FRESCO is an absolute crowd pleaser!  It was such a treat coming here. 5-star service, as we got  treated like family. Food is amazing. Homemade bowtie pasta with mushrooms sauce is a must! The staff is attentive and very warm. Nothing more to say short and sweet- it was my first time here but definitely not my last. I would highly recommend this place for small celebrations up to 100 people. So happy to have discovered this absolute gem in the heart of Glendale.

Fresco has been a landmark restaurant on south Brand for many years. I have been here many times though not for 10 years until last week.
Fresco is of another time in many ways: traditional in many ways. Yet since i am of another time and used to traditional ways i love it here.
In the 70’s this space was Mauro’s and it was THE place to go for primo, upscale Italian food and exceptional service. Mauro’s was owned by Mauro Vicente and he moved to the Oviatt building in DTLA in the 80’s. If memory serves, this space was left to his partner and carried on under the Fresco name under which it operates today.
I have not darkened these doors for 10 years and since a friend from NYC was visiting i thought it was the perfect time to check Fresco out anew.
Reading the current reviews i note that the current owners have adapted to the times in Glendale and the ever increasing population of Armenians that have moved here. Smart move as far as i am concerned.
If you want to stay in business you move forward but always with a glance backward at what made you famous.
So we had a few current lunch menu items:
Caprese Tower
Mozzarella di Buffalo, Vine ripened tomato, basil.
Ceasar Salad
Costoletto Griliata di Porco
Herb crusted organic pork chop charbroiled with grilled vegetable salsa.
The Caprese was beautifully presented: all the components are fresh,tomatoes sweet and ripe, basil so fresh it seems to have been picked seconds before serving. Olive oil is fruity and lusciously nutty. The buffalo mozz is maybe cut too thick though it is milky and cheesey: very much unlike other mozzerellas.
Caesar.
A great Caesar salad is all about two things: the freshness and chill of the romaine and the dressing. The romaine was crisp and fresh but the dressing was a little two strong on the fish side though there are also high notes of lemon and parmesan and good olive oil as well.
The real winner was the grilled pork chop which was cooked to perfection as it is not always easy to do with a basically fat less piece of meat. The veggie salsa is delicious. A winner. Good Stuff!
As has always been for years: the service here is beyond reproach. The physical plant beautifully cared for.
We had an amazing lunch: great food and great service.
It makes my heart feel good that this old world style restaurant has survived with class with its basic great standards intact.
Bravo!

Loved the food and service! The owner was very kind and answered all my questions and multiples calls. I had my daughters 16th bday party there. The hot plates were amazing! Especially mushroom pasta and the meats! Will defiantly go again.

I’ve eaten at Fresco at least 3 times that I recall and they were all for either private parties or banquet-style events. In each case, the food and service was excellent. If you attend a banquet here, just expect LOTS of food. Even when you think you’ve eaten everything you can, they will still bring more food. And all of it is good!

I love the pastas here, especially the farfalle wish mushrooms. I love the ceviche we tried recently as well as a passed hors d’oeuvres (not sure if it’s on the regular menu or not). The banquets I’ve attended here have been Armenian ones (the owners are Armenian), and so the food has walked a line between Italian and Armenian dishes. I appreciated and enjoyed everything I was served.

Honestly, even if I hadn’t been here for group events, weddings, etc, I would happily return for the food. I know that most of their business does come from banquets, and the space is perfect for it, but I would definitely enjoy coming here on any given evening for a nice Italian meal. I hope you’ll consider it in the future!

This place was amazing, to say the least. I threw a party for my husband’s 30th Birthday Bash here and am glad to say that they’ve exceeded my expectations. The service was phenomenal and most importantly the food was exceptional. Everyone kept raving about the food, and it made me so happy to know that I picked a place that everyone loved. Huge thank you to everyone that made that day so special and amazing for us.

Maybe this place is not the largest or most fancy decor, but can you try the food and see what amazing service you’ll get before judging them?
After reading a few of the other reviews, it amazes me how picky people get.

I’ve come here multiple times, and every single time the food is fresh, delicious.  Literally, every appetizer is the most tastiest I’ve had.  The service is also great. Hint, if you tip them before they start serving. (just a little something to get them energized and motivated) you will have extra attention, care, and service.