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Fresko, Des Moines, IA

Fresko

4.6
4.6
725 Reviews
$30 and under
Farm-to-table
Top Tags:

“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.

Make a reservation

2 people
June 2022
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7:00 PM
Booked 69 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • 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

    Erick Brown

  • 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

What 725 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Iowa

    Great for Brunch

  • Iowa

    Healthy

  • Iowa

    Vibrant Bar Scene

  • Iowa

    Most Booked

  • Des Moines

    Fit for Foodies

  • Des Moines

    Good for Groups

  • Des Moines

    Healthy

  • Des Moines

    Vibrant Bar Scene

  • Des Moines

    Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

  1. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everyone’s food was amazing! Plus great atmosphere and service! Highly recommend

  2. TH

    TimH

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food1service3ambience2

    Big group in another room, we were in noisy area, doors left open. I’m a pescatarian and my family joined me for dinner Tuesday night. (June 21). Could not believe they didn’t serve fish without some sort of pork, beef or bacon mixed in with it. When I asked waitress why couldn’t I have just salmon or scallops with out eating meat products she said that’s the way chef created it. So I had to eat appetizers. Over $300,00 dollars spent will never go back. I will not recommend this place. Will post later on google.

  3. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We went for a late Father's Day Brunch. The food and cocktails were incredible! But the hilight was our server, Tristan....he was so great! The bar was down a bartender and they were on it! Can't wait to go back!

  4. JB

    JennieB

    Des Moines

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    We went for Sunday brunch. Tristan did an outstanding job of taking care of us - attentive, explained the menu, was personable. Kept the coffee cups filled.

  5. AD

    AmandaD

    Las Vegas

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Food was awesome and we look forward to coming back again! We had never been to Fresko and really enjoyed our evening.

  6. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Kansas City

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always one of our faves!!

  7. M

    Misons

    Denver

    13 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall2food1service5ambience5

    Food was poorly prepared, as though they don’t use quality ingredients or don’t have a good sense of flavor. Such a nice place, with good staff, yet such poorly prepared food. Cocktails were mostly ice…totally below expectations.

  8. CG

    CarlaG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 16, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    The food and table service was very good. We arrived a 1/2 hour early. The bartender service was very slow and not very friendly. The table server was awesome!

  9. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Fresko is very close to the business district making it an easy choice!

  10. CC

    ChrisC

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food and service are consistently excellent at Fresko, but what I appreciate most is the variety. I can bring business partners with a wide range of preference s and know that they'll all find something to enjoy.

  11. NR

    NerakR

    Denver

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Celebrated a family birthday. Service was great. Server was efficient, knowledgeable and friendly. The food and drinks were very good. Portion sizes were perfect. Our group enjoyed fish tacos, short rib tacos, and chicken caprese sandwich. We enjoyed our cocktails also. They brought the birthday girl a chocolate lava cake with a birthday greeting! So nice and delicious. We also tried the fruit tart, crème brûlée, and strawberry sorbet. Everything was delicious. Great visit!

  12. I

    Impressive

    Des Moines

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on June 13, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience4

    We had a great waiter and some wonderful happy hour drinks. With the exception of the French fries, the food was very good. The fries seemed very greasy and lacking salt.

  13. DW

    DanniW

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I have been in Des Moines for 3 months on a work assignment and Fresco has become my favorite restaurant !

  14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    The food was excellent and our waitress was very good. The couple things that were a little disappointing were 1) we had a 4:00 reservation for 2. The restaurant was almost empty but we were placed way back in the farthest corner behind the waitstaff station and near the restrooms. Not a horrible place, but why were we stashed away from the light and better “ambiance” when it seemed there was plenty of better seating? 2) Our waitress knew that we were attending a concert. She left the dessert menu and then didn’t come back for a quite a while. We had to forego dessert because we ran out of time. We were told she had been called to an all staff meeting.

  15. L

    Laura

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Loved the atmosphere, the music, food and service! Will be back!

  16. LK

    LeslieK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food and service were amazing! I'll definitely be going back to Fresko to try some of the other dishes I saw on the menu.

