Fresko

Name: Fresko
Address: 909 Locust St, Des Moines, IA, United States, 50309
Telephone: (515) 630-7009
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

902 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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 26, 2023

10:30 PM

Booked 31 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(515) 630-7009

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

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 902 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

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Iowa
Innovative
Iowa
Good for groups
Iowa
Healthy
Iowa
Hot spot
Iowa
Lively
Iowa
Most Booked
Des Moines
Best Overall
Des Moines
Best Food
Des Moines
Best Service
Des Moines
Best Ambiance
Des Moines
Best Value
Des Moines
Good for groups
Des Moines
Healthy
Des Moines
Neighborhood gem
Des Moines
Good for special occasions
Des Moines
Lively
Des Moines
Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

D
Denice
Des Moines
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Such great, fresh food made with care & attention. Superior service!
MB
MishaB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first visit to Fresko, and we will definitely be back! We shared the three course dinner special, and each course was delicious and beautifully presented.
D
Debra
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great experience at Fresko last night! Jacob was our server and treated us so well. We loved our drinks and the food! The happy hour specials were a great value and we left with our left-over boxes and feeling great! We will be back soon!
LR
LoriR
Des Moines
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food - it was our first time there but it definitely won't be our last.
G
Gmajes
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was my first visit to Fresko. I will most definitely go back. Reserving a table was simple on the website. The atmosphere is relaxed yet a little upscale feel. There were 4 people in my party which we all had something different. We all enjoyed our dishes. I had a Bloody Mary which was fantastic! Our server was Katie. She was friendly, accommodating and had a great sense of humor. Overall wonderful experience!
AD
AmandaD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Welcoming and understanding. They supported our families dietary needs and also were aware of new gluten free items to try. 100 percent would recommend.
C
Craig
Omaha
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We tried their "taco tuesday". The margaritas were great and the tacos too. Their sushi is always good as well.
R
Ryan
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience3
Great food but not cheap. Drinks where very expensive for such a small amount
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Our server (Emily) was fantastic! She noticed my husband’s burger was undercooked right after he started eating it and got it replaced quickly! Both of our dishes were very good. I had the squash salad. The wonderful chocolate birthday dessert was delicious! We enjoyed our dinner. Thanks!
RL
RobL
Omaha
80 reviews
vip
3.0
80 reviews
Dined on February 28, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience5
Had the porkchop, very dry!!! Told the Server. The skewers were great and cocktails were spot on.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience4
Great service, good food, manageable noise levels
MA
MARTHAM
Des Moines
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food, great atmosphere, and excellent friendly service. Would definitely recommend!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 21, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
The food here is always fantastic and the service was pretty good. The restaurant does get loud when it’s busy but would always recommend it.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Good experience but too loud
LK
LisaK
Kansas City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful Valentine's dinner!
AJ
AmandaJ
Des Moines
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Not only does the culinary team at Fresko know how to make every ingredient shine in everything from food to drinks, they have the service to back it up. Our server, Ryan, ensured that our orders got put in quickly to make sure that we didn't miss out on popular items and brought my fiance an extra dessert for his birthday. Also, if you've never had the crab stuffed walleye I highly recommend! Another great experience at Fresko!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 12, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience4
Found out that menus were misprinted to say dishes were gluten free but were not. Luckily I asked to double check that the stuffed pork chop didn’t need to be modified to be gluten free before ordering so I didn’t end up sick. Feedback from social media states these menus have been wrong for awhile-I’d think a sharpie and 30 minutes of crossing out could literally save someone from being deathly sick. Probably won’t be in a hurry to go back.
RS
RachelS
Indiana
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and despite how busy they were last night he took great care of us!
M
Martha
Des Moines
11 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
The appetizer was wonderful. I highly recommend the pig wings. Three of the four entrees were acceptable. The steak sandwich was reported to be light and steak and low on flavor.
P
Pninja86
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, great food! I cannot wait to go back!
RS
RyanS
E. Tennessee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food and service were both very good
NL
NancyL
