for the view
(4)Esther Y.
Beautiful view, beautiful food, and amazing service. I had heard such amazing things about Fresco, and I'm delighted my dinner lived up to my expectations. I came here last Thursday for my birthday, and we were immediately seated outside (granted, we had a reservation). The view of the capitol is just amazing from the roof. Our server served us our waters and our drinks very quickly. I had the rhubarb cocktail (I can see why people would like it, but I personally didn't enjoy the bitterness) and my boyfriend had the Malbec. Our appetizers were the grilled peach and the grilled tuna. Grilled peach with honey, balsamic, arugula, and goat cheese: A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! We were told this plate was one of the most popular dishes, and I completely agree that it deserves its popularity. Tart, savory, sweet goodness with a perfect goat cheese bite. YUM! Grilled tuna: very overshadowed by the peach. For entrees, I had the salmon and my boyfriend had the scallops. My salmon was crispy and savory, though slightly too salty but very delicious. The potato crisps and beet pairing was my favorite part. My boyfriend enjoyed his scallops but he liked my salmon more. And for dessert, Fresco allowed me to choose any dessert item for my birthday! Hooray! Beignets with chocolate and creme anglaise: Yes, yes! Note for the future: Definitely have a lactaid beforehand because the dairy filled desserts are worth it. Warm creme with hot beignets were sweet balls of perfection. We also had the chocolate mousse, which was also very delicious. Airy, creamy mousse with a spicy bite! We were pleasantly surprised, though I would order the beignets over the mousse any day. Amazing service, delicious food, incredible environment. I cannot wait to come back.
(4)Jeff M.
I've heard so many great things about this rooftop restaurant and I am happy to say that I have finally made an appearance! Located above Overture Center, you can see out to the Capitol or down below to the long lines at the Orpheum before the show. I was there just before they screened a movie, I need to go back purposely for that! My friends had some cocktails that looked delicious. I enjoyed the food, but as I've learned from past experience - the more expensive the meal, the smaller the portion sizes (I guess it's harder to mess up when there's less?). Also, those stairs to get to the top are a bit daunting... though, don't chicken out by taking the elevator. A little exercise goes a long way!
(4)Sarah R.
We had a grand old evening at Fresco. If the weather is nice, and you're out on the roof, there is just no nicer location to eat in Madison. The view of the Capitol in the evening is lovely. They've just redone their menu. Everything we had was very good or great. The lobster risotto as a starter was garlicky with big hunks of lobster. The chickpea ragu is not totally appealing to the eye but went down yummy. I had the bayoubaise - the shrimp just stole the show. My partner was blown away by the gnocchi. It was our anniversary, and they gave us a complimentary dessert to celebrate, which was very sweet of them. The rosemary honey creme brulee was as good as the version of the classic at Sardine,which. I think, says a lot. Romantic and fun. We'll be back!
(5)Sara M.
I can never choose a favorite restaurant in Madison but after dining at Fresco for the second time I'm almost sure this is it. The atmosphere and the food create an exceptional experience that I'm not sure anywhere else in town can match. Last night we had one of those meals that was so perfect in every way that I'm still beaming. Ambiance: Fresco makes you feel like you're in South Beach but instead of the people you'd find in South Beach you have nice Madisonians. On top of the Contemporary Art Museum, you have to walk up a beautiful spiral staircase surrounded by giant windows up the atrium to get to the restaurant. The inside is very modern and hip looking, but not sterile. Because the walls are windows, everything is light and you get a beautiful view. Therefore, you can dine here in the winter and still sort of feel like you're eating outside. However, if the weather is nice and there's a table available, you should absolutely sit on the rooftop patio. The patio has a garden and some interesting statues. As I mentioned earlier, it feels like a more laid back version of a lounge at a boutique hotel in Miami. It's unique and beautiful. The highlight is the view of state street's signs, nearby churches and the Capitol building (lit up at night!). If you have guests in town, this is the perfect place to take them to show them how pretty our city can be. This would also be a wonderful venue to host a party. I cannot speak more highly of it. They hold events here in the summer that are really fun. Last summer we went to a Riesling tasting here and even if we weren't sampling a ton of awesome wine, the combination of the open, window surrounded interior and the fun patio would've been enough for a fabulous evening. Definitely recommend checking their event calendar. Food: I haven't tried anything I didn't like here. The menu is creative but not trying quite so hard like some of Madison's other upscale, foodie spots. It's possible to order an appetizer and an entree or enjoy a tapas style meal by sharing the awesome small plates with your group. I love that they have so many salads and vegetable dishes on the menu that are actually inventive and appealing. No need to feel like you're making a sacrifice by being "good". They use a lot of fresh ingredients and portion sizes are such that you walk out satisfied without being in a food coma. The menu changes seasonally, and when I returned for the second time I was really disappointed that the risotto cakes were no longer on the menu because they ROCKED. At the end of the day this just meant I got to try a whole new set of amazing dishes. Highlights included the grilled peach, scallops, salmon and lobster Cobb salad. They briefly grill the romaine in the salad and subsequently chill it. I've never been so excited about eating lettuce; it was delicious. We shared the chocolate filled beignets for dessert which were fabulous. I can't review Fresco without mentioning the awesome cocktails. The Rhubarb was one of the best cocktails I've tried in Madison. The flavors complimented each other in a very sophisticated way, the tartness of the rhubarb with the spice of the pepper infused vodka. This impressed both my mother who enjoys girly, tropical drinks and my father who usually dislikes sweet cocktails. He actually wanted his own! But he stuck with a Hungarian wine which he tried and loved off the unique wine list. Wrap up: The service was just as excellent as the food and the atmosphere. Our server was really helpful and attentive. The best part was when my dad was talking about how he saw all of these gorgeous radishes at farmer's market and how he'd love to just munch on one before we ordered food, and a few minutes later our waitress returned with a sliced radish in a dish as a snack. He loved it! The prices are super reasonable. I think it's one of the more affordable "nice" restaurants in Madison. Fresco is a perfect date spot, girls night spot, birthday dinner spot...really anything. I love it.
(5)Hash B.
First of all, I never been a rooftop restaurant, it is awesome. The vibe with surrounding is amazing. You can see far away from.roof also the capitol. The food is amazing. Ordered salmon it was A plus. My friend order lobster risotto, that was another good choice. The waiter "Jimmy" was very nice and friendly even though today was his first day working.
(5)John B.
Just killed it tonight. New chef. Stopped in for a glass of wine at this rooftop restaurant with great views. Wine list has an excellent selection from around the world. Bartender was knowledgeable and very helpful and offered tastes. Asparagus white bean soup with dill, honey and truffle oil was outrageous. If I could marry a soup this one might have been the one I wanted to spend the next thirty years with. (Cha, ya're rilling your eyes but try it before ya judge me...). Great wedge salad - nice light buttermilk dressing. Bread is incomparable. Nice folks. Great view. Great food. Thanks for a nice Sunday evening!
(5)Sarah K.
My family and I had my 2nd graduation dinner here and we all loved the food, view and the service! Their muscles, steak and seafood pasta are awesome!
(5)Lydia R.
My boyfriend and I went to Fresco last weekend with high hopes. The food wasn't great, but that was the least of our troubles. The experience was terrible. My boyfriend ordered the bayoubaisse and thought it was ok. I, on the other hand, ordered the gnocchi, which came out stone cold. Anyone who knows much about food/cooking will understand that being cold is an especially huge problem for potato-based foods (just imagine how mashed potatoes get rock hard when refrigerated). They were literally inedible. At first, I thought it want going to be a big deal: our waiter would be return in a few minutes to ask how it was, I would explain the issue, and he would fix it. Not so. An hour went by before I saw my waiter again, at which point he didn't even question me as to why I had eaten only one bite of my entree. My first glimpse of him was when my uneaten food whisked away without asking (even though he was not yet clearing my boyfriends food). He then paused for a moment, my food already in his hands, and asked "can I wrap this up for you?" At no point did anyone working in this restaurant stop to ask if I had left all my food uneaten for a reason. After running off with my food, we never saw our waiter again. We finally got our check when one of the hostesses noticed us scrambling for the attention of a server, asked what she could do to help, and then brought us the check herself. It is worth noting that, despite being in her first week at Fresco, this new hostess was by far the most helpful and accommodating person we met all night. She was truly lovely. In conclusion, I worked as a waitress for 4 years and am pretty understanding of mistakes, but this was just atrocious. There is no excuse for this kind of quality and service, particularly coming from a higher end restaurant.
(1)Brian C.
Came up to Fresco sort of on a whim this past Saturday night. They had availability for two so we headed on over (and up). The location is fantastic, inside the MMoCA and up on the 3rd(ish) floor. Outside, especially in the summer, the view is amazing of the capitol and downtown. The decor completely fits as though its inside of a modern art museum. Very modern, with bright colors and sharp lines. A little trite, but fits the overall vibe. The food was delicious-- we had some scallions to start which were devoured instantly. I had the chicken in a pea/leek risotto and pureed cauliflower, which was much more interesting than it could have been. Girlfriend had a wedge salad that she really enjoyed. Overall, modern american cuisine in a modern museum environment-- the food, while not insanely unique, was definitely good, and goes well with a very cool ambiance and a great view.
(4)Matt W.
