Fresco

DO NOT GO THERE! I went this past Sunday and got food poisoning from the food. Me and about 5 other people that I know of that attended the same party. It’s a shame because the place is nice and in an awesome location. You’ve been warned, go at your own risk.

Went to Fresco on Saturday night to celebrate my mothers 84^th birthday. Unfortunately when we made the reservation for 7:30 we were not told that there would also be a large party with a dj. Thoughout our meal we had to deal with load music and a conga line of party goers with disco lights. Can’t say much about our dinners since to whole experince was unenjoyable. We will never go back.

Don’t count on having a Conversation! I wish I could give it no stars! will make this simple! This is not a restaurant it is a club!!! yes with the disco light and all!!! Music is as loud as it can possibly go! Dark! the woman next to us used a flashlight to look at her food! And just when you think it couldn’t get louder a DJ comes on and plays it even louder! A person was drunk n dancing on top of tables yes the tables that we eat on!!! if I wanted a club I would go to a club where it better be loud n u can dance! Oh by the way I agree w others, IT USED TO BE GOOD SO I GUESS NEW OWNERS CHANGED EVERYTHING!!! Sad.
Sue

A good place for a decently priced Italian meal. I’ve tried twice to get the pizza here but it is only served on weekends during brunch which I found strange. I’ve settled for the pasta dishes the past two times and was not disappointed. I hope at some point I get to try the pizza that I hear good things about

Came in at 8: pm on friday night, and it is 9:16pm still hasnt served. I understand there are large groups, but over an hour though? Service is super slow idk wtf they r doing back in kitchen.

This place was a pleasant surprise! I have heard from many different people in my area to try this restaurant and it was always very hard to get a reservation, however it was worth the wait! They were able to accommodate a party of 4 on a Saturday night when they were very busy. We sat down right away. It is bring your own which is a huge positive. The pricing of the food is actually not bad at all !
Additionally, the atmosphere was great! All of a sudden the restaurant turned into club scene with great music and dancing around tables. I would not recommenced on a Saturday night for a family with young children, however for adults its fantastic. The food did take a little long to come out but I will not let that effect my rating due to the fact they were extremely busy and my party was in no rush to leave. The food was great, I had the Gnocchi and we tried to Eggplant stack as well.
I highly recommend trying this restaurant even if it’s just once. I for one will definitely be going back.

Came here again on a Friday night with 9 friends and had a great experience. It was perfect that it was BYOB. The food was good. As far as I know they had every thing on the menu this time and the music was not too loud! Win.

We recently held our Salon’s holiday party at Frescos. We own 212 Salon and Day Spa in Upper Montclair and Fresco’s was able to accommodate and host our team with a wonderful night of delicious dinner, dancing and all around a great time! From the host to our waiters, and new friends, we will definitely return! Thank you for a an amazing Night our staff will not forget.
Donna and Guy
212 Salon and Day Spa

Born and raised in this lovely town where I still reside. Last night instead of going to the city to have dinner I decided to dine in my own town. Ok first of why $ 10 to valet the car at an establishment I’m having dinner makes no sense to me. My service was just ok nothing to brag about no need to name drop. Calamari was the appetizer, I had better needed a little more flavor. For the entrée I had the Risotto Di Gorno very good. This place seems to get pretty packed so definitely reserve a table. Overall it was a nice place the atmosphere is definitely New York. I will return

This place is atrocious. I have been going to Fresco since it opened even bringing in very large parties. Since this past summer when Franco took over the place it has been progressively going down hill.
Just this past weekend a group of 6 of us went for dinner excited to have their specialties like the Burrata, the brick oven pizza with fresh mozz, or their nutella pie for dessert. When we arrived at 7:40 we were charged the normal $ 10 for valet parking. We sit and were not waited until after 8:15pm where by policy we had to oder the entire kitchen order at once. This is an apparent new policy since June as back then we were able to order apps then our meal in a relaxed fashion… Believe me there was no one beating down the door to have our table. We ordered the burrata, fried calamari, and eggplant stack. We then asked for one of their specialties (margarita pizza) for an app. The waiter disappeared to only come back to us shortly saying that a brand new policy is that they do not make pizza unless its a sunday brunch. Meanwhile it was on the menu.
Since the disappointing information of this suddenly new policy even though their menu advertised pizza (which our friend was expecting to order as her main course) they brought the other apps that we ordered. In 1 small bite the burrata was immediately know to be VERY VERY sour. It was bad cheese, very bad cheese. As we politely complained to the waiter he then returned and said he miraculously can fire up the pizza oven and make us a «free» pizza as an apology. With the free pizza he then brought a board of cheese and «Italian Meats». When we looked at the board it looked as though they ran to shop rite and bought speckled Bologna rather then true Italian meats. It was actually disgusting to look at as it was a ball of thick lunch meat on a plate.
Next our main course comes… Most of us ordered a dish with fish. I never experienced more less then fresh fish before then here at Fresco that night. The calamari was very touch, chewy, and smelled very fishy. Our friend at the table ordered the tuna special and requested that instead of the side it came with if they can put the tuna over mashed potatoes. Without hesitation the waiter said o yes no problem we can do mashed potatoes (meanwhile other dishes on the menu are served with mashed potatoes). When our dishes were served her tuna was over scalloped potatoes instead of mashed, liked promised. The waiters only regret was «I am sorry the kitchen couldn’t make mashed potatoes» What restaurant does not know how to or does not make mashed potatoes, especially since dishes on the menu require mashed potatoes?
By this time it is about 10pm when they finally refilled our water glasses and cleaned the table of our apps and dinner. Yes, our apps were still on the table along with our app eating dishes. He brought us dessert menus. He then said they probably can make us nutella pie. So that is what we ordered. The pie came out at 10:25 and was still uncooked all the way. by 10:30 the valet comes to our table and asks us if we have our valet tickets. We reply yes and he proceeds to tell us he is done for the night so here are our keys. So for the $ 10 that i paid for a valet my car was left on the curb where i had to walk half a block to retrieve my car. But before I knew the distance to my car we tried to pay the bill. The restaurant knew we were unhappy and automatically charged 20% tip not even 18% but 20% tip on top of the bill and expected us to pay. Now in retrospect we would not have short changed the waiter in all of this because 75% of the problems we had were not his problem and he was trying to be nice about it but what nerve to force a table of 6 to pay 20%. So now 3 people from our group put in cash and the other 3 credit cards. There were 2 american express blue cards and a visa. Just so happens that I have apple pay and immediately saw when they ran my card. I then noticed they charged my card a second time. My friend who had the other Amex did not get charged even after she went online on her phone to check her pending charges. We brought this to the waiters attention and his response was i am not sure what happened but my manager is not here so call Amex to dispute. So now after I had bad cheese (lets hope none of us get sick), raw dough for dessert, and had to fetch my own car and now I have to dispute my own bill. Never mind the wrong potatoes and the new policies on everything we inquired about.
Franco should be ashamed of himself. He is a self absorbed man who pays no attention to his customer base and only is concerned with his fancy muscle cars that pulls up on a Sunday brunch. I’m angry person who was ripped off for their dinner. A dinner that used to be a good fun night out. Lets not even discuss the new «décor» that Franco had put in the place. It used to be such a classy fun out of the ordinary restaurant which now shows porn stars on the wall.

Went with a friend had a blast Peter was our server had a great experience he was fun & very attentive honestly i have nothing bad to say will be coming back !!! I love this place ! Its BYOB which is good you can drink whatever you want.

