Craving authentic Italian food on the Alabama Gulf Coast? Fresco in Bon Secour brings old-world flavor with house-made pastas, hand-tossed pizzas, and sauces crafted from scratch daily.
Executive Chef Greg Buschmohle's commitment to fresh ingredients and time-honored Italian techniques makes this coastal restaurant a must-visit for food lovers.
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Fresco in Bon Secour
Fresco in Bon Secour is one of the most anticipated new restaurants in the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach area, and after our recent visit, I can confirm the hype is justified. Locals have been waiting patiently for the restaurant to open, knowing that Chef Greg will produce unbelievable fresh pasta and meals they will want to return for over and over again.
During our first visit to Fresco in Bon Secour, we experienced the kind of meal that has you planning your next visit before you've even left. My advice? Arrive hungry. The hand-rolled pasta had that perfect al dente texture you can only get from fresh, house-made noodles.
We started with the crab bruschetta and the meatballs, which were tender, flavorful, and clearly made in-house. By the time we reached dessert (don't skip the chocolate torta and pistachio cake), we were already hooked. The pistachio cake alone, with its delicate crumb and rich nut flavor, is worth the drive to Bon Secour.
Executive Chef Greg Buschmohle has come full circle. What began with his Neapolitan mother teaching him to hand-roll pasta in their Detroit basement has evolved into a 40-year culinary career spanning 75+ restaurants, including founding Quality Restaurants Inc. and earning Alabama's first Green Certification.
With Fresco, Chef Greg returns to those cherished roots, channeling his mother's traditional techniques and his own decades of travel throughout Italy into every hand-crafted dish that leaves his kitchen.
Indoor Seating
The dining room features comfortable seating with tables sized for groups of 4-6, perfect for family dinners, date night, or celebrations.
Indoor Bar
The indoor bar near the back of the dining room seats up to 6 guests and offers a front-row view of the talented bartenders crafting those signature Italian cocktails. It's perfect for solo diners or anyone who wants to chat with the staff while enjoying a drink.
Outdoor Seating
The outdoor patio steals the show with a vibrant umbrella art installation suspended overhead, creating a playful canopy above tables for 2-4. Positioned right next to the outdoor bar, it's the perfect spot for sunset cocktails and intimate dinners under the coastal sky or lunch with friends on a gorgeous Alabama Gulf Coast afternoon.
Fresco in Bon Secour Menu
Fresco's menu is thoughtfully organized into traditional Italian courses: Antipasti, Salads, Tramezzini (sandwiches), Pizza, Primi (first course featuring Fresco's house-made pastas and risotto), and Secondi (second courses with both seafood and meat options). This structure gives you complete flexibility to design your meal, whether you want a casual pizza lunch or an authentic multi-course Italian dinner.
I highly recommend ordering across different sections and passing dishes around the table. It's the ideal way to experience Chef Greg's range, from fresh pasta to perfectly prepared seafood and meats, and discover what you'll crave on your next visit.
Antipasti Appetizers Worth Ordering
Start your meal with Fresco's impressive antipasti selection. The Crab Bruschetta features three garlic-rubbed focaccia toasts topped with a fresh tomato and crab salad. It's light, flavorful, and the perfect way to begin your meal. The Arancini, crispy risotto balls, are golden and satisfying, while the housemade Napolitano-style beef Meatballs are tender and flavorful. The Speidini (Italian skewers) offer a delicious shareable option.
Other standout starters include marinated Olives, Crunchy Goat Cheese with a perfectly crisp exterior, Baked Artichoke Buttons that are rich and flavorful, and an Italian Charcuterie board for those who want to sample multiple flavors.
Main Courses at Fresco: Pasta, Seafood, and Meat
For the main course, you can choose from house-made pizzas, Fresco's signature pastas and risotto, fresh seafood, and perfectly prepared meat dishes. This is where Chef Greg's commitment to scratch-made Italian cuisine truly shines.
What We Ordered
My husband chose the Lasagna, baked Fresco pasta layered with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, Bolognese meat sauce, and béchamel. He declared it wonderful, with generous layers and that perfect balance of cheese and sauce you want in a classic lasagna.
I ordered the Gnocchi, Fresco's potato dumpling pasta baked with béchamel, fontina, and mozzarella cheeses. You could taste the freshness in every bite, those pillowy dumplings were clearly made in-house and had that melt-in-your-mouth texture that only comes from hand-rolled pasta.
Our friend had the Short Rib Ragu, featuring braised beef short ribs with Fresco tomato sauce and Chianti tossed with house-made fettuccine. The meat was fall-apart tender, and the rich sauce clung perfectly to the fresh pasta.
Other Menu Highlights
Additional standout options include Chicken Piccata, Veal Saltimbocca, Grilled Branzino, Baked Shrimp with crab and pancetta dressing, Shrimp Scampi with grilled jumbo shrimp, and Bolognese with Fresco tagliatelle pasta tossed and topped with Bolognese meat sauce and grated Romano cheese.
With this many tempting options, you'll want to return multiple times to work your way through the menu.
Fresco in Bon Secour's Signature Cocktails
Fresco's cocktail program showcases Italian classics alongside creative signatures and spirit-free options. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or prefer mocktails, there's something exceptional on this menu.
The Sicilian Sidecar absolutely blew me away with its smoothness. My husband ordered it, but I kept reaching across the table for another sip, the perfect balance of VSOP Cognac, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice creates a smooth drinkable cocktail.
I opted for the Amalfi Lemondrop Martini, which delivered that tart citrus punch you expect from a lemondrop while remaining incredibly smooth and refined.
Additional cocktail highlights include:
- Classic Aperol Spritz - The quintessential Italian aperitivo
- Limoncello - Authentic Italian lemon liqueur, served chilled
- Empress Gin French 75 - Elegant and effervescent with a beautiful purple hue
- Tiramisu Martini - Dessert in a glass with espresso and cream
- Limoncello "Italian" Margarita - A Mediterranean twist on the classic
- Italian 50's Old Fashioned - A sophisticated take on the timeless favorite
- Italian Mule - Refreshing ginger and lime with Italian flair
Pro tip: If you're driving, ask about their spirit-free options. Fresco doesn't skimp on the mocktail experience. The Gondola Glide and Italian Cream Soda are on my must try list.
Fresco in Bon Secour Signature Desserts
Remember when I told you to save room for dessert? Here's why: Fresco's desserts are so exceptional, you'll want to order extras to take home.
I'm honestly torn trying to pick a favorite. The Chocolate Torta is a decadent dark chocolate cake filled with milk chocolate mousse and covered with a dark chocolate ganache, pure indulgence for chocolate lovers. The Pistachio Cake features delicate layers with pistachio Italian buttercream that's perfectly balanced and not overly sweet.
Then there's the Panna Cotta, a vanilla-infused traditional Italian dessert topped with strawberry sauce and fresh berries that's silky and elegant. I would drive back for the Panna Cotta and a drink with friends any day.
I only managed a small bite of the Limoncello Meringue Pie, baked in a pine nut and basil cookie dough crust, layered with lemon curd, and topped with toasted meringue, but that single taste was enough to put it on my must-order list for our next visit. The combination of sweet, tart, and herbal notes was surprising and delicious.
My husband chose the Tiramisu, and it was everything you want from this classic Italian dessert: layers of espresso-soaked housemade ladyfingers, rich mascarpone, and cocoa. He'd order it every visit if he could.
My recommendation? If you're dining with others, order multiple desserts to share. Trust me, you'll want to taste them all.
Dietary Accommodations at Fresco in Bon Secour
Gluten-Free - Fresco in Bon Secour is working on gluten-free options. There are salads available.
Vegan - Currently, the salads are going to be the best option. The Mista Salad has a lovely lemon vinaigrette. The rocket salad can have the proscuitto removed from it. The chopped Fresco salad has a red wine vinaigrette, just make sure to leave off the Genoa salami.
Vegetarian - There are multiple pasta options, pizza, and salad choices to choose from. The fried menu items are fried in beef tallow, the risotto is cooked with chicken stock so those items I would skip.
Why you will love Fresco in Bon Secour
What makes Fresco special isn't just the food (though that alone is worth the visit). It's the commitment to doing everything right.
This locally-owned restaurant makes its pizza dough and bread in-house, rolls every strand of pasta by hand, and creates desserts so good you'll be tempted to order extras for the road home.
Chef Greg's dedication to authentic Italian techniques is evident in every single bite.
- Locally owned and operated
- Best Italian restaurant Gulf Shores
- Housemade pizza dough and bread dough
- Scratch made pasta made in house
- Unbelievable desserts you will not want to share.
- Great date night restaurant Alabama Gulf Coast
Local Tips for Visiting Fresco in Bon Secour
- Order family-style to try more dishes
- Save room for dessert (trust me, you'll regret skipping it)
- Request patio seating if the weather is nice, the umbrella installation is stunning
- Make reservations for Friday and Saturday dinner service
Ready to Experience Fresco? Fresco isn't just another Italian restaurant on the Gulf Coast, it's quickly becoming a local favorite for good reason.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, planning date night, or simply craving authentic Italian cuisine made the traditional way, Chef Greg and his team are ready to welcome you. With tables filling up fast on weekends, now's the time to make your reservation and discover what locals are raving about.
Fresco in Bon Secour Restaurant Guide: Hours, Location & What to Know
Address - 6232 Bon Secour Highway, Bon Secour, Alabama
Hours - Tuesday to Thursday, 11 am to 9 pm
Friday & Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm
Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that the hours have not changed.
Reservations - We highly suggest making reservations, especially for dinner.
Accessibility - There is accessible parking in front of the restaurant and around the back of the restaurant next to the entrance to the outdoor patio. The restaurant is one level with space to move to a table.
Plus Size Seating - The indoor chairs do not have arms on them and were comfortable. The outdoor chairs look like they have arms on them.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Date night, dressy casual
Pets - Pets are not allowed inside the restaurant.
Parking - There is parking behind the restaurant along with a lot across the street from the restaurant that is a short walk across the road.
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Tin Top - A local favorite for great food, a fun atmosphere, and decadent desserts.
Swift-Coles Historic House - This historic 1882 Tidewater Mansion is on the banks of the Bon Secour River.
Tropic Falls Theme Park at OWA - The theme park and indoor water park are the perfect family adventure!
Top things to do in Foley, AL - All the epic things to do in Foley you don't want to miss.
The Drowsy Poet Coffee Company - Drowsy Poet at Foley Station Coffee Shop offers a great coffee and tea menu in a super cute coffee shop.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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