Fresco Cocina

Name: Fresco Cocina
Address: 2858 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA, United States, 92008-2901
Telephone: (442) 333-9321
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

396 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Make a booking

2 people

16 Dec 2024

7:00 pm

Booked 19 times today

Experiences are available.

Great for outdoor dining
Good for groups
Great for creative cocktails

Fresco Cocina is a bustling restaurant located in the heart of Carlsbad Village serving a traditional and contemporary interpretation of Mexican cuisine. Our playfully curated menu rediscovers tradition and offers a selection of shareable plates and main courses all infused with Mexican soul.
Fresco Cocina is a haven for those who appreciate bold, bright flavors paired with exemplary wine and artisanal spirits that let the high quality ingredients shine.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Traditional Mexican, Contemporary Mexican
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri 11:30 am–9:30 pm Sat 10:30 am–9:30 pm Sun 10:30 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(442) 333-9321
Website
http://www.frescococina.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.

Location
2858 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008-2901
Area
Carlsbad
Parking details
Private Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Gift card

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Experiences

Brunch at Fresco Cocina!
Multiple dates available
Join us for our special weekend brunch menu every Saturday & Sunday!! 10:30am - 3pm. Drink and Food specials, only served at brunch. Dinner menu available as well. - Food - Acai & Fruit Cocktail Avocado Tostada Banana Pancakes Mole spiced Salmon Hash Crab Benedict Cocina Breakfast Burrito Huevos Rancheros Chilaquiles Omelet Baja Omelet Huevos en Fuego - Drinks - Mimosa Smoky Negroni Blackberry Aperol Spritz Michelada Guava Margarita Bloody Maria Bloody en Fuego La Playa

Offers

Happy Hour
Multiple dates available
Sun - 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm,Mon - 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm,Wed - Fri - 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm,Sat - 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Available in our bar and lounge only. Drink specials from $6 and Food specials from $8, everyday from 3pm - 6pm.
Taco Tuesday
Multiple dates available
Tue - 11:30 am - 8:30 pm
Join us all day for Taco Tuesday at Fresco Cocina! $5 tacos and $6 draft beer.
All Night Happy Hour
11 Oct 2024 - 10 Feb 2025
Sun - 3:00 pm - 8:30 pm,Mon - 4:00 pm - 8:30 pm,Wed - Thu - 4:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Sunday & Monday during football season, enjoy all night happy hour at the bar and lounge.

Popular dishes

Queso BlancoUSD 12.00
roasted poblanos | served with tortilla chips
Cocina GuacamoleUSD 15.00
red onion | jalapeño | cilantro | lime
Black Bean DipUSD 18.00
braised short rib | cured chorizo | tomatoes | cotija
NachosUSD 18.00
blue corn chips | black beans | queso | aji verde | lime crema | pickled onions
TaquitosUSD 15.00
3 hand rolled chicken tinga or short rib tacos | lettuce | lime crema | avocado salsa | cotija
Loaded QuesadillaUSD 15.00
oaxaca cheese | avocado sauce | chipotle aioli
Charred OctopusUSD 21.00
roasted spiced potatoes | cipollini | chipotle aioli

Tacos & Enchiladas

served as single taco

Crispy Pork Belly TacoUSD 7.00
avocado | pickled onion | aji verde
Short Rib Birria TacoUSD 7.00
oaxaca | cilantro | onion
Carne Asada TacoUSD 9.00
avocado salsa | salsa verde | cilantro | onion
Tinga TacoUSD 7.00
avocado salsa | salsa verde | cilantro | onion
Baja Shrimp TacoUSD 7.00
bravas | citrus slaw | avocado | lime crema
Fish TacoUSD 9.00
local fish | citrus slaw | avocado salsa | pineapple salsa
Portobello Mushroom TacoUSD 7.00
roasted corn relish | grilled chayote | avocado sauce
2 Cheese EnchiladasUSD 22.00
choose red, green or suiza salsa | cilantro | lime crema | onion | rice and beans
2 Chicken EnchiladasUSD 24.00
choose red, green or suiza salsa | cilantro | lime crema | cheese | onion | rice and beans
2 Birria Short Rib EnchiladasUSD 26.00
cheese | cilantro | onion | lime crema | rice and beans
Enchilada TrioUSD 34.00
Choice of: birria, suiza, red or green salsa. Cheese | chicken | short rib | rice and beans

Combinaciones

choose any taco + cheese or chicken enchilada served with side of rice and beans

1 Taco & 1 EnchiladaUSD 24.00
2 Taco`s & 1 EnchiladaUSD 30.00

Ensaladas y Sopas

add: chicken +$10 | shrimp +$12 | salmon +$14 | carne +$12

Cocina Caesar SaladUSD 16.00
romaine | blue corn crisps | cotija cheese | poblano caesar dressing
Chipotle AvocadoUSD 16.00
romaine | avocado | corn black bean salsa | peppers | cherry tomatoes | cotija | tortilla strips chipotle dressing
Kale Quinoa SaladUSD 16.00
garbanzo beans | pepitas | pickled onion | red wine vinaigrette
Vegan BowlUSD 18.00
rice & beans | sweet peppers | grilled chayote | broccolini | corn relish | avocado sauce
Chicken Tortilla SoupUSD 9.00
shredded chicken | blue corn strips | crema | cilantro
- CupUSD 9.00
- BowlUSD 15.00
Soup of the DayUSD 0.00
- MPUSD 0.00

