An assortment of gluten-free plates can be found at Fresko, a health-driven spot offering seasonal menus made from the bounty of Iowa farms whenever possible. Some gluten-free dishes guests can expect to enjoy include the pork chops with roasted root vegetable hash, celery root puree, cranberry butter, and apple cider jus; achiote chicken tacos with pickled cabbage, chipotle aioli, and mango salsa; and more. Plus, “GF2” plates can be made without gluten upon request.

Fresko features a large dinner menu with a range of choices from flatbreads to tacos to sushi, but all are tied together by the downtown restaurant’s mission to make fresh, seasonal dishes. It’s in the name, after all. Order the wood fired wings, covered in chili oil and feta and served with a side of tzatziki sauce ($16) or flatbreads like the formaggio ($15), which is topped with fresh chives and truffle honey along with a divine blend of cheeses.

**Zippy and full of spring flavors (although available year-round at this downtown restaurant), Fresko’s namesake salad is a feast for the eyes and the palate. A mix of artisan lettuce leaves joins forces with fresh berries, red onion, orange segments, goat cheese, sunflower seeds and red wine vinaigrette. Up the ante by topping it with chicken, shrimp, salmon, steak, tuna or scallops.

You know that Fresko is going to have the freshest of foods when “fresko” literally means “fresh.” Though not a strictly vegetarian/vegan restaurant, their options leave little to be desired. Try the woodfired margherita flatbread or chorizo seitan tacos and thank us later. Both the food and the trendy atmosphere are a fresh take on healthy dining in downtown Des Moines.

Head to the bar area at Fresko for happy hour in downtown Des Moines. Head to Fresko for a happy hour in the bar area. Pick up $10 cocktails, such as the Pinkalicious with gin, Aperol, grapefruit, rosemary, lime, and aquafaba or the Whiskey Fizz with Wild Turkey 101, Lazzaroni Amaretto, Fever Tree blood orange ginger beer spiced orange, lavender, lemon, and aquafaba.

This perfect-for-any-occasion spot is always one of our top recommendations!. We love that they use locally sourced ingredients and offer an array of options from more casual wings and flatbreads to elevated seafood and more!. They offer daily specials on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays plus a weekly Happy Hour from 3-6pm, which arguably offers even better deals.

Another new place to eat in Downtown Des Moines is Fresko, a natural food restaurant located at 909 Locust St., Suite 103, Fresko offers vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options like Blackened Salmon, Golden Dragon Street Noodles and the Beet & Goat Cheese Salad. Fresko is open seven days a week with varying hours.

Fresko is known for its seasonal menus made from locally sourced ingredients. Their breakfast offerings are fresh, unique, and oh, so good!. Try the tasty skillets or distinctive French toasts (how about the Pretzel Croissant or Raspberry Mascarpone?), and don’t miss the lavender mimosa!

Dry January doesn't mean you have to drink just water at dinner. Elevate your dining experience with a Fresko mocktail. Choose from six different options, including the Gardener's Grandchild, a non-alcoholic twist on a Moscow Mule with basil, mint and strawberry.

If you’re wanting your brunch to be on the higher-end side, Fresko is for you. Much of their food is sourced from nearby Iowa farms and Fresko offers seasonal menus that are nutritious, and inclusive (plenty of vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options).

After walking around The Market, rejuvenate with a bite to eat at Fresko — a fresh food lunch eatery with craft beer, wine and cocktails also located not far from your hotel. Then pop into your room for a little downtime, if you prefer!

Fresko is a vibrant Des Moines restaurant that serves up seasonal menus created from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The well-designed, trendy space is perfect for family dining or a special night with friends.

My chicken chiabatta sandwich was a bit dry and the food selection was limited, but they did have substantial gluten free options. The setting and staff were very nice, making it an overall excellent experience.

- Rating: 4.3/5 (147 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 909 Locust St. Ste 103 Des Moines, Iowa - Categories: new american, seafood, sandwiches- Read more on Yelp