I have eaten at this restaurant many times in the past, with good service, good food, good atmosphere. This past Sunday, though the service was the worst I have ever had at any restaurant. The server must've been an aviator ?✈️ because she was sure good at flybys . It was unbelievable she would ask. How are you doing and before you could even say anything she was gone. Then she would come by again. Can I get you anything before you could say anything she was gone? But when it was time to pay the bill she was a ghost ? color me done, Not going back to this restaurant for a while.
Julie Humpal
Fresco at the Gardens is a true Rockford gem. They use only the best most fresh ingredients around and their views are something that will make you comeback for years to come!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Foodieforthought
I love Fresco at the Gardens! The food and service are great and staff is very attentive to my (demanding) family! I especially love walking the grounds and my six-year-old loves feeding the fish in the koi pond. It's a magical place. The desserts are delicious, as are the fish tacos, the breakfast, the burgers, salads, all of it. And scenery can't be beat.
Caspar
the first thing we noticed was the view, which was amazing. We were seated right by the windows. Unfortunately there was a vent blowing cold air onto us the entire time and it already wasn't very warm in the building. The food was incredible and played beautifully. Our server was kind and quick. It did get very loud just around 2 when people began to drag chairs across the floor. There were still a few other tables being used at the time. I am still confused why they allow 2pm reservations when they'll just call telling you to come in earlier because the cooks leave by that time. Didn't mind coming in earlier, though. The tea is phenomenal and the seats are comfortable. Overall, it was still very nice.
Omar A.
Salmon tacos were incredible. I substituted the chips for tye Asiago fries, and they were amazing. Food, ambiance, service, and view were all 5/5. My only complaint is that the espresso drinks here really suck, hence the missing star.
DeAnneM
A wonderful experience overall - beautiful setting, great food and efficient service. Fresco was busy on a Friday for lunch, so I was glad that I had made a reservation. Fresco was flexible as they took us earlier than my reservation with ease - we had walked the garden leisurely and decided to try to have lunch a bit earlier.
JaimeH
It was my first time eating at the restaurant. Everything was fantastic only thing that may keep me from returning was the prices were very high. I had a breakfast dish and a coffee and my bill was $30.00.
George W.
VIEW. The view from the large, north facing windows at Fresco is EPIC. We went in the late summer, and the greenery was, well, green, and the birds were flying. We parked in the lot west of the entrance - the lot was packed. Once we hit the front door, we were greeted and seated promptly, and menus were provided. The menus were impressive - lots of good stuff, not just burgers and chicken fingers. We were provided with water glasses, and the service was so good we didn't have to ask to have them refilled. I ordered their Fresco Burger, which was topped with apple-smoked bacon, white cheddar cheese, and the usual fresh toppings. It was served with hand cut fries, which were nice, hot and fresh. My wife had their Surf and Turf Sliders, which were smaller burgers topped with Cajun Shrimp. That came with White Truffle Asiago Fries - Yum! They had an interesting drink menu - my wife had one with beets in it, and I had their apple Cider which had chunks of fresh apple in it. The food tasted great. The interior is bright wood, with large beams and beautiful woodwork. Eye-candy galore. This is a nice place to visit - give it a try!
Jasmine Nears
It's really the service and atmosphere for me. Love the gardens and being able to breathe in the sights and air. Enjoy that during the right season there's indoor and outdoor seating. The food has some great hits like the sliders, burgers, salmon tacos, and most of the breakfast items. I wasn't a fan of the lobster roll or the crab cake sandwich. They also have some gluten free options and fresh squeezed juice. It's a great option for romance, brunch, or just a fancier friendly lunch. It fits all those requirements. Make sure to check out the gardens which is separate and costs about $24 dollars a ticket.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak and Eggs for Brunch, Breakfast Sandwich on an Everything Bagel, Beef and Cajun Shrimp Sliders, Salmon Frittata, South of the Border Hash, Healthy Start Waffles, Fresco Breakfast, Shrimp Tacos, Surf & Turf Sliders, Blackened Salmon Tacos
Lovely venue, the Salmon Oscar was tasty, unbeatable views of the garden, and very conveniently located within the visitor center -- if you're going to the Anderson Japanese Gardens, definitely book a table for lunch. The staff was friendly and accommodating. We came in from Chicago and wanted to spend several hours at the garden to allow for leisurely strolls, some seated meditation, etc., and it was great to enjoy a nice lunch right on the spot. The gardens are fabulous, as well! A must-see in Rockford and worth the trip.
MaryB
Food was great. Sat by the window near the fireplace...so awesome view. Got hot tea. Needed to ask for spoons. Would like it if they could leave a carafe of hot water at the table to recharge the teabags at our convenience. Large portions!!! Nice to be able to order breakfast or lunch meals. I would definitely go back.
MEAMcS
Food was great. Sat by the window near the fireplace...so awesome view. Got hot tea. Needed to ask for spoons. Would like it if they could leave a carafe of hot water at the table to recharge the teabags at our convenience. Large portions!!! Nice to be able to order breakfast or lunch meals. I would definitely go back.
BackPacker635907
HORRIBLE!!! Restaurant was only 1/2 full. Ordered. Waited 40 minutes. Watched diners seated AFTER us get served. Were told the kitchen was slammed. Finally just walked out. Waiter was arrogant and unconcerned. DON’T BOTHER!!
george s.
Our go to when we have out of town guests or just want something fresh to eat. Lately their service has gotten terrible (last visit we had to ask four separate waitstaff for silverware, which didn't arrive until well after food arrived) but the food is still fresh and delicious and the view pleasing. Plus, no better place to walk off a meal than at the garden.