Especiales de la Casa

Cocina Cali BurittoUSD 25.00
carne asada | yuca fries | guacamole | pina pico | lime crema | side of rice and beans
Fajitas Shrimp or SteakUSD 28.00
7oz shrimp or filet minion | onions | peppers | tomatoes | tamari | yuca fries | rice
- ShrimpUSD 28.00
- SteakUSD 38.00
Sancho's BurgerUSD 25.00
7oz grassfed | oaxaca cheese | jalapeño bacon jam | chipotle aioli | side of yuca fries
Chipotle Fried Chicken SandwichUSD 22.00
chipotle aioli | honey | arbol slaw | pickles | yuca fries
Mole Chicken BreastUSD 30.00
panca mole | rice & beans | lemon zest
Chile RellenoUSD 18.00
poblano | short rib | oaxaca | jitomate salsa | rice
Fideo PastaUSD 19.00
capellini | creamy tomato picante | parsley | cotija | lemon zest | garlic
Mexican RisottoUSD 34.00
pacifico bass | squash blossom | poblano | cotija | portobella
Mole Spiced SalmonUSD 34.00
corn | sweet potato | kale | spicy cilantro yogurt
Prime Skirt SteakUSD 39.00
prime skirt steak | marbled potatoes | cipollini | charred broccolini | herb chimichurri
Roasted Chilean SeabassUSD 44.00
black rice | chayote squash | roasted corn salsa
Veracruz Whole Roasted Red SnapperUSD 44.00
roasted tomatoes | poblano | kale | charred lemon | olives

Sides

EsquitesUSD 12.00
grilled corn | cotija | chipotle aioli
Yuca Fries - Chipotle AioliUSD 10.00
MadurosUSD 10.00
Charred BroccoliniUSD 12.00
Roasted Spiced PotatoesUSD 12.00
Rice and BeansUSD 6.00
Refill Chips and SalsaUSD 5.00

What 396 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Fresco Cocina offers a delightful fusion of Mexican and South American flavors in Carlsbad Village. Guests rave about the "impeccable attention to detail" from the staff and the "delicious food," especially the ceviche and mole dishes. The ambiance is "beautifully done" with a spacious, beachy feel, perfect for gatherings.

396 Reviews

R
Robin
San Diego
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I've been to Cocina Fresca several times for lunch and dinner. Obviously if I keep going it must be good. I've gone with my husband and also with gal friends. The food is always amazing and the staff super nice and attentive, but not in your face. All the people I've gone with have ordered different items on the menu and they are all excellently prepared. I highly recommend this restaurant. Plus you will be in the heart of Carlsbad; a great place to walk on the beach or window shop all the fun stores.
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K
Kathy
Chicago
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on 6 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The freshest Mexican fare around! Everything is homemade and delicious. Great atmosphere and the portions are huge for the price. A winner!
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M
Mike
San Diego
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on 28 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great thanksgiving brunch. The turkey enchiladas were amazing
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B
Betina
San Diego
12 reviews
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on 17 November 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
It took a long time to even get water, let alone cocktails. The menu online looked interesting, which is why we went, but once there it had changed to more basic. They at least had the grilled octopus and cocktails were good. Food was just ok and churro cake was dry and plain. We wanted inside seating as it was quite cold outside but they opened most of the doors to the outside tables, so it was cold inside too, requiring us to keep jackets on the entire time. It was overall disappointing, which is a shame since their other restaurant is great.
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J
Joe & Sara
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 12 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We enjoyed but we are waiting some veterans discount or promotion for especially celebrating
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C
Claire
Central Coast
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on 11 November 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Our server was very pleasant and gets extra points for making sure our water was refilled. Overall, not bad. The special entree was a bit slow to come out but delicious, and my Margarita was tasty and not overly sweet. A little noisy, a little pricey but I would return
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T
TOM
Chicago
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on 9 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Guacamole & Ceviche were very good, short rib chili relleno was very good. Skinny margaritas were awesome. Matt was our severer he was great made our night very enjoyable. Will definitely be back.
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S
Steven
New York City
100 reviews
vip
5.0
100 reviews
Dined on 30 October 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Great bar. Food was wonderful but kitchen was slow.
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D
Dave
Phoenix
34 reviews
vip
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on 29 October 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The waitress was very attentive and accommodating. I enjoyed my steak fajitas and my friend enjoyed their taco. It was very pleasant on the patio and food was moderately priced.
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B
Billy
San Diego
27 reviews
vip
4.0
27 reviews
Dined on 27 October 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Good service food and drinks. Nice place and hope to visit again.
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FAQs

Fresco Cocina offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (442) 333-9321.

Fresco Cocina is rated 4.6 stars by 396 OpenTable diners.