Des Moines
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
It was great
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Well the service was good and food was excellent
AV
AnastasiaV
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great ambience, friendly staff, and most delicious dishes!
AM
AnthonyM
Des Moines
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always fabulous and delicious. Fresh and chef inspired.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Took my husband here for his birthday, we really love it. The food was great and the people were really friendly
B
Brad
Des Moines
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Date night with wife
m
miajay
Des Moines
31 reviews
3.0
31 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall3food4service5ambience2
The walleye stuffed with crab served over risotto was delicious. Mussels solid. House music too loud, lights too bright. Wait staff wonderful. Other dishes were sub par. Hangar steak was overly sauced and under cooked.
G
Greg
Des Moines
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
My experience at Fresko was excellent. We were seated earlier than our reservation. Our waiter was great. He gave us the right amount of time, was very courteous and friendly and provided great suggestions. The dinner special was good, but I have had better flank steak. All other food and drink items were excellent.
RV
RepeatVisit
Chicago
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We enjoyed our visit. I had the crab stuffed walleye and my wife had the scallops. Both entrees were excellent. The Fresko salad was delicious & vibrant. Dessert was vanilla bean creme brule. I also enjoyed the peach pie old fashioned. Definitely worth the visit. We sat in the bar for a more casual experience. However, our server was excellent. Perfect timing on stops at the table along with being personable & friendly.
NA
NotAHappyCamper
Des Moines
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience3
While open for 2+ years, they are clearly not yet ready for prime time. 6:00 p.m. in this case with the place only approximately ½ full at this point. Do not plan to be in a hurry as the service, both the kitchen and the bar, is SLOW, SLOW, SLOW, yet they appear to be fully staffed. 15+ minute wait for cocktails, and the second cocktail had clearly sat for pickup for a while as it had clearly been refreshed to the brim with more ice before delivery. Three of us ordered the nightly special entre involving a flank steak. This entre presentation should have been fully described in advance either on the menu or by the server as we all presumed it would be plated vs. "bowled". Nothing worse than getting the dinner time equivalent of a breakfast bowl. The server did relate that the chef recommended not more than medium rare for the steak. No problem as MR is my standard. When finally served the steak portion was, at best, medium well (brown). Sent it back. Finally received my meal when everyone else in my party was finished. I refuse to eat by myself while my party is forced to then wait on me. Had them box it up so we could move on. Presumed they'd comp my meal, but NO. A very unsatisfactory experience. BTW, in an earlier life I've been a food server, waiter trainer, bar tender who trained dozens of new bartenders, a maitre di, and a sommelier.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Des Moines
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Brunch was delicious as always! I would love it even more if there were coffee and espresso choices such as cappuccinos or lattes.
SG
SaraG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were visiting Des Moines for a sporting event. We found Fresko on the OpenTable site. It did not disappoint. Everything from the atmosphere to the service to the food was fantastic. Highly recommend!
N
Nick
Minneapolis
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely wonderful!!
SD
SteveD
Charleston
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We were greeted and seated rapidly with excellent brunch service commencing immediately. The food and beverage selections were outstanding. Went with the lamb wrap, subbed sautéed greens and shrimp tacos. Flavors in all dishes revealed expert preparation. All ingredients were extremely fresh and carefully selected. An outstanding experience.
JH
JanelH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great portion size for the cost. We will return again.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Des Moines
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
40th birthday dinner for a friend. Perfect drinks and cuisine.
BW
BrandonW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The breakfast and service was outstanding! This place never disappoints.
ST
SabrinaT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Best steak I’ve ever had, will definitely be going back! Great drinks and a fun atmosphere as well.
MR
MatthewR
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
From the food to the drinks everything was very good. Highly recommend the Short Rib Tacos. The atmosphere is energetic and modern. My wife and I will definitely be telling friends about Fresko and going back.

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 902 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 26, 2023

10:30 PM

Booked 31 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(515) 630-7009

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/

Fresko

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Turkey Burger

Fresko

Salmon

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

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Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs