How is Fresco Italian Cafe restaurant rated?

Name: Fresco Italian Cafe
Address: 1513 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City, UT, United States, 84105
Telephone: (801) 486-1300
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.3

Fresco Italian Cafe

4.3

571 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top tags:

Fresco Italian Cafe is committed to bringing the classic dishes and flavorings of the old country to Salt Lake City, Utah. You don't have to travel across the world to treat yourself to authentic Italian cuisine. Simply walk through the doors of Fresco Italian Cafe and allow yourself to be pampered with amazing food and stellar service from a capable, knowledgeable and caring staff. Come to an establishment that offers quality pastas, sauces, pizzas, calzones and everything in between. Fresco Italian Cafe makes sure to be inclusive at all times. If you're a vegetarian or adhere to particular diet restrictions, such as a gluten-free diet, there are options for you.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of Operation
Dinner: Monday-Thursday: 5:00pm - 9:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 9:30 pm, Closed Sunday
Phone number
(801) 486-1300
Website
http://www.frescoitaliancafe.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Business Casual
Executive Chef
Mikel Trapp
Private party facilities
Please call for details.
Private party contact
Cherie Bartleson: (801) 486-1300 ext. 11

Location
1513 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Neighbourhood
Salt Lake City
Parking Details
undefined
Public Transit
UTA Bus Number 52
Additional
Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Soup
chef's nightly creation
- AQ
House SaladUS$8.00
red leaf, calabrese salami, mixed olives, red onion, seahive cheddar, pepperoncini vinaigrette
Kale & Brussels Sprout SaladUS$9.00
butternut squash, marcona almonds, sultana, warm sherry vinaigrette
CaesarUS$8.00
romaine lettuce, creamy parmesan dressing, croutons, frico

Pasta & Risotto

Risotto
chef's nightly creation
- AQ
GarganelliUS$24.00
lamb cacciatore, nicoise olive, pangratto, fiore sardo
CappelliniUS$25.00
cioppino, black mussel, squid, scallop, smoked tomato, fennel
AgnolottiUS$19.00
marsala, mustard green, beech mushroom, ricotta salata
BucatiniUS$18.00
eggplant polpette, creamy vodka sauce, house made mozzarella, basil
FarfalleUS$23.00
veal bolognese, promontory cheddar, sage

Entree

BranzinoUS$32.00
clementine, celery root, watercress, toasted almond
Wagyu BeefUS$30.00
turnip, cacio e pepe, fagiolini, walnut & gorgonzola compound butter
Chicken InvoltiniUS$25.00
budino di pane, winter squash salad, madeira
Grilled Pork ChopUS$24.00
creamy polenta, pickled apple, brussels sprout, maple cider reduction