Suffering from a bout of cabin fever due to lingering effect of the polar vortex, the WaunaQueen and I decided to pay Fresco a visit for a date night excursion. We also had a $50 Food Fight gift card burning a hole in our pocket as added incentive to brave the elements and journey from our Waunakee lair. Even when outdoor seating is not an option, Fresco delivers plenty of romantic ambiance as a date night venue. With three sides of the restaurant encased by glass walls, Fresco provides its patrons with unique, panoramic views of downtown and the Capitol. Throw in romantic lighting, a simple yet elegant black and white interior and a bar that emanates a ruby-red glow and you have one the best romantic dining sites in Madison. The only drawback is that Fresco densely packs its tables together so at times it feels you are on a blind double date with the adjoining table. I appreciate Fresco's unpretentious drink menu. The wine options are affordable (due to extensive use of New World reds) and pair well with the entrée options on the dinner menu. I am also a fan of their array of cocktail options. I usually do not order an Old Fashioned when out on the town, but the house-made maraschino door county tart cherries caught my eye. I loved the drink, especially the citrus note from the bittercube orange bitter. Finally, kudos for our ever-so-helpful server who deftly helped us navigate the wine list based on our entrees and our wine preferences. As for the food, there is much to like. However, the spotty execution of the dishes means Fresco falls a notch below the upper echelon of Madison restaurants. I do appreciate the heavy reliance on locally grown produce and the seasonal nature of the menu. The roasted vegetables in both entrees were deeply caramelized on the exterior adding texture and allowing to natural sweetness of the winter vegetable to sing. And two thumbs up for the preparation of sauces; both the brown butter herb sauce on the gnocchi and the truffle crème fraiche on the short ribs elevated their respective dishes. Overall, our food lacked the shock and awe that befits such a chic setting. The creamy potato soup was under-seasoned and felt watered down. At $6 for a tiny serving, it was not a good value. The gnocchi was chewy and cut extremely large. My first order of short ribs came out cold. After mentioning this to our server, she apologized and took the plate away with no further explanation. This created a dining dilemma since we did not know how long it would take my entrée to return. Should my wife hold off eating her entrée and risk it getting cold or does she start eating her meal and risk finishing her dish before mine returns. Next time I will know to ask how long it will take to replace my dish, but the server should have handled that problem more proactively. To the kitchen's credit, after ten minutes, I received a fork-tender plate of unctuous braised beef. The serving sizes are extremely generous and made for wonderful dining the following day. Due to the drawn out nature of our meal, we had room for dessert and ordered the superbly plated buttermilk beignets. These pillowy morsels ended our meal on a high note as the milk chocolate filling paired flawlessly with the silky crème anglaise sauce. Even factoring in the misfires by the kitchen, the strength of the venue and the bar warrants a four star rating.
(4)Amber Z.
I think about Fresco the way others may think about Disneyworld: it's the most magical place on earth but it can be expensive planning a trip there (at least it is for a college student). The price honestly doesn't matter much because it. is. so. worth. it. This is the ONLY place my friends and I are willing to splurge our money on (again, broke college students). The view is beautiful, the drinks are tasty, the waitstaff are great, and the food is amazing. My favorites are the wild mushroom risotto cake (although the pea risotto cake they have in the winter time is also delicious) and the halibut. The cioppino pasta is okay... it sounds amazing with all of the different kinds of seafood, but it felt more like a messy mixture of things that would probably taste better individually. Their beignets are also really great. I'm actually sad because my first time trying beignets was at Fresco, and it was so good that I became disappointed when I tried beignets anywhere else. :( The next time I'm in Wisconsin, I am most certainly making a trip to Fresco. Side note: I wonder if they sometimes take nibblets of our food when we ask to get it packed. There was a time I went to Fresco after recovering from pneumonia and literally only took two bites of my entree because I still hadn't gained back my appetite. I got my food boxed and noticed the day after that half of the seafood in my pasta was gone.
(5)Dan L.
The service here was great and the food was delicious and done at a good price. More importantly though the view and the atmosphere are unparalleled in madison. Definitely a restaurant to have on your "need to do" list.
(4)Jae C.
Been planning to come here for a long time and finally got a chance to do so recently. This place impressed me and is officially on the top of our restaurant list. Service was beyond expectations. View from the corner of the restaurant against the windows was great. Food was FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC! 1. Gnocchi -- brown butter, pesto, and a tomato sauce (three separate dishes). Our favorite was the brown butter pesto....we like creamy and it definitely satisfied. 2. prince edward island mussels -- (parmesan-bacon fondue, potato, grilled bread) OK, seriously? That parmesan-bacon fondue was a nice touch to the usual "fishy" taste mussels can have sometimes. Perfect combination and using the fondue as a bread dip is very tasty as well. 3. dry aged new york strip -- (roasted garlic mashed potato, shaved brussel sprouts, hook's blue paradise cheese, bacon, herb compound butter) Bf had this plate; he enjoyed it and I got a chance to taste the side dish of the shaved brussel sprouts with bacon. It's got BACON. I can eat a full meal with just that side dish. 4. cioppino pasta -- (scallops, shrimp, mussels, mahi-mahi, salmon, clams, linguine, spiced tomato broth, parmesan cheese, grilled bread) Seafood galore! Tasted even better the next day at work. 5. buttermilk beignets -- (milk chocolate center, vanilla crème anglaise) Perfect way to end the meal. Nice crisp to the beignets. Salivating. The end!
(5)M D.
Location great, food wonderful and well presented. But when I commented the tonic was bad - the bartender scoffed. Another drink confirmed it was bad. Maybe he was having a bad day but "customer is always right". I will be back but many other restaurants more gracious.
(3)Clay K.
4.5 Stars Whenever a restaurant group starts to develop an empire of restaurants around a city I tend to worry that they are not going to be up to snuff from a culinary standpoint. such is not the case at Food Fight's flagship restaurant, Fresco. I've dined here a half dozen or more times now and I think it's a very fine restaurant. Fresco enjoys a very unique location atop the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art adjacent to the world-class Overture Center on State Street. The facility is both indoor and outdoor. The outdoor terrace provides unique views of State Street and the State Capitol as well as a sculpture garden which provides a beautiful space for both public dining as well as private events. the inside space has three glass walls that also provide nice views. White tables (no cloths) and contemporary touches create a modern, vibrant and comfortable atmosphere. If the weather is nice definitely eat outdoors. I like to eat family style. In the last visit we had four people and we passed around several dishes from the app menu and then two entrees. On this night there was a crab cake special. These were divine with a hale portion of crab and creamy but citrusy bright sauce. The risotto cakes are a favorite and were also delicious. The Shrimp Diablo gives you three large shrimp with garlic, chili, jicama-carrot red pepper slaw, calamansi lime vinaigrette. A beautiful and delicious dish. The dish that really sent eyes rolling and toes curling on this night was the short rib with smoked butter polenta, seasonal vegetables, beef reduction. This may be the best short rib I've ever had. Rich and delicious. The polenta was perfectly cooked and creamy. So outrageous! The place always has some great drinks that are many times themed to what is going on in the museum. On this night there were some outstanding margaritas. In the summer I've enjoyed a wonderful spin on a mojito with berries. Overall I have only one, perhaps odd, suggestion for this place: slow down. The pace was too fast. Dishes were arriving too close to or even on top of each other. I would personally like a tablecloth. There were a few small spills on the Formica topped table and nobody wiped these even before dessert. Also, the Sambuca had either gone bad or that wasn't Sambuca. These are small issues and really here for the restaurant's benefit. Service was friendly and attentive if a little over-eager. Highly recommended.
(4)Sarah K.
Fresco is an awesome place to go for a great meal once a year. It has a super classy environment and a beautiful view of downtown Madison. The food is exceptional and everything about the place was elegant and pleasant. Make sure to try the appetizers, they're delicious.
(4)D. M.
Good food, good service, and some great views... I'm not sure I would go so far as to say 'great' food. There are some very tasty selections like the pork belly and some very average selections like the salmon... For what you get it's a little on the pricey side... This is definitely a restaurant to experience maybe once or twice a year....
(3)Jared W.
Fresco is a fun spot to rub shoulders with your fellow Madison sophisticates. I enjoy stopping in here for a scotch or martini before doing some less structured and well behaved drinking later on. It's also a good spot at which to stop after a show at the Overture Center. They make sizable martinis, and they are only slightly overpriced, undoubtedly to help price out the "riff raff." The only drawbacks are that their hours are a bit unpredictable - sometimes they are open late, but other times they are closed by the time I go out. All in all, Fresco is one of the many spots that make up a well rounded evening in downtown Madison.
(4)Paola M.
I went for a work dinner and while I liked everything, I expected better. As a starter I had the flat bread with the confit duck, the duck was good, the pear were a tad too sweet and most importantly the bread itself tasted a bit stale. Then I had the short ribs with the polenta. The short rib was delicious, but the polenta was a tad too sweet and the vegetables bland and too crunchy. The lemon cheesecake was good, but nothing memorable and not lemon-y enough form me. Now food was still good and what I am complaining about is mostly nitpicking but from a restaurant of this caliber I would expect perfection. What was really good was the wine and the space. View is great and the building is guaranteed to make an impression! I would still bring people here on work occasions because of the location and as I said the food was OK, but not for impressing a foodie.
(3)Pearl S.
I believe people go here for the view, not the food. That should say enough about Fresco. If you must go here are some tips: 1. Outdoor seating is a must and try to get a chair at the table that is facing the capitol. 2. Try to go before all the college kids are back on campus-otherwise friday/saturday night partying = lots of sirens. ;) 3. If you're hungry get the seafood pasta dish, the lamb chops that the fiance got were a small portion that he ended up eating off my plate too!
(2)Andrea M.
Great date night spot! Great views, amazing food, all around romantic place to visit!
(5)Alexis R.
Great drinks, scenery, location. Food was a bit lacking. My food came out cold. The seafood pasta dish had a bland sauce. 3 stars overall.
(3)Glenn D.
This place is why I have a rule about not ordering seafood when I can't see an ocean. Chef needs to take the bloodline out of the bass!!!
(2)Heidi S.
GNOCCHI! (and great service, too!) Went in for Gnocchi Night one of the only specials that Fresco runs. Cheap plates of super rich, super creamy Gnocchi. They were serving the dish with a few new sauce choices: I tried the original and also the temporary broccoli cheese sauces. Both were incredible. My friend and I sat at the bar and had great service. It was a fairly slow night for them, however, so that was helpful. The space is very dark but because of that it was super personal. It would be a great place to go on a date. Overall totally enjoyed my time here and will definitely be returning.
(5)Corey D.
When I die, I want to be buried in a bowl of short rub ragu. (No joke.) In this lifetime, I've had my share of short rib, so I feel perfectly comfortable saying this is the best, most tender short rib I've had in. my. life! The penne and seasonal vegetables play second fiddle to delicious shredded meat in a tangy tomato sauce with basil pistou (aka pesto). There's something uniquely spicy and sweet about this dish that pleases my entire palate, and the crunch from the veg adds a textural element that brings about some interest. A bowl of it can feed an army, or serve as a robust breakfast the next day. If you're looking to start with something I suggest the scallops, but I tend to order (and LOVE) scallops anywhere I go, so I may be biased. Service is incredible; warm, friendly and uber knowledgeable, all the things you want when shelling out some cash for a more fancy pants meal. The vibe is hip yet approachable, swanky but not too much for its own good and I can't wait, I repeat, CAN'T WAIT to sit outside this summer to sip and dine. Now I realize this short rib ragu doesn't scream summer, but fair warning Fresco, the day you ditch this dish for something lighter and more seasonally appropriate I might throw things.
(5)S W.
Just not that good for what they charge. For as much as we spent, I wanted to feel more than "meh" about the food. The chicken fresco was fine, but nothing earth shattering or even vaguely creative; my companion's steak was ordered medium rare and came out closer to medium well, which was a disappointment. Service was good, and of course the view is great - it's just the food that isn't worth another look. It just kind of feels like they're coasting on their location, which isn't enough to bring me back.
(2)Leigh S.
The atmosphere was lovely and the chocolate mousse was decadent and satisfying!
(4)Jenni B.
I brought my family to Fresco in an attempt to convince them that local restaurants are a lot more fun, delicious and equally affordable as a Red Lobster or TGIF sort of chain. After a wonderful dinner at here I think they'll trust my judgement a little more next time. To set the stage they have a very cool, modern vibe. The dining area is all black and red, with low lighting that reminded my sister of a nightclub, but looked like a perfect date night spot to me. The patio also looked incredible, I only wish I had dined here during the summer to get a glance at the state street area at night. The cocktails here were fantastic. The waitress mentioned most ingredients were made in house, and you could tell based on the flavor they provided. I had the Few and Far between which was a bourbon drink with super fresh raspberry purée and mint. It kind of reminded me of a mojito, just a little on the fruitier side than the minty one. I got to try my Mom's "new" fashioned which was a delicious take on the classic. Local cherries and a very strong orangey flavor made this one delicious as well. I had a starter of the shrimp diablo which was good but not great. I'm a spicy food lover and typically "Diablo" would tip me off that something will be right up my alley, but this app was more garlic than heat. The shrimp were really huge and the slaw beneath was good, carrots and jicama very thinly sliced. My sister started with the Caesar salad which came with an awesomely large crunchy piece of Parmesan on top (and a few anchovies - eek!). All of our entrees though were incredible. I had the lamb that was charred, but fell right off the bone with light couscous and tomatoes. My grandmother had the pork chop with apples, cider and bacon and it was huge! I couldn't believe how generous a portion we got for that price. Her husband got the honey glazed salmon which he enjoyed very much too. My sister had the option to order off their gluten free menu and opted for the cioppino entree which is typically served over pasta, but came for her like a stew in a tomato broth. It had seared scallops, shrimp and mussels in it which I was able to steal bites of and were very tasty. Everyone else took advantage of their Thursday night special which was gnocchi. Their regular gnocchi comes with a butter cream sauce and vegetables for $17 (which is a portion big enough to fill up my hungry dad and boyfriend), but on Thursdays you can get it for $12 and get three other options for sauces! It's a steal really. My dad got the traditional sauce but added a chicken breast which he said was very good with the skin still on. My aunt got the cheesy broccoli sauce as a vegetarian option and my mother added a short rib to hers which had a sweeter cream sauce and was paired with walnuts and cranberries. Both said their choices were great. My boyfriend got the creamy poblano and spicy sriracha sauce which was also very fantastic. I was very impressed with the variety of dishes that could come off that one base menu item. I would come here for a special occasion again without question. Great restaurant for dates or family dinners.
(5)Adam B.
Came for restaurant week with my girlfriend so we made sure to not get the same thing for any of the courses.. To begin, appetizer: Risotto cakes and potato soup. Both were very good. Lots of flavor. Both of us enjoyed the cakes aka little risotto balls more. Entree: I had the braised beef with mini potatoes, onions and carrots with creme fraiche. She had the salmon with crab and bacon polenta. Both were good but the braised beef was amazing! So yummy, I found myself wiping the bowl with my fork to get more sauce. Desert; I had the chocolate mousse and she had the berry cheesecake. Both of us agreed the mousse was the better of the two. Overall, awesome restaurant with good food and good service. Great place to go for date night. My only gripe is that I specifically made a reservation for 845 on a Friday night during restaurant week. When we arrived 10 minutes early, they told me the owner of the overture center took my table and I had to wait till 915 to finally be seated. Not too happy but between food and service, Fresco still gets 5 stars!
(5)Jenn S.
I'm usually pretty suspicious with restaurants in museums, hotels, etc., but fresco was pretty good. The concept is neat - simple and modern. I went for dinner and most of the food was pretty good and I think the price was decent. We went with a group of 8 and had a really great experience. Service was great and their cocktails were good too. When we went, it was very quiet and chill.
(4)Jessica A.
Rooftops will forever have a special place in my heart and that's the experience you pay for here. Not many great roof top venues in the flat Mid-west. But this one's a good venue for an experience factor. Their gnocchi is the best, but their other entrees are not a disappointment either. Lots of wine choices.
(4)Travis L.
Came for a birthday dinner while I was traveling in Madison. Really lovely space with the right ambiance: lighting not too dim and without loud music so you could actually hear. Great service from start to finish. I had the following: creamy potato soup: great way to start a meal in this wintry weather. Not overly creamy and not overly dressed with finishing oils. Bacon bits were a good touch, but I think they could have done something more to pull out the flavor. short rib: recommended by my server as the best dish of the entrees for this current seasonal menu. You can taste the 6-hour cook time, and it really is an ample portion size. Lots of veggies to go with it and sauce. The truffle creme fraiche really sealed the deal. Would love to come back whenever I return for a visit. Never would have expected a restaurant at the rooftop of the museum.
(4)Yang J.
Was here twice very recently. Food was very good, highly recommend the pulled pork sliders and the new york strip. The service was very sweet and the environment is just awesome. Made my reservation through opentable and the process was just easy and smooth. The dessert could use some improvement but 5 stars is my recognition of this place as a solid choice for dinner.
(5)Mari K.
I moved back to Madison a little over a year ago and have had one of the best meals I've ever had here at Fresco. We came in Sunday, a little after 5:00, there were just a couple people at the bar so we had our choice of tables. We got seating with a nice view of their sculpture garden and the capital. My husband and I got a bottle of red, our friend a bottle of white. We were impressed with the wine selection and were happy with our choices. We started out with the Shrimp Diablo. 3 jumbo shrimp came pretty quickly. The garlic and chilli sauce on top was very delicious as were the shrimp themselves. Of course we wished there had been more and almost ordered another one, but decided not to since our food would be out soon. The place filled up pretty fast and seemed full by 6. Our friend ordered the Short Rib, my husband the Grilled Salmon and I got the Cioppino Pasta. We all loved our entrees and what we had of each others. The Pasta had a nice kick to it and was loaded with seafood all of which was cooked to perfection. It was a huge portion too (I took 1/2 home.) We kept making a lot of positive noises with each bite of our food. :) Since the appetizer and entrees were so good, we had to get dessert. We split the Buttermilk Beignets and got a side of the Rhubarb Sorbet. The beignets were to die for, we were so happy with everything that came to our table. In addition to how incredible the food was, the atmosphere was amazing too. Great views, great lighting, great staff. This made us so excited for the Madison food scene. It really is one of the best meals we've ever had and we'll for sure be back. I would recommend this place to anyone. Amazing all around. :)
(5)Tunaidi A.
Another decent, seasonally menu-changing restaurant. Very chic and slick looking interior, and decked with modern decor. Fresco presents its guests with a lively and upbeat atmosphere. The food is good, but I think I generally expect more from Fresco. There's not a lot of variety in their menu, and sometimes seems rather plain. I've had their salmon and steak dishes. Not amazing, not bad. I do recall one of their risotto dishes being quite tasty. I think the bar area makes the place a little better, but as a whole, Fresco is A-OK.
(3)Melody M.
The pulled pork sliders and pea/risotto cakes were fantastic as are the little rolls that they bring to the table. I had the strip steak. It was over-salted as was the accompanying basil dijonnaise sauce. I tasted a friend's salmon dish which was fantastic. Dessert - choc. cake with peanut butter mousse was just ok. Good idea, but no wow factor. Decent table service. We, a table of 9, sometimes waited for refills of cocktails or water, but...for the most part...the service and timing were good.
(3)Nick P.
