Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Rockford
  5. Rockford
Fresco at the Gardens, Rockford, IL
Fresco at the Gardens, Rockford, IL
Fresco at the Gardens, Rockford, IL
Fresco at the Gardens, Rockford, IL
Fresco at the Gardens, Rockford, IL

Fresco at the Gardens

4.7
4.7
604 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
At the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Fresco at the Gardens serves artisanal breakfast and lunch to match its beautiful surroundings. For breakfast, which can be enjoyed anytime Fresco at the Gardens is open, savory options like the biscuits and gravy made with challah rolls topped with organic pork sausage, chorizo and herbs and the whimsical green eggs and ham with homemade pesto sauce and local asiago cheese, are irresistible. Sweet breakfast choices include the healthy start waffles with Fresco granola and topped with vanilla Greek yogurt and berries and the rock candy French toast, rolled in cinnamon rock sugar, both of which are ideal with a fresh-pressed strawberry orange juice.

Popular lunch entrees at Fresco at the Gardens include the Salmon Oscar, a crab stuffed salmon served over cauilflower quinoa rice with grilled asparagus and hollandaise sauce.

Not bookable

This restaurant is temporarily offline. Please contact the restaurant directly or check back shortly for availability.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 8:00 am–2:00 pm Sat, Sun 8:00 am–3:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (815) 316-2256
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress

What 604 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
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

604 Reviews
  1. JeffS

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    Overall2Food4Service1Ambience3
    I have eaten at this restaurant many times in the past, with good service, good food, good atmosphere. This past Sunday, though the service was the worst I have ever had at any restaurant. The server must’ve been an aviator 🧑‍✈️ because she was sure good at flybys . It was unbelievable she would ask. How are you doing and before you could even say anything she was gone. Then she would come by again. Can I get you anything before you could say anything she was gone? But when it was time to pay the bill she was a ghost 👻 color me done, Not going back to this restaurant for a while.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Foodieforthought

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    Overall5Food4Service5Ambience5
    I love Fresco at the Gardens! The food and service are great and staff is very attentive to my (demanding) family! I especially love walking the grounds and my six-year-old loves feeding the fish in the koi pond. It’s a magical place. The desserts are delicious, as are the fish tacos, the breakfast, the burgers, salads, all of it. And scenery can’t be beat.

    Is this helpful?

  3. AnnC

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    excellent food. Our waiter was very attentive and the scenery was beautiful

    Is this helpful?

  4. FeliciaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Lovely atmosphere and good food. The server was very friendly and helpful.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Caspar

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    Overall4Food4Service5Ambience2
    the first thing we noticed was the view, which was amazing. We were seated right by the windows. Unfortunately there was a vent blowing cold air onto us the entire time and it already wasn’t very warm in the building. The food was incredible and played beautifully. Our server was kind and quick. It did get very loud just around 2 when people began to drag chairs across the floor. There were still a few other tables being used at the time. I am still confused why they allow 2pm reservations when they’ll just call telling you to come in earlier because the cooks leave by that time. Didn’t mind coming in earlier, though. The tea is phenomenal and the seats are comfortable. Overall, it was still very nice.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Tiara

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    Overall5Food4Service4Ambience5
    I have been here multiple times and will never stop going back! Between the food and people it is outstanding.

    Is this helpful?

  7. SaraZ

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    Overall3Food4Service2Ambience5
    The view is awesome but food is overpriced for nothing special that was served. I did not purchase alcohol, which usually bumps up the bill. My lunch was $32.00 for myself

    Is this helpful?

  8. DeAnneM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    A wonderful experience overall - beautiful setting, great food and efficient service. Fresco was busy on a Friday for lunch, so I was glad that I had made a reservation. Fresco was flexible as they took us earlier than my reservation with ease - we had walked the garden leisurely and decided to try to have lunch a bit earlier.

    Is this helpful?

  9. JaimeH

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    It was my first time eating at the restaurant. Everything was fantastic only thing that may keep me from returning was the prices were very high. I had a breakfast dish and a coffee and my bill was $30.00.

    Is this helpful?

  10. CindyZ

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    A beautiful setting and our service was exceptional.

    Is this helpful?

  11. RachaelM

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Lovely venue, the Salmon Oscar was tasty, unbeatable views of the garden, and very conveniently located within the visitor center -- if you're going to the Anderson Japanese Gardens, definitely book a table for lunch. The staff was friendly and accommodating. We came in from Chicago and wanted to spend several hours at the garden to allow for leisurely strolls, some seated meditation, etc., and it was great to enjoy a nice lunch right on the spot. The gardens are fabulous, as well! A must-see in Rockford and worth the trip.

    Is this helpful?

  12. MEAMcS

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 6, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service4Ambience5
    Food was great. Sat by the window near the fireplace…so awesome view. Got hot tea. Needed to ask for spoons. Would like it if they could leave a carafe of hot water at the table to recharge the teabags at our convenience. Large portions!!! Nice to be able to order breakfast or lunch meals. I would definitely go back.

    Is this helpful?