What 571 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3

4.3 based on all time ratings

4.4Food
4.3Service
4.2Ambience
3.6Value

Noise • Moderate

571 Reviews

l
lu2dine
Los Angeles
108 reviews
vip
4.0
108 reviews
Dined on April 2, 2016
overall4food4service5ambience4
Always loved Fresco's. Was their last night after 30 years.
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b
becky
Greater Boston
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 1, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
The special occasion was the unfortunate closing of Fresco. We will miss it so much! Had to go for one last wonderful meal. For those of you who have never been, I'm sorry you never had the chance to experience this amazing little gem of a restaurant.
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s
sean
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 28, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delectable! Always a treat! So sorry to find that they're closing after 30 years.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Salt Lake City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 28, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Goodbye friend!
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D
Darrin
Salt Lake City
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Thanks for the years of great food and memories! A truly wonderful experience that will be missed.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Salt Lake City
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautifully delicious vegetarian eggplant meatballs!
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JN
JedN
Salt Lake City
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love this place. It always has really good food, great service and perfect ambiance for a more romantic/special night. It is a hidden gem that not many people know about, yet I've been going there since I was a kid (I'm 38 now). I highly recommend. I've never had a bad meal there.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Salt Lake City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
I made a reservation for Valentines, and the food was incredible. Every course was delicious. It was our first time going to Fresco, and we will definitely be back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Salt Lake City
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience4
Very romantic quaint location with fabulous food. Tight quarters can be a bit noisy. Window seating can be a little cool in the winter. Though this restaraunt is amazing. I Highly recommend it.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Salt Lake City
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 13, 2016
overall2food2service3ambience3
Spent 150 dollars for a meal that would have cost 45 at macaroni grill. Had heard good things but very underwhelming. Waay too much money for what we got.
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j
jrjm
Salt Lake City
16 reviews
vip
3.0
16 reviews
Dined on February 6, 2016
overall3food3service3ambience4
Went for an anniversary and splurge. Fresco has always been a favorite but just did not seem to have the same feel or the food as special as in the past. Still nice and intimate setting but there is a lot of competition in the valley now to rival Fresco.
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W
Winecracker
Salt Lake City
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 30, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wish I hadn't stayed away so long. Have always had a superb experience here. Food is exceptional, good service and decent ambiance. Our (food critical) group of four eat out often and all enjoyed our various dishes. It's in the details and these guys get it. Will be going back very soon. Small, so make reservations.
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P
Princess
Salt Lake City
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on January 30, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
We always love eating at Fresco's. The food is always outstanding and the service is great! We always recommend this restaurant to friends.
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SJ
SukiJ
Phoenix
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had a lamb pasta that was out of this world AND I took some home. We had a late reservation for 7 during Sundance and a late arrival of folks from the airport. Friendly staff, good Italian red wine special and everyone, including our vegetarian, loved their meal. First time here. We will be back!
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TE
TimE
Dallas
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Quite, quaint bistro type place with a romantic vibe! Great for a quite dinner or to pop the big question.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Salt Lake City
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2016
overall4food4service5ambience5
Appetizers and main dishes are spot on. Cocktails and wine are also paired well. Desserts could have been better. Pork chops were one of the best I have ever tried. Risotto is also a specialty.
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d
dottiejean4
Salt Lake City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ambience, fabulous food. great preparation and presentation. Staff very caring.
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SK
SKB1
Las Vegas
39 reviews
vip
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on December 26, 2015
overall5food5service4ambience5
Fresco's never disappoints. Dinner was superb, with new menu items. Will be back again
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Salt Lake City
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 26, 2015
overall4food4service5ambience5
3 separate dishes were ordered and all 3 were very good. The veal bolognese was the favorite of the evening. The Wagyu beef was tender. The chefs risotto of the day was also very good. Simple wine selections for every dish. Wait staff was very responsive and unobtrusive.
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J
Josie1226
Salt Lake City
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 26, 2015
overall4food4service5ambience4
We loved it and are dining there again with friends! It is small, quiet, reasonable and the menu is great. The only thing we did not care for were the smoked tomatoes in the seafood pasta dish. It seemed to overpower the seafood. The kale and warm squash salad was wonderful! The service was top notch too! Love the setting and the bookstore being open was a nice touch, as we completed our Christmas shopping.
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TT
TeamTaylor
Salt Lake City
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 26, 2015
overall4food5service5ambience4
Fresco is always a delight, and dinner this week was no exception. The Risotto of the day was with braised short ribs, and was amazing. I always wish I had just a bit more room there, but I think that's part of what makes it so charming.
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SS
SunshineSpirit
Salt Lake City
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2015
overall5food5service4ambience4
Everything was wonderful. From the root vegetable soup and polenta appetizers, to the pasta and chicken involtini. My out of town guests couldn't stop raving about the meal!
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JK
JKB1MIDWAY
Salt Lake City
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience4
A hidden, neighborhood gem with great Italian food is an apt description. Our party of six loved the ambiance and service. Food? Two of us are vegetarians, but not to worry, there are a few very good options and Chef will adapt and accommodate almost any menu item. We had a scrumptious vegetarian Bucatini with eggplant meatballs. Others had the Risotto, seafood pasta, and pork chop with mushrooms. Delicious and a hit all around. We will all go back.
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GD
GDTR
Salt Lake City
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 9, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
We Love Fresco so much that we got Married in the restaurant! It's wonderful chef preferred food with amazing flavors and beautiful Plates. You will not be disappointed!
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l
lss1
Salt Lake City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 28, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was superb and service exceptional. The noise level was the only distraction.
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E
Expectsgoodservice
Salt Lake City
23 reviews
vip
4.0
23 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2015
overall4food4service5ambience4
The service was excellent. The food was delicious. It's always a treat to dine at Fresco's.
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2
20paws
Salt Lake City
27 reviews
vip
2.0
27 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2015
overall2food1service3ambience3
We wanted to love our dinner out -- but didn't. Underwhelmed by all dishes -- from the over-salted mushroom torta (the restaurant did remove it from our bill, which was nice), to the bland risotto cakes to the average branzino to the mediocre dessert. And the tables seemed crammed in, crowded. We won't be back.
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B
Berz
Salt Lake City
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience4
This is one of the best and most consistent restaurants in Salt Lake City.
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GH
GaryH
Salt Lake City
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 23, 2015
overall4food5service4ambience4
The food was prepared with care and excellence. It was very tasty, which separates it from most restaurant food available today. Unfortunately the beef was quite chewy - not the fault of the chief but something an upscale restaurant should be able to avoid. Sending it back isn't really practical because of the time to cook another meal. The hostess was great. Open Table screwed up by not forwarding the specifics of my request but the hostess was good on her feet and got us an acceptable table despite a Friday night crunch.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 23, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience4
We had 8 people and all thoroughly enjoyed the food ordered. The restaurant is small and quiet, so not for a party scene. The service, chef and venue were all outstanding.
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G
Goldilocks
Nashville
49 reviews
vip
5.0
49 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
The gem of Salt Lake City. Everything was outstanding. I have been many times and I am never disappointed.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Salt Lake City
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 17, 2015
overall4food4service3ambience3
I reserved ahead of the date and I love the intimacy of Fresco, but they seated us at a table right outside the kitchen...other tables were available and I was disappointed that we were seated at an inferior spot.
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DK
1DKDZ
Orlando
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 17, 2015
overall5food4service4ambience4
A lovely, quiet, intimate little restaurant with wonderful food and wonderful service; who could as for anything more??? Thank you, Fresco Italian Cafe, and Robert, for a memorable dining experience in Salt Lake City!
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CG
CanadianGolux
Salt Lake City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 16, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
In searching for an Italian restaurant to take my husband to for his birthday, a friend told me about the Fresco Italian Cafe. I found it to be highly rated online, and decided to try it. Making the reservation was easy through OpenTable. We were a little late getting out of a movie we saw before dinner, so I quickly called and let them know we were on our way. The October weather that evening was mild, and they let us choose where to sit-inside or out. We chose to sit outside around the back-it was charming and quiet-3 tables there. There were stepping stones and a brick patio-be careful, some bricks are wobbly. Our server was great, very attentive. The meal was excellent-freshly delicous in every way. The spiced pear salad was divine, as was my chicken entree and my husband's caesar salad and veal entree. For dessert we shared pistachio cake with pistachio gelato on a platter on which "Happy Birthday" was written in chocolate-so perfectly delicious. I can't wait to go back for dinner again soon!
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A
Alex
Vancouver
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food in a lovely setting.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Salt Lake City
5 reviews
vip
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 10, 2015
overall3food4service3ambience5
The ambiance is fantastic. The service wasn't very attentive. Pasta dishes were good...I would not recommend any meat dish. Potato soup was excellent.
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D
Dave
Phoenix
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everyday is a special menu. Very original Italian dishes and well-paired wines. Comfortable for couples and conversation.
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SU
SUSA
Salt Lake City
95 reviews
vip
4.0
95 reviews
Dined on October 3, 2015
overall4food4service4ambience4
We always like eating at Fresco Cafe. Ambiance is wonderful, waiters are friendly, and the food is very good. We would like to see more VEGAN and non-pasta offerings and more veggies, though, since we are vegan and also don't want to put on more pounds! What about a "veggie" pasta with no flour, just made of carrots or zucchini?
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A
Ac93
Los Angeles
9 reviews
vip
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 2, 2015
overall3food4service2ambience1
Small house like environment. Creaky floors, creaky door. Not the ideal romantic setting. Service was lacking. Food was good though.
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DU
DebbieU
Washington DC
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were only in SLC for a couple of days and picked Fresca ahead of time. Its location in the Sugar House neighborhood is perfect. The food was delicious, service attentive with no sense of being rushed. We chose to sit inside and it was very quiet but the patio dining area is lovely and very reminiscent of Italy. The noise level was a little louder but still pleasant. The soup that evening was amazing... crab (I think) with corn. My husband chose the seafood linguine and said it was delicious. I opted for two appetizers - the roasted peach and the cheese and charcuterie plate (saving room for dessert) - and enjoyed every mouthful. Fresco's bread is also delish, btw. Our son went with the gnocchi and was also very happy. All in all, a wonderful meal. If we return, we'll definitely go back. That peach appetizer was so good, I need seconds!!
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FAQs

