Fresco

Fresco does one thing and does it well: fresh, healthy food served quickly and at prices that do not make you wince. In a city where eating healthily often means either cooking in your Airbnb or paying fine-dining prices for a salad, this unassuming spot in the Faxafeni area fills a genuine gap.

The Food

The menu centres on bowls and salads, with a build-your-own approach that lets you assemble exactly what you want. The falafel is a highlight -- crispy, well-spiced, and served with the kind of freshness that suggests it was made that day rather than last week. Chicken options are available for those who want protein, and the range of toppings and dressings is sufficient to keep things interesting across multiple visits.

The salads are generous, properly composed, and taste like actual food rather than the dispiriting pile of undressed leaves that passes for a salad in too many restaurants. The ingredients are visibly fresh, the flavour combinations are well-considered, and the portions leave you satisfied without feeling heavy.

The Format

This is quick-service rather than sit-down dining. You order at the counter, your food is assembled in front of you, and you either eat in or take away. The interior is clean and functional -- not a destination in its own right, but a perfectly pleasant place to eat a quick meal.

Who Is This For?

Health-conscious travellers will appreciate having a reliable option for clean eating that does not require a major financial commitment. Vegetarians and those looking for lighter food after a few days of Icelandic lamb and hot dogs will find Fresco particularly useful. The format also works well for a quick lunch between activities.

Practical Tips

Located in the Blau Husin (Blue Buildings) on Sudurlandsbraut, east of the city centre. Accessible by bus or a short drive. Open daily. The bowl format is ideal for takeaway if you prefer to eat at your accommodation. For a similar experience closer to downtown, look for the salad and bowl options at the food halls.