Fresco's, Ocean City, Maryland Restaurant Details

Food:

My experience at Fresco was not at all a positive one, with the front of house service being the biggest contributor. The host, Chris, has to be one of the most incompetent a-holes I've ever seen in a restaurant. He delayed seating us for literally no reason given that the place was 3/4 empty. By the way he conducted himself, it was almost like he was doing us a favor by letting us dine here; you know, because it's so hard to find a restaurant in Ocean City. Shortly after seating us in a weird table off to the side (again, the place was empty), he then snapped at me--not asked politely like most normal human beings would've done--about wearing a hat. I took it off quietly because I really didn't want to deal with the drama. Through the meal we heard him snap at co-workers and other people he was seating at various points. At one point, he almost came to blows with another guy who he refused a table because he wanted one along side the view the of bay. Apparently it didn't fit his little org chart. Why? There were literally 5 such tables open. Has to be since they never even filled all the window seats while we were there. I understand wanting to make your place a little more upscale in the touristy Ocean City restaurant scene, but there's a difference between trying to run a business a certain way and being outright rude. I've eaten at some of the "finest" restaurants in NYC--along with a whole lot more cheap places--and I've never seen anyone working at a restaurant treat people like this. I hope the owner reads this, as this guy is costing his restaurant money and deserves to be fired. In stark contrast, our server waiter, Anthony, was excellent. My family can be tough to please but he was pleasant, professional and accommodating. By far the best waiter I've seen working in the Ocean City area. For a starter we got the crab special, which consists of chunks of crab meat in garlic and oil on toast points. The crab meat was high quality and the dish overall was addicting, but boy did they overdo it with the oil. The dish was literally sitting in it, with the bread being soaked by it. My mom got the caesar salad which she enjoyed and I can agree was good. For a main I got the veal and lobster, which is cooked in a cream sauce with champagne, shallots and mushrooms. This wasn't a total miss but it was an unbalanced dish because of the sauce. The veal wasn't very good quality, and it unfortunately did a good job of making the sauce seem bland. In contrast the lobster tail was a bit small but otherwise cooked great, and the subtle sauce matched it well. The mushrooms were mediocre although the shallots helped somewhat. Serves me right for getting veal down here. My brother hated his chicken parm but he ordered off menu and the cut of chicken they used was clearly not intended for the dish. My dad thought his scallops and clams special was alright, whereas my Mom didn't care for her chicken and melanzane. That all averages out to be subpar for food. A great view can get you somewhere in Ocean City, but not far enough if the food is uneven and definitely nowhere if your host sabotages the dining experience from the outset. This would be 2-3 stars but I'm knocking it down for service. Too bad as the food did show some promise.

Food:

This restaurant is a must visit anytime we come to the ocean. The food is fantastic and service perfect. Worth every cent.

Food:

Best experience on the bay! Our server was amazing and informative, always close by! Food recommendations were perfect, everything was delicious, salads, entrees and dessert! Worth every penny! Very classy!

Food:

Great service, great food, very nice servings I don't mind paying if you receive great service and great food!!!

Food:

Nice atmosphere, great food, great service! Everything from the bread and dipping oils, to the grilled calamari, to the pastas were awesome. Nice indoor/outdoor upscale bar next door as well called Jive with awesome sunsets. Will be back!