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 (1246)

$30 and under

Farm-to-table

909 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 22, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 23 times today

About this restaurant

Healthy
Good for groups
Hot spot

“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.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
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

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 1,246 people are saying

Fresko 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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Iowa
Innovative
Iowa
Healthy
Iowa
Hot spot
Iowa
Most Booked
Des Moines
Best Ambiance
Des Moines
Great for brunch
Des Moines
Innovative
Des Moines
Healthy
Des Moines
Hot spot
Des Moines
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Fresko delights with "phenomenal food" and "fabulous service," offering a diverse menu catering to various dietary needs, including gluten-free options. Highlights include the "amazing" beet and goat cheese salad, and delightful desserts like the GF Molten Lava cake. The atmosphere is "fun" and accommodating, making it perfect for any occasion.

1,246 Reviews

T
Tej VIP
Iowa7 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful lunch experience for our group of three. We neither felt rushed to order, eat nor leave. The server knew we were talking shop and left us, checking occasionally but never intruding. We were grateful to have the time and space to finish our work at hand.
FreskoResponded 2 days ago
Thank you for the wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your visit with us and that the service you received was to your liking. We can't wait to have you back for another wonderful dining experience.
Is this helpful?
DD
DariaD
Chicago / Illinois1 review
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Food was very good. Service was slow but it was Father's Day. Felt like we got duped with the bottomless mimosas since the waiter rarely came to check on us.
FreskoResponded 2 days ago
Thank you for the remarks about the food. We are so pleased to hear that it was to your liking and hope to have you back. We apologize for the slow service and appreciate your patience, we will share your feedback with our team.
Is this helpful?
T
Thomas
Iowa1 review
3.0
Dined on June 14, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Was really excited to visit but it just fell short of expectations. The filet was not the best quality and the sauce ho hum, octopus was overcooked a little and the roll I ordered was maybe grocery store quality. Overall the restaurant was okay but really needs to narrow the menu down and concentrate on getting the dishes to a higher standard but that's just my opinion.
FreskoResponded 6 days ago
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're sorry to hear the meal didn’t meet your expectations and appreciate your thoughts on how we can improve. We'll share your comments with our team for review.
Is this helpful?
B
Brandon
Iowa4 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service and phenomenal food. Definitely will return and would highly recommend.
FreskoResponded 6 days ago
Thank you so much! We're thrilled you enjoyed the food and service. We look forward to your next visit!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago / Illinois1 review
5.0
Dined on June 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food!! Fabulous service! The GF Molten Lava cake is a must have!!!
FreskoResponded 6 days ago
Thank you for the 5-star review! We are so thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the service and food. We hope to see you again for another wonderful dining experience.
Is this helpful?
L
Laura
Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore3 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Place was veey clean. No wait times. We were seated right away. The waiter was super nice and friendly. He helped me woth my selecrion as Im Gf and DF. It was our first time and our daughter’ 14th birthday. He brought her and chocolate lava cake and was very welcoming. If i lived closer I would go all the time. Food was super delicious and didn’t take ling to make. I began to get crowed by 6:30 when we were leaving but still wasn’t loud and it was pleasant. Very Much recommend!
FreskoResponded 6 days ago
Thank you for the kind words! We're so glad you enjoyed your visit and that your daughter had a special birthday celebration with us. We appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you back whenever you're in the area!
1 person found this helpful
K
Karleigh VIP
Indiana1 review
2.0
Dined on June 8, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
I ordered the Mediterranean Salmon and they gave me snapper and one of the waiters (was not the waitress serving our table) tried to gaslight me into thinking it was salmon. Seemed lazy and just didn’t want to go through the trouble of correcting my order.
FreskoResponded on June 9, 2025
We're very sorry to hear about your experience. That’s not the level of service we strive for, and we appreciate you bringing it to our attention. We’ll address this with our team to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Is this helpful?
P
Patty
Iowa8 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
As always the food was delicious. Service was great. I know it’s hard to keep the temperature level to accommodate everyone, it was chilly outside and freezing in the restaurant. I recommend everyone take a sweater or jacket.
Is this helpful?
S
Suzy VIP
Wisconsin72 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 7, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
6 of us were in town for Des Moines 70.3 and wanted to experience a non chain restaurant close to our hotel. The online menu sold us on this establishment. We were not disappointed. The menu had a lot of variety and each of us ordered something different, from steak to vegeterian. All dishes were excellent!
FreskoResponded on June 12, 2025
Thank you for choosing us during your visit! We’re thrilled everyone enjoyed their meals and appreciated the variety. Hope to welcome you back next time you're in town!
Is this helpful?
D
Donn
Nebraska5 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Sat and dined at the bar as is our typical practice. Always exceptional and personal response re drinks and food. Always recommended!!!
FreskoResponded on June 9, 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoy dining at the bar and appreciate Katy’s warm hospitality, she truly is a gem. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

Fresko is rated 4.7 stars by 1246 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 22, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 23 times today

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
Price
$30 and under
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

About this restaurant

Additional information

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

Review summary

FAQs

Does Fresko offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Fresko restaurant rated?

Is Fresko currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information