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Fresko, Des Moines, IA

Fresko

4.7
4.7
1002 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
8:30 PM
Booked 33 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
    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

What 1,002 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
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Iowa

    Great for brunch

  • Iowa

    Innovative

  • Iowa

    Good for groups

  • Iowa

    Healthy

  • Iowa

    Hot spot

  • Iowa

    Most Booked

  • Des Moines

    Best Food

  • Des Moines

    Best Value

  • Des Moines

    Innovative

  • Des Moines

    Good for groups

  • Des Moines

    Healthy

  • Des Moines

    Hot spot

  • Des Moines

    Most Booked

1,002 Reviews

  1. SteveM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Lots of flavorful and healthy choices. Staff is friendly and attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  2. TttBbb

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So flavorful and unique takes on classic items. Can’t wait until next time.

    FreskoResponded 4 days ago

    Thank you for the 5 star review! We look forward to serving you again!

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Great service, ask for Candace, she’s awesome! Fun, atmosphere and good for a group. The sushi and salads are great, but the nachos are horrible! We love their brunch and will be back.  

    FreskoResponded 4 days ago

    Thank you for the feedback. We will let Candace know she did a great job. We are thrilled you enjoyed the sushi and salad.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great brunch. The four of us all tried something different and thought everything was delicious. We will definitely return. The music was a little loud, but not too loud that you couldn’t carry a conversation at the table or order food.

    FreskoResponded on August 30, 2023

    Thank you for the 5 stars!

    Is this helpful?

  5. JeremyL

    Des Moines

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    We had the steak, chicken, and bacon flatbread. Food was excellent, service was good, good cost for the quality. But, we scheduled the reservation as a special occasion since it was our anniversary and the staff completely disregarded and nothing was planned… This was a disappointment!

    FreskoResponded on August 30, 2023

    Thank you for the feedback, we are thrilled you enjoyed your meal with us. We do not always get the notifications from Open Table when it's a special occasion. Please make sure you tell your server and we will of course celebrate! Happy Anniversary!

    Is this helpful?

  6. JacobM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place. 10/10 spot for a nice date night. Great atmosphere, incredible foods, incredible service, great prices.

    FreskoResponded on August 30, 2023

    Awesome! Thank you for the 5 star review!

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We went to Fresco for the Des Moines Restaurant Week menu and were not disappointed. Food was fabulous and our service was great.

    FreskoResponded on August 30, 2023

    That's amazing to hear! Thank you for the 5 star review!

    Is this helpful?

  8. ZekeS

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Very satisfied- octopus was prepared perfectly- good sushi & sides were good as well.

    FreskoResponded on August 30, 2023

    Thank you for the 5 star review!

    Is this helpful?

  9. LindaD

    Des Moines

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful menu, food, service and ambiance keeps me coming back!!!

    FreskoResponded on August 30, 2023

    Thank you for the 5 star review!!!

    Is this helpful?

  10. JillM

    Milwaukee

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    We would have liked to know that sushi is not served on Sunday’s. It was our intent to treat our guests to sushi last night. Service was very good.

    FreskoResponded on August 22, 2023

    Thank you for the feedback, it is listed on our menus, but we will add that to our website as well.

    Is this helpful?

  11. TrishaN

    Greater Boston

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our waiter, Ryan, was outstanding! He was attentive, and prompt but didnt rush us in any way. The food was delicious as always. I wish you had an oakier Chardonnay but that is my only criticism. We will be back.

    FreskoResponded on August 22, 2023

    Thank you for the 5 star review! We will let Ryan know he did an amazing job.

    Is this helpful?

  12. OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    BRUNCH at Fresko is AMAZING! If you’ve only had dinner there, go have that brunch. WHOA. Pancakes, pretzel croissant French toast, omelette, and breakfast sandwich all 10/10.

    FreskoResponded on August 22, 2023

    Thank you for the 5 star review!

    Is this helpful?

  13. Victoriah

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fresko is an amazing establishment to eat! My personal favorite is their brunch accompanied by a lavender mimosa! I have Celiac, so finding a place that has delicious and well-labeled gluten-free food is few and far between! I especially love their sweet options! French toast with raspberry mascarpone- need I say more? I am hoping to come here to try their lunch and dinner options! Will be back very soon!

    FreskoResponded on August 22, 2023

    That is amazing to hear! Thank you for the 5 star review, you made our day!

    Is this helpful?

  14. SarahTraveler

    Dallas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We stopped for some healthy food on our way from Minnesota to Kansas. We were very pleasantly surprised by the wonderful food and the great service we received. Highly recommend! 