Very truly «Meh.» Not my type of thing.
Not impressed by its ‘trendiness’, or that pictures of celebrities line the entrance. Not impressed by how it is inexplicably one of the busier restaurants on Church street. Not impressed with the fancy cars or the «New York eatery» slogan on its paper bag. I think I was supposed to be impressed by all of the above, but I’m probably not their target demographic.
What I WOULD HAVE been impressed by, but didn’t get:
— Prompt service. Stood there helplessly by the entrance while staff looked us in the eye and promptly walked away because I guess it wasn’t their job to greet potential customers. Finally seated after wandering in and out of the restaurant to flag down somebody. Once seated, didn’t get any water or bread on the table. Had to find someone who was not our waiter to get a glass of water and place the order.
— Prompt food. 25 – 30 minutes for a Panini at 3 in the afternoon?
— Good value. Overpriced food that looked admittedly beautiful in presentation but extremely bland in flavor. It’s the type of food you feel really sad about because it looks so nice but when you put it in your mouth disappointment hits you like a bag of bricks.
The one saving grace our party commented upon when we left? That we at least came for lunch and not dinner, thus limiting the damage this experience had on our wallets.
My curiosity was sated. I often wondered how this restaurant could be rated in such a mediocre way when it is often so popular. It’s for those who love the gloss and the veneer, not for those who really care about the food.

Average. The $ 15 Caesar salad on the specials menu was a plate of leaves. Almost no dressing, no parmigiana, no fresh pepper offered. No bread on the table — had to request. My Frutti di Mare Fra Diavolo was good. My wife’s Bronzino was so-​so. Service was good, though dessert wasn’t offered. Maybe it was a slow Sunday eve?
Other than the high prices, definitely not a «New York City Italian Eatery».

Went to dinner a little too early and the restaurant that we were going to wasn’t serving for another hour. So we walked down the block and tried this place. They had my favorite appetizer, Portobello Milanese, but it was prepared differently It was good and I enjoyed it, but I enjoy it more the way I usually have it at another restaurant.
Their menu had limited veal dishes, so I ordered meatballs and penna off their specials menu. I did not care for the meatballs and the dish was overpriced.
Service was slow, especially since the place was mostly empty since we were there so early. But then we noticed that they were busy with a large take out or catered order and perhaps today’s slow service was an exception.

Had dinner last night with a group of friends.
Food was mediocre at best. The pizzas were bland and my skirt skate and shrimp dish was not that tasty. Waiter asked for tip in cash.

I am beyond impressed by the service, ambiance, and food here at Fresco. I’m sad to say tonight was my first time dining here when I often visit Montclair, and know the owner. I’ll blame it on the, «clean eating hold,» bodybuilding has over me.
Well, since today I was clearly cheating, my best friend and I wanted a nice Italian dinner for Memorial Day. This year and since the weather was perfect, outside seating was a must. Franco, the owner, is an absolute doll. An extremely kind man who knows the true meaning of customer service.
Franco is the epitome of, «a boss.» Some may very well see he’s a tough guy in business, but that’s what I love about him. That he takes his restaurant’s reputation and dining experience seriously, and makes sure his entire staff does the same.
From suggesting wonderful appetizers and a great champagne to us, he personally made sure servers never neglected a glass of water filled less than half full, to never left a champagne glass empty, nor were we to pour it ourselves. When I walked into use the restroom at one point, I saw him not even allow the bell that signaled a ready plate even finish chiming before make sure a runner carried the plate outside to its designated table. Plate timings were perfection.
I worked in the restaurant business for 5 years and put myself through school that way and ALL my jobs, have in some way shape or form, involved or revolved around customer service.
I felt like royalty tonight in this establishment. The noise was very moderate, the entire business was clean and beautifully set, and she and I enjoyed ourselves so much that a 15 hour dinner was just over 4 hours. I had zero complaints about any dish from flavor to portion size and THAT ladies and gents is an accomplishment all its own!
I will ABSOLUTELY be coming back to a location that is attractive, has a hostess like Vina (she’s A TREASURE, just the sweetest), and a gentleman like Franco at the forefront.
Bottom line, Fresco is a must try and great revisit for an attractive, intimate yet fun environment with great food and awesome service. I heard their brunch is also FAB. Can’t wait to try!

