Fresko

4.8

1176 Reviews

$30 and under

Farm-to-table

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 32 times today

Good for groups
Healthy
Great for creative cocktails

“Fresko” meaning “fresh” inspires our creation of seasonal menus made from locally sourced ingredients. Fresko makes natural food from the bounty of Iowa farms whenever possible. The culinary team prepares product from start to finish applying natural time honored techniques with care at every step. This enriches the flavorful and nutritious product we serve and benefits our community. Fresko believes we are what we eat and eating well means living well.

Fresko features a splendid assortment of original cocktails with a deep spirits menu and a beer program with sixteen beers on tap in addition to bottles and cans. Fresko's wine menu focuses on quality selections at a great value to our guests.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Farm-to-table
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 8:00 am–4:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Phone number
(515) 630-7009
Website
http://www.freskodsm.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Drew Hoormann
Catering
We would be excited to host you or cater you for your next event.
Private party facilities
Thank you for choosing Fresko for your gathering! We are beyond excited to share our seasonal menus, made from locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, our lovely event spaces and exceptional team. You can trust your guests will have a tremendous experience at Fresko. Whether you’re here to celebrate your love story, organize a business meeting, celebrate a milestone, host a family gathering, or anything in between, we are here to put your mind at ease and deliver a fabulous experience for you and your guests. Our Executive Room accommodates up to 30 guests, and our Gathering Room accommodates up to 45 guests. We are also able to combine both rooms to accommodate up to 100 guests! We welcome the opportunity to make your vision a reality. Please contact us at events@freskodsm.com, by phone at 515-630-7009, or via our website: https://www.freskodsm.com/private-events/

Location
909 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Neighborhood
Des Moines
Cross street
9th and Locust
Parking details
Parking is available on the street, in several nearby parking ramps, and there is a lot across the street available after 5pm.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Wood Fired Wings$11.00
Chicken wings, chili oil, crumbled feta, tzatziki dipping sauce
Lobster Avocado$15.00
Mango salsa, chili beurre blanc
Hummus*$9.00
Smoked paprika scented, crudites, arugula, pita
Tuna Tartare$15.00
Teriyaki marinated ahi tuna, avocado, sesame seeds, wontons, firecracker sauce
Nachos$15.00
Short rib or chicken, house-made cheese sauce
Tempura Shrimp$13.00
Blue cheese mousse, celery hearts, buffalo vinaigrette
P.E.I. Mussels$12.00
White wine, Spanish chorizo, garlic, cilantro, chili butter, grilled bread
Kefte*$12.00
Woodfire grilled lamb skewers, arugula, Mediterranean pico, tzatziki, feta cheese, pita
Skewers$14.00
Wood-fired Moroccan spiced tenderloin, arugula, Mediterranean pico, tzatziki
Seared Sesame Tuna$15.00
Seared rare and sliced, Asian slaw, honey almonds, orange supremes, squash, ginger soy vinaigrette

Sushi

Tempura Shrimp & Salmon$14.00
Avocado, kingoma sauce, micro cilantro
Spicy Tuna*$15.00
Sriracha, avocado, blue crab, crunch
The Killer$16.00
Blue crab, cucumber, unagi, avocado, spicy mayo, eel sauce, tobiko
Maine Lobster Roll$16.00
Tempura shrimp, avocado, wasabi mayo, unagi sauce, ginger glaze, sriracha mayo

Greens

Add: Shrimp, Chicken, Tuna, Steak

Fresko$6.00
Artisan lettuce, berries, orange supreme, goat cheese, red onion, red wine vinaigrette
Kale & Spinach Caesar$6.00
Tuscan kale, baby spinach, garlic croutons, cremini mushrooms
Beets & Goat Cheese$7.00
Roasted gold & red beets, candied pecans, orange supremes, citrus vinaigrette

Flatbreads

Bacon$12.00
Crispy bacon, caramelized onion, Tillamook cheddar, fresh thyme
Margherita$11.00
Basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella
Formaggio$11.00
Cheese blend, fresh chives, truffle honey
Fungo$11.00
Wild mushrooms, cheese blend, fresh arugula, red wine reduction
Pepperoni$12.00
San Marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella, grande artisan pepperoni

Tacos

Achiote Chicken$13.00
Pickled cabbage, chipotle aioli, mango salsa
Short Rib$14.00
Pico de gallo, guacamole, cotija
Argentine Red Shrimp$14.00
Candied Fresno chili, micro cilantro
Fish$13.00
Chili marinated cod, jicama slaw, guacamole
Chorizo Seitan$14.00
Pico de gallo, guacamole

Sandwiches

Served with roasted potatoes | Gluten Free bread available $3

Portobello Burger*$14.00
Marinated portobello, zucchini, summer squash; roasted red pepper, basil pesto, arugula, tomato, multigrain bun
Steak Sandwich*$13.00
Sliced ribeye, Tillamook cheddar, sweet onion, chimichurri, tomatoes, ciabatta bread
Pita Wrap*$13.00
Leg of lamb, chipotle mayo, pico, arugula, feta
Chicken Caprese*$12.00
Grilled chicken breast, tomato, arugula, basil pesto, fresh mozzarella, ciabatta bread
Fresko Burger*$14.00
Smoked gouda, arugula, pickled onion, tomato jam, brioche bun
Horseradish Burger*$14.00
Havarti cheese, crispy bacon, bibb lettuce, fresh tomato, remoulade, brioche bun
Turkey Burger$13.00
Caramelized onions, granny smith apples, baby spinach, blue cheese, multigrain bun

