Fresco

Name: Fresco
Address: 227 State Street, Madison, WI, United States, 53703
Telephone: (608) 663-7374
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.4

4.4

2233 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Romantic
Good for special occasions
Innovative

This summer, Fresco is safely serving our guests indoors and outdoors in the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art Sculpture Garden. We welcome you to join us by making a reservation online or by calling us at 608-663-7374. We are currently accepting reservations for indoor dining and if you wish to sit outside the host will let you know availability when you arrive, weather dependent.

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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Hours of Operation
Dinner Thu, Sun 17:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–22:00
Phone number
(608) 663-7374
Website
http://www.frescomadison.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Catering
For offsite catering inquiries, or catering within the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, please contact Megan Moderson at mmoderson@foodfightinc.com.
Private party facilities
Please contact Megan Moderson at mmoderson@foodfightinc.com for details regarding private events in the restaurant, Sculpture Garden or Museum Lobby.
Private party contact
Amanda Schnoll: (608) 663-7374

Location
227 State Street, Madison, WI 53703
Area
Madison
Cross Street
State Street / Henry Street / W. Johnson Street
Parking details
Parking available at the Overture Center ramp on the corner of Henry & Dayton.
Public transit
Henry & Dayton
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Whipped Sheep's Milk FetaUS$14.00
roasted pistachio, Potter's crackers, honey
Chilled Sweet Corn SoupUS$8.00
blueberry sorbet, za'atar popcorn, cilantro
Tuna Crudo*US$16.00
avocado mousse, citrus, serrano chili, radish, cilantro
Gem LettuceUS$8.00
yogurt-herb dressing, seasonal vegetables, toasted sunflower seed
Grilled AsparagusUS$14.00
olive vinaigrette, cured lamb loin, hard-cooked egg, celery, shallot, tahini
CapreseUS$16.00
heirloom tomato, burrata, basil oil, saba
Chickpea Fries*US$8.00
sumac, harissa mayo
Mussels*US$15.00
white wine, garlic, fennel, grilled focaccia, saffron aioli

Entrees

AgnolottiUS$17.00
house-made pasta filled with ricotta and chard, radish, cauliflower, herb butter, parmesan
ScallopsUS$30.00
sweet corn, cherry tomato, fresh green chili, phyllo, sauce bouillabaisse
Pan-Seared BranzinoUS$22.00
marinated summer squash, chickpea puree, golden raisin
RisottoUS$18.00
roasted oyster and shiitake mushrooms, truffle butter, parmesan
Duck ConfitUS$25.00
carrot-ginger puree, sugar snap peas, powdered brown butter, frisee
Grilled Pork Loin*US$21.00
garlic custard, braised red cabbage, mustard hollandaise
Beef Hanger*US$29.00
broccoli rabe, red wine-glazed shallots, macaroni and smoked goat cheddar gratin
Half ChickenUS$24.00
pan-seared breast, crispy-skin thigh, beet puree, roasted beets, spinach, candied orange zest

House Cocktails

Aquavit C&TUS$9.00
tattersall aquavit, cranberry liqueur, tonic, lime, rocks
Blackberry-Rye HighballUS$9.00
rye whiskey, giffard creme de mure, lemon, seltzer, blackberry, rocks
Modern MuleUS$8.00
tito's vodka, tattersall grapefruit crema, grapefruit bitters, lime, ginger beer, rocks
Spin on the SouthsideUS$11.00
state line gin, lemon, mint, ginger, st. germain, peychaud's bitters, up
Spicy MargaritaUS$8.00
tequila blanco, tattersall orange crema, aleppo, lime, salt, rocks
Fresco ManhattanUS$12.00
bourbon, copper & kings floodwall apple brandy, cocchi rosa vermouth, tattersall sour cherry, allspice, luxardo cherry, up

Frosé

Frozen Rosé with Strawberry and AperolUS$8.00

No-Proof Cocktails

Lemonade by Any Other NameUS$4.00
lemon, sumac, rose blossom water, soda, rocks
Fruit Cocktail CocktailUS$6.00
strawberry, lemon, orange blossom water, coconut, up

Cocktail Pitchers

25 oz. carafes, served over ice

Pommeau SpritzUS$29.00
tattersall freewheeler pommeau and amaro, lemon, orange, cava, seltzer
Aperol SpritzUS$29.00
aperol, strawberry, cava, seltzer
SangriaUS$29.00
malbec red blend, strawberry, blackberry, clementine vodka