I have had dinner here more times than I can remember and I have yet to find something on their menu I didn't like or a bad server. The food is excellent and is always cooked to perfection. If you're a drinker the alcohol selection is pretty good. But the thing that sets fresco apart from every other restaurant in Madison is the atmosphere. It is on top of an art museum to start with. The lights are dim except the red glow from the bar and inside walls. Every table comes with candles and flowers and to make things even better.... The outside wall is all glass. You can enjoy the inside and stare out into the beautiful downtown area with the capital building in the background. O ya did I mention there is outdoor seating too? Go to fresco and I promise no matter what the meal is you will love it. Don't forget your date!
(5)Michelle F.
Getting caught up on some reviews after starting a crazy-busy job. My first impression walking into Fresco was that the decor and table settings seemed a bit on the pretentious side. But then I was blown away by the unique view of Madison, and then...the FOOD. I ordered the short ribs, which were indescribably delectable and moist (I HATE that word, but, well...they WERE!). I liked everything about this dish, right down to the smoky polenta. My dining partner had the ricotta cheese gnocchi, which was perfectly toothy and delicious. She mentioned that the sun-dried tomato detracted from the brown butter herb sauce, and after tasting it, I had to agree: they really didn't belong. But everything else about the meal was so spot-on--great service, fantastic views, and transcendent food--that this goes down as a #1 date/birthday destination.
(5)M S.
Fantastic space. Friendly service. Wonderful patio. Our meals were all tasty. Not a cheap place, but worth the money, to be sure.
(5)Jody B.
We met our daughter here for dinner. I can't say enough how great this place was! We shared a flatbread with cheese and mushrooms. I had the salmon which was perfectly cooked. It came with potatoes cooked in a to die for tarragon sauce. Hubby had a pork dish. He ate it so fast, that I couldn't get a picture! He loved it. Daughter had a wonderful veggie option; gnocchi. We shared mini donuts with sauce for dessert. The service was great.... We will be back again in the summer. I can't wait to sit on the patio.
(5)Ziqi Y.
Beautiful place. But the food was not as good as expected.
(4)Sherry L.
Loved it! I came during restaurant week - I know, this review is SUPER late - and the menu was fantastic! All for a very reasonable price, as well. The three course meal was a really great way to try out desserts/appetizers that I'm usually too cheap to order myself (unless the meal is on someone else...JUST KIDDING!). The service is great. Very attentive, but not to the point of smothering. The waitress was also able to provide recommendations for each of the choices on the menu, which my friend and I both found very helpful. The restaurant is situated on the 3rd floor of MMOCA right next to the sculpture garden, making for a great view during dinner while the sun is setting. I can't wait to be back!
(4)Jack G.
Menu changes seasonally. Fall-off-the-bone tender lamb. Served medium. Delicious. Great views from the balcony of the 3rd floor. Nice wine list. Great service.
(5)Gary B.
Overview: A loved space above State Street that has a reliable bar and an increasingly reliable kitchen. Hits: Rooftop events,seasonal wine pairings, bread nuggets (AKA rolls), locally sourced/seasonal menu, attentive staff, and commitment to MMOCA and Madison in general. Misses: Any negative I have ever seen have been deleted thanks to new, visionary leadership. Bottom-line: Go eat and drink here -- as soon as possible.
(4)Joe G.
This was the rare experience in which I was so satisfied with my meal that I had to come home and immediately write a review. I am visiting Madison and decided to try Fresco for dinner because of the excellent reviews and its cool views of the Capitol. I wasn't letdown. I hesitantly ordered the Chicken Fresco, which was a roasted chicken breast on the bone with parsnips, carrots, roasted potatoes, and a butternut squash puree. I say 'hesitantly' because chicken breast is notoriously boring but I was wanting something lighter than beef and they were out of the salmon that night. I am glad I made the call for this dish because it was superb. The chicken was perfectly crusted on the outside with simple seasonings, and surprisingly juicy and flavorful on the inside as well. The accompanying vegetables were delicious too-- full of flavor and cooked perfectly, maintaining firmness without being too raw. The butternut squash puree added an appropriately sweet balance to the sea salt on the chicken. I was impressed with all of it. To top it all off, the staff were just the right mix of attentive without being overly solicitous. And the view was everything that was described. A random but welcomed surprise on this trip to Madison!
(5)Joshua F.
Went for a romantic anniversary dinner - it's hard to be disappointed with the view, the service and the food. I had the gnocci (the only vegetarian item on the main menu that night) and it was outstanding. I'm a fan of gnocci, and all the vegetables that came with it, but the sauce, or whatever the whole thing was *lightly* glazed with was AH-mazing. My only complaint is it's a loud place - even with so few tables. Acoustics bounce sound around a lot. Not this time (note the date) but the outdoor seating areas are fantastic when it's nice out.
(3)Cathy K.
If you're looking for glam in the heart of historic Madison - ascend to Fresco. Located in the Madison Contemporary Museum of Art, climb the glass staircase to your right. If you have time, stop into an exhibit on your way up - it's free. Fresco is at the top. Modern ambiance - both indoor & outdoor dining. I prefer outdoor to enjoy their rooftop garden and a wonderful view of downtown. New American fare (sample menus + drink lists on their website, including gluten free), an extensive wine list, 8 kinds of bottled beer + 1 non-alcoholic, specialty cocktails. My friend and I stopped by for a quick bite and had their crab cakes. They were amazing! Best I've had so far, packed full of wonderful flavors (see photos) and presented beautifully. A great place to bring a date or hang out with friends.
(5)Jessica J.
Great view of the downtown area and equally creative cocktails. Food portions are small, but this is the perfect place to kick it with your girlfriends.
(5)MadTown B.
Great service. Had a wonderful piece of salmon, cooked to perfection. What a treat. Ceasar salad was good, but a bit wilty. My husband had the cioppino, it was good but not $26 worth of good; even with the few bites I had, I kept revisiting the taste throughout out the night, if you know what I mean. Can't understand why they resort to the dough ball bread, which resembles the taste of Olive Garden bread sticks. For the prices charged I want some fresh, outstanding bread! The chocolate cake with the peanut butter mousse was disappointing. That salmon I had is worth going back for.
(3)Angela K.
I dined at Fresco March 9th and when I got home, I wrote an email to them which went unanswered until I sent it to a couple different addresses at Food Fight because it was "in the spam folder" (I have heard they aren't always so quick to respond to their emails). I went home starving and ate a box of cookies. As a vegetarian/vegan there are only so many salads you can eat, the wait person also said we could get risotto, but that never showed up on the plate...Of course after sending it to Food Fight, Fresco responded and it was a pretty general we're sorry please consider us in the future type of thing. Vegans beware. Here's the email I sent to Fresco: I just wanted to write about my experience dining at your establishment tonight. I was part of a large party celebrating my friend's bachelorette party. I called around Feb 12th to verify if there was any possible way anything from the menu could be made vegan. I was lead to believe by the wonderful person I spoke with on the phone that many vegans have dined with you and they would put a note in the party reservation and it sounded like an entree would be made specially for vegans and that any other vegans in the party should call and have a note added so there was an idea how many vegans would be dining that night. I advised my friend to call and get it added, but she called today and was told to just tell the wait staff that we were vegan and order off the menu. I placed my order and was surprised how minimal it was. There were sautéed carrots and peas, 3 pieces of brussels sprouts, 3-4 pieces of green zucchini, 3 tiny pieces of mushrooms, and a couple red potatoes with seasoning and a pinch of greens on top. I understand this is higher end dining, but I was appalled at the cost vs what I received. I am floored by the 1-1.5 cup of food that was on my plate at the $17 cost. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to try your restaurant, but you have pretty much sealed the deal with me never setting foot there again, nor recommending it to anyone in the future.
(1)Kelly C.
Perched atop the museum of contemporary art in Madison, this hidden gem can boast fantastic food, service and views. If you're not looking for it, you might miss this restaurant as it is up on the top floor of the museum. There are windows all around to enjoy sunsets and glimpses of the capitol building lit up at night. In the summer, an outdoor terrace would be perfect for drinks and appetizers. A nice selection of wines by the glass, and a tempting menu of cocktails are a nice way to kick off the meal. The scallops to start were tender and flavorful, and the lamb two-ways for my main - what could be better? Service was friendly and attentive.
(5)Thomas F.
Some the best food I've had in the Midwest. A bit loud environment but overall a nice dining experience. Halibut was the bomb.!!!!!!!
(4)Britta M.
I was here in early February with a group of 20 people. The service was great, the food was wonderful and everyone had a great time. The view is beautiful as well
(5)Julie N.
I had a totally solid dining experience here during restaurant week. The atmosphere is nice and I bet it'd be beautiful on a warm summer evening to sit outside with the view of the Capitol. The food was good, but I was hoping for a bit more originality. I loved the option to have a half glass of wine so I could try two different types without having to drink 2 glasses. Overall I will likely be back on an evening where the view and outdoor area could be enjoyed.
(4)karen e.
We went there on a recommendation because I was looking for fabulous Gnocci. The gnocci was tough and chewy which made me quite sad. On the other hand, the room was nice, the waiter was nice, the hostess just fine, the scallop appetizer was really very good. Our cocktails were of the super-hip "we like to be non-traditional and add weird stuff to them" style. Sometimes that is tragic but they turned out well, I would suggest the chipotle margarita for a little kick of something different. My friend said the lamp pops were really very good and the little beignets for dessert were fine. Just not fabulous. I actually sent the gnocci back after my companion tried them and agreed that they were not good. I told the waiter I was vegetarian and he offered me a vegetarian risotto, I said fine and it turned out to be vegan so no cheese like a normal risotto. It was bland but OK. When we got the bill the gnocci was still on it but the waiter fixed it. By 9 or so it kind of turned into a hip bar type atmosphere. Would I go back? Nope. Given all the amazing food Madison has to offer spending $100 on two entrees, 2 drinks, one appetizer and one dessert is fine, but it should be pretty fabulous. It wasn't.
