i can't rave enough about this place - gorgeous and intimate atmosphere, the kindest wait staff, incredible full bar (with homemade infused vodkas let me add) but the FOOD???? forget it!!! frank the owner always makes sure we're treated like family (i recall one year him helping us squeeze in for a coveted christmas eve reservation). do yourself a favor and come here (not just once but multiple times -- the human experience is made up of at least one cozy dinner in the wine cellar AND one stunning meal in the summer on the patio). thank you il fresco for being the best! read more

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gave this place another try after many years and I'm sad to report the quality has gone down. what used to be a quaint restaurant now appears worn and run down, in need of new decor, carpeting, and chairs. the tablecloths have been replaced with paper and the charm and speed of the staff has dropped off. food was just okay, nothing really delicious. likely will not return. read more

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Il Fresco has consistently provided excellent and attentive service with tasty Italian dishes. We had the perfect spot in with the sun shining in on the Sassafras room on this cool, fall day. We ordered calamari as an appetizer which was served with both a sweet and spicy sauce. The calamari were tender but not quite as crispy as we would have liked. The Stracciatella was loaded with spinach and eggs and well seasoned. Our main dishes were wonderful; we tried the Halibut Marechiare, stuffed Zucchini, and Pepper and Egg sandwich. Make reservations if dining in the evening and enjoy one of their many well-appointed dining areas - cozy and comfortable. read more

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We came once to Il Fresco for drinks at the bar. The place has a lot of history and an old school feel, which I love. We went on a Thursday night and the place was really busy. It is an old house and we ate upstairs on the top floor. The place had decorations set up for Easter, which I appreciated because I feel like most places do not decorate for Easter. The service was good. We started with bread and olive oil. We had fried calamari which was good, but next time I would try something else as an app. However, the spicy sauce that it came with was soooo good. I had the chicken parm, which was outstanding and you could cut it with a fork. It was one of the best I've ever had. My husband had the chicken fresco and he loved it. We then split the rigatoni bolognese which was cooked perfectly. I can't wait to go back and try other things, there is so many things on the menu I want to try. read more

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This restaurant is amazing! First, the menu has so many options from pasta to steak to seafood. Every dish is prepared by a master chef and is delicious. Secondly, the service is outstanding and the atmosphere is warm and cozy. There is a wide selection of wines and mixed drinks too. Last, we sat in the Sage Room, and the gas fireplace is so warm and makes you feel like you are transported to a time and place of years ago. The house was built in 1728 and is filled with history. This restaurant is top notch, and exceeds my expectations every time. Il Fresco is an exceptional restaurant, and I can't say enough about how outstanding this restaurant is. You will go back time and time again because this restaurant feels like home. read more

It's been a while, but always a pleasure to visit Il Fresco, an historic Italian eatery located on Kings Hwy. in Orangeburg, NY. This 1728 restored farmhouse never fails to impress, from its cozy bar, open fireplace, Revolutionary War stone wall ambiance, and warm, relaxing, homey seating arrangements all add wonders to this dining experience. Every dish I've ever ordered here has been excellent. Every dish is perfectly prepared and plated, and every portion is generous in size. Service is welcoming, friendly and highly efficient, and John at the small main room bar can pour a great Woodford Manhattan. After our appetizers of fried calamari and eggplant, I had the Monkfish and Shrimp Fra Diavolo, served over Pappardelle pasta, with a spicy marinara sauce, garlic, hot peppers, and herbs. Excellent dish! The Filet Mignon and Veal Chops also received rave reviews. Special thanks to Rich Palmer for the beautiful challenge coin, and Dave Cavaliere for the ride. We will be back again! 03/15/2025 read more

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I loveeeeee this place and I don't even love Italian food lol... the ambiance is cozy af . The service SLAYS! Top notch they do great refills and such... I really really enjoy coming here with my family and also doing a girls night here read more

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I went with a friend who was staying in a hotel close to this restaurant. I drove there to meet him for dinner. It was night time and the restaurant looked pretty. I kind of think of it as a special occasion restaurant because two people had birthdays while we were there. The service was good. We ordered a pizza to share 10 inches. That was delicious. He ordered a dish that was vegetables layered with mozzarella cheese in between. It was delicious. We are both vegetarian. I ordered a Caesar salad. I wasn't really very happy with my Caesar salad... I think of Caesar salad as Romain lettuce and this was not Romain.. I don't know what it was. It was very dark green. The dressing tasted like from a jar so that was my main complaint. If you order the Caesar salad, just beware that this is not a typical Caesar salad. It is their own creation and it's not a homemade Caesar salad dressing. We enjoyed the atmosphere and how pretty the place was. We had a good time overall read more

Il Fresco - Enjoying our time at Il Fresca - Italian Near Me - Orangeburg, New York

We love to visit with friends. Great Italian food every time. And love the creative cocktails!

This is a centrally located place perfect place to meet friends. It's a cute house with little room, great for a quiet place to catch up. The food is old world southern Italian. Is the food great, no, but it's very good, reasonably priced and has enough variety for everyone, We met great friends, we're from NJ and there from Westchester, so no matter what,fun times we're going to be had Started with some cocktails and they do old school adult martinis, not the junior martinis many places are trying to pawn off on you, that's a pet peeve of mine For apps we had salads, an eggplant zucchini thing with cheese and a special egg roll dough with spicy sausage. I love sausage and this was like a crispy calzone, the vegetable thing was ok, I know it's unhealthy, but I would prefer if the veggies were fried. The server, I think Maria, was so good that after we ordered our entrees, she said they came w salads so the salads for apps were cancelled. For entrees we had 2 chicken Parma, big portion, sauce is a little sweet. We had a halibut, good, and a rigatoni in red sauce, she loved it. Deserts we shared strawberries with whipped cream and donuts with dipping sauce. I'm not a desert guy, they were better than I'm saying. We've been here before, 2 of love it and 2 just like it. read more

The place was very cute and welcoming. Everything was fantastic! Service, food and ambience was superb. read more

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I will never eat at this restaurant again. The food was absolutely awful. The fish had about a pound of salt poured on it and the fish tasted bad. The sauce was very, very spicy hot and was not listed this way on the menu. It was literally unedible. I had to return it . The service was even worse than the food. The waitress had no recommendations for anything and could not describe any of the food on the menu. (That should have been my first clue). She gave us about 2 minutes to order appetizers, wine & the main course. It felt like we were eating in a busy diner. (the food is much better at the local diner) She was rushing a decision and when we were not ready with the main course she did not return for 20 minutes or so. When we initially sat down we did get bread but with no butter and I had to go to the hostess in the front of the restaurant to ask for butter and for lemon for the small glass of tap water, both of which came immediately. After drinking the first small glass of water we actually had to get up from our table and find a pitcher of water and bring it to our table to wash down the salty food. There was no-one filling up water glasses but you absolutely needed water since the food was extremely salty. The waitress did not come to the table to see if we needed anything . The prices were outlandishly high, the food was awful, and the service was below substandard. Additionally, no one came over to see what was wrong with the food or to try to offer something as a goodwill gesture such as a drink, appetizer, coffee, or dessert. Don't eat at this restaurant. While the building that houses the restaurant is historic, there is nothing else good here. Years ago the restaurant was decent but not any longer. If you want to see the inside of the restaurant just go to the bar and order a drink. They do make good martinis but they are very pricey - NYC prices. read more

Ill Fresco has it all going for it. Great ambience, great service and really good food. My shrimp parm was as good as I can remember ever having it. My wife's homemade pasta with chicken was delicious. This will earn a coveted spot on our dining rotation. read more

Had an absolutely delicious meal at Il Fresco tonight. Everything was fantastic as was the service and ambiance. The specials menu was stocked with interesting and appetizing entrees and the we loved what the waiter recommended. We started with the fried calamari which was crisp, not at all greasy and accompanied by a yummy sauce. An Extra bonus is it is moderately priced. Highly recommend dining here. read more

I recently had a wedding reception in this charming and cozy restaurant that makes one feel as though you are being entertained in someone's beautiful, historic home. Frank and his staff are genuinely warm and friendly and make you feel as though it is their pleasure to ensure you have a wonderful dining experience. The food is just as great as any 5 star Italian restaurant anywhere. Regina O read more

Had a great business dinner at this wonderful place. I had been here about 10 years ago but did not remember the name. Set in pre-revolutionary house, cozy and beautiful. The basement is a must see. Service is wonderful and the food even better. Cannot wait to return! read more

We always enjoy this place, from all regards. The ambiance is way above average being an very old and quaint house, and we enjoy every dish we have tried. Today the Chicken Florentine was a winner with a great sauce, with roasted mushrooms in the reduction. Calamari app was good, not great, as was the fried zucchini. We enjoyed the salmon specials and the shrimp cavatappi with Broccoli rabe. We once enjoyed a table down in their wine cellar, very romantic. read more

Il Fresco - Chicken Florentine - Italian Near Me - Orangeburg, New York

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Food service and ambiance are great. I got engaged here 20 years ago. So far so good!

How did I not know that this place existed? An absolutely fantastic dining experience. The ambience, the staff, the food and drinks ... all exceptional. The Angry pasta is going to be my new favorite cheat meal. read more

I am so impressed by this restaurant. I didn't know Rockland had such a hidden gem. Went with a friend and had an amazing time. They sat us in the basement near a fire. It was a little too romantic but still wonderful. Our waiter was thoughtful and guided us through the spirits/drink menu nicely. The food was spectacular. Italian food menu. The. Veal. Parmigiana. Was slap your mouth good. I savored it for 3 days, it was that good. Ended the meal with the Chocolate Lava Cake which was also stellar. I cant stop singing their praise. I recommend it to all my friends now. read more

Il Fresco - Italian Near Me - Orangeburg, New York

Il'Fresco, is "Simply the Best"...the owner, Frank, is so down-to-earth, genuine, and generous. Frank and his amazing staff go above-and-beyond to ensure their guests/patrons have an exceptional dining experience. IlFresco is 'A home away from home" The staff,including ;Henry, Marissimo, the wonderful bartender, waitresses and hostess(s) ensure you are treated like gold. The food is in league of its own, "Bar-None. The ambiance isWONDERFUL -fireplaces,. I could go on and on. Il'Fresco is a 100 restaurant. ​ read more

I've been to this restaurant several times and have recommended it to friends and colleagues. Usually, this restaurant has more than just fantastic decor and ambiance, it had great food! Unfortunately, i was not enamored with what was presented to me this time this time. I ordered the fried Calamari as an app. Most of the times, when ordering this as an app at restaurants, you get a bowl or platter of Calimari. This came in a small basket, maybe 2 - 3 oz at best. $36 FOR halibut seemed is pretty standard. However, it came with, get this, about 2 oz of whipped potatoes and 4 broccoli florets...wow. I thought it was a mistake until my friends order of the same thing came. I work in the industry, cutting back on the cheapest of products is not a perceived value. That's not necessarily the best way to stay in business. I hope they figure this out, I do like this place. read more

Always a wonderful Meal. Terrific service and hospitality by Frank and staff. Highly recommend for special occasions or a romantic night. read more

We only had drinks and apps at the bar. All of it was wonderful. Drinks were awesome and the service stellar. Cute and cozy, must experience this great place. read more

What a find! A friend gave us a gift certificate so we went. Boy were we surprised. Very nice historic house converted into a restaurant. The room we ate in had 4 table that could seat 4 each. Neat little bar area and multiple small rooms with tables. Ambience is best described as warm and cozy. The menu is large and there was a long list of daily specials. We had just had pasta the night before so we had a filet mignon and a pork tenderloin dinner that came with a small but tasty green salad (no iceberg). The teak was great and the pork meal included two large pieces in an apple and raisin sauce. We had an eggplant and zucchini appetizer that was also delicious. Service was very professional. Wine list includes numerous well priced options. All in all a great value! And a unique place for a great meal. Highly recommend. It is 30 minutes from our home but so good that we will make the drive again. read more

Place has a nice old school ambiance and we were looking forward to our dinner. Unfortunately, I felt like the mozzarella was grocery store bought and the tomato sauce and ricotta was from a jar and not homemade nor authentic Italian. A dinner I would expect at a local cheap pizza joint, not here. I just felt like they were cheating to save $. I probably won't be back. read more

Exceptional service!! They are very well staffed so they have someone consistently refilling your water, asking if your dish needs cheese or pepper, etc. The portions are also quite large for one person. The prices are very reasonable as well! read more

Il Fresco - Shrimp and octopus pasta- specials menu - Italian Near Me - Orangeburg, New York

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Great ambiance and service, food is just ok honestly. Basic. Nothing special. Ordered a salmon entree that came with mashed potatoes, broccoli, peas, and a carrot. The level of BLAND is seriously indescribable. All of it. No salt, no flavor, no sauce . Took a few bites, took the rest home. Ate it the next day, definitely same boring, bland dish as the night before. I've been here a few times, one time ordered a filet mignon, had to send it back - came rare v medium. My one and only time a sent a filet mignon back. Just sayn... read more

Il Fresco - Prosciutto and mozzarella - Italian Near Me - Orangeburg, New York

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I've been here many times and have never been disappointed. In fact, on one occasion I ordered the veal chop and my waiter said it was not up to my standards and suggested I choose something else! You don't hear that very often, if ever, at other places. Nice outdoor seating area too. With the nice weather, now is the time to dine there, as the name implies. read more

