Fresco Pizza & Grill (and Salads and Sandwiches Too)

in Newtown Square may be called "pizza and grill" but its best items are neither pizza nor grilled items. 

The menu is vast and has almost everything under the sun. When I walked in for lunch the other day, most of the people were having salads and sandwiches. I tried to order a cross-section of the menu by having a slice of plain pizza (slices are only available at lunch for $2.65, the Black Forrest Ham Club sandwich ($8.99) and mussels marinara ($10.99).

The pizza was okay, the crust was a bit soggy (but that could have been because I had such a late lunch and the pizza had been sitting out for a long time). However, the ham and cheese sandwich was excellent. The ham was thinly sliced and the havarti rich and creamy. The potato chips were crisp and satisfying.

The mussels marinara were disappointing. Many of the shells were cracked and chipped, the mussels overcooked and the marinara sauce had tons of chopped scallions which I found a bit odd. The breadsticks that came with the mussels were the highlight of the plate.

Since most of the patrons were having salads and sandwiches , I felt like they knew something I didn't. The salad choices did sound tasty. The blackened salmon with mango salsa salad ($10.99), fiesta taco salad ($8.99) and chicken kebab salad ($8.99) are what caught my eye.

The reuben ($7.99), Milano (prosciutto, grilled chicken, pesto, tomatoes, baby spinach, red onions, provolone and fresh mozzarella for $8.99) and triple-deck turkey and brie club sandwich ($9.99) are probably equally as good as the black forrest ham club sandwich.

There are numerous pasta dishes, entrees and a wide variety of "signature stone-fired" pizzas and strombolis to try out but, personally, I'm going to stick with the sandwiches and salads.

Beverage choices are Pepsi products, root beer, fruit punch, orange slice, Sierra Mist, iced tea ($2.25), pellegrino water ($2 or $4.50) and coffee, espresso or cappuccino ($2, $3, and $4, respectively). They offer the fantastic Mighty Leaf teas ($2) as well. 

The decor is warm and the environment bustling. It's described as semi-self serve which means that you go to the counter to order and take a number to your table where they will deliver your food.

Restaurant patrons are responsible for getting your own beverage, silverware, napkins and seasonings or sauces. I love that they have actual silverware and glass tumblers available for dining in. It's a great eco-conscious move on their part and I would much rather sip from a glass than from a paper cup.

There is a decent kids' menu and plenty of room for large groups. I would recommend this place for families. I should have taken my observations to heart and stuck with what they do best.