Fresco Italian Cafe on the Canal

This is the go-to spot for any canal trip! I like to bring my out-of-towners here with an accompanying canal walk circuit. The menu ranges from light bites to full meals with a little wine selection to really top off the experience. Counter-ordering service is always quick. Seating is available outside or indoors. There are just a few tables indoors and much more seating in the fenced-in patio area. Though, it does not seem like there is abundant shade depending on the time of day. I got a chocolate gelato in a size medium. They give generous portions of their gelato, so I would say most people would be plenty satisfied with a small. Nonetheless, this is a fantastic gelato, that's nice and thick and creamy, with only a mild sweetness, allowing the chocolate flavor to really come through.

Made a quick stop while walking by the canal. Although the my toasted Italian sub had flavor, I think it was doused too much in oil & the bread sadly crumbled apart (and slightly overpriced...). However, as others have said, the views from the place are what attracts the crowd. I would definitely try the smoothies (& s'mores, gelato) in the future, but maybe skip out on any of the sandwiches!

This little place has a wonderful spot on the canal. The menu was just the right size, a surprisingly large selection of alcohol. I tried the spiked lemon ice and the texture and temp was perfect on a hot summer day, you can definitely taste the real lemon in it. The food came out quickly. The toasted ravioli was delicious. The stromboli is unassuming in appearance, but delicious. The half size was filling despite how small it was. I tried the chicken parm sandwich, but found it to be bland - a little heat would have helped. Overall, a cute little place on the canal to drop in for a quick bite or drink.

This cafe is ideally located for visitors, offering a range of coffee, gelato, refreshments, sandwiches, and soups. The affogato with coconut gelato was particularly delicious. The outdoor seating area is perfect for a quick break, and the service was fast and friendly.

This is a hidden little Italian cafe right on the Canal Walk. From the street level, I'm not sure you can even see it.You order from a counter and they bring the food out to your table.The food is pretty good too, although pricey for the amount you get. I had the half Italian beef w/hot giardiniera and added a side salad. You have to pay for the giardiniera which is a bit silly.But then you go to their massive outdoor patio along the canal and people watch. The gondoliers are stationed here and there are all sorts of people walking/running by.

What a fun place! The real draw here isn't the food. It's sitting on the patio next to the canal and watching Fresco's gondoliers as they spread opera up and down the canal! The food's decent, though. And service is contentious if a bit bare bones. This is not a sit-down restaurant, even though there's a little bit of a feel of one. It's more of an upscale Fazoli's with fresher ingredients and a view that can't be beat.

We stopped by on the way to IUPUI last night. There is a sign right by the stairs down to the canal from Michigan and on-street parking is plentiful up there.We had a short wait in line which was just enough time to look at the menu before it was our turn. The kids shared a pizza. I got the tuna salad salad which. The highlight there was the lemon vinaigrette. The large salad looked small (not side salad small but not as big as modern salad meals) but I was still full an hour later.We only had a short amount of time to get and eat dinner. I got concerned for a minute as we hadn't ordered anything complex but our food came out around 15 minutes later and we were able to get out on time. We'll be back again for sure especially when we have more time to enjoy the view of the canal outside.

Super cute! We were in from out of town and enjoyed our lunch! The location is also really nice.

Fresco is back it is only open Late April until around October (it depends on weather) the food is fast, tasty, and not too expensive. It's so nice to sit on the canal and people watch while eating. It can get packed but the service is usually fast enough that the line does not matter

What a delicious stop during our canal adventure day! Service was wonderful, and the atmosphere was inviting. We just stopped in for the Italian Ice and had them as a slush. Very refreshing and fun! I'll be going back for a sweet lunch stop for sure! Good for kids (I had 3 with me), but it's probably better if you can sit outside, as the inside seating is limited.