Fresko

17 recent ratings
$$ • Restaurant
Reported to have a gluten-free menu
Reported GF menu options: Bread/Buns, Burgers, Dessert, Sandwiches, Tacos
Safety Rating
16 ratings

As rated by the community

909 Locust St
Des Moines, IA 50309
Collections
In 5 Public Collections

Most Recent Reviews


Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I know this is long, but I think it’s important to read before coming here: I’ve come here a few times for brunch before and received wonderful and accommodating service every time. I always felt safe coming here and adored the knowledgeable staff. Tonight, I decided to go here for dinner on a rather busy Saturday night. I ordered a steak sandwich on a gluten free bun. I was mistakenly served their normal ciabatta bread (it was busy, and I think a miscommunication occurred somewhere - it happens), and I unfortunately didn’t realize until halfway through the sandwich. When I asked the waitress about my bread, she promptly removed my meal and brought the manager over to our table who handled the situation VERY poorly. Nobody informed me I was served a gluten-containing meal until the manager appeared and dryly asked if I was the one they “served the wrong bread to”. He seemed defensive, unsympathetic, and did not apologize to me for what had happened. I really want to preface that I was in no way angry about this situation, as it’s honestly the first time something like this has happened since my celiac diagnosis… until the manager showed up. I was very understanding to the waitress as mistakes happen, but once the manager appeared, I felt gaslighted. While my meal was comped, it was not replaced, and I was still responsible for paying for the single glass of wine I had ordered. Listen, I love this restaurant, and our waitress, Vanessa, was incredibly kind and apologetic and did everything she could to diffuse the situation. She spent a lot of time speaking to me about how disappointed she was that this had happened and apologized profusely. However, the manager’s attitude felt inappropriate as I was under very little impression that he cared about my health or well-being. Sadly, this all has left me questioning whether or not I will be returning to this restaurant.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegan options
  • Reservations recommended
Updated 2 months ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Amazing, fresh food! Very celiac friendly! Love this restaurant!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Dedicated gluten-free fryer
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
Updated 6 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


We had an excellent brunch at Fresco on Sunday. Menu is marked GF. Several items may be made GF and are marked on the menu. Very good recommendation based on reviews.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
  • Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for lunch
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegetarian options
  • Reservations recommended
Updated 6 months ago read full review

This establishment is NOT a dedicated gluten-free facility and may not be safe for those with celiac disease. Please contact the establishment directly to inquire about safety precautions.

Gluten-Free Features

  • Reported to have a dedicated fryer
  • Bread/Buns
  • Burgers
  • Dessert
  • Gluten-Free Menu
  • Sandwiches
  • Tacos

Categories

  • Allergy Friendly
  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Dairy-Free Friendly
  • Delivery
  • Dinner
  • Healthy
  • Keto Friendly
  • Late Night
  • Lunch
  • Online Ordering
  • Restaurant
  • Takeout
  • Vegan Friendly

Photos


Gluten-Free at Fresko
Skewers
Crab stuffed walleye
Ahi tuna appetizer
Molton lava cake
Lavender
Smore creme brule
Add a photo View all photos

Tips


Symptomatic Celiac

Make sure you tell your server right away that you are gluten-free. They said they only use designated gluten-free stations when it’s an allergy.

1 year ago

More Reviews


Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Had graduation brunch here and wonderful experience. GF items marked, knowledgeable staff.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 7 months ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


FANTASTIC GF sushi rolls. Tacos were terrific, wood fired shrimp bowl was ok -- grits were amazing but shrimp was overcooked. Service was slow. Still, lots of GF and GF conversions available, fresh food premise. Would go again.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Updated 8 months ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Brought the kids. Maybe that wasn’t the right environment for the under ten crowd. Food was top notch and the waitstaff was the best. Gluten free was clearly marked and seemed to be such. Only thing missing was a little flag marking GF as such, but I don’t think that fits the classier decor.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for lunch
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegan options
  • Good vegetarian options
Updated 9 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


So delicious! Felt very safe eating here!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


If you are a celiac, this is a great restaurant to go to! There are many choices that are gluten-free. If something on the menu is not GF, they are willing to make it that way for you. The staff said that they take allergies seriously and will prepare dishes at separate stations to ensure no cross-contamination occurs.

I had the Chicken Caprese Sandwich with roasted potatoes. This sandwich was amazing! Highly recommend!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
  • Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
  • Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
  • Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for lunch
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegetarian options
  • Good with other allergies
  • Reservations recommended
Updated 1 year ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I was really excited to eat here because of all the gluten free options. I ordered a sandwich with a gluten free bun and asked for everything to be prepared gluten free. Sadly, I got sick before even leaving the restaurant.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Good experience eating off the brunch menu. Several gluten free choices on the menu & several other that could be modified to be gluten free (i.e. gf bun). Very tasty!

