Fresco Cafe has been a landmark in Santa Barbara since 1995. Fresco originally began as an Italian Deli & was purchased by Mark Brouillard & Jill Petrarca in 1995 to create the eclectic cafe it is today. Now, more than ever, Fresco Cafe places more emphasis on organic & natural ingredients. Fresco Cafe is a destination location for all Santa Barbarians in search of freshly prepared food, served in a warm atmosphere by friendly & efficient staff.
Please feel free to explore our website & come visit us at Fresco Cafe to discover for yourself what all the buzz is about! In 2004, Antar Dayal, a commercial artist and visionary, designed the new look of Fresco which created a soft and warm Mediterranean ambience. The materials used were imported from Italy and Dayal, himself, created the Buon Fresco artwork that hangs in the restaurant.
Please feel free to explore our website & come visit us at Fresco Cafe to discover for yourself what all the buzz is about! In 2004, Antar Dayal, a commercial artist and visionary, designed the new look of Fresco which created a soft and warm Mediterranean ambience. The materials used were imported from Italy and Dayal, himself, created the Buon Fresco artwork that hangs in the restaurant.
Services
Served with soup, salad or hand cut russet or sweet potato fries, choice of multigrain or brioche bun. Burger made of ground chic peas, onions, and herbs. With lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, and Tzatziki sauce on housemade foccacia bread. Roasted turkey breast, bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, ranch dressing, and Swiss cheese in a warm tortilla.
Reviews (19)
Kim B.
Jan 13, 2022
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The Walnut Gorgonzola salad never disappoints. Ordered with a scoop of chicken salad, it is the perfect meal. The mixed greens are fresh with the proper ratio of walnuts and Gorgonzola. The chicken salad is tasty and tender, but seems to be lacking in something for added flavor, a little lemon or dill perhaps for some added zest. Ordering is easy, and there is ample dining outdoors. Fresco Cafe is definitely on my go to list for a delicious meal.
Eat S.
Dec 31, 2021
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I've eaten at Fresco on and off for the past 15 years. I stopped by on 12/30 at 4:30 pm to pick up a quick order of fries, soup and desserts. After paying, I walked by the open kitchen to wait for my order and noticed that one of the cooks was NOT WEARING A MASK and was USING HIS HANDS TO EAT WHILE ALSO PREPPING FOOD IN THE KITCHEN. I was shocked, especially based upon the skyrocketing COVID cases in the past few days. I spoke with the manager and asked for a refund. He was very nice but explained that this was his first shift and he did not know how to issue a refund. I asked for the contact
Greg A.
Dec 22, 2021
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Really great locals joint... used to live/work nearby and would eat here almost every day. Huge selection of different types of food, good cupcakes & chocolate cake, Arnold Palmer unlimited refills, friendly & efficient staff! Delicious salads the Gorgonzola walnut is classic. Their Saturday special Jack Daniels ribs & fries with Dijon are phenomenal. Best ribs in town with Carlitos. A terrific spot where you'll always know what to expect. The wraps are delicious as well. Pretty sure they have largest, most diverse salad selection in town. Their Ahi club is all worldly see photo
Erika V.
Dec 15, 2021
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Fresco is a Santa Barbara gem! I used to go here more often when my work was closer, but I just went here the other day and it was just as amazing! I ordered the Hot Oven Grinder Sandwich (without tomato and peppers) and it was soo good. For my side I chose the Gorgonzola Walnut Salad, which was absolutely amazing as well, but a bit heavy on the dressing. I will recommend Fresco over and over again! Very friendly service as well!
Ricky E.
Dec 09, 2021
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I recently started coming here and I'm so glad I have. I've tried a few things so far and I've loved them all. I tried their specialty salad of the day which was yummy, although I forgot it didn't come with chicken so I got home and was bummed so make sure you add your protein when you order. I also tried their hand-breaded spicy chicken salad with a side salad. All very good! I got the gorgonzola salad with chicken today and it was super delicious! It is a bit pricy though. I should really start cooking for myself but....
Erin W.
Nov 24, 2021
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As a vegetarian looking for some healthful options, I was extremely satisfied with my food here at Fresco cafe. I had a warm mushroom/carmelized onion sandwich that came with a delicious side salad. My son was happy, too, with his bowl of buttered noodles and fresh fruit on the side. Delicious and reasonably priced. Their baked goods looked amazing, too, but I'll have to try those next time.
Victoria O.
Nov 18, 2021
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I went to Cafe Fresco for the first time in 7 years. It sort of dropped off my radar as I'm not in Five Points much.