The food runner dropped our plates on the table and expected us to pick them up and pass them out. At our table of 3, not one person’s plate was placed in front of them. Even my girlfriend’s plate, and she was sitting right in the front of the food runner! And the amazing thing was, hers was the LAST plate he dropped — he didn’t even have his hands full! All he had to do was set it down in front of her. But instead he left it at the edge of the table. I know time is precious when you’re running food, I’ve done that job. Yes, the kitchen can put a lot pressure on those guys to clear that kitchen. But you need to compose yourself and remember we’re the customers, not the kitchen. You serve us, not the guy who’s yelling at you in the back.
We paid $ 160 + drinks and tip (it’s byob). For that price tag, I expect better attention from the staff. Server was nIce, but not super-​professional and hardly knowledgable. Food was good/​excellent.

Positives–
Food: We ordered the cream of asparagus soup, eggplant stack, salmon, and the steak and shrimp combo. Everything was very good except the steak and shrimp combo was slightly cold.
Atmosphere: I loved the atmosphere. It was super trendy and they had an Italian movie playing on a giant screen on the back wall. They music they were playing was good too. It kind of feels like you are in a club inside but in a good way.
BYOB: Always a plus!
Valet parking: Helpful since it’s hard to find parking around there!
Negatives–
Valet parking: They charge $ 10 to valet park your car! I’ve never seen it that high anywhere. That was really annoying but we had no other choice because we couldn’t find parking.
Service: Our waiter was pretty rude and not personable at all. He also kind of rushed us the whole time.
Prices: This place is pretty over priced. The salmon at $ 22 and skirt steak at $ 26 were okay but a bowl of asparagus soup for $ 10 and a small stack of eggplant, tomatoes and mozzarella for $ 16 was a joke.
Overall, I’d suggest coming here only if you want a fun night out with your friends at a trendy place. Be ready to spend a lot of money, remember to byob, and don’t expect the best food in the world.

Came here for a friends birthday dinner… party of 10. Didn’t wait to be seated because I was running late so can’t comment on that. Place is lively– packed, music playing. The place is loud so of u are expecting a quiet spot for intimate conversation– this is not the place. Music ranges from David guerra to the bee fees to old school Madonna to disco music. It’s a BYOB/​liquor. A Sofia Loren movie was playing on the film wall projector. Sofia Loren photos also adorn the woman’s bathroom. Bathroom is single male room and a single female room. I never had to wait long thank god.
Food– it’s Italian– apetizers, pizza, pasta and Other stuff like salmon and skirt steak and scallop dishes. I had the risotto special with scallops and mushrooms. Good size portion and filing — 4 out of 5. Tried the calamari and the mozzarella/​eggplant appetizer which was decent. The table bread was focaccia — not worth the carbs lol. I also tried the banana Nutella calzone which u can share with 3 – 4 other people and that was pretty good — messy but good. Service was good– waiter was attentive. When they bring the birthday desserts– the staff brings those sparklers (that most bottle service at clubs have) to the table to celebrate. Prices of Entrees range from 20 – 35 bucks.
People to seem to have a good time that I observed.
The only thing that I noticed that was a turnoff when I checked reviews prior to coming here — was not the bad reviews because I think people should experience a place for themselves but the response from the owner to the bad reviews. Kinda show bad character of the owner– and I’m someone who had a good experience
Peace and love
Ps– parking is obtained by street parking if u are super lucky, valet parking or there is a parking deck nearby that is easily accessed to restaurant by a well lighted alley /​walkway

This place is a byob, they have a liquor store that delivers within a few minutes. It’s affordable and convenient.
The décor and feel is a bit dim, and a little bit of a nightclub aesthetic going on.
We had the fresco salad and the gnocchi. The salad was nice, well dressed and a good portion size. The gnocchi was okay, too salty for my taste but cooked properly. It was a large portion and we were full after finishing half our food.
The bathrooms are single stall so there was kind of a wait. But of course some girls sneak into the men’s room … But I’m just not that kind of girl ;)
Our waiter was well versed with the menu, and helpful with recommendations.
Not a must see but if you want an affordable good lunch check it out.