  17. D

    Dancer12345

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I thought the food was absolutely amazing. Our waittress was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. Would highly recommend this restaurant

  18. TH

    TerryH

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 8, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    The menu has many varied options and reasonably priced. There is a nice vibe to the place.

  19. RC

    RaulC

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was my third time there. Perfect as the last two times. Each time I get something different and I get amazing flavors. Thank you!

  20. JT

    JamieT

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing, love this place! A new favorite!

  21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience2

    Food was very slow to come out. Appetizer came out at the same time as our dinner. Server kept telling us it would be fast. It was anything but. Food was just ok.

  22. BN

    BeckyN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Love our Birthday Brunch, waiter was very nice. Becky

  23. TZ

    TonyZ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Even though we were a bit early for our reservation our table for two was ready. The atmosphere is comfortable & clean. The server was prompt, knowledgeable and personable. Our food was outstanding! Incredibly fresh and flavorful just as our server indicated. And the bloody marys are delicious. There was a slight discrepancy in our bill, but the server caught it before we did and adjusted accordingly! We will definitely be back!

  24. JP

    JeremyP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Delicious food, well-made drinks, good service, nice downtown location. Will definitely be back!

  25. JC

    JennaC

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fresh, modern, welcoming. Enjoyed the visit and the meal

  26. DJ

    DJee

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 3, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    Not a great service, flavor of the food was also not great…

  27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 3, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience4

    Food was good. Great selection. Music bad. Ambiance so so.

  28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Flank steak was amazing

  29. ML

    MarkL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We have been there several times and it has never disappointed. The food, the wait staff and the ambiance make this one of our favorite restaurants in Des Moines.

  30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Savannah

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food and service were fabulous. Music was a little loud.

  31. LR

    LowellR

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Service was great. Our server did a great job and I feel back that I forgot her name. We will be back again and will definitely let our friends know. Thanks, Lowell

  32. M

    Mealsmama

    San Francisco

    55 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on May 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The ingredients were fresh, as advertised. Our server suggested his favorites and we enjoyed them all.

  33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Staff was friendly and attentive. Food was perfect

  34. AW

    AnneW

    Des Moines

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    I have been to Freska three times now and have always had good food and attentive, friendly wait staff. I've also recommended Freska to friends.

  35. JW

    JenniferW

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fresko was the perfect place for dinner before seeing the show Hamilton. The staff was amazing as was the food! It was my birthday and I got to enjoy a complementary cocktail and dessert which were both fantastic. We will absolutely be back.

  36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Dinner before Childs’ cello recital recital

  37. C

    Courtney

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our waitress went over the menu with us, gave us great recommendations. Food was amazing! I had the mussels, seafood ravioli and lava cake! We will definitely be back! We went around 5 o’clock, happy hour was in full swing but dining room was bare… Really filled up around 6 o’clock!

  38. j

    janetb

    Des Moines

    9 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    Food is just okay, service was a bit scattered, we’d see our waiter 3 times in 3 minutes and then he would disappear for 20 minutes. Nothing really stood out on the menu as something we HAD to try. We ordered the salmon and a beet/goat cheese salad. The dishes were prepared well and tasted okay, just not something to write home about. Drinks are very pricey and not really worth the price. No need to return.

  39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Kansas City

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Brunch with Gma and Gpa ! Everything was delicious and Kyle did a great job with service and making sure we had what we needed 🤩

  40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2022

    overall2food2service1ambience4

    Visited back in March and wanted to stop in again for an anniversary. Our server was not friendly and the first thing he said to us was “are you two cool with water or…”. After this I knew the night was going south. Our drinks and food were brought out by someone other than our waiter. We had to flag someone down to request ketchup for fries. My fiancé had the burger and said it was okay. I had the chicken confit pappardelle and seasoning was not good and the squash still had skin on it, not tasty. Server finally made his way back after both of our drinks were completely empty and we were done eating to say “ready to leave?”. All and all I don’t plan on going back anytime soon. Service was terrible and food was mediocre for $90.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

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

Fresko is rated 4.6 stars by 725 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
June 2022
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
7:00 PM
Booked 69 times today
Google Map for Fresko

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

  • 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

    Erick Brown

  • 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/

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