Entrées

Pan Seared Sea Scallops$31.00
Spicy greens, bacon lardons, cauliflower gratin, leek & Fresno chili relish
Seafood Stew*$27.00
Fish, shrimp, calamari, mussels, ancho lobster broth, fire-roasted peppers, napa cabbage, grilled bread
Lobster Ravioli$29.00
Maine lobster filled pasta, escarole, roasted squash, sherry mascarpone creme, parmesan
Golden Dragon Street Noodles$21.00
Marinated tofu, rice noodles, julienne carrots, zucchini, sweet onions, jalapeños, Thai coconut sauce, peanuts
Short Ribs$30.00
Braised, sweet wine risotto, arugula, cherry tomatoes

Wood Fire

Half Roasted Chicken$25.00
Lemon & thyme brine, roasted potatoes, sautéed garlic swiss chard, lemon pan sauce
Salmon$25.00
Sauteed Tuscan kale, fennel & orange salad, brown butter vinaigrette
Hanger Steak
Goat cheese & chive smashed red potatoes, sauteed kale, sweet demi-glace, crispy tobacco onions
- 12 Oz.$37.00
Prime Filet
Roasted red potato hash, cremini mushrooms, roasted garlic, Tuscan kale, blue cheese, dijon cream sauce
- 7 Oz.$30.00
Wagyu Ribeye
Sauteed spinach, smashed red potatoes
- 16 Oz.$52.00

Sides (Fruit and Vegetables)

Vegetables$7.00
Sautéed Greens$6.00
Fresh Fruit$6.00
Cauliflower Gratin$8.00

Sides (Potatoes)

Truffle Potatoes$8.00
Roasted Potatoes$6.00
Goat Cheese & Chive
Smashed Red Potatoes$6.00
Sea Salt & Pepper Chips$5.00

What 1,176 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Iowa
Best Overall
Iowa
Best Food
Iowa
Best Value
Iowa
Great for brunch
Iowa
Innovative
Iowa
Good for groups
Iowa
Healthy
Iowa
Most Booked
Des Moines
Best Overall
Des Moines
Best Food
Des Moines
Best Value
Des Moines
Innovative
Des Moines
Good for groups
Des Moines
Healthy
Des Moines
Lively
Des Moines
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Fresko delights with its "amazing food" and "great atmosphere," offering a diverse menu that pleases both brunch and dinner guests. The staff is "outstanding," providing attentive and friendly service. Diners rave about the "delicious food," especially gluten-free options and creative cocktails. Though busy at times, Fresko remains a downtown Des Moines favorite.

1,176 Reviews

N
Natalie
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We came in from Omaha to celebrate my partner’s birthday and had a very relaxing and tasty time. I got the dragon noodles and they were delicious, hearty and filling. Our server was friendly, attentive and informative about vegan items, and he treated my partner to a birthday dessert! Thank you!
Is this helpful?
S
Sarah
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic dinner on a Saturday night, the service and meal was excellent. We appreciated the varied drink and dinner menu.
FreskoResponded 5 days ago
Thank you for the 5 stars! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the food and service and also appreciated the depth of our drink menu. We hope to see you again for another fantastic meal.
Is this helpful?
A
Amy
Des Moines
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 3, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our first time for brunch and we will be back. I liked having the choice between the brunch and the lunch menu. Every interaction with a server was excellent.
FreskoResponded on November 14, 2024
Thank you for the 5 stars! We are thrilled to hear that your first brunch experience was excellent, and we can't wait to see you again for another meal.
Is this helpful?
K
Kris
Des Moines
11 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on October 30, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
It was a rainy Wednesday, so the restaurant was not crowded. Our server was outstanding -- pleasant, helpful, prompt. The food is very good (pasta, noodles, chicken sandwich and tacos). The Brussel sprout appetizer is very good, too. Our table split a couple of chocolate desserts which were also delicious.
FreskoResponded on November 1, 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the food, from the Brussels sprouts to dessert, and that our server made your rainy day visit a pleasant one. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Is this helpful?
J
Jay
Los Angeles
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on October 25, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I have decided that the Eggs Benedict and Mimosas are THE ABSOLUTE best here at Fresko than ANYWHERE else I've been. Ever! Seriously. Get some!!
FreskoResponded on November 1, 2024
Thank you for the fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear you loved our Eggs Benedict and Mimosas so much! Can't wait to have you back for more!
Is this helpful?
S
Steve
Des Moines
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on October 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Business dinner with some time in the bar area before. It was great overall and the food is always really solid here. Only issue was that we had two people drinking NA beers and they only had three of them and then were out. Seems a little odd these days not to have NA beer on hand.
FreskoResponded on November 1, 2024
Thank you for the feedback! We're glad you enjoyed your time with us and that the food met your expectations. We apologize for running low on NA beer and appreciate the insight—this helps us ensure we're better stocked in the future. Hope to see you again soon!
Is this helpful?
A
Alicia
Charlotte
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I was entertaining my colleague from San Francisco and was looking for a restaurant downtown that we could walk to that wasn’t a chain or bar & grill. We both travel extensively so food is part of the experience. The hotel recommended and the space, the waiters & more importantly the food & cocktails didn’t disappoint! I will definitely be back & recommend.
FreskoResponded on November 1, 2024
Thank you for choosing us to host your colleague and for the wonderful feedback! We're thrilled that you enjoyed the ambiance, service, and especially the food and cocktails. It’s great to hear we could add to your experience, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Is this helpful?
A
Angela
Seattle
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Kitchen was VERY backed up - took over an hour for food!
FreskoResponded on October 22, 2024
Thank you for your feedback! We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delay. We're addressing the issue to ensure a smoother experience in the future. We hope you'll give us another chance to provide you with a better dining experience next time!
Is this helpful?
D
Dave
Des Moines
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was great and so was the service. They were very busy so took a little longer than normal but it allowed us to talk, catch up and have a few extra beverages for a great time!
FreskoResponded on October 22, 2024
Thank you for your understanding and patience! We're glad you enjoyed the food, service, and extra time to relax and catch up. Looking forward to having you back for another great time!
Is this helpful?
C
Christine
Minneapolis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 19, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Outstanding food! Highly recommended for creativity and execution. Service was a little slow, somewhat noisy.
FreskoResponded on October 22, 2024
Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We're thrilled you enjoyed the creativity and execution of our food. We appreciate your feedback on the service and noise level, and we'll work to improve. We hope to welcome you back soon for an even better experience!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Fresko offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (515) 630-7009.