    Is this helpful?

  15. BethB

    Austin

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Celebrated our daughters 30th birthday with a Sunday brunch. It was delicious all the way around.

    Is this helpful?

  16. DrThought

    Detroit

    87 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    87 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Terrific dinner with friends!! Food and service were excellent! We’ll be back!

    FreskoResponded on August 14, 2023

    Terrific! Thank you for the 5 star review!

    Is this helpful?

  17. RalphK

    Milwaukee

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Lovely setting. Excellent stuffed pork chop. And WONDERFUL key lime pie.

    FreskoResponded on August 14, 2023

    Thank you for the 5 stars!

    Is this helpful?

  18. WileyGrouse

    Minneapolis

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience3
    The experience overall and food was fine. We did have a birthday being celebrated and the server did bring a complementary piece of chocolate molten cake with 'Happy Birthday" spelled out on the plate which was a very nice touch!

    FreskoResponded on August 14, 2023

    Thank you for the 4 stars! Hope to make it to 5 on your next visit.

    Is this helpful?

  19. AshleyB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, service and atmosphere. Great gluten free choices!

    FreskoResponded on August 14, 2023

    Thank you for the 5 star review!

    Is this helpful?

  20. zippycat

    Des Moines

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time visit for my birthday and they made it special. The staff were attentive & helpful and the food was delicious and presented beautifully

    Is this helpful?

  21. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Never disappoints!!! Excellent place for lunch and dinner!

    FreskoResponded on August 30, 2023

    That's amazing to hear! Thanks for the 5 star review!

    Is this helpful?

  22. 24golfdiners

    Des Moines

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    We had the Margherita flatbread and it was delicious and very generous in size. I tried the lava ( tuna) sushi roll and it was delicious. The tuna was so fresh. My husband had the Golden Dragon street noodles which he really enjoyed and we had leftovers to lunch the next day.

    Is this helpful?

  23. KWSoCal

    Las Vegas

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    In town while riding RAGBRAI, we picked Fresko for a healthful hearty dinner and it totally delivered. Friendly service and very reasonable prices. Loved the hanger steak with kale and mashed potatoes, and the killer roll was a tasty indulgence.

    Is this helpful?

  24. Bill

    Phoenix

    34 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Super cool venue. Great menu, appetizers were spot on, sushi rolls were great. Entrees were OK. Had the Hanger steak, entire dish was cold. Server did take it off the bill, which was great. Will go back for sure. Enough good to warrant another visit. Server was attentive and excellent.

    FreskoResponded on August 14, 2023

    That's amazing to hear! Thank you for the awesome review!

    Is this helpful?

  25. BryanN

    Des Moines

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My second visit to Fresko (7/23/23) and it did not disappoint! The staff is very accomodating and product knowledgeable (specifically regarding spice levels)! Have now booked a group of 20+ for 7/29/23.

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Indiana

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Sushi was excellent. Entrees were par. Molten lava cake was sub-par. Service was satisfactory. Everything slightly overpriced.

    FreskoResponded on July 24, 2023

    Thank you for your feedback.

    Is this helpful?

  27. Bri225

    Charlotte

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were traveling on a road trip and I made a reservation morning of. Glad we didn’t miss this gem. Food was amazing, kids were all happy with what they ordered. Service was good and I’m sure this place must get busy during peak hours/days. Not to be missed!

    FreskoResponded on July 24, 2023

    That's amazing to hear! Thank you for the feedback and 5 star review!

    Is this helpful?

  28. AngelaA

    Des Moines

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service are always stellar. It is a little on the pricey side for what you get, but you're paying for quality. It was a little noisy, but obviously Fresko cannot control the volume of their patrons' conversations.

    FreskoResponded on July 24, 2023

    Thank you for leaving us feedback. We are thrilled you enjoy your time with us. Hope to see you again, soon!

    Is this helpful?

  29. NaperDiner

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Farm to Table fresh! Stuffed pork chop was as good as hoped! It’s Iowa so pork better be good!

    FreskoResponded on July 17, 2023

    Thank you for the 5 stars!

    Is this helpful?

  30. JoshuaP

    Des Moines

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Unreal food, great spot. One of the best in Des Moines!

    FreskoResponded on July 17, 2023

    That's awesome to hear! Thanks for the 5 stars!

    Is this helpful?

  31. SteveM

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our service and food was outstanding! And the lavender butterfly cocktail was delicious and refreshing. I’m vegan and my spouse is not. We both had plenty of options. Thank you!

