Cafe Fresco - Center City

Name: Cafe Fresco - Center City
Address: 215 N 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA, United States, 17101
Telephone: (717) 236-2599
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

737 Reviews

$30 and under

Fusion / Eclectic

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 29, 2024

7:00 p.m.

Booked 7 times today

Innovative
Great for craft beers
Romantic

A pioneer of Harrisburg dining, Café Fresco Center City opened its doors in 2005. Located in the heart of Restaurant Row, the Feng Shui inspired ambiance offers comfortable and intimate dining spaces that pulse with an energy and excitement. From the moment you step inside, you become part of the Café Fresco experience. Whether you are joining us for an urban, café lunch or the upscale, metropolitan dining experience of our dinner service, our skilled, professional staff will strive to accommodate your every need. Our goal is to provide you with a metropolitan retreat nestled in the heart of a smaller city that will exceed every expectation – an experience that can only be provided by Café Fresco.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Fusion / Eclectic, American, Contemporary Asian
Hours of Operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(717) 236-2599
Website
http://www.CafeFresco.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive Chef
Scott Kemp
Catering
Local catering is available for breakfast and lunch for groups of ten or more. Pick up and delivery options are available.
Private party facilities
Cafe Fresco's Level 2 lounge offers countless options for events of all sizes and styles. Whether you're planning a fundraiser, business function, reception, or rehearsal, we have the space and menu options to meet your needs.Enjoy the quality and food of Café Fresco Center City in an upscale, modern space.

Location
215 N 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Neighbourhood
Harrisburg
Cross Street
Locust Street
Parking details
An easily accessible, multi-level parking lot is located directly across the street from the restaurant. Rates vary, depending on dates and times. Street parking is also available with discounted rates between the hours of 11AM - 2PM and 5PM - 7PM. Metered parking ends at 7PM. Park in the River Street Garage across the street for only $5, every weekday after 5PM. <br /><br />
Entertainment
Cafe Fresco infuses chic decor with trendy music, creating the perfect setting for your dining experience. After dinner, step upstairs to Level 2 where the hottest DJs from the East Coast lay down the tracks for the ultimate VIP experience.Level 2 is also available for private events, large group dinners, and meetings. Enjoy the quality and food of Café Fresco Center City in an upscale, modern space.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Tuna TartareUS$16.00
Sriracha Mayo, Avocado, Yuzu Oil, Cilantro, Crispy Wonton
Edamame HummusUS$12.00
Toasted Sesame, Ginger Oil, Warm Flatbread
Asian Caesar SaladUS$12.00
Spicy Cashews, Crispy Wonton, Parmesan
Fresco Chopped SaladUS$12.00
Avocado, Tomato, Cucumber, Egg, Red Onion, Dried Cranberries, Gorgonzola, Honey-White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Dim Sum

Chicken DumplingsUS$14.00
Sesame-Soy Dipping Sauce
Mushroom PotstickersUS$13.00
Toasted Sesame, Ponzu Shoyu
Spicy Shrimp Bao BunUS$12.00
Asian Slaw, Jalapeño

Hot

Szechuan ShrimpUS$15.00
Buffalo Style, Ginger-Bleu Cheese Dressing
Mahi Soft TacosUS$15.00
Honey-Chipotle Aioli, Red Cabbage
KaraageUS$15.00
Japanese Fried Chicken, Honey-Sriracha, Grilled Scallion, Ginger-Bleu Cheese Dressing
Wagyu SlidersUS$16.00
Locally Sourced Wagyu Beef, Hoisin, Caramelized Onion Mayo
Szechuan CalamariUS$14.00
Flash Fried, Thai Basil, Sriracha Mayo
Thai Lettuce WrapsUS$14.00
Bibb Lettuce, Bean Sprouts, Carrots, Scallions, Peanut & Sweet Chili Soy Sauces. Choice Of Chicken, Tofu, Or Spicy Shrimp
Crispy Brussel SproutsUS$9.00
Wasabi Honey Mustard, Bacon, Gorgonzola, Crispy Shallots
Edamame PodsUS$9.00
Sea Salt, Ginger, Saké

Entrées

Meat

Marinated Filet MignonUS$42.00
Redskin Garlic Smashed, Herb Demi, Wasabi Créme Fraîche, Crispy Brussel Sprouts
Grilled Kansas City StripUS$38.00
Crispy Yukon Wedges, Herb Demi, Truffle Aioli
Mongolian Glazed Short RibUS$35.00
Roasted Red Beet Risotto, Caramelized Onion, Sautéed Mushroom, Gorgonzola
Pork TonkatsuUS$29.00
Panko Encrusted, Carbonara Risotto, Creamy Shiitake Brown Sauce