Fresko is rated 4.8 stars by 1176 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 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 32 times today

Order delivery or takeout

909 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Additional information

Cross street
9th and Locust
Neighborhood
Des Moines
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 8:00 am–4:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Farm-to-table
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Parking is available on the street, in several nearby parking ramps, and there is a lot across the street available after 5pm.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Drew Hoormann
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.freskodsm.com/
Phone number
(515) 630-7009
Catering
We would be excited to host you or cater you for your next event.
Private party facilities
Thank you for choosing Fresko for your gathering! We are beyond excited to share our seasonal menus, made from locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, our lovely event spaces and exceptional team. You can trust your guests will have a tremendous experience at Fresko. Whether you’re here to celebrate your love story, organize a business meeting, celebrate a milestone, host a family gathering, or anything in between, we are here to put your mind at ease and deliver a fabulous experience for you and your guests. Our Executive Room accommodates up to 30 guests, and our Gathering Room accommodates up to 45 guests. We are also able to combine both rooms to accommodate up to 100 guests! We welcome the opportunity to make your vision a reality. Please contact us at events@freskodsm.com, by phone at 515-630-7009, or via our website: https://www.freskodsm.com/private-events/

Fresko

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Chicken Caprese

Steak Sandwich

AM Tacos

Starters

Wood Fired Wings$11.00

Lobster Avocado$15.00

Hummus*$9.00

Tuna Tartare$15.00

Nachos$15.00

Tempura Shrimp$13.00

P.E.I. Mussels$12.00

Kefte*$12.00

Skewers$14.00

Seared Sesame Tuna$15.00

Sushi

Tempura Shrimp & Salmon$14.00

Spicy Tuna*$15.00

The Killer$16.00

Maine Lobster Roll$16.00

Greens

Fresko$6.00

Kale & Spinach Caesar$6.00

Beets & Goat Cheese$7.00

Flatbreads

Bacon$12.00

Margherita$11.00

Formaggio$11.00

Fungo$11.00

Pepperoni$12.00

Tacos

Achiote Chicken$13.00

Short Rib$14.00

Argentine Red Shrimp$14.00

Fish$13.00

Chorizo Seitan$14.00

Sandwiches

Portobello Burger*$14.00

Steak Sandwich*$13.00

Pita Wrap*$13.00

Chicken Caprese*$12.00

Fresko Burger*$14.00

Horseradish Burger*$14.00

Turkey Burger$13.00

Entrées

Pan Seared Sea Scallops$31.00

Seafood Stew*$27.00

Lobster Ravioli$29.00

Golden Dragon Street Noodles$21.00

Short Ribs$30.00

Wood Fire

Half Roasted Chicken$25.00

Salmon$25.00

Hanger Steak

Prime Filet

Wagyu Ribeye

Sides (Fruit and Vegetables)

Vegetables$7.00

Sautéed Greens$6.00

Fresh Fruit$6.00

Cauliflower Gratin$8.00

Sides (Potatoes)

Truffle Potatoes$8.00

Roasted Potatoes$6.00

Goat Cheese & Chive

Smashed Red Potatoes$6.00

Sea Salt & Pepper Chips$5.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Fresko offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Fresko restaurant rated?

Is Fresko currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information