They have lots of good sandwiches. The pizza still above average. The pasta is good.
But I ordered the Chinese chicken salad and it was inedible: romaine lettuce with sesame vinegar and oil, plus dry, tasteless chicken and a few Mandarin oranges. Just horrible and for 14 bucks, totally worthless.
I switched it out for the veggie burger---which was equally horrible (and which I'd never ordered before). A mushy bizarre patty on a brioche bun. The cheese and tomato
They have lots of good sandwiches. The pizza still above average. The pasta is good.
But I ordered the Chinese chicken salad and it was inedible: romaine lettuce with sesame vinegar and oil, plus dry, tasteless chicken and a few Mandarin oranges. Just horrible and for 14 bucks, totally worthless.
I switched it out for the veggie burger---which was equally horrible (and which I'd never ordered before). A mushy bizarre patty on a brioche bun. The cheese and tomato
Sarah R.
Oct 16, 2021
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A hidden gem! I've lived right near here for a year now and just discovered this place. I had no idea that it was so popular! We arrived at noon and were lucky enough to get the last table after ordering our food at the counter. I had my eye on the mushroom sandwich from the start and boy oh boy it lived up to and beyond my highest expectations. Absolutely delicious, melt in your mouth. Totally crave-able. The yam fries were clearly right from the potato, which is appealing but didn't give the best crunch and flavor I usually like. A little disappointed there. This is a great, welcoming
Claudette R.
Aug 28, 2021
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Reviewer J.
Aug 02, 2021
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Came here for lunch today, food was delicious as usual. Four stars for food, one star for the cashier at the front who took the order. My friend ordered the Caprese sandwich, and asked what kind of bread it came on. The girl responded , "yeah I don't know". Come on, do you think you could find out? It's really not that hard. Just a little basic customer service. It's okay that she isn't sure what kind of bread, maybe she is new? But at least have the common sense to find out for us instead of just saying yeah I don't know and just leaving it at that.
We also
We also
Jill T.
Jul 02, 2021
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Reyna M.
Jun 26, 2021
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Janine D.
Feb 18, 2021
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Elicia S.
Dec 07, 2020
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Dare H.
Nov 15, 2020
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Fresco is a solid, casual, easy spot to get a sit down meal. They make good soups, salads, and wraps, and always have a pizza and pasta choice. The prices are reasonable and the service is usually pretty good, though it is an order at the front place. They have lots of patio seating, which is great.
My go to order is the turkey club wrap, which is delicious. I get the raspberry walnut salad as my side and would suggest you do too.
My go to order is the turkey club wrap, which is delicious. I get the raspberry walnut salad as my side and would suggest you do too.
Lesley S.
Oct 28, 2020
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Torn between 2 and 3 stars... As this has been my favorite place in Santa Barbara for years now. But I feel like things are very unfortunately heading downhill. The food is no where near as good as it used to be. And today's experience was bad enough to likely end my usual several times per week visits.
I ordered a meal to go, and was told they would call my name when it was ready. Normally they are pretty fast. Today I sat there waiting for almost a half hour, before I finally went up to the take out door to inquire. There was my food sitting there in a bag. It had obviously been sitting
I ordered a meal to go, and was told they would call my name when it was ready. Normally they are pretty fast. Today I sat there waiting for almost a half hour, before I finally went up to the take out door to inquire. There was my food sitting there in a bag. It had obviously been sitting
Sergio G.
Aug 15, 2020
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Pierre C.
Aug 07, 2020
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If you enjoy breakfast pastries, luscious custard, fresh berries, and flaky crusts, and drizzled sweetness over it all then there's only one place that can provide it at a decent price. This is the one pastry I come to fresco cafe for, and you have to come early in the morning to get it or else you'll need a bit of luck to find it in the display. These pastries are usually gone before noon and they only make a handful. You can pre-order then the day before if you want to buy a boxes of this treat.
Anyhoo, has this pastry over the years and it has stayed consistent in flavor and texture
Anyhoo, has this pastry over the years and it has stayed consistent in flavor and texture
Leslie Y.
Jan 26, 2020
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Got together with a few friends and came here for lunch on a Monday afternoon. I ordered the twosome with 1/2 sandwich 1/2 salad. I got the BLT sandwich and the gorgonzola walnut salad. The salad was super yummy! The feta cheese complimented the greens and sweetness of the candied walnuts. The sourdough bread on the BLT was toasted perfectly and overall it was just a very tasty lunch! Service was just ok. I'll definitely be coming back to try the baked goods though!