Very noisy.Vegetarian options: Limited
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Classic Eggs Benedict, Gift Shop, Truffle Asiago Fries, Salad
I have eaten at this restaurant many times in the past, with good service, good food, good atmosphere. This past Sunday, though the service was the worst I have ever had at any restaurant. The server must've been an aviator ?✈️ because she was sure good at flybys . It was unbelievable she would ask. How are you doing and before you could even say anything she was gone. Then she would come by again. Can I get you anything before you could say anything she was gone? But when it was time to pay the bill she was a ghost ? color me done, Not going back to this restaurant for a while.
Fresco at the Gardens is a true Rockford gem. They use only the best most fresh ingredients around and their views are something that will make you comeback for years to come!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love Fresco at the Gardens! The food and service are great and staff is very attentive to my (demanding) family! I especially love walking the grounds and my six-year-old loves feeding the fish in the koi pond. It's a magical place. The desserts are delicious, as are the fish tacos, the breakfast, the burgers, salads, all of it. And scenery can't be beat.
the first thing we noticed was the view, which was amazing. We were seated right by the windows. Unfortunately there was a vent blowing cold air onto us the entire time and it already wasn't very warm in the building. The food was incredible and played beautifully. Our server was kind and quick. It did get very loud just around 2 when people began to drag chairs across the floor. There were still a few other tables being used at the time. I am still confused why they allow 2pm reservations when they'll just call telling you to come in earlier because the cooks leave by that time. Didn't mind coming in earlier, though. The tea is phenomenal and the seats are comfortable. Overall, it was still very nice.
Salmon tacos were incredible. I substituted the chips for tye Asiago fries, and they were amazing. Food, ambiance, service, and view were all 5/5. My only complaint is that the espresso drinks here really suck, hence the missing star.
A wonderful experience overall - beautiful setting, great food and efficient service. Fresco was busy on a Friday for lunch, so I was glad that I had made a reservation. Fresco was flexible as they took us earlier than my reservation with ease - we had walked the garden leisurely and decided to try to have lunch a bit earlier.
It was my first time eating at the restaurant. Everything was fantastic only thing that may keep me from returning was the prices were very high. I had a breakfast dish and a coffee and my bill was $30.00.
VIEW. The view from the large, north facing windows at Fresco is EPIC. We went in the late summer, and the greenery was, well, green, and the birds were flying. We parked in the lot west of the entrance - the lot was packed. Once we hit the front door, we were greeted and seated promptly, and menus were provided. The menus were impressive - lots of good stuff, not just burgers and chicken fingers. We were provided with water glasses, and the service was so good we didn't have to ask to have them refilled. I ordered their Fresco Burger, which was topped with apple-smoked bacon, white cheddar cheese, and the usual fresh toppings. It was served with hand cut fries, which were nice, hot and fresh. My wife had their Surf and Turf Sliders, which were smaller burgers topped with Cajun Shrimp. That came with White Truffle Asiago Fries - Yum! They had an interesting drink menu - my wife had one with beets in it, and I had their apple Cider which had chunks of fresh apple in it. The food tasted great. The interior is bright wood, with large beams and beautiful woodwork. Eye-candy galore. This is a nice place to visit - give it a try!
It's really the service and atmosphere for me. Love the gardens and being able to breathe in the sights and air. Enjoy that during the right season there's indoor and outdoor seating. The food has some great hits like the sliders, burgers, salmon tacos, and most of the breakfast items. I wasn't a fan of the lobster roll or the crab cake sandwich. They also have some gluten free options and fresh squeezed juice. It's a great option for romance, brunch, or just a fancier friendly lunch. It fits all those requirements. Make sure to check out the gardens which is separate and costs about $24 dollars a ticket.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak and Eggs for Brunch, Breakfast Sandwich on an Everything Bagel, Beef and Cajun Shrimp Sliders, Salmon Frittata, South of the Border Hash, Healthy Start Waffles, Fresco Breakfast, Shrimp Tacos, Surf & Turf Sliders, Blackened Salmon Tacos
Restaurantji Recommends
Lovely venue, the Salmon Oscar was tasty, unbeatable views of the garden, and very conveniently located within the visitor center -- if you're going to the Anderson Japanese Gardens, definitely book a table for lunch. The staff was friendly and accommodating. We came in from Chicago and wanted to spend several hours at the garden to allow for leisurely strolls, some seated meditation, etc., and it was great to enjoy a nice lunch right on the spot. The gardens are fabulous, as well! A must-see in Rockford and worth the trip.
Food was great. Sat by the window near the fireplace...so awesome view. Got hot tea. Needed to ask for spoons. Would like it if they could leave a carafe of hot water at the table to recharge the teabags at our convenience. Large portions!!! Nice to be able to order breakfast or lunch meals. I would definitely go back.
Food was great. Sat by the window near the fireplace...so awesome view. Got hot tea. Needed to ask for spoons. Would like it if they could leave a carafe of hot water at the table to recharge the teabags at our convenience. Large portions!!! Nice to be able to order breakfast or lunch meals. I would definitely go back.
HORRIBLE!!! Restaurant was only 1/2 full. Ordered. Waited 40 minutes. Watched diners seated AFTER us get served. Were told the kitchen was slammed. Finally just walked out. Waiter was arrogant and unconcerned. DON’T BOTHER!!
Our go to when we have out of town guests or just want something fresh to eat. Lately their service has gotten terrible (last visit we had to ask four separate waitstaff for silverware, which didn't arrive until well after food arrived) but the food is still fresh and delicious and the view pleasing. Plus, no better place to walk off a meal than at the garden.