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Fresco Ristorante re-imagines traditional Italian cuisine by taking a modern approach pairing locally-sourced ingredients with bold flavors. Our shared-plate menu is designed to offer an array of options for every eater.

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!

Michael A.

Glendale, CA

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818.247.5541

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