Cafe Fresco - Center City

4.7

733 Reviews

$30 and under

Fusion / Eclectic

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 30, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Innovative
Good for special occasions
Good for business meals

A pioneer of Harrisburg dining, Café Fresco Center City opened its doors in 2005. Located in the heart of Restaurant Row, the Feng Shui inspired ambiance offers comfortable and intimate dining spaces that pulse with an energy and excitement. From the moment you step inside, you become part of the Café Fresco experience. Whether you are joining us for an urban, café lunch or the upscale, metropolitan dining experience of our dinner service, our skilled, professional staff will strive to accommodate your every need. Our goal is to provide you with a metropolitan retreat nestled in the heart of a smaller city that will exceed every expectation – an experience that can only be provided by Café Fresco.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Fusion / Eclectic, American, Contemporary Asian
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(717) 236-2599
Website
http://www.CafeFresco.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Scott Kemp
Catering
Local catering is available for breakfast and lunch for groups of ten or more. Pick up and delivery options are available.
Private party facilities
Cafe Fresco's Level 2 lounge offers countless options for events of all sizes and styles. Whether you're planning a fundraiser, business function, reception, or rehearsal, we have the space and menu options to meet your needs.Enjoy the quality and food of Café Fresco Center City in an upscale, modern space.

Location
215 N 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Neighborhood
Harrisburg
Cross street
Locust Street
Parking details
An easily accessible, multi-level parking lot is located directly across the street from the restaurant. Rates vary, depending on dates and times. Street parking is also available with discounted rates between the hours of 11AM - 2PM and 5PM - 7PM. Metered parking ends at 7PM. Park in the River Street Garage across the street for only $5, every weekday after 5PM. <br /><br />
Entertainment
Cafe Fresco infuses chic decor with trendy music, creating the perfect setting for your dining experience. After dinner, step upstairs to Level 2 where the hottest DJs from the East Coast lay down the tracks for the ultimate VIP experience.Level 2 is also available for private events, large group dinners, and meetings. Enjoy the quality and food of Café Fresco Center City in an upscale, modern space.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Tuna Tartare$16.00
Sriracha Mayo, Avocado, Yuzu Oil, Cilantro, Crispy Wonton
Edamame Hummus$12.00
Toasted Sesame, Ginger Oil, Warm Flatbread
Asian Caesar Salad$12.00
Spicy Cashews, Crispy Wonton, Parmesan
Fresco Chopped Salad$12.00
Avocado, Tomato, Cucumber, Egg, Red Onion, Dried Cranberries, Gorgonzola, Honey-White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Dim Sum

Chicken Dumplings$14.00
Sesame-Soy Dipping Sauce
Mushroom Potstickers$13.00
Toasted Sesame, Ponzu Shoyu
Spicy Shrimp Bao Bun$12.00
Asian Slaw, Jalapeño

Hot

Szechuan Shrimp$15.00
Buffalo Style, Ginger-Bleu Cheese Dressing
Mahi Soft Tacos$15.00
Honey-Chipotle Aioli, Red Cabbage
Karaage$15.00
Japanese Fried Chicken, Honey-Sriracha, Grilled Scallion, Ginger-Bleu Cheese Dressing
Wagyu Sliders$16.00
Locally Sourced Wagyu Beef, Hoisin, Caramelized Onion Mayo
Szechuan Calamari$14.00
Flash Fried, Thai Basil, Sriracha Mayo
Thai Lettuce Wraps$14.00
Bibb Lettuce, Bean Sprouts, Carrots, Scallions, Peanut & Sweet Chili Soy Sauces. Choice Of Chicken, Tofu, Or Spicy Shrimp
Crispy Brussel Sprouts$9.00
Wasabi Honey Mustard, Bacon, Gorgonzola, Crispy Shallots
Edamame Pods$9.00
Sea Salt, Ginger, Saké

Entrées

Meat

Marinated Filet Mignon$42.00
Redskin Garlic Smashed, Herb Demi, Wasabi Créme Fraîche, Crispy Brussel Sprouts
Grilled Kansas City Strip$38.00
Crispy Yukon Wedges, Herb Demi, Truffle Aioli
Mongolian Glazed Short Rib$35.00
Roasted Red Beet Risotto, Caramelized Onion, Sautéed Mushroom, Gorgonzola
Pork Tonkatsu$29.00
Panko Encrusted, Carbonara Risotto, Creamy Shiitake Brown Sauce