Wine by the Glass

Sparkling, White, Rosé

Avinyo Cava 2017, SpainUS$10.00
Xarmant Txakolina 2020, Basque, SpainUS$10.00
Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Walker Bay, South AfricaUS$11.00
Boomtown Pinot Gris 2017, Dusted Valley, WashingtonUS$10.00
Pierre Sparr Riesling 2018, Alsace, FranceUS$11.00
Sauvion Vouvray [Chenin Blanc] 2018, Loire, FranceUS$10.00
Chamisal Vineyards 'Stainless' Chardonnay 2017, Central Coast, CalifroniaUS$8.00
Concannon Chardonnay 2017, Monterey County, CaliforniaUS$11.00
Mirabeau 'Belle Année' Rosé 2019, Provence, FranceUS$9.00

Red

Imagery Pinot Noir 2019, Sonoma County, CaliforniaUS$10.00
Viña Eguia Tempranillo 2015, Rioja, SpainUS$9.00
Gundlach Bundschu 'Mountain Cuvée' Bordeaux-Style Blend 2018, Sonoma County, CaliforniaUS$11.00
Morgan 'G17' Syrah 2017, Monterey County, CaliforniaUS$12.00
Trapiche Malbec 2016, Mendoza, ArgentinaUS$8.00
Dry Creek Vineyard 'Heritage Vines' Zinfandel 2019, Sonoma County, CaliforniaUS$10.00
Broquel Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, ArgentinaUS$10.00

Beer

Titletown Boat House Pilsner, Green Bay, WisconsinUS$7.00
New Glarus Spotted Cow Farmhouse Ale, New Glarus, WisconsinUS$6.00
City Lights Hazy IPA, IPA Milwaukee, WisconsinUS$7.00
Central Waters Quisconsing Red Ale, Amherst, WisconsinUS$6.00
Lake Louie Tommy's Porter Porter, Arena, WisconsinUS$7.00

What 2,233 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4

4.4 based on all time ratings

4.4Food
4.4Service
4.4Ambience
1.9Value

Noise • Moderate

2,233 Reviews

D
Debbie
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 21 July 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food. Fantastic service. And the rooftop seating was awesome. We would definitely go back and recommend it to others.
Is this helpful?
H
annaH
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 20 July 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Jack our waiter was terrific He was courteous and attentive and was a pleasure to have as our waiter
Is this helpful?
MH
MarinaH
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 17 July 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a wonderful place to take an out-of-town friend! Our server was terrific--friendly and knowledgeable. So happy we ordered three of the starters to share between 2 of us--perfect!
Is this helpful?
j
julied
Chicago
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 13 July 2019
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
I’m sad to say that this little gem is no longer providing good food. Because I care so much I will leave a detailed note for the chef: Your papardelle was gummy and hard. Buy a good one of you can’t make it and cook it to order please. The halibut was over cooked and the coconut/lemon grass sauce was sweet. You have enough sweetness in the pineapple. A sweet sauce on fish is not good. The shrimp with grits was actually shrimp on pieces of polenta. That is not grits. Please be accurate with your descriptions. We were expecting a bowl of steamy, fluid polenta not slices from instant polenta that had been cooked and shaped. The doughnuts creme anglaise were lovely but the creme lacked flavor and was too thin. The pistachio crumble was not good. The ice cream was icy and lacked flavor. The crumble was not a crumble but rather chunks of cookies almost as big as the ice quenelle of ice cream. There was nothing tart or fruity to balance the sweetness. Pistachio pares so well with apricots, raspberries, strawberries and cherries. Why not add a touch of fruit. So, other than than the doughnuts nothing was good.
Is this helpful?
MF
MeredithF
Chicago
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on 13 July 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We booked a table at Fresco last minute, and we made the right choice. It has beautiful views of the city. Our waiter, Conor, was wonderful. Very Knowledgeable and friendly. The food and drinks were fantastic.
Is this helpful?
LS
LindaS
VIP
Milwaukee
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on 10 July 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Kelly the hostess was awesome! Kara our waitress was outstanding! Great food!
Is this helpful?
MA
McAllister
Milwaukee
16 reviews
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on 10 July 2019
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of their favorite appetizers was unavailable due to equipment failure. Otherwise it was a wonderful meal.
Is this helpful?
M
Marge246
Washington DC
35 reviews
3.0
35 reviews
Dined on 10 July 2019
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Whassup, Fresco? July in WI and you’re serving Brussels sprouts and canned corn? Menu not seasonal and and same could be offered in February. Halibut was DRY. Server, though kind, lacked training and forgot things. Rooftop still beautiful.
Is this helpful?
w
willsjams
Milwaukee
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 7 July 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food and drinks were great - We had the Shrimp & Grits and Papparelle and to drink a Frose and their special Mule. Service was quick - important because we had a show to attend and friendly.
Is this helpful?
DK
DawnK
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 7 July 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our evening was awesome. As a vegetarian, I was sure I would have a nice dinner, but it was fabulous !!! For openers, I was delighted with the grilled caesar salad, WOW, refreshing with great textures. For my entre', I had roasted seasonal vegetables that were so flavorful. The waitress was friendly and so accommodating with my many questions about the menu.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Fresco is rated 4.4 stars by 2233 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