My husband and I went to Il Fresco at the suggestion of a friend on December 21, 2024. We both enjoyed the appetizers, and my meal was very good; a chicken dish with spinach and prosciutto but my husband was very disappointed with his breaded sole dish which was smothered in a lemon sauce? which spread onto all the other side dishes, in his potatoes and vegetables. On top of that, the sole wasn't fresh but mushy. Just stay away from the breaded fish dishes. The service was fine and it really is an interesting restaurant with its historic ambiance. However, not a good place to go if you have trouble climbing stairs to the upstairs restrooms. read more

One of the best Italian restaurants I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. Appetizers are excellent, food and desserts are fantastic. You want go wrong with what ever you want to try. read more

I love this restaurant! The food and drinks were delicious, nicely decorated, lighting was dim, cozy dining room, attentive staff. Parking lot is tight! Having to walk around a blind turn to get to the entrance at night is a little nerve racking, thankfully no one was driving in at that point. Overall experience was 5 stars! read more

The food is absolutely great !! The staff and service are very attentive and professional. The anbiance and scenery is more of a romantic scene , dark with subtle hits of candle lights and just all around beautiful !! It is o in a setting of a house which makes this rather more intimate. Not really a place for a huge gathering, rather intimate l, but I'm sure they could accommodate bigger sizes , as I've seen it done . read more

Il Fresco - dessert - Italian Near Me - Orangeburg, New York

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Dinner with friends at Fresco's. Our friend is a CIA trained executive chef. He said he now has a new favorite restaurant. I had my standard chicken Florentina which has been my favorite since March 2001. Frank & Andrew are always hospitable & make us feel like family. Andrew's list of specials was a full page long with probably 15 items. Absolutely incredible. We are fortunate when we get to visit. It's a 300 mile drive for us 1 way to have dinner here & it's always worth it. read more

I am basing this food review on a recent encounter ordering gift certificates. We used to attend this Italian restaurant years ago before the threat of Covid. My parents are both over eighty. The wine cellar downstairs was fabulous. I've always admired the top-notch cuisine, the elegant ambiance, and the affordable cost. Thanks Il Fresco. More new customers should discover this eatery. read more

I guess it's a lunchtime thing, but table service was poor. No inquiry as to drink or water refill, had to ask for butter 2x, once food order was taken we never saw her again. The hostess could use a lesson in hostessing! She only grunted when we checked in with six ladies, never smiled or offered two words during the entire time we were there. There are some treacherous steps that were hard for one of our party to maneuver up and down and she never offered to help our friend. She and (I assume) the chef walked past our table a number of times and neither acknowledged us - acted like we were part of the decor. Very rude and Unfriendly atmosphere. Our food was no better than any in the area but I'm not sure I'd go back because of the cold and unfriendly atmosphere. read more

I came here for my four year anniversary with my boyfriend and I had the most wonderful experience. They sat us down in the old tavern downstairs of the building, we were the only ones seated, which was wonderful for a private atmosphere. There was a nicely lit fireplace next to us. The food was delicious. All the staff were very accommodating and sophisticated. Our server was helpful friendly and polite. They brought us champagne at the end to celebrate and wished us a happy anniversary. I recommend coming here, and I look forward to coming here again! 100/100 for us! read more

Il Fresco - Special menu appetizer, delicious, pesto over bread, fresh mozzarella and prosciutto - Italian Near Me - Orangeburg, New York

Nice quaint building with lots of charm. Mostly traditional Italian fare. I had the swordfish steak. It was overdone and kind of dark. Usually swordfish is a lighter fresher dish. Other dishes looked heavy on sauce. I was hoping for a more updated menu with lighter and fresher choices. If traditional Italian fare is your choice, you should be happy here. read more

My absolute favorite restaurant. Been coming for 23 years since they opened. Fabulous food, great martinis and romantic ambiance. Frank and his family are the best and they always go above and beyond. I highly recommend Il fresco read more

Il fresco is incredible. It's such a special restaurant. The food is always so so good, the specials menu always has appetizers and main dishes that are so good, It's hard to decide what to get! They have the most extensive martini list and make the best martinis (the pear French martini was excellent.) the glass of Sancerre I had was also great. The atmosphere is cozy and romantic, it's the perfect restaurant. We had our rehearsal dinner there years ago and Il Fresco is always excellent whenever we go back. read more