Fish

Chilean Sea Bass$42.00
Chili-Soy Glazed, Sesame-Soy Soba Noodles, Creamy Miso
Pan Seared Crabcake$38.00
Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, Potato, Bacon, Edamame, Sweet Corn, Shiitake Mushroom, Old Bay Miso Cream
Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna$35.00
Garlic Seared Vegetables, Thai Lemon-Soy Aioli, Ginger-Jasmine Rice
Sriracha Panko Salmon$29.00
Black Rice Risotto, Yuzu-Dill Créme Fraîche

Noodles & Rice

Filet Lo Mein$30.00
Wok Seared Vegetables, Chinese Brown Sauce, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Thai Basil
Cashew Chicken & Broccoli$28.00
Ginger-Jasmine Rice, Chinese Brown Sauce
Pad Thai
Rice Noodles, Stir-Fried Vegetables, Egg, Scallion, Fresh Lime, Peanuts, Cilantro
- Chicken or Shrimp$24.00
- Tofu$22.00

Sandwiches

Wagyu Swiss Burger$20.00
Locally Sourced Wagyu Beef, Marinated Shiitake Mushrooms, Caramelized Onion Mayo, Fries
Panko Chicken Banh MI$17.00
Crispy Vegetables, Szechuan Mayo, Toasted Baguette, Fries
Beef Banh MI$17.00
Korean Bulgogi Beef, Crispy Vegetables, Szechuan Mayo, Toasted Baguette, Fries
Cajun Salmon Caesar Wrap$17.00
Whole Wheat Wrap, Crispy Wonton, Shredded Parmesan, Fries

Pizzas

Traditional Cheese$10.00
Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce
Pepperoni$11.00
Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Pepperoni
Seafood$14.00
Fresh Garlic, Sautéed Shrimp, Lump Crab, Mozzarella Cheese
Barbeque Chicken$13.00
Red Onion, Mozzarella Cheese, Cilantro
Basil Pizza$12.00
Mozzarella Cheese, Basil, Spicy Tomato Sauce

Sides

Carbonara Risotto$8.00
Redskin Garlic Smashed Potatoes$7.00
Roasted Red Beet Risotto$8.00
Black Rice Risotto$8.00

Cocktails

Specialty Cocktails

The Nick Laus$10.00
Ketel One Vodka, Cranberry Ice Sphere, Torched Lemon
White Lotus$11.00
Dead Lightning Lemon Vodka, Pear Saké, Coconut Rum, Strawberry, Lychee, Lemon Juice, Prosecco
Strawberry Basil Hi Ball$12.00
Ketel One Orange, Strawberry Purée, Basil-Peppercorn Simple Syrup, Fresh Basil
The Hammered Nail$12.00
Maker's Mark Bourbon, Orgeat, Honey, Orange Zest
Asian Pear Martini$12.00
Pear Saké, Grey Goose La Poire, Pear Purée
Espresso Martini$11.00
Stoli Vanil, Kahlúa, House Brewed Espresso
Bellini Martini$11.00
Absolut Apeach, Peach Purée, Brut Float
The Vodka Martini$12.00
Grey Goose Vodka, Bleu Cheese Stuffed Olives or Tomolives
Coconut Mango Mojito$11.00
Coconut Rum, Fresh Lime, Mango Purée, Mint
Blackberry Smash$12.00
Knob Creek Bourbon, Crème De Cassis, Blackberry Compote, Fresh Lemon, Mint

House Infused

Pineapple Infusion Martini$12.00
Pineapple Infused Organic Vodka, Pineapple Juice
Pom Lychee Greenteani$12.00
Green Tea Infused Organic Vodka, Exotic Lychee, Pomegranate, White Cranberry
Thai Chile Paloma$12.00
Thai Chile Infused Blue Agave Olemca Altos Reposado Tequila, Hibiscus Agave Syrup, Fresh Grapefruit

Premium Cocktails

Black Manhattan$12.00
Bullet Rye Whiskey, Sibona Amaro, Orange & Angostura Bitters
The Philly Vesper$12.00
Bluecoat Gin, Stateside Vodka, Lillet Blanc
Tattooed Gentleman$12.00
Angel's Envy Bourbon, Mount Gay 1703 Black Barrel Rum, Dry Vermouth, Pure Maple Syrup

Sangria

Red, White, or Peach$9.00

Saké

Moonstone Pear Saké$10.00
Premium Saké, Smooth & Mellow Flavor
Momokawa
Organic Creamy Nigori Saké
- 300ml$20.00