Fish

Chilean Sea BassUS$42.00
Chili-Soy Glazed, Sesame-Soy Soba Noodles, Creamy Miso
Pan Seared CrabcakeUS$38.00
Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, Potato, Bacon, Edamame, Sweet Corn, Shiitake Mushroom, Old Bay Miso Cream
Sesame Seared Ahi TunaUS$35.00
Garlic Seared Vegetables, Thai Lemon-Soy Aioli, Ginger-Jasmine Rice
Sriracha Panko SalmonUS$29.00
Black Rice Risotto, Yuzu-Dill Créme Fraîche

Noodles & Rice

Filet Lo MeinUS$30.00
Wok Seared Vegetables, Chinese Brown Sauce, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Thai Basil
Cashew Chicken & BroccoliUS$28.00
Ginger-Jasmine Rice, Chinese Brown Sauce
Pad Thai
Rice Noodles, Stir-Fried Vegetables, Egg, Scallion, Fresh Lime, Peanuts, Cilantro
- Chicken or ShrimpUS$24.00
- TofuUS$22.00

Sandwiches

Wagyu Swiss BurgerUS$20.00
Locally Sourced Wagyu Beef, Marinated Shiitake Mushrooms, Caramelized Onion Mayo, Fries
Panko Chicken Banh MIUS$17.00
Crispy Vegetables, Szechuan Mayo, Toasted Baguette, Fries
Beef Banh MIUS$17.00
Korean Bulgogi Beef, Crispy Vegetables, Szechuan Mayo, Toasted Baguette, Fries
Cajun Salmon Caesar WrapUS$17.00
Whole Wheat Wrap, Crispy Wonton, Shredded Parmesan, Fries

Pizzas

Traditional CheeseUS$10.00
Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce
PepperoniUS$11.00
Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Pepperoni
SeafoodUS$14.00
Fresh Garlic, Sautéed Shrimp, Lump Crab, Mozzarella Cheese
Barbeque ChickenUS$13.00
Red Onion, Mozzarella Cheese, Cilantro
Basil PizzaUS$12.00
Mozzarella Cheese, Basil, Spicy Tomato Sauce

Sides

Carbonara RisottoUS$8.00
Redskin Garlic Smashed PotatoesUS$7.00
Roasted Red Beet RisottoUS$8.00
Black Rice RisottoUS$8.00

Cocktails

Specialty Cocktails

The Nick LausUS$10.00
Ketel One Vodka, Cranberry Ice Sphere, Torched Lemon
White LotusUS$11.00
Dead Lightning Lemon Vodka, Pear Saké, Coconut Rum, Strawberry, Lychee, Lemon Juice, Prosecco
Strawberry Basil Hi BallUS$12.00
Ketel One Orange, Strawberry Purée, Basil-Peppercorn Simple Syrup, Fresh Basil
The Hammered NailUS$12.00
Maker's Mark Bourbon, Orgeat, Honey, Orange Zest
Asian Pear MartiniUS$12.00
Pear Saké, Grey Goose La Poire, Pear Purée
Espresso MartiniUS$11.00
Stoli Vanil, Kahlúa, House Brewed Espresso
Bellini MartiniUS$11.00
Absolut Apeach, Peach Purée, Brut Float
The Vodka MartiniUS$12.00
Grey Goose Vodka, Bleu Cheese Stuffed Olives or Tomolives
Coconut Mango MojitoUS$11.00
Coconut Rum, Fresh Lime, Mango Purée, Mint
Blackberry SmashUS$12.00
Knob Creek Bourbon, Crème De Cassis, Blackberry Compote, Fresh Lemon, Mint

House Infused

Pineapple Infusion MartiniUS$12.00
Pineapple Infused Organic Vodka, Pineapple Juice
Pom Lychee GreenteaniUS$12.00
Green Tea Infused Organic Vodka, Exotic Lychee, Pomegranate, White Cranberry
Thai Chile PalomaUS$12.00
Thai Chile Infused Blue Agave Olemca Altos Reposado Tequila, Hibiscus Agave Syrup, Fresh Grapefruit

Premium Cocktails

Black ManhattanUS$12.00
Bullet Rye Whiskey, Sibona Amaro, Orange & Angostura Bitters
The Philly VesperUS$12.00
Bluecoat Gin, Stateside Vodka, Lillet Blanc
Tattooed GentlemanUS$12.00
Angel's Envy Bourbon, Mount Gay 1703 Black Barrel Rum, Dry Vermouth, Pure Maple Syrup

Sangria

Red, White, or PeachUS$9.00

Saké

Moonstone Pear SakéUS$10.00
Premium Saké, Smooth & Mellow Flavor
Momokawa
Organic Creamy Nigori Saké
- 300mlUS$20.00

Beer

Domestic Beer

Miller LiteUS$4.00
Coors LightUS$4.00
Bud LightUS$4.00
Yuengling LagerUS$4.00
Michelob UltraUS$4.00
Sam Adams, Boston LagerUS$5.00
Blue Moon, Belgian White AleUS$5.00

Imported Beer

Buckler N/A EnglandUS$6.00
Heineken, HollandUS$6.00
Amstel Light, HollandUS$6.00
Corona, MexicoUS$6.00
Peroni, ItalyUS$6.00
Stella Artois, BelgiumUS$6.00
Stella Artois Cidre, BelgiumUS$6.00
Sapporo, JapanUS$6.00
Guinness Pub Can, IrelandUS$6.00
Franziskaner Hefe-Weissbier, GermanyUS$6.00
Chimay Red, Belgium
- 25.4 oz.US$18.00

Microbrews

Tröegs, Perpetual IPAUS$6.00
Ballast Point, Sculpin IPAUS$6.00
Lagunitas, Little Sumpin' Sumpin' AleUS$5.00
Bell's, Two Hearted AleUS$6.00
Evergrain, Joose JuicyUS$6.00
Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPAUS$6.00
Stone, India Pale AleUS$6.00
Sierra Nevada, Pale AleUS$5.00
Victory, Sour MonkeyUS$6.00

Draft Beer

Rotating Craft Selections
- Market

Spirits

Scotch

Scotch 12 YrUS$11.00
Glenfiddich 12 YrUS$11.00
Glenmorangie 10 YrUS$11.00
Laphroaig 10 YrUS$12.00
Macallan 12 YrUS$13.00
Balvenie Doublewood 12 YrUS$13.00
Auchentoshan 12 YrUS$15.00
Oban 14 YrUS$17.00
Lagavulin 16 YrUS$18.00
Johnnie Walker, BlueUS$40.00

Japanese

Yamazaki 12 YrUS$24.00
Hibiki, HarmonyUS$17.00

Bourbon

Maker's MarkUS$8.00
Woodford ReserveUS$10.00
Knob CreekUS$10.00
Booker'sUS$16.00
Angel's EnvyUS$14.00
High West American PrairieUS$12.00
Basil Hayden'sUS$12.00

Rye

BulleitUS$8.00
Whistlepig 10 YrUS$18.00
Knob CreekUS$10.00
Basil Hayden's Dark RyeUS$12.00

What 737 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Philadelphia County
Innovative
Philadelphia County
Good for special occasions
Hershey / Harrisburg
Best Overall
Hershey / Harrisburg
Best Value
Hershey / Harrisburg
Innovative
Hershey / Harrisburg
Good for groups
Hershey / Harrisburg
Healthy
Hershey / Harrisburg
Romantic
Hershey / Harrisburg
Good for special occasions
Hershey / Harrisburg
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Cafe Fresco - Center City offers delightful Asian fusion cuisine and a lively atmosphere. Guests rave about the "excellent service" and "amazing food and drinks." Highlights include perfect tuna, delicious pad thai, and the "best espresso martini." Despite some noise and occasional slow service, it's a top choice in Harrisburg.

737 Reviews

L
Lily
VIP
Atlanta Metro
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very good food and drinks. I would totally go back again.
Is this helpful?
P
Peter
Philadelphia
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Very good food with friendly and very efficient service. Quality wine at a decent by the glass price as well.
Is this helpful?
T
Tina
Philadelphia
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Cafe Fresco never disappoints. The food and drinks are always delicious.
Is this helpful?
J
Joshua
Baltimore
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
An excellent menu with a great chef and superior wait staff. The kitchen accommodated my cousin’s gluten allergy with creativity and patience. The salmon and filet mignon were perfect entrees. Highly recommended for those who like Asian fusion and for those who have gluten issues.
Is this helpful?
W
William
VIP
Mississippi
5 reviews
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
The service has been extremely slow the last 3 visits… and the prices are too high for the food quality.
Is this helpful?
E
Evan
VIP
Philadelphia
29 reviews
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was great. The food was fresh and tasty. Our server was attentive. I would definitely come back again. The atmosphere of the restaurant is modern and clean. The menu style is Asian with a few American dishes as well. Plenty of options for anyone to find something they like.
Is this helpful?
T
Thomas
Philadelphia
27 reviews
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was outstanding. We will.be back without a doubt.
Is this helpful?
M
Meredith
VIP
New Orleans
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent pad thai and all food that we ate! Great experience!
Is this helpful?
s
stacie
Philadelphia
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on September 28, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food drinks and service. Best espresso martini around and the sea bass was out of this world.
Is this helpful?
t
twinsmom
Philadelphia
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 20, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Dined at cafe fresco downtown Harrisburg to enjoy the restaurant week menu. Overall we had a good experience. The waitress was super sweet and the atmosphere was pleasant. Unfortunately the appetizer I was so looking forward to enjoying ran out. They did allow me to pick another item from the regular menu to accommodate me. The food was served nicely and portions were adequate. I would say the food was a little too salty and I would’ve appreciated it more had it been a little less so. Overall I would recommend and would return again sometime. I do appreciate the restaurant week price offering as overall dining out has gotten so price prohibitive.
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FAQs

Cafe Fresco - Center City does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now. Cafe Fresco - Center City also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (717) 236-2599.

