Fresca - San Andreas

While Fresca had some great Peruvian options, its prices betray its Peruvian roots and draw attention to the ways it could be better. I went there for dinner an... read more While Fresca had some great Peruvian options, its prices betray its Peruvian roots and draw attention to the ways it could be better. I went there for dinner and we got four dishes between the three of us and while my halibut was stellar, everything else left something to be desired. The halibut $26) was recommended by our waiter and deserved all his praise. It was a quality fish rubbed in a very tasty spice with a creamy red pepper based sauce that tasted terrific, without drawing too much attention to itself. It came with a risotto cake that was also terrific. It had a great sauce, had a slightly crispy feel, and added a lot to the dish. The signature Lomo Saltado $18) was also highly recommended by our waiter and was their signature dish. Instead of being terrific, it reminded me of an episode of Penn and Teller’s Bullshit. In it a prop designer takes really mediocre food and dresses it up to look fancy and successfully serves it for a lot of money in a nice restaurant. While this didn’t look fancy, if I got it for $7 at a taqueria, I wouldn’t be surprised. And at Fresca, I feel like that distinction should be clear. It was a mix of steak strips that tasted like typical overcooked carne asada. It has a soy reduction sauce that was good, but there was so little of it, its presence was almost negligible. Mixed in were soggy fries and some tomatoes. I’m not a fan of paella $20) so I don’t have much to say about it, but it seemed fine and enjoyable and about what I’d expect. The ceviche chino $11) was good, but not great. The fish didn’t have a strong presence and the dressing, wonton chips, and guacamole didn’t come together to be that exciting. The waiter was very nice to talk with and the second syrah on the menu was terrific $8). Spicy and fruity and very memorable. I didn’t think as much as the waiter recommended tempranillo. I wouldn’t mind coming back since the halibut makes me think it could be better, but for their $20+ prices it doesn’t seem worth the risk with so many untried options in the city.

The best food in the bay!!!! read more The best food in the bay!!!!

I have been to all their locations. Amazing food, ambience and what can I say about the Pisco Sours ? But the best thing has always been the attention , the peo... read more I have been to all their locations. Amazing food, ambience and what can I say about the Pisco Sours ? But the best thing has always been the attention , the people that works there are always smiling, always taking care of details, making sure I feel appreciated and that they care about my business and me been there. This is something contagious. I have seen in a couple of the sites the same Manager, Luciana; who personally came to us and ask us about our day, and made some recommendations. She did this with every table around us. I call that very good service !!! Keep it that way, me and my friends love the place... authentic Peruvian food..

Great service, very friendly! read more Great service, very friendly!

We've been dining at Fresca on West Portal for 14 years and the new Irving location features a similar, well thought out, diverse and delicious menu. Ceviches,... read more We've been dining at Fresca on West Portal for 14 years and the new Irving location features a similar, well thought out, diverse and delicious menu. Ceviches, seafood, meats with complex spices, amazing sauces, chupes, antuchos, causa. ALL with charming plating and presentation. Clay dishes, boards. You can order differently at every visit and have an unusual extremely delicious, in fact, scrumptious meal. No way to make these dishes at home. Family owned and operated, the staff, chefs are warm, friendly, inviting! It's a little noisy, so if that matters-ask for a corner table!! Great for celebrations, guests or your favorite neighborhood local dining.