Fresco at the Gardens — Restaurant in Rockford Township

5 star food, 3 star service. Called this morning to make a reservation and and promptly arrived on time. It wasn't so busy, but apparently is a popular place because they said it was empty 30 min ago, but now there were no more spots outside. So we were seated at the far table closest to the door where we had a good view of the juice bar and check in counter. It was close to 15 minutes before someone came to take our drink order. It really looked like either they weren't prepared for the people, or had never done this before. I'm thinking the former. They have a consolidated menu, and things here are pricey, but you're paying for the experience. A good variety of things to choose from, all breakfast/brunch type food.

I ordered The Hulk drink, but they didn't have some ingredient that the waitress said they would have to make, and she would let me know later if it was "made". I didn't hear what she said, but isn't all food there 'made' for people to eat? Not sure what happened with that, but my wife got the fresh squeezed OJ and it was tremendous! During our long wait to place the order, I saw the staff hangs out by the juice bar, and one guy was eating a donut from one hand, and pouring chocolate sauce on some other fancy drink with the other. Of course he had to have his mask down to eat the donut, but this all seemed like it shouldn't be up for public display. My Covid senses were activated and I quickly formed a questionable opinion about the front end staff.

Now to end on a positive note. The food is AMAZING! I had pork tacos with eggs, and my wife had a made-to-order omelet. All fantastic and prepared beautifully like you would expect a costly meal to be. And it came quick too. I also liked that they let you check out right at the table, so you don't fork your card over and they disappear in the back.

Mixed feelings here, but would probably go back and wait for an outside table on the nice day. We've been to the gardens before and they...

1 Star because it is the lowest allowed.

7-6-2023 Was one of the best days of my life. During a stroll through the beautiful gardens, my boyfriend purposed to me, and I accepted. Nothing could have been more perfect. I get to marry the love of my life. My middle school sweetheart.

We decided to have lunch at Fresco at The Gardens. While we went to the car to drop off our things, his son was seated, table for 3. We met him at the first table outside the door on the patio. 3 other tables were seated after us. After about 20+ minutes we began to realize the other tables were being waited on, while we were still awaiting even a drink order. Another table was seated 30+ minutes after and then noticed they too were being waited on. The only difference from my table than the others is that I have natural curly hair and brown skin. I am biracial and my Fiancé and his son are Caucasian/Italian. No service! It was blatantly obvious the reason. I am still in shock this happens in 2023. My Fiancé was furious and refused to dine at an establishment that would consciously or subconsciously take part in RACIAL DISCRIMINATION. ESPECIALLY IN 2023. I do not typically leave reviews especially negative ones but this is absolutely without question an issue that needs to be addressed. It is unacceptable. This is not normal and should not ever happen. My brown skin and naturally curly hair is beautiful. Additionally, I have an advanced degree in nursing, not your average woman. It is a shame that people can still attempt to discredit that in 2023. My soon to be husband Brent Graceffa also left a review, we are completely discussed by this establishments service or...

I have been there several times. LOVE the food! Today I had a Portabello Mushroom sandwich. It was DELICIOUS!!! The problem? The service. Our Server must of been having a bad morning( around 1:00 pm ).We asked where we would like to sit?, we picked outside sitting. The hostess put us on a two ppl top( there were 3 of us). I understand when everyone gets sorted at the same time, it takes a minute to get to every table. Joseph finally came by, asked what did we wanted to drink. Not a greeting, not a hello. But he did to the other 3 tables he was taking care of. Ignored me. Never came by to check on us, but kept checking on his other tables. The Busboy was the one checking on us as well as the one that brought our food. Joseph went to his other tables to apologize for the wait, but never to our table. The Hostess, asked every table is everything was ok, but not to us. Sadly, the Hostess and Joseph left a bad taste for us. It’s frustrating and hurtful the way they made us feel. It may not mean a lot for them to lose one customer, and that’s ok. By the way, even thou Joseph didn’t treat us equally as the other tables, I left him an 18% tip, because the taste and presentation and flavor of the...