    FreskoResponded on July 10, 2023

    Thank you for the great feedback and 5 stars!

    Is this helpful?

  32. BrianC

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time dining here and my wife and I both agree that we will be back. There were so many great choices that we wanted to try, and that was only on the brunch menu. We haven't even started on the lunch or dinner menus. The Paris Benedict and the Texas B&G were on point and highly recommended.

    FreskoResponded on July 10, 2023

    That's great to hear! Thank you for the 5 star review!!!

    Is this helpful?

  33. ShirleyM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We are from out of town and picked this place out of a list online. We loved it! Great service, food choices, and delicious food. We had salad ( get the one with salmon) and desserts with drinks. I highly recommend!

    FreskoResponded on July 10, 2023

    That's great to hear! Thank you for the 5 star review!

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, drinks and service!

    FreskoResponded on July 10, 2023

    Thank you for the 5 stars!

    Is this helpful?

  35. OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    overall4food3service2ambience4
    The food was just OK, nothing special. Service was poor, waitress was not attentive whatsoever. Blah experience. No sushi on Sunday was disappointing.

    FreskoResponded on July 3, 2023

    Thank you for the feedback.

    Is this helpful?

  36. DesMoinesFoodLover

    Des Moines

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    Family of 5. Server was clearly new, and a little slow. She said she was hard of hearing--probably not the best option for a moderately noisy restaurant. Cocktails for wife and I came out slow, as did appetizers, as did entree. Cocktails were acceptable. However, one of the children ordered a mocktail and server had to come back 10 minutes later to advise that restaurant was out of key ingredient. Had the scallops and the skewers as appetizers. Scallops were quite good, but there were 3 scallops that did not open at all (should have been discarded by the kitchen). Could have used some more bread to soak up the wine / chili butter sauce. The skewers were fine. However, the arugula that accompanied the skewers was way over-salted. For being the 1st day of July, the menu was decidedly full of fall flavors rather than summer flavors. For example, the braised short rib pappardelle had butternut squash and parmesan sage butter. The salmon was accompanied by sweet potatoes and an apple cinnamon reduction. And the crab stuffed walleye, which I had, was served on a pumpkin risotto and garnished with crispy sweet potato strings. I will say that I liked the walleye, but the presentation was very busy, and the accompaniments did not compliment the walleye so much as overpower it. Also, I asked for a glass of chardonnay and requested a recommendation for something not too oakey / buttery that would help balance the sweetness of the dish. The server was not familiar with the wine list and had to go back to the bar to get a recommendation. Dessert was the creme brulee and the profiteroles. The creme brulee was more like pots de creme served in a jar, rather than a ramekin. The coffee flavor predominated, and it could have used more caramel. As for the profiteroles, the creme was extremely heavy on cloves, which overpowered the entire dish. The berry-accompanied profiterole also had too much lemon juice in the sauce, which again overpowered. Sadness.

    FreskoResponded on July 3, 2023

    Thank you for the taking the time to leave such detailed feedback. We always appreciate honest, constructive reviews. We will take a close look at all the points made.

    Is this helpful?

  37. Tara

    Des Moines

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    GREAT server. We were given a complementary dessert for our anniversary, which was a very nice touch. Love the ambiance and the food and drinks are amazing. We'll definitely be back!

    FreskoResponded on July 5, 2023

    Thank you for the 5 star review! Happy Anniversary!

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall2food2service5ambience5
    Small portions and just mediocre food. Our family of 4 spent close to $150 and our two teenage boys wanted to stop at McDonald’s afterwards as they were still hungry. We did not feel the food was a good value in either the amount you receive OR the taste vs cost. We had a great server and the ambience is fun and modern. Just an ok experience overall.

    FreskoResponded on July 3, 2023

    Hello, we would love to hear what you ordered and make sure our portions for the dish are appropriate.

    Is this helpful?

  39. DaveM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great selection, great service, great food. This is one of the top 10 restaurants in the greater Des Moines area.

    FreskoResponded on July 3, 2023

    Thank you for the 5 star review and great feedback!

    Is this helpful?

  40. TrishaN

    Greater Boston

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on June 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    It was a wonderful evening with dear friends. Our waitress Tori (think that was her name) was outstanding…the food was delicious for everyone…and it was quieter than in the past so conversation flowed amongst the four of us. Thank you.

    FreskoResponded on July 3, 2023

    Thank you for the 5 stars and great feedback!

    Is this helpful?

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 4.7 stars by 1002 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 PM
Booked 33 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
    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/
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