Beer

Domestic Beer

Miller Lite$4.00
Coors Light$4.00
Bud Light$4.00
Yuengling Lager$4.00
Michelob Ultra$4.00
Sam Adams, Boston Lager$5.00
Blue Moon, Belgian White Ale$5.00

Imported Beer

Buckler N/A England$6.00
Heineken, Holland$6.00
Amstel Light, Holland$6.00
Corona, Mexico$6.00
Peroni, Italy$6.00
Stella Artois, Belgium$6.00
Stella Artois Cidre, Belgium$6.00
Sapporo, Japan$6.00
Guinness Pub Can, Ireland$6.00
Franziskaner Hefe-Weissbier, Germany$6.00
Chimay Red, Belgium
- 25.4 oz.$18.00

Microbrews

Tröegs, Perpetual IPA$6.00
Ballast Point, Sculpin IPA$6.00
Lagunitas, Little Sumpin' Sumpin' Ale$5.00
Bell's, Two Hearted Ale$6.00
Evergrain, Joose Juicy$6.00
Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA$6.00
Stone, India Pale Ale$6.00
Sierra Nevada, Pale Ale$5.00
Victory, Sour Monkey$6.00

Draft Beer

Rotating Craft Selections
- Market

Spirits

Scotch

Scotch 12 Yr$11.00
Glenfiddich 12 Yr$11.00
Glenmorangie 10 Yr$11.00
Laphroaig 10 Yr$12.00
Macallan 12 Yr$13.00
Balvenie Doublewood 12 Yr$13.00
Auchentoshan 12 Yr$15.00
Oban 14 Yr$17.00
Lagavulin 16 Yr$18.00
Johnnie Walker, Blue$40.00

Japanese

Yamazaki 12 Yr$24.00
Hibiki, Harmony$17.00

Bourbon

Maker's Mark$8.00
Woodford Reserve$10.00
Knob Creek$10.00
Booker's$16.00
Angel's Envy$14.00
High West American Prairie$12.00
Basil Hayden's$12.00

Rye

Bulleit$8.00
Whistlepig 10 Yr$18.00
Knob Creek$10.00
Basil Hayden's Dark Rye$12.00

What 733 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Philadelphia County
Good for groups
Philadelphia County
Lively
Hershey / Harrisburg
Best Overall
Hershey / Harrisburg
Best Food
Hershey / Harrisburg
Best Service
Hershey / Harrisburg
Best Value
Hershey / Harrisburg
Innovative
Hershey / Harrisburg
Good for groups
Hershey / Harrisburg
Healthy
Hershey / Harrisburg
Neighborhood gem
Hershey / Harrisburg
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Cafe Fresco - Center City is a vibrant spot in downtown Harrisburg, celebrated for its "amazing food" and "excellent service." Diners rave about the Asian fusion cuisine, including the "perfect tuna" and "out of this world" sea bass. The lively atmosphere is complemented by "enthusiastic, efficient" staff, making it a top choice.

733 Reviews

W
William
Mississippi
5 reviews
vip
2.0
5 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
The service has been extremely slow the last 3 visits… and the prices are too high for the food quality.
Is this helpful?
E
Evan
Philadelphia
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was great. The food was fresh and tasty. Our server was attentive. I would definitely come back again. The atmosphere of the restaurant is modern and clean. The menu style is Asian with a few American dishes as well. Plenty of options for anyone to find something they like.
Is this helpful?
T
Thomas
Philadelphia
27 reviews
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was outstanding. We will.be back without a doubt.
Is this helpful?
M
Meredith
New Orleans
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent pad thai and all food that we ate! Great experience!
Is this helpful?
s
stacie
Philadelphia
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on September 28, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food drinks and service. Best espresso martini around and the sea bass was out of this world.
Is this helpful?
t
twinsmom
Philadelphia
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 20, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Dined at cafe fresco downtown Harrisburg to enjoy the restaurant week menu. Overall we had a good experience. The waitress was super sweet and the atmosphere was pleasant. Unfortunately the appetizer I was so looking forward to enjoying ran out. They did allow me to pick another item from the regular menu to accommodate me. The food was served nicely and portions were adequate. I would say the food was a little too salty and I would’ve appreciated it more had it been a little less so. Overall I would recommend and would return again sometime. I do appreciate the restaurant week price offering as overall dining out has gotten so price prohibitive.
Is this helpful?
J
Jay
Dallas
30 reviews
vip
4.0
30 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The restaurant was very slow on a Thursday but the food and drinks were good. Tried the Bao buns and they were very good, tried the waygu sliders and they were good but needed a sauce. For the main course I had the Pork Tonkatsu with risotto which seems like an odd combo but wa the best thing I ate there.
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K
Kevin
Philadelphia
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Tyler is the best bartender in town. He does a lot of specialty cocktails.
Is this helpful?
J
Jeff
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
excellent service ...excellent food... I will be be going back!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Naples
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 1, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food and service is always great - one of the best choices in the Harrisburg area
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Cafe Fresco - Center City does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now. Cafe Fresco - Center City also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (717) 236-2599.