227 State Street, Madison, WI 53703

Additional information

Cross Street
State Street / Henry Street / W. Johnson Street
Area
Madison
Hours of Operation
Dinner Thu, Sun 17:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–22:00
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Parking available at the Overture Center ramp on the corner of Henry & Dayton.
Public transit
Henry & Dayton
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.frescomadison.com/
Phone number
(608) 663-7374
Catering
For offsite catering inquiries, or catering within the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, please contact Megan Moderson at mmoderson@foodfightinc.com.
Private party facilities
Please contact Megan Moderson at mmoderson@foodfightinc.com for details regarding private events in the restaurant, Sculpture Garden or Museum Lobby.
Private party contact
Amanda Schnoll: (608) 663-7374

Fresco

Not available on OpenTable

There’s more to explore

Additional information

100 Milwaukee Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

45 Wisconsin Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Starters

Whipped Sheep's Milk FetaUS$14.00

Chilled Sweet Corn SoupUS$8.00

Tuna Crudo*US$16.00

Gem LettuceUS$8.00

Grilled AsparagusUS$14.00

CapreseUS$16.00

Chickpea Fries*US$8.00

Mussels*US$15.00

Entrees

AgnolottiUS$17.00

ScallopsUS$30.00

Pan-Seared BranzinoUS$22.00

RisottoUS$18.00

Duck ConfitUS$25.00

Grilled Pork Loin*US$21.00

Beef Hanger*US$29.00

Half ChickenUS$24.00

House Cocktails

Aquavit C&TUS$9.00

Blackberry-Rye HighballUS$9.00

Modern MuleUS$8.00

Spin on the SouthsideUS$11.00

Spicy MargaritaUS$8.00

Fresco ManhattanUS$12.00

Frosé

Frozen Rosé with Strawberry and AperolUS$8.00

No-Proof Cocktails

Lemonade by Any Other NameUS$4.00

Fruit Cocktail CocktailUS$6.00

Cocktail Pitchers

Pommeau SpritzUS$29.00

Aperol SpritzUS$29.00

SangriaUS$29.00

Wine by the Glass

Sparkling, White, Rosé

Avinyo Cava 2017, SpainUS$10.00

Xarmant Txakolina 2020, Basque, SpainUS$10.00

Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Walker Bay, South AfricaUS$11.00

Boomtown Pinot Gris 2017, Dusted Valley, WashingtonUS$10.00

Pierre Sparr Riesling 2018, Alsace, FranceUS$11.00

Sauvion Vouvray [Chenin Blanc] 2018, Loire, FranceUS$10.00

Chamisal Vineyards 'Stainless' Chardonnay 2017, Central Coast, CalifroniaUS$8.00

Concannon Chardonnay 2017, Monterey County, CaliforniaUS$11.00

Mirabeau 'Belle Année' Rosé 2019, Provence, FranceUS$9.00

Red

Imagery Pinot Noir 2019, Sonoma County, CaliforniaUS$10.00

Viña Eguia Tempranillo 2015, Rioja, SpainUS$9.00

Gundlach Bundschu 'Mountain Cuvée' Bordeaux-Style Blend 2018, Sonoma County, CaliforniaUS$11.00

Morgan 'G17' Syrah 2017, Monterey County, CaliforniaUS$12.00

Trapiche Malbec 2016, Mendoza, ArgentinaUS$8.00

Dry Creek Vineyard 'Heritage Vines' Zinfandel 2019, Sonoma County, CaliforniaUS$10.00

Broquel Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, ArgentinaUS$10.00

Beer

Titletown Boat House Pilsner, Green Bay, WisconsinUS$7.00

New Glarus Spotted Cow Farmhouse Ale, New Glarus, WisconsinUS$6.00

City Lights Hazy IPA, IPA Milwaukee, WisconsinUS$7.00

Central Waters Quisconsing Red Ale, Amherst, WisconsinUS$6.00

Lake Louie Tommy's Porter Porter, Arena, WisconsinUS$7.00

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is Fresco restaurant rated?

Is Fresco currently accepting bookings?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Featured in

100 Milwaukee Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

45 Wisconsin Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day