Fresco Italian Cafe is rated 4.3 stars by 571 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

1513 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84105

Additional information

Neighbourhood
Salt Lake City
Hours of Operation
Dinner: Monday-Thursday: 5:00pm - 9:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 9:30 pm, Closed Sunday
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress Code
Business Casual
Parking Details
undefined
Public Transit
UTA Bus Number 52
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Mikel Trapp
Additional
Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
http://www.frescoitaliancafe.com/
Phone number
(801) 486-1300
Private party facilities
Please call for details.
Private party contact
Cherie Bartleson: (801) 486-1300 ext. 11

Fresco Italian Cafe

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Menu

Appetizer

Salumi and Artisan Cheese PlateUS$14.00

Creamy PolentaUS$12.00

Heirloom CarrotsUS$8.00

Pan Grilled CalamariUS$14.00

Soup & Salad

Soup

House SaladUS$8.00

Kale & Brussels Sprout SaladUS$9.00

CaesarUS$8.00

Pasta & Risotto

Risotto

GarganelliUS$24.00

CappelliniUS$25.00

AgnolottiUS$19.00

BucatiniUS$18.00

FarfalleUS$23.00

Entree

BranzinoUS$32.00

Wagyu BeefUS$30.00

Chicken InvoltiniUS$25.00

Grilled Pork ChopUS$24.00

What 571 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is Fresco Italian Cafe restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information