Cafe Fresco - Center City is rated 4.7 stars by 733 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 30, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Cafe Fresco - Center City

215 N 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Additional information

Cross street
Locust Street
Neighborhood
Harrisburg
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Fusion / Eclectic, American, Contemporary Asian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
An easily accessible, multi-level parking lot is located directly across the street from the restaurant. Rates vary, depending on dates and times. Street parking is also available with discounted rates between the hours of 11AM - 2PM and 5PM - 7PM. Metered parking ends at 7PM. Park in the River Street Garage across the street for only $5, every weekday after 5PM. <br /><br />
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Scott Kemp
Entertainment
Cafe Fresco infuses chic decor with trendy music, creating the perfect setting for your dining experience. After dinner, step upstairs to Level 2 where the hottest DJs from the East Coast lay down the tracks for the ultimate VIP experience.Level 2 is also available for private events, large group dinners, and meetings. Enjoy the quality and food of Café Fresco Center City in an upscale, modern space.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.CafeFresco.com/
Phone number
(717) 236-2599
Catering
Local catering is available for breakfast and lunch for groups of ten or more. Pick up and delivery options are available.
Private party facilities
Cafe Fresco's Level 2 lounge offers countless options for events of all sizes and styles. Whether you're planning a fundraiser, business function, reception, or rehearsal, we have the space and menu options to meet your needs.Enjoy the quality and food of Café Fresco Center City in an upscale, modern space.

Cafe Fresco - Center City

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Appetizers

Cold

Tuna Tartare$16.00

Edamame Hummus$12.00

Asian Caesar Salad$12.00

Fresco Chopped Salad$12.00

Dim Sum

Chicken Dumplings$14.00

Mushroom Potstickers$13.00

Spicy Shrimp Bao Bun$12.00

Hot

Szechuan Shrimp$15.00

Mahi Soft Tacos$15.00

Karaage$15.00

Wagyu Sliders$16.00

Szechuan Calamari$14.00

Thai Lettuce Wraps$14.00

Crispy Brussel Sprouts$9.00

Edamame Pods$9.00

Entrées

Meat

Marinated Filet Mignon$42.00

Grilled Kansas City Strip$38.00

Mongolian Glazed Short Rib$35.00

Pork Tonkatsu$29.00

Fish

Chilean Sea Bass$42.00

Pan Seared Crabcake$38.00

Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna$35.00

Sriracha Panko Salmon$29.00

Noodles & Rice

Filet Lo Mein$30.00

Cashew Chicken & Broccoli$28.00

Pad Thai

Sandwiches

Wagyu Swiss Burger$20.00

Panko Chicken Banh MI$17.00

Beef Banh MI$17.00

Cajun Salmon Caesar Wrap$17.00

Pizzas

Traditional Cheese$10.00

Pepperoni$11.00

Seafood$14.00

Barbeque Chicken$13.00

Basil Pizza$12.00

Sides

Carbonara Risotto$8.00

Redskin Garlic Smashed Potatoes$7.00

Roasted Red Beet Risotto$8.00

Black Rice Risotto$8.00

Cocktails

Specialty Cocktails

The Nick Laus$10.00

White Lotus$11.00

Strawberry Basil Hi Ball$12.00

The Hammered Nail$12.00

Asian Pear Martini$12.00

Espresso Martini$11.00

Bellini Martini$11.00

The Vodka Martini$12.00

Coconut Mango Mojito$11.00

Blackberry Smash$12.00

House Infused

Pineapple Infusion Martini$12.00

Pom Lychee Greenteani$12.00

Thai Chile Paloma$12.00

Premium Cocktails

Black Manhattan$12.00

The Philly Vesper$12.00

Tattooed Gentleman$12.00

Sangria

Red, White, or Peach$9.00

Saké

Moonstone Pear Saké$10.00

Momokawa

Beer