(3)Olivia Y.
The plating is really good~ great ambiance and great view, but in terms of good itself, I would say it's hit or miss. Good for date
(4)D N.
The food was decent - chicken was tasty even if the vegetables were a little over done. My main complaint is the service. As soon as our server, Lori, realized that we were not ordering any cocktails (thus probably not a huge bill), she literally ignored us. It was to the point that we had to ask other servers for things. My standards for service are actually not that high, but it is ridiculous to not have a server attend to your table because they think they won't make enough money off of you. I will not be coming back here the next time I am in Madison.
(2)Julia J.
My friends from Madison took me here on a beautiful June night for the views. We had already had dinner, so we were just there to enjoy cocktails and dessert. Service was great. Our waitress was attentive without being overbearing and was very friendly and sweet. We each started off with summer cocktails- between us we had the strawberry basil mojito, the blueberry lemonade (I think that's what it was- it was very very sweet), and some concoction made with clementines and summer in a glass. All were pretty good. We also had some desserts- the deconstructed snickers bar tart and the buttermilk beignets. Both were delicious. The menu looked interesting but friends told me it's better for just apps or just dessert. I'd definitely go back though.
(4)Ryan C.
We tend to go to fresco for special events. The do "market dinners" in the summer where all of the food is sourced from the farmers market and several of the farmers will come and talk about the food. The wine list is quite good, the staff is always very friendly and the food is good. It also has one of the best views in Madison which results in us often going here just for drinks to enjoy the atmosphere.
(4)Jennifer Z.
We recently dined here for dinner on New Year's Eve with a group of 9 people. We were promptly seated and greeted by our waitress who was pleasant and helpful with drink and food suggestions. She was also more than willing to divide the bill into separate checks which was helpful for a large group! We enjoyed crab cakes, diablo shrimp, pork sliders and risotto cakes for appetizers and each were delicious. We also enjoyed the atmosphere and ambiance of the restaurant as it felt upscale but not pretentious. Our waitress came and told us that there was a small miscommunication in the kitchen and that our food would take a little longer. She brought additional appetizers out while we waited which demonstrated Fresco's attention to customer service and satisfaction. Our meals arrived shortly after. The Chicken Fresco and Short Rib entrees were plated beautifully and were very tasty. Overall, our dining experience was very good and we would be happy to return!
(4)Carvaka G.
Priceless location, amazing views, awesome food! We were in Madison for a wedding which happened to be in the Overture Center and found out that they have a rooftop restaurant which was highly rated. We decided to give it a try and were not disappointed. The restaurant has two sections, indoor with wall-to-wall glass which is a more formal setting and an outdoor terrace section which is right next to the modern art sculpture garden. We went for the outdoor section and it was absolutely wonderful. Weather was great, the views were amazing. They had a fine selection of wines as well as top-shelf liquor. I had the pistachio crusted lamb chops & shank which was heavenly and my wife had the farmer's market salad which she really liked a lot. We also had the flatbread appetizer which in itself was a meal. Overall the portions were quite generous but we managed to wipe our plates clean .. it was that good! :-) Of course that meant we didn't have space for the dessert :-( ... maybe next time. Highly recommended for a great fine dining experience.
(5)Kurt B.
A great date-night destination. Nice view, hip room, and good service. The food is on the pricey side though portions aren't bad. The cheddar risotto cake has stood up as 'good' two times. Something keeps it from being great though, perhaps a lack of additional sauce or a nibble on the side? Potato leek soup is very good but was served lukewarm both times. Perhaps that's how it's served but I like my soup hot and I don't think that's being picky. The panko-crusted salmon is a wonderful simple dish that could potentially be prepared at home. It manages to be very good yet misses 'impressive'. That said, I'd eat it again and again. Their gnocchi is great, I just wish there was more per serving, but this is a pretty regular occurrence with handmade pasta at any restaurant. If prices were a little lower here I'd give it 5 stars. You're paying to eat on top of the museum and for the fancy room, but the food is basically just solid and tasty homestyle fare with a few flairs. Indeed it's a strength of the restaurant that it manages to avoid pretense in spite of its surroundings.
(4)Kate S.
My roommates and I just went to Fresco for Madison Restaurant Week. As recent college graduates, our wallets are very slim so we took this opportunity to sample one of the finer dining options in Madison. Overall, we were very pleased with the food. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the service. For Restaurant Week, we had the choice of three options for three courses. First course, we each picked something different. I had the tomato-red pepper soup, Andee (roommate) had the risotto cake and Jennifer (roommate) had the salad. Andee's cake was good, but I thought it could be warmer. It tasted kind of like a potato pancake. Jenn's salad had fresh vegetables, but I thought it could have had a little more to it. She found a bug in it (we're not sure if it crawled up from the bottom of the salad or if it hopped on the plate) so she sent it back and got the soup instead. The soup was divine. It reminded me of the soup served abroad by our little Italian cook. I'd have it again and again. Simple, but delicious. For the main course, we all ordered the tomato braised shirt rib pasta which was very good. I got shafted on the tomatoes which was disappointing because I love tomatoes. But it was still very tasty. Other people ordered the salmon and halibut (not on Restaurant Week menu) which made me want to order it, even though I'm not a huge fan of fish. For desert, we all originally ordered the key lime creme brulee. However, they were out of it by the end of the night which made me very sad. The replacement of brown butter cake with almonds was very good though. I would have preferred the creme brulee, but the cake didn't disappoint. Andee and Jenn loved it. All in all the food was outstanding. The service was slow which was probably due to the kitchen. Very cute for a date, especially if you sit outdoors because the view is pretty awesome. I will definitely go again if I can earn some extra cash.
(4)Kelly M.
Our Server was AMAZING (I wish I could recall her name! oops!). The food & drinks were really great! Tough to get a reservation, but I'm glad we chose to have a 9:30 dinner just to get a table. Definitely worth it!
(4)Underhill T.
Solid comfort food. Generous portions. Scallop app, beet salad, and halibut are all great. NY Strip steak was over cooked but still flavorful. Not sure it lives up entirely to it's farm-to-table claims, but I still enjoyed our meal. "A" for efort.
(4)Gary G.
The restaurant is way too over hyped. The setting of the restaurant was wonderful. But the food is another story. The portions are very small and not very flavorful. I order the lamb chops and I expected to be stuffed when my date and I left. We were so disappointed and hungry after eating we went to taco bell to curve our hunger. This is a good place to grab a drank and a appetizer but not worth the price paid for entrees.
(2)Seth M.
I have to agree with the other reviewers that the view is the best part of dining at Fresco. The food is equally delicious and very portion conscience as well. The lamb chops here are absolutely delicious, I'd highly recommend them to anyone dining here. The bar is always fully stocked and the bartenders can make pretty much anything you ask them for, even if its not on the menu, so kudos to them! Getting to the restaurant can be tedious climbing the glass stairs, so if your afraid of heights, take the elevator.
(4)Meggan F.
My husband and I had an early dinner here before a concert at the Orpheum Theater. What a view! It was a nice fall night so we were able to enjoy the outdoor seating but would have been happy with sitting inside as the atmosphere is really cool. I started off with the Wedge Salad which is one of my all time favorite salads. I loved how the bacon, cheese, eggs and carrots all were on the side of the dish. The dressing was just right. That is one thing I am so picky about is how much or how little a restaurant puts on. This was perfect. My husband tried the Roasted Squash Soup which he really liked. The hot bread that comes out with your first side is VERY hot and wonderful. For my main course I had the Chicken Fresco. YUM! The chicken was so juicy and tender and the flavor was wonderful. It came with buttermilk chive risotto, green beans, bacon, oven roasted tomato sauce, crispy shallots. I loved this so much that I didn't have enough left over to even take home for lunch the next day. My husband of course had a steak. He had the New York Strip which came with garlic mashed potato, green bean, basil dijonnaise, scallion butter. He said his steak was exactly how he ordered it and was very good. We rarely order dessert but thought we would try it here as our food was so good. We shared the Chocolate Cake. Loved that as well. Our waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable as this was our first time dinning here and had a few questions about the menu. After we finished our dessert we headed in to the bar where I enjoyed a dirty martini and my husband had a spotted cow. Great place for dinner down on State Street in Madison.
(4)Ann H.
I traveled to Madison for work and came to Fresco on the advice of a coworker. I am SO glad I did. This place is hands down the BEST place I've EVER eaten at (and that's saying a lot seeing as I grew up in the Bay Area- San Francisco). There food is farm fresh and you can definitely taste it. I had the strawberry basil mojito (which tasted so fresh and had no artificial or syrup-like taste). For the appetizer, I had the Kind Edwards mussels...it was so delicious that I drank the wine sauce it came in! (after running out of bread to soak up the sauce with). I order the lamb which literally melted in my mouth- it was cooked to PERFECTION. Then I had the strawberry creme brulee which had a perfectly crunchy top and could be described as smooth and having the perfect consistency. I also had the riesling (which was also delicious) for my dessert wine. I think I now have a favorite restaurant! Now I just need to devise a plan to have my work send me over here for training more often or else I'll end up traveling 2000+ miles just to eat here on my own dime!
(5)Erica M.
I'm going to start off by saying I only went here for drinks, so I can't judge the food. The drinks, however, were underwhelming. I had a mojito, and a lime/gin cocktail. My table mates had several other cocktails that I tried as well. All of them were overly sweet and tasted kind of watered down. My mojito was so sweet I could barely drink it, I think the bartender may have added more simple syrup instead of any alcohol, because I swear there was no booze in it. There's better places for cocktails around the capital area, this felt like an overpriced rip off. The patio was pretty though.
(2)Corrisa B.
The view and atmosphere are perfectly lovely. The food is usually not quite worth the price. I recommend the New York strip. I do not recommend the diablo shrimp appetizer.
(3)Midwest G.
The View? Great. Service-attentive. Proximity to Overture-close. The apple salad was the only other high point, which was obscured by two overpriced and pedestrian entrees, marring what was supposed to be a nice birthday dinner. The salmon was dry and fishy tasting. The NY Strip was a very bad joke in terms of quality and uninspired preparation. The Madison-based Food Fight Co. has a reputation for being proactive about cutting corners after a restaurant opens and is stable (according to numerous former employees I have spoken with). If this is the case, then the kitchen staff cannot be held responsible for being dealt a "bad hand" with regard to the resources with which they are working. This place would do well to start including organic entree items from local and regional farms. Many Madison diners will pay a little more for this upgrade. One last note-the room ambiance borders on deafening if they are at capacity. If this is the case on your visit, plan to communicate with your dinner companions via texting.
(1)Paul H.
Visited three times...Wonderful food, tastefully done without excessive portions or overly fat-ladden sauces. They are excellent with fish. Incredibly fresh salads and cheese selections...food was excellent each time. Emphasis on locally grown everything. Excellent ambience, generally. Can be a bit overcrowded at times which can put a strain on staff, but food is totally worth the trip. Definitely a special occasion adventure on my budget, but well worth it.
(5)Cristabel R.
I've only been here on restaurant week and it is a fantastic deal but wouldn't pay full price for their normal menu. They have the best bread: soft, pillowy mounds of perfect buttery rolls of goodness. I want to go there just to have their bread! I normally get their chicken gnocchi and it never dissapoints. Their desserts are pretty good most of the time and they serve classic flavor combos with a creative twist.
(4)S M.
One of the interesting things about dining at Fresco is getting a table next to the kitchen. The smell wafting in from metal-lined window connecting it to the dining room was very reminiscent of a gourmet restaurant I once worked in. And from there, you can see the kind of hard work that goes into making truly high-quality food. Fresco focuses on smaller dishes that pack in a lot of unusual and potent flavors, rather than the massive portions of average food that many other restaurants offer. The result is that when you try something like the lamb or the salmon, you can practically taste the care that went into getting that perfect sear on the meat. In addition to those, I particularly recommend the flatbread, as it had a unique blend of vegetables and spices on top that made it unlike anything I've ever had. I also remember the bread basically being infused with the essence of butter - easily the best restaurant bread that I've ever eaten. I ultimately ended up choosing four stars because for the gourmet style that Fresco is going for, it is not the best I've ever eaten. There's not much that makes it stand out; the menu lacks creativity. However, Fresco also offers some of the most affordable prices for food of this caliber that I've ever seen. Revel in the discount gourmet experience. Going to a restaurant like this in Chicago would cost you three times as much.
(4)Amber J.
I'll start by saying this: I used to work for Fresco as a bartender, and even after moving on, I still have to come back at least once every few months to eat. I love the service and the delicious menu. They have a great wine list, including well priced bottles (Layer Cake Shiraz is my fav). This is the perfect romantic date for the summer OR winter. Even if you have to sit inside, the view and the atmosphere are intimate and refreshing. They have a late night bar menu consisting of $5 specialty drinks and cheap upscale appetizers. When working there, I noticed the patrons to be a mix of East coast college students and middle to upper class 30-40 somethings. Either way, I suggest giving it at least one chance to see if it's your scene. The seared sashimi scallops are always an excellent choice for an appetizer. Past there, I recommend trying whatever is newest and freshest locally on their menu.
(4)Joseph H.
Solid choice in the summertime since you can sit outside and get a good view of state street and potentially the capital. I have never been in the winter season because you can find better food and atmosphere for less money. That being said, the food is always good, but it is a little pricey. If you are looking for solid seafood (tough to find in the Midwest in general), then is a solid joint along with the Blue Marlin. The salmon, scallops, and grouper are very well done. Just remember: don't expect to get by on a student's wage for example.
(4)Elizabeth W.
My husband and I ate here recently on a visit to Madison. The ambience was very unique with a distinctly modern flair. The view of Madison you have while dining adds to the sophistication of the experience. The food was contemporary American cuisine, and the menu was rotating/seasonal. The butternut squash soup was excellent. Drinks were great, too. My only complaint is that my vegetarian gnocchi and the herb cream sauce were too rich. I wasn't able to finish it. But other than that, good restaurant, interesting atmosphere. I will just order a different entree when I return.
(4)Joe P.
Everything but the food was awesome! The atmosphere and service were fantastic. The food was well-plated and pretty, but waaaay overpriced and uneven in preparation and flavor. This did not feel "farm to table"... Won't go back a second time and will not be recommending this restaurant to friends. this place seems to be riding on the location, which is nice, and hype. If you are looking for freshness and a more locavore experience, head the GRAZE....
(1)Joshua B.
First off we didn't have a reservation, we didn't even know the place existed. We decided to try it out. We had a party 10. I know who doesn't make reservations for a party of 10 right? Well everyone had different plans and at the last minute we decided to do Fresco. We went upstairs and went outside after notifying the hostess who seemed to have had better things to do. We admired the rooftop garden area then sat down at a table. They took our orders and left us to converse. It then began to rain... No big deal it's a Sunday afternoon at 3 PM how busy could the inside be? Well there were two tables occupied so we thought it shouldn't be a big deal for us to take a table. We notified the hostess and waitress that it was raining outside and we wanted to sit inside. They said ok but we don't have much time since we have alot of people coming in tonight who have reserved tables. We enjoyed a few akward faces from the hostess who was pissed because we took a table without reservations. Sorry people it's called customer service, roll with the punches. Our bill was $347.xx seemed a bit high but whatever, everyone enjoyed there food for the most part and drinks were pretty good. Prices for the portion size did seem a little high. Maybe offer a little more for the money?
(2)Ashlee V.
I was served the Fresco catering last night at the No Reservations: An Evening with Anthony Bourdain event. I'd really like to go and try the restaurant because the items they served were just divine: + Cheddar cheese soup shooters + Venison lollipops-ish (not actual candy, but venison on a bone) + Little brats on a toasted bun + Perch with a bread-like coating with tartar sauce on top + Pecan pie Our table kept getting ignored, which is the reason I dropped it to 4. Other than that, the food was consistently good and well enjoyed by my group of friends. The only other reason I have to drop it to a four is that while this food served was great (in addition to the two complimentary glasses of wine, soda, or beer--I had a white and red, both very good!), the initial food they had laid out was lackluster (except for the cheese spreads and salmon--and I am not a fish-eater.) I definitely plan on coming here one day when I can; that pecan pie is still haunting my thoughts.
(4)E. L.
I've been here about five times over the past couple of years. Overall, I think it's a nice part of the Madison restaurant scene. The setting is fun...they are going for a sleek, big city, ultra modern kind of feel. The view is great too, especially in the summer when you can sit outside. They have a nice drink list. I've been happy with the wines I've tried and they have some fairly novel cocktails as well. Drink prices are best if you can come for their late night happy hour. As far as food, prices are in line with other mid-range restaurants in Madison, like Sardine, Muramoto, etc. I've been satisfied with the food each time I've visited. Never the best meal of my life, but definitely good. They start with buttery parmesan rolls, and then you can chose from their rotating menu of seasonal options. I've always gone with chicken, pork or fish, never tried the pasta or beef options. Again, always happy with the entree. I've tried dessert a few times and it was always tasty. Never a problem with service, I would say it is average or slightly above for a place like this.
(4)Jordan W.
Fresco is definitely one of the tastiest restaurants in Madison. It is a great place for a romantic meal or if you have friends in town looking for a more refined meal. The views are great, and being able to walk out and about the garden area is quite lovely in the summer months. I always highly recommend the restaurant to anyone visiting the area. I want to give major props to the restaurants and it's staff for dealing with a potentially frustrating situation this past week. My parents were in town, and I've been wanting to show them how awesome Fresco is. I made a reservation for 3 at 8:15pm, but, as it is a pretty small restaurant, our table was tied up until about 8:45pm. The hostess was genuinely apologetic and was able to nab us 3 seats at the bar. She let us know that we were welcome to order whatever appetizer we wanted for free. Since we were kinda hungry, we got our free appetizer, and then also ordered a 2nd, along with some drinks. Eventually we got our table and had an awesome meal. When the bill finally came, we checked the numbers and found that we weren't charged at all for our items at the bar! 2 appetizers and 3 drinks for free! My parents and I are pretty easy-going people and were in no hurry to get seated, so the complimentary beverages and food were greatly appreciated! Long story short: I. Love. Fresco. Though I am a bit confused that their menu states that they "buy local," and none of their wines are from the state...
(5)Polina D.
I came here with a corporate party. I would otherwise not have come here because the food is too expensive for what you get. It is unfortunate because I think the ingredients are good, but the preparation is not. I would not come here again. If I had this kind of money to spend on a restaurant I would rather go to Tornado Room.
(3)J S.
Amazing food, awesome view, romantic bar interior. One of the best places I've been to in Madison. Assortment of different American foods, pumpkin soup was ridiculous.
(5)Ryan C.
I was thinking I was going to give this place 4 stars, but I can't. I've been there twice and while it's not the first place you consider for a fine dining experience, it was exceptional both times. I've had the duck and the dry-aged strip steak and both were excellent, my wife also really likes their fish. It also has a great atmosphere with great views of State Street and the Capitol. Like I said, I went in anticipating giving this place a 4, but can't think of a good reason not to give it a 5...I highly recommend it.
(5)Jason H.
love the decor here. The rooftop patio is bomb. Grab a drink the blackberry old fashioned was the unique and tasty. They have good happy hours & such. I only tried an appetizer but it was delish. Definitely recommended
(5)Matt A.
Amazing food! From out of town and found this place on yelp. Great find. The mussels were fantastic as was the pork loin and dry new york strip. Great views and nice staff. Best meal I have had in months. Will visit again when back in town for sure.
(5)Heather T.
I'm not really sure why some of the reviewers here are all up in arms about the food quality. I thought the food was excellent! It was by no means the greatest meal I've ever had, but it was delicious. The boy and I got to sit out outside and take in the (COMPLETELY STUNNING) view. Since it was sunset-time, we got to see the Capitol building light up and be all breathtakingly gorgeous and what have you. Yes, you do mostly pay for the views at Fresco, but it was worth it. Our adorable and wonderful spiky-haired waitress gave us all the time we needed to pick drinks from their extensive menu. I tried the pear-lemon martini (which tasted just like an alcoholic pear-flavored Jelly Belly). The boy tried the blueberry-thyme cocktail, which he didn't care for, but I thought it was tasty (it has a lot of club soda, which is why he didn't like it). Also, they have the greatest free bread EVER. It's like a warm pull-apart dinner roll with butter and pretzel salt on top! *drool* I tried the "lamb lollipop chops" entree, and the boy got the salmon. Both were really, really tasty. He thought the salad that accompanied his salmon was too salty, due to an excess of feta, but it was still edible. I had no complaints whatsoever about my entree or the awesome salad that came with it. We were then beguiled by the dessert menu. We tried the chocolate beignets. The waitress informed us that it would take 10-15 minutes, was that alright? Heck yeah, woman! This view can't be beat! Take all the time you need! The beignets were brought out, piping hot, full of oozing chocolatey goodness and a saucer of creme anglaise. The boy almost licked out the bowl of creme anglaise. The beignets were really phenomenal, and I highly recommend trying them. All said, dinner was $70 before a tip. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Probably, yes. I certainly don't regret it!
(4)Marion F.
We had a lovely inside dinner on a cold evening. The view was great, the atmosphere was warm, the service was perfect, and the food was excellent. The only drawback were the oddly Parker house style rolls that seemed to come from the grocery story. My fish stew was fantastic. Nice wines and drinks. Worth another special occasion visit.
(4)Todd D.
Great view while dining. The sliders are really tasty. My lamb 2 ways was awesome. The cocktails are ok, beer by the bottle only, also just ok, but this place is more of a wine spot. My wife wasn't crazy about he Ciopanna Pasta, but she has a cold, and after we had the creme brûlée (her favorite dessert), and she said this was just ok, I know her taste buds ads affected by the cold. B/c the creme brûlée was one of the best I've ever had. Also check out the children's art work displayed downstairs, also very rad. I recommend Fresco, cheers!
(4)Marilyn G.
Terrific! The flavors of the salads and entrees were incredible. Just the right ambiance before heading on to an evening at the theatre.
(4)Sarah G.
Maybe 2 1/2. I tried Fresco on two separate occasions this summer for the Fresco Fives -- perfect for grad students who want nice dining and drinks but can't afford the full menu. But why? Why on earth do they close so early!? The last hour of the day, Fresco offers a $5 menu with a limited (very limited and even more limited on my second visit!) selection of wine, martinis, and small plates. I had the scallops, tuna, lamb "sliders", and mushroom and leek tartlet. The tuna is good and packed with flavorful fried capers but I like my sashimi thick! The lamb sliders were, well, a bit weird. The beet flavor threw me off but hey, I like beets. The mushroom and leek tartlet is a bit bland but the scallops? Awesome! Can't go wrong with Nueske's bacon! Before I ordered I made sure to check that they were flown in that day, fresh as possible for Madison. They were and they *were* delicious! The $5 wine selection is okay but the view is fantastic. My dining partner had a refreshing but potent 50/50 martini. Pass on certain desserts -- the honey-poached pear brulee was substandard with a weird aftertaste. The thought of Fresco Fives in the winter is much less appealing to me. To sum it up, any future visit might involve two plates of bacon wrapped scallops, a glass of wine or a martini, a view, and moving on to better things at the Tornado Room or other alternative late night menus. PS A friend of mine has raved about the lamb lollipop chops.
(3)Colin U.
This is an absolutely stunning restaurant to eat at! I have been here 3 times now and it is still by far the best place I have ever eaten. It has a great modern-age atmosphere with even better food! Located right on top of the Overture Center in downtown Madison, you can pretty much see Madison in all its glory! Their food is amazing and made-to-order, even the smallest of details. Also, the bread they bring out is simply the best in the world (to me at least haha) it is perfectly warm and buttery and easily comes apart with a slight tug. Wonderful place to eat and a great romantic dining experience. If you haven't been here before. GO
(5)SB C.
Great food and awesome ambience. Decent wine list as well. Will definitely go back.
(5)Arthur S.
Grade: D- An absolute waste of space. Outrageous prices and horrible service for okay food portions the size of a thimble - all so you can be seen with the "cool, hip art crowd" at the lame Overture Center... A Food Fight Inc. business. What a shock. Stay away!
(2)Mark W.
This place is one of those where I "swear I've written a review already." I've been a few times for various occasions. Fresco capitalizes on its location, atmosphere, views and their food is pretty good! I've definitely enjoyed the patio the most, when it's nice enough to sit out there. One time we had pretty terrible service and were waiting for a server about 20 minutes after we were seated. When the hostess/manager saw us still waiting, she took care of us and grabbed our first bottle of wine-- something I know most places wouldn't do. Unfortunately, I came back with a large group recently and had average service, where the waiter disappeared between courses. The most recent time I visited, I ordered cioppino pasta entree and absolutely loved it. All the fish was fresh and had a good flavor. Also, those pretzel buts they bring before the entrees are amazing. They have some really exciting wine events coming up that I'd love to try. They also used to have a really good special on their cocktails-- $5 before 9pm! I can't find any information about it on their website, but it might be worth a try.
(4)Steve L.
I've been to Fresco a few times, primarily for cocktails. I haven't had eats here, but hope to gnosh on some of their offerings soon. + Service is always prompt, friendly, and helpful (helps that on the past three visits, I've been there right around 4:30pm) + Astonishing views + Some really creative cocktails, and reasonably priced + Decent brews list I'll update this after tossing some of their grub down my gullet. But, you definitely can't go wrong dropping-by for some drinks and amazing views.
(4)Peter D.
I have a love/hate with Fresco. For the location (rooftop) and view (all of State Street and the Capitol), Fresco gets a five-- it's perhaps the best in those two categories in the city. However, with what they DO with that amazing space, they get them a 2 or 3. With the fantastic rooftop location and outdoor patio space, they should have more outdoor furniture, a cocktail bar, and a lounge-esque DJ/music set-up EVERY night in the summer (at least on weekend nights). It's really such a shame. Still, the food is excellent (if not a tad pretentious) and the cocktail menu is nice. They have a fantastic happy hour deal in the summer (Fresco Fives) and they also have a late night-ish cheaper dinner menu sometimes. While there's really a lot of room for improvement, the location on the top of the art museum and the high quality food and drink still earns them a solid 4.
(4)Sallie Jo C.
Enjoyed pre-theater dinner on March 6. I had the seared tuna salad, and I tell you, it was off the charts! Perfectly seared tuna on a bed of fresh greens, with mushrooms, almonds, hard-boiled eggs, kalamata olives, grilled potato, black sheep truffle cheese and champagne vinaigrette. I was nervous to order a salad because I didn't think it would be filling enough, but it was perfection. I also tried my husband's entree, which was their house made ricotta cheese gnocchi. That night's special sauce was bacon truffle. It was rich and wonderful! The service was not as expected for such great food and ambiance. The server was friendly and helpful with the menu, but was not on top of her game. I asked to keep the wine list at the table so I could choose my wine prior to dinner arriving and then she walked off with it, never to return. After our food was delivered by another server I asked for the wine list and the person asked me what kind I thought I'd want. When I said Cabernet, she quickly said we only have one that comes by the glass and left to fetch it before I could tell her I still wanted to look at the menu. She was in a huge hurry to grab the wine, but it didn't arrive until I was nearly finished with my meal, at which point I was not particularly interested in drinking it.
(4)Mallory E.
This was one of the best restaurants that I tried in Madison. I ended up getting: gin & ginger smash ($8) st george dry rye gin, goose island spicy ginger soda, ginger simple syrup, mint, lemon bbq pulled pork tostadas ($9) roasted poblano crema, jalapeño honey-grilled pineapple, cilantro pickled onion slaw watermelon cucumber salad ($8) mixed greens, mint, chevre cheese, watermelon vinaigrette chicken fresco ($20) nueske's ham, polenta, broccoli, green bean, tomato, hook's swiss cheese cream and mixed berry cheesecake to go ($6) lemon curd The pulled pork tostadas and watermelon cucumber salad could have been a meal in itself. Three tostadas came with the appetizer and it was a little difficult to eat with a fork and a knife. the jalapeno honey-grilled pineapple was not overwhelming and added great flavor to the dish. I finished my gin & ginger smash beverage went well with both tostadas and salad. Then I got the chicken fresco - I was already full when the meal came so I ate all of the vegetables and a piece of the chicken. The chicken was very tender and the skin was crispy. Even when ate the leftovers in my room it was still delicious. The mixed berry cheesecake was not that great..but it didn't warrant for any stars to come off. I'm sure if it was just a simple New York cheesecake with some chocolate sauce I would have liked it better. The crust was yummy.
(5)Amy W.
Great views of the Capitol! Our waiter was very nice and knowledgable, and the food was amazing. There aren't very many options, so three of us at the table ended up getting the pesto gnocchi... None of us were disappointed. It was the best gnocchi I've ever had, and one of the best pasta + pesto combinations I've had. The service was a little slow and the restaurant wasn't that crowded, but they'll give you plenty of bread to distract your hunger!
(4)Rachel M.
Fresco was definitely the place to end Restaurant Week! Wild Mushroom Risotto Cake- 5 out of 5 stars Crispy, flavorful, and hearty, left me wanting more. The Brie on top was an added bonus. Chilled Corn Chowder- 4 out of 5 stars Tea party serving of chilled corn chowder with copious amounts of crab and bacon. This delightful appetizer was very refreshing, light, and meaty for a summer evening. A very calm and gracious start to a three course meal. I think this dish might have been better served warm. Grilled Salmon- 5 out of 5 stars A marvelously plated fish. Laid upon a bed of buttermilk risotto, and topped with a sweet onion jam. The risotto was balanced with snap peas, carrots, and cherry tomatoes for a nice fresh taste. The salmon was cooked to perfection and came apart delicately with a fork. Good fish and risotto that was baby bear quality, just right. Sake Braised Crispy Pork Belly- 3 out of 5 stars Exotic plate of pork and vegetables. The pickled carrots were the bomb. The bok choy and squash was pretty good too. The veggies were spiced and seasoned well and danced on your tongue. A bit heavy on the teriyaki sauce, which drowned out the pork's full flavor. Fresco Trio- 3 out of 5 stars Interesting combination of peach crumble, ruby port sorbet, and corn pot de creme. It was a nice variety and opportunity to taste these desserts, but none really had that wow factor. The crumble was good on the peach crumble. The ruby port sorbet was very sugary, but you couldn't actually taste the port until it started to warm up and melt. The corn pot de creme was interesting and odd. Again, just fun to try. House Made Ice Cream Sandwich- 4 out of 5 Peanut butter cookies sandwiched a mound of chocolate mousse. Very rich and satisfying in flavor. The sandwich itself was a bit awkward to eat due to its height. Tried to ungracefully break it down with a fork and knife, the waiter offered to bring a steak knife over to cut it. Our waiter, Jon, was incredible. He could read our minds. He could tell I wasn't in love with my drink even though I said it was fine, and was persistent in asking and replaced the drink. Each course of the meal came speedily out of the kitchen. The ambiance was lovely, fresh flowers, a candle, darker lighting, wonderful window views, and neat modern red plates that held the dining plates. Only suggestion would be to get higher quality coasters, my water glass continuously sweat and got stuck. After dining went and explored the rooftop area. Nice artwork all about and a pretty view of state street.
(4)Melanie s.
We ordered many of the small plate items and they were ALL tasty. The sugar snap pea cheffanade was so delicious. The lobster risotto with chive oil was totally satisfying. We cleaned our plates! The gnocchi was wonderful. All the flavored were spot on! I would five stars except I felt the patio seating could have been cleaner. More charming. It's such a great space, it just needs a little TLC. But I would go back for the food any day!
(4)Margaret M.
I'm obsessed with Fresco! This is my favorite restaurant in Madison. I've been there twice, once for a my anniversary and more recently for a work anniversary. I had their braised short rib dish which had an amazing sauce with a hint of truffle oil. There were also snap peas, pea greens, and mushrooms, and this amazing handmade pasta. The whole dish was absolute perfection. You can tell that the chefs put a lot of thought into each dish on the menu.
(5)Katy B.
I went here on a Thursday evening with a couple of girlfriends for their winter gnocchi Thursday special: $12 for a bowl of gnocchi. Here's the lowdown: -The gnocchi portions are quite generous! I was a lot more full than I expected to be (and I can eat. Seriously.) -The gnocchi is served with vegetables, which I would imagine are not always the same. The night I was there it was peas, sun dried tomatoes, and green beans. -There are a variety of sauces to choose from. The night we were there it was their classic brown butter sauce, tomato, sharp cheddar with broccoli, and Sriracha. You can also add shrimp, chicken, or short ribs (though it will cost you an extra $10). I had the Sriracha with shrimp, which was creamy, but not heavy, and with a nice kick. The waitress emphasized that heat level was negotiable, so I could have had it spicier if I had specified. My girlfriends had the brown butter sauce with short ribs (double yum) and the cheddar with broccoli (like a high-class mac and cheese, so yumm). Other highlights: -The mussels were delightful, though the portion is not super huge. They come with chorizo, onions, and bell peppers, as well as cornbread croutons (which are great). -They have a gluten-free menu! The items are mostly the same as the regular menu, but with minor alterations (ex. the tuna sashimi comes without the aioli). -Fabulous cocktails featuring tons of local liquors and ingredients. My friend had their "new fashioned," which was a citrusy, bright take on an old fashioned. Their "Los Grandes Margarita" with chipotle was also delicious. -Great wine list as well. Not-so-great: -We were sitting at a table by the window overlooking the sculpture garden and the capitol, and this table was right in front of the kitchen window. All of these things would ordinarily be pluses, but the kitchen was emitting some pretty strong, smokey smells, and I came home smelling kinda smokey, kinda greasy...I would imagine that this was a fluke, and not something that happens usually. It wasn't a negative enough part of the night to affect my rating, and my friends didn't even mention it, so they might not have even noticed.
(5)Anna A.
Came here for a birthday dinner and was overall happy with the experience. I wish there was an option for fractions of a star so I could rate it 3.5 or 3.75 because there was definitely room for improvement. I know they use local and fresh ingredients but a lot of the menu was not available and even the majority of the beers on tap were out. I did however love my snap pea salad with prosciutto. For dinner I had the chicken and my boyfriend the pork. The chicken and vegetables were really delicious but every once in a while I'd get a super salty bite that was slightly off putting. The pork was good as well but nothing I'd rave about. The service was decent but I did notice our water glasses did not get refilled throughout our entire meal. Would come but to explore more of the menu but hopefully get better service next time.
(4)Tony M.
The chicken fresco was awesome, but the food was overpriced. A wonderful atmosphere for the family and easily accessible. The staff was completely helpful in helping to pick out gluten free food. They have a separate section of drinks to accommodate gluten free individuals. Check this place out!
(3)Super M.
After flaming the hell out of the Overture Center, I guess I *SHOULD* find something good about it. And Fresco is definitely that. Not because it's particularly a good restaurant (it isn't actually) but because the decor and the drinks AND THE VIEW (especially at dusk) is just breathtaking. It's good for drinks before the show. That's it.
(3)Jeremy K.
Perched in the rooftop sculpture garden of Madison's new arts center, the Overture, Fresco has one of the best views in town. Warmed by two glasses of red and three good friends, my experience there was pleasant (ifnot also slightly blurred by the syrah). Some fantastic scallops were followed by a fine beef tenderloin. The sides (potatoes and a seasonal veggie) were a bit bland but nothing offensive. However, like so many FoodFight locations, Fresco is big on style and not much else. The price tags here don't equal the quality. Head there to impress a date or out-of-towner with the view but don't expect too much from the meal.
(4)Matt Y.
Utterly disappointed with the level of service. We called in the early afternoon to reserve 2 for dinner to celebrate a special event. We were told no reservations were needed and that we would be accommodated with problems. When we got there at 6:30 pm July 31st, we were informed that Fresco was hosting a private event and was closed for the evening. This is utterly disgusting that we had to drive for nearly an hr to reach the restaurant having called earlier in the day to be told that a private even was being held. Are the staff so poorly trained that they can't even get the basics right like informing diners that there's a private event going on and that they would NOT be able to accommodate us for the evening. Truly a pathetic experience and the staff, the same one that I spoke to was unapologetic insinuating that it was someone else. Getting caught in a lie and lying to cover her lies is insulting. Fortunately, our evening was not wasted as we trek over to Harvest and had a wonderful meal, evening and memories to cherish. Fresco, you're done!
(1)Megan M.
Wow. The food was wonderful, the service was wonderful, the atmosphere was wonderful and the view was breath taking.
(5)Colin D.
The great view from Fresco's dining room combined with the fact that the restaurant sits above the newly opened contemporary art museum makes you feel as though you're in one of the big cities. The food and wine were excellent, but pricey. A great place for a date before a show at the Overture Center.
(4)Anna V.
The best part about Fresco is sitting outside during the summer and enjoying the weather while looking at the rest of Madison's downtown. The food is decent but nothing too great or creative. They use local and seasonal ingredients when possible, which I consider a plus. The late night specials are a good deal. Service is attentive and friendly. Bring someone you're trying to impress with the Madison area.
(3)boots b.
I love how this restaurant is encased by huge windows and offers beautiful views of the area. I had dinner here last month and was very impressed. Everything on the menu sounded so simple but was presented very artistically. The Chips and Fish was a surprise. I'd never had sea scallops prepared like flat potato chips. It was delicious. The Winter Squash Bisque was warm, velvety and awesome. I liked how they used the almond brittle to add a different texture but I didn't prefer it that much. The American Berkshire Pork was a little too salty from the salt and pepper crust for me, but it was very tasty and cooked perfectly along with the brussel sprouts. The Organic Norwegian Salmon was perfect. I loved the balsamic reduction and the crispy leeks - wow! We didn't have room for dessert but we were given a complementary small box of two pieces of chocolate made by Madison chocolatier Gail Ambrosius. The chocolate was incredible and it was the perfect end to our Valentine's Day dinner!
(4)