Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Fresco Cocina, Carlsbad, CA

Fresco Cocina

4.5 (466)
$30 and under
Mexican
2858 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008-2901

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 16 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Good for groups
Fresco Cocina is a bustling restaurant located in the heart of Carlsbad Village serving a traditional and contemporary interpretation of Mexican cuisine. Our playfully curated menu rediscovers tradition and offers a selection of shareable plates and main courses all infused with Mexican soul.
Fresco Cocina is a haven for those who appreciate bold, bright flavors paired with exemplary wine and artisanal spirits that let the high quality ingredients shine.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Traditional Mexican, Contemporary Mexican
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri 11:30 am–9:30 pm Sat 10:30 am–9:30 pm Sun 10:30 am–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Private party facilities
    We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
  • Neighborhood
    Carlsbad
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Experiences

  • Brunch at Fresco Cocina!

    Multiple dates available
    Join us for our special weekend brunch menu every Saturday & Sunday!! 10:30am - 3pm. Drink and Food specials, only served at brunch. Dinner menu available as well. - Food - Acai & Fruit Cocktail Avocado Tostada Banana Pancakes Mole spiced Salmon Hash Crab Benedict Cocina Breakfast Burrito Huevos Rancheros Chilaquiles Omelet Baja Omelet Huevos en Fuego - Drinks - Mimosa Smoky Negroni Blackberry Aperol Spritz Michelada Guava Margarita Bloody Maria Bloody en Fuego La Playa
    Brunch at Fresco Cocina! Photo

Offers

  • Happy Hour

    Multiple dates available
    Sun - 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM,Mon - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM,Wed - Fri - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM,Sat - 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Available in our bar and lounge only. Drink specials from $6 and Food specials from $8, everyday from 3pm - 6pm.

    Happy Hour Photo
  • Taco Tuesday

    Multiple dates available
    Tue - 11:30 AM - 8:30 PM
    Join us all day for Taco Tuesday at Fresco Cocina! $5 tacos and $6 draft beer.

    Taco Tuesday Photo

Ask Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

What 466 people are saying

Fresco Cocina reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • North San Diego

    Mexican

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Fresco Cocina delights with "phenomenal" food, including standout dishes like chicken mole and ceviche. The "amazing" service is frequently praised, particularly by Matt, known for his attentiveness. Guests enjoy the vibrant ambiance, especially the rooftop deck. While some service hiccups exist, the restaurant's "inventive and delicious" offerings and "great atmosphere" keep patrons eager to return.
466 Reviews
  1. Nicole VIP

    San Diego2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    The food was absolutely phenomenal - every dish we ordered was flavorful, fresh, and clearly made with care. If we were rating based on food alone, it would be an easy 5 stars. Our server was kind and professional, but clearly stretched way too thin. Unfortunately, the service really took away from the experience. We waited about 15 minutes before anyone even acknowledged us after being seated. Once our food arrived, no one checked in, offered drink refills, or asked how everything was. After we finished eating, our plates were cleared by a busser, and then we sat for another 30 minutes before anyone returned to ask if we were ready to pay. It's such a shame because the food was top-notch, but the lack of service made it hard to fully enjoy. With better staffing or improved service flow, this place could be incredible.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Carlos

    San Diego2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was amazing. The chicken mole was great. I definitely recommend it. Will be going back!!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Leslie

    Orange County1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We really enjoyed our experience! They are very attentive and have excellent recommendations. We don’t drink alcohol so Matt suggested some mocktails that were delicious. They are also very kid friendly as we had our young children with us. The ambiance was great with the fresh coastal breeze as we sat outdoors. We can’t wait to return.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Heather VIP

    Phoenix / Arizona15 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on July 6, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Not sure if there was a change in ownership, but have had good service in the past and this time the service was poor. It wasn’t busy and it took forever to get our drinks. The waitress seemed bothered. The food was just okay.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Matt VIP

    Los Angeles6 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on July 4, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Service was extremely slow. About 10 minutes to get greeted, another 10 mins for drinks to come out and they were wrong. Another 10-15 for new ones. Food was ok, but definitely had significantly better Mexican food.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Wendy VIP

    San Diego48 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 30, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I hate when I receive outstanding service and I do not remember the waiter's name. He worked Sunday 06/29/2025 evening at 6pm, bald, white, light colored eyes. I wanted to tell the manager he made our night. He was ready with the best recommendations, our drinks were never empty and he was the nicest server we have had in a while. The food is always great here. The ceviche and the steak were our favorites but the mole was also a win.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Mariza

    Los Angeles9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was excellent. The shrimps were huge. My steak was moist and flavorful. Our waiter,Matt, was very nice and took great care of us. We will definitely be back.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Stephanie VIP

    Philadelphia County19 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food and service!! Our waiter, Matt, was so incredible - patient, kind and attentive. Brought lemonades to the rescue when we first sat down and our 2yo was crying! Guacamole, taquitos, sea bass were all delicious. Would definitely return!!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Gurdon VIP

    Atlanta55 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Trying to get to know Carlsbad a little better. This sweet little restaurant has really good food! Our waitress, I think her name was Allison, was fabulous. One of the real highlights was their Mole, it is amazing.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Monica

    San Diego1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The fold was very tasty! Everything was flavorful and the right size!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Fresco Cocina offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (442) 333-9321.

Fresco Cocina is rated 4.5 stars by 466 OpenTable diners.

Fresco Cocina does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. North San Diego
  5. Carlsbad

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 16 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Fresco Cocina

2858 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008-2901

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Carlsbad
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri 11:30 am–9:30 pm Sat 10:30 am–9:30 pm Sun 10:30 am–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Traditional Mexican, Contemporary Mexican
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Reservation Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • Restaurant Resources
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 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
OpenTable Logo