Cafe Fresco - Center City is rated 4.7 stars by 737 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 29, 2024

7:00 p.m.

Booked 7 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Cafe Fresco - Center City

215 N 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Additional information

Cross Street
Locust Street
Neighbourhood
Harrisburg
Hours of Operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Fusion / Eclectic, American, Contemporary Asian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
An easily accessible, multi-level parking lot is located directly across the street from the restaurant. Rates vary, depending on dates and times. Street parking is also available with discounted rates between the hours of 11AM - 2PM and 5PM - 7PM. Metered parking ends at 7PM. Park in the River Street Garage across the street for only $5, every weekday after 5PM. <br /><br />
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Scott Kemp
Entertainment
Cafe Fresco infuses chic decor with trendy music, creating the perfect setting for your dining experience. After dinner, step upstairs to Level 2 where the hottest DJs from the East Coast lay down the tracks for the ultimate VIP experience.Level 2 is also available for private events, large group dinners, and meetings. Enjoy the quality and food of Café Fresco Center City in an upscale, modern space.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.CafeFresco.com/
Phone number
(717) 236-2599
Catering
Local catering is available for breakfast and lunch for groups of ten or more. Pick up and delivery options are available.
Private party facilities
Cafe Fresco's Level 2 lounge offers countless options for events of all sizes and styles. Whether you're planning a fundraiser, business function, reception, or rehearsal, we have the space and menu options to meet your needs.Enjoy the quality and food of Café Fresco Center City in an upscale, modern space.

Cafe Fresco - Center City

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Appetizers

Cold

Tuna TartareUS$16.00

Edamame HummusUS$12.00

Asian Caesar SaladUS$12.00

Fresco Chopped SaladUS$12.00

Dim Sum

Chicken DumplingsUS$14.00

Mushroom PotstickersUS$13.00

Spicy Shrimp Bao BunUS$12.00

Hot

Szechuan ShrimpUS$15.00

Mahi Soft TacosUS$15.00

KaraageUS$15.00

Wagyu SlidersUS$16.00

Szechuan CalamariUS$14.00

Thai Lettuce WrapsUS$14.00

Crispy Brussel SproutsUS$9.00

Edamame PodsUS$9.00

Entrées

Meat

Marinated Filet MignonUS$42.00

Grilled Kansas City StripUS$38.00

Mongolian Glazed Short RibUS$35.00

Pork TonkatsuUS$29.00

Fish

Chilean Sea BassUS$42.00

Pan Seared CrabcakeUS$38.00

Sesame Seared Ahi TunaUS$35.00

Sriracha Panko SalmonUS$29.00

Noodles & Rice

Filet Lo MeinUS$30.00

Cashew Chicken & BroccoliUS$28.00

Pad Thai

Sandwiches

Wagyu Swiss BurgerUS$20.00

Panko Chicken Banh MIUS$17.00

Beef Banh MIUS$17.00

Cajun Salmon Caesar WrapUS$17.00

Pizzas

Traditional CheeseUS$10.00

PepperoniUS$11.00

SeafoodUS$14.00

Barbeque ChickenUS$13.00

Basil PizzaUS$12.00

Sides

Carbonara RisottoUS$8.00

Redskin Garlic Smashed PotatoesUS$7.00

Roasted Red Beet RisottoUS$8.00

Black Rice RisottoUS$8.00

Cocktails

Specialty Cocktails

The Nick LausUS$10.00

White LotusUS$11.00

Strawberry Basil Hi BallUS$12.00

The Hammered NailUS$12.00

Asian Pear MartiniUS$12.00

Espresso MartiniUS$11.00

Bellini MartiniUS$11.00

The Vodka MartiniUS$12.00

Coconut Mango MojitoUS$11.00

Blackberry SmashUS$12.00

House Infused

Pineapple Infusion MartiniUS$12.00

Pom Lychee GreenteaniUS$12.00

Thai Chile PalomaUS$12.00

Premium Cocktails

Black ManhattanUS$12.00

The Philly VesperUS$12.00

Tattooed GentlemanUS$12.00

Sangria

Red, White, or PeachUS$9.00

Saké

Moonstone Pear SakéUS$10.00

Momokawa

Beer