  13. BillT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 4, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Wonderful Cuban sandwich. Waitress, Ashley, perfect level of help. Thanks Ashley.

    Is this helpful?

  14. karenl

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    Overall4Food4Service5Ambience5
    The atmosphere is lovely, high ceilings, lots of natural wood. Beautiful view, lots of natural light. My salmon was a bit over done, but overall a lovely experience.

    Is this helpful?

  15. Bizy1961JB99

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Beautiful place to eat inside or out. Food was very good!

    Is this helpful?

  16. Shelly

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    Overall4Food5Service3Ambience5
    Our server seemed annoyed with our request to eat outdoors. She was very short with us.

    Is this helpful?

  17. ThomasF

    Tampa

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Nice menu options. Food was very good as was the service.

    Is this helpful?

  18. ElaineC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service4Ambience5
    We enjoyed our lunch. We were able to enjoy the patio, because the weather was perfect. It's much quieter there than inside. Food and service was great.

    Is this helpful?

  19. AudreyS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Wonderful eating experience for our group. Lovely waitress, lovely ambiance!

    Is this helpful?

  20. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Beautiful gardens to look at and waitresses were awesome. Food was great and selection was too.

    Is this helpful?

  21. Tommy

    Greensboro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Nice view of the Japanese Garden, seating available inside and outside. Get a reservation to avoid waiting for a table. Bloody Mary was great. Mimosa was light on alcohol and came in a small size glass. Food was good, portions were small for the price.

    Is this helpful?

  22. QueenyBee

    Chicago

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    We were met with warm, courteous & helpful hospitality. Our food was absolutely Delish! We took outdoor seating; it was a Beautiful day. We would definitely return for the food, regardless of the weather.

    Is this helpful?

  23. LoriD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    We were able to sit inside next to a window, which provided beautiful ambience. Our server, Stephanie, was very attentive, and the food was amazing, as always.

    Is this helpful?

  24. Explorer

    Chicago

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Delicious food. Just-right service (helpful, attentive, but also let us relax). Lovely ambiance and view. Combining lunch at the restaurant with a couple hours strolling and sitting in the unique and beautifully designed gardens made for a wonderful day.

    Is this helpful?

  25. AmberW

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    Overall4Food4Service5Ambience4
    Food was great Our waiter Ashley was awesome and attentive to us the whole visit. Overall great place and definitely will return again

    Is this helpful?

  26. BurtonR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    We made a reservation from our phone while we'were in the garden. We had to wait 20 minutes past our reservation, as did several others. The staff accommodated everyone fairly and pleasantly. Our food was excellent and came quickly. Our few minutes wait was no problem because the staff made sure to preserve our place.

    Is this helpful?

  27. DownfromWisconsin

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    Overall4Food5Service4Ambience4
    Important client meeting and although there were quite a few people there, the acoustics allowed us the privacy we needed without having to raise our voices. Food was excellent and the view was great (on the hottest day of the summer!)

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    The food was very good and great ambiance. The salmon was delicious and our server was very accommodating

    Is this helpful?

  29. Rita

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Wonderful food and ambiance. Decided to make an outing every month with my lady friends!

    Is this helpful?

  30. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    The food was as good as the view. Very nice and delicious. Need to get back more often! Great service.

    Is this helpful?

  31. JeanM

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    The menu had some unique items. We walked the garden afterward. It was a beautiful afternoon.

    Is this helpful?

  32. CarrieC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    Overall5Food4Service4Ambience5
    Good variety of menu, had vegan options for our group. Service was good and the garden view was gorgeous! Thank you Fresco!

    Is this helpful?

  33. Andi

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Sat by window overlooking gardens. Delicious breakfast sandwich - so flavorful. Great menu for kids . 4 year old granddaughter was very pleased with the Mickey Mouse pancakes and yogurt parfait. Well worth the prices. Great service. Give this 5tars.

    Is this helpful?

  34. StevenA

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    Overall3Food4Service4Ambience2
    The view ar the window was lovely, but the noise level was so high that we couldn't talk with each other.

    Is this helpful?

  35. PattiD

    Chicago

    26 reviews

    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience4
    Beautiful setting for great casual meal. I had the apple walnut salad but the salmon Oscar looked amazing so I had food envy! Delicious

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Jardín muy lindo. La piña con fruta deliciosa! También los waffles. Buen servicio

    Is this helpful?

  37. CharlesB

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    It was noisy and a little difficult to hear but otherwise it was great.

    Is this helpful?

  38. Gramps

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    Overall2Food4Service1Ambience4
    Service slow!!! Waiter very inattentive. No excuse

    Is this helpful?

  39. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Wonderful atmosphere, service, and food at Fresco!

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    This has been our go to lunch place this summer. Ambience is good. Food is amazing.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Fresco at the Gardens is rated 4.7 stars by 604 OpenTable diners.

Not bookable

This restaurant is temporarily offline. Please contact the restaurant directly or check back shortly for availability.

Google Map for Fresco at the Gardens

318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Rockford
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 8:00 am–2:00 pm Sat, Sun 8:00 am–3:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Non-Smoking, Weekend Brunch, Wine
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo