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 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.

Very good food; pisco sour just decent; service not good at all the hipster guy with a mustache was horrible; the girl did better)

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.

I love this place because the food and service are very good. Also great ambience for groups. Luciana the manager is very attentive and professional.

This place is amazing! Great food and wonderful service! One of my top places to go in the city!