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


We took my daughter here for her 16th birthday. She has celiac. After being greeted the first thing the server asked if anyone had any food allergies he should be aware of. He stated they didn't have a gluten free kitchen but they do clean work surfaces, change gloves, & use clean dishes * utensils when preparing the food. We were told the prior manager had celiac so staff is very educated. Lots of gf options. Service was great and food was very good. They even had gf birthday dessert for her.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
  • Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for kids
  • Good for lunch
Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Absolutely delicious and so many great GF options. Staff was knowledgeable and friendly. Two big thumbs up!!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I was extremely excited to try this place because of how many gluten free options that the menu had. I ordered the salmon eggs Benedict and some pancakes as a side and my friend who also has an allergy ordered an omelette. Our server was super friendly and made sure to tell us that she wrote down specifically when something was gluten free so we would be safe to eat it. A few hours later I got violently ill and have been throwing up since. Very disappointed in the restaurant for having all of these options but cross contamination still occurred. Not the place for celiacs to eat safely especially if you are extremely sensitive to cross contamination.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Great gluten free options, specifically marked on the menu. Food was delicious and no reaction.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Asymptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Great fine dining experience for a family with celiac. Roasted salmon was delicious. My picky 11 year old loved her GF chicken strips off the kid menu (four GF options on kid menu and lots of choices on adult menu). Even all the mock tails were GF for her. Did only have one GF cider option, in a bottle but hubby said it was good. All items put in the fryer are GF…they don’t ever fry anything with gluten. Two GF dessert choices as well…snickeroo mousse was yummy!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for kids
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Reservations recommended
Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I had a sushi roll, chicken tacos and the split for dessert. It's a fancier restaurant than I expected but felt fairly comfortable eating there. The waiter said all of their soy sauce is gluten free but the kitchen staff was confused when we ordered a pork banh mi on a gluten free bun.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Knowledgeable staff, lots of menu options and delicious!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Traveling and found this on the app- sooo glad we stopped here. LOTS of GF options on the menu and great atmosphere. Ordered the Fish Taco - 10 on the YUM meter!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for lunch
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegan options
  • Good with other allergies
Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I am a Celiac and this place is a definite YES…very safe, wait staff extremely knowledgeable AND menu is clearly marked and easy to follow. Most items can be modified for a GF & DF issues.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for keto
  • Good for takeout
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegan options
  • Good with other allergies
  • Offers delivery
  • Offers online ordering
  • Offers outdoor seating
Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Great for celiacs! Servers and kitchen staff are extremely knowledgeable and the menu indicates gluten free items

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I was hoping the burger and potatoes would be better. The meat patty was boring and overcooked. The toppings were tasty. The GF bun left a lot to be desired. Very dry. There are better buns out there. The potatoes were fairly anemic-looking and bland tasting. Service was friendly while I waited.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for takeout
  • Offers delivery
  • Offers online ordering
Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


This place is my fave! A celiac is the manager so you know extra safety precautions are in place. All of their soy sauce is gluten free to make things easier. Lava cake is amazing and so is the sushi! Honestly the entire menu is great!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for lunch
Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Extremely knowledgeable staff. Great gluten free options. Try the lava cake.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Dedicated gluten-free fryer
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
  • Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for lunch
Updated 2 years ago read full review

Gluten Sensitive

Overall Rating

Review


I ordered the burger to go and it was the best I have had in awhile. The front customer service people were awesome. If we make it in town again will be stopping here.

Quality & Quantity


How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for takeout
Updated 2 years ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Love this place. I recommended the tempura shrimp roll and the wings. Very tasty! They have gluten free dessert too!

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 3 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


We went on NYE and only had their NYE menu which kind of stunk because my husband and I both wanted tacos! I got a salad and added chicken. I can not have dairy so that made it a bit hard. Drinks were great! I highly recommend the lavender lemonade.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good selection of healthy options
Updated 3 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Seemed knowledgeable about GF precautions. Plenty of options.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegan options
  • Offers delivery
  • Offers online ordering
Updated 3 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


There were so many options on the menu, I had a hard time choosing. I ordered the steak sandwich on a GF bun. It was amazing. The waitress made sure to mark that I had an allergy (vs gf preference) on our order. I also ordered a drink and she confirmed that their ginger beer was GF before making it. I would be cautious in the drink department, I ordered a tequila and ginger beer. It was delicious but I got the bill and my drink was $16. They don’t carry your generic liquors (Jose, captain, etc), it’s all top shelf so it you don’t ask you could end up paying more than anticipated. The waitress gave me a discount when I questioned it. That is my only knock against them, otherwise everything else was great! I would go back!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
  • Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for lunch
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegan options
Updated 3 years ago read full review

More Info