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Fresca - West Portal Reviews List
Fresca - West Portal
Only at Fresca will you find A Nouveau Peruvian Cuisine, a modernized style of Peruvian food crafted by Chef Jose Calvo-Perez, son of Julio and Zoila. We are proud to feature both traditional and A Nouveau Culinary styles in modernized presentations. We keep the Peruvian cuisine alive by keeping all traditional Peruvian ingredients and incorporating them into all our creations
See more Fresca - West Portal details
89 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 89 reviews
5 stars
(25)
4 stars
(45)
3 stars
(16)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(58)
- fit for foodies(45)
- great for lunch(21)
- special occasion(17)
- good for groups(11)
- great for brunch(9)
Fresca - West Portal Reviews List
Review 1 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
neighborhood gem
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We been coming to the West Portal "original Fresca" since open in the mid 1990s. Food is consistency and plentiful. Prices have not increased significantly. Juno"
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
great neighborhood restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Overall a great restaurant with consistent quality food. They provide good customer service and can accommodate reasonable requests. If you want good quality food and good service come to Fresca. They have a few locations throughout the city so if west portal is too far away try the other branches."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We decided to go to Fresca with another couple rather last minute. We wanted to stay in the neighborhood. Two of the entrees were felt to be "not great" but good. The other two felt satisfied. We were toward the back of the restaurant and really noticed how noisy the restaurant is. It reminded us that it is always noisy. If that doesn't bother anyone, it's a great place for a good, "not great," dinner. Nice to have something ethnic close by."
Dined on 5/04/2013
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Review 4 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
They have changed their menu
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My favorites are gone and what I tried was just okay. The service is always great and is still a nice neighborhood place to go."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Yummy sangria, steak salad
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Yummy sangria, steak salad and ceviche!"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 6 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
only problem is even very
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"only problem is even very very early in the evening the sound level can be almost impossible to have a conversation. But the food keeps me coming back."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Thank goodness Fresca is on
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Thank goodness Fresca is on open table because I would not recommend going for dinner without a reservation. This is quite a small place that fills up quickly. We were more excited by the ceviches and appetizers than the mains, so we got 2 ceviches and 3 appetizers for the two of us. That turned out to be more than enough--probably should have only gone with 2 apps. The ceviches were amazing, and each so unique. We will definitely go back!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 8 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
The restaurant changed me
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The restaurant changed me more tips than I wrote down on my credit card receipt!"
Dined on 02/26/2013
2011
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Review 9 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fresca features fresh ingredients
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fresca features fresh ingredients and Peruvian-inspired dishes which are a hit with diners. They accommodated our group at lunchtime and service was efficient. Food was brought out promptly and water glasses were refilled without our having to ask. For us, the spice was just right: delicate, not overwhelming. Portions are generous and prices are moderate.
I would have preferred a little more light inside, but overall the ambience is fine."
I would have preferred a little more light inside, but overall the ambience is fine."
Dined on 03/19/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 10 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We were unfamiliar with Peruvian
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were unfamiliar with Peruvian food but delighted at the experience: high marks for the ceviche (5 types), arroz con mariscos, other fresh fish, and the sangria. Noisy but friendly. Go early. Gets crowded."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our new favorite birthday rest
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was our second visit with another birthday to celebrate and everyone was very happy with their meal. Delicious! There is only one vegetarian entree but the truth is they really don't need a second - it was perfect. Great wine and we were glad we made a reservation because it filled up right after us."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 12 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Brunch was delicious. I think
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Brunch was delicious. I think they may have been understaffed as it took a really long time for our food to arrive. Otherwise, it was a really nice experience so I would give it another go."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch
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Review 13 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Recently went for dinner at
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Recently went for dinner at Fresca. It is a good night spot and pretty busy on a weeknight. They have great food and drinks menu. I had a the Steak salad and it was great. It looked small, but it seem like it was neverending. Definitely recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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Review 14 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
On a day that was 50 degrees
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"On a day that was 50 degrees with very cold wind, this place was very under-heated. Of the 12 or so patrons there while we were there, 11 were wearing heavy coats zipped up throughout their meals. The plate for one of our entrees was so cold that the lower portion of the meal was cold to taste as soon as it was set down. In that dish, the upper half of the food was still warm, but it became cool very quickly being served on a stone cold plate. We've enjoyed the food here in the past, but they could benefit by thinking about patron comfort and turning on the heat (and warming their plates). One look around the room should have been a clear signal that would have been appreciated."
Dined on 02/19/2013
2008
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Review 15 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Fantastic food, but service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fantastic food, but service was slow."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2000
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The food was excellent, fresh
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was excellent, fresh & tasty (except the Caesar salad lacked dressing). We had a 5:15pm reservation for grandpa's birthday dinner. they clearly lacked servers despite having an almost full restaurant. Took a long time to take our order, refill water glasses. Even had to ask several times for th to turn on the fans cuz it was so stuffy inside on this warm night. Disappointed. Won't be back."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 17 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Ceviche was delicious but
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Ceviche was delicious but both of our fish entrees were bland. The salmon was kind of dried out. Sangria was delicious. Good place for a mean before a movie across the street. Maybe we just ordered the wrong entrees. Overall it was not bad."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2000
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Review 18 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
New item on the menu was Camarones
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"New item on the menu was Camarones Chicama...oh my god so delicious. The black bean and relish sauce that came with it had great flavors. Food is always fantastic at any Fresca."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 19 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The service is great and the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The service is great and the food is delicious. They have a great wait staff compared to other restaurants with a similar menu. The paella is a must when you eat here!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Camarones appetizer was delicious,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Camarones appetizer was delicious, savory and light for such a creamy sauce. The beef hearts were delicious in pisco sauce!!
The paella and adobo pork and new York with plantains were all executed brilliantly in both flavor and presentation!!
And we'll definitely come back for alfajores from here!!! Wow!!"
The paella and adobo pork and new York with plantains were all executed brilliantly in both flavor and presentation!!
And we'll definitely come back for alfajores from here!!! Wow!!"
Dined on 02/08/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 21 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great! Trout and SeaBass
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great! Trout and SeaBass were delicious!"
Dined on 02/08/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Have been to Fresca for few
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Have been to Fresca for few time and their food is always good !!"
Dined on 02/08/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
They do fish and seafood perfectly
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"They do fish and seafood perfectly with wonderful sauces. Salmon, mahi-mahi, mussels were all delicious."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was very good. Service was just average. Ambience is great. It was loud but we still had a great time."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
loud but good.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Lunch review. It's small and tight seating. Loud and terrible service BUT it serves yummy and tasty dishes. I enjoyed the cerviche's, the appetizers and my meal. Why is the service bad? The waiter/ waitress never refilled drinks, remember to being items we asked for ie napkins or even the to go boxes. But um willing to say it was a bad day BC the food was amazing and worth the price."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 26 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I have been to Fresca before
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have been to Fresca before and really enjoyed the food. This time it was off. Our appetizers were great, but the entrees were lacking...especially the lamb. It was so tough I could barely eat it."
Dined on 01/30/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 27 for Fresca - West Portal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Hope they don't bump my elbow!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was delicious. They were a bit understaffed and we had to ask for simple things multiple times. Unfirtunately the place is so extremely tiny if you added more staff they would have to remove a table. It's a place to eat good food with friends but not a place for a large party, children or a romantic dinner date. Parties larger than 4 people should go elsewhere."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Fresca - West Portal
Based on the average of (62) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
4 out of 5 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic