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  • Cork Tree Restaurant

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Reserve at Cork Tree Restaurant

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Cork Tree Restaurant
Cork Tree Restaurant

Cork Tree Restaurant Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Elegant
  • Website: http://www.thecorktree.com/
  • Email: info@thecorktree.com
  • Phone: (760) 779-0123
  • Hours of Operation: Open Daily Tuesday-Saturday:
    Lounge: 4:00 pm
    Lounge Menu: 4:30 pm
    Dinner: 5:00pm - 9:00 pm
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Californian, Contemporary French
  • Dress Code: Smart Casual
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Chef's Table, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Personal wines welcome, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Private Party Facilities: We have two private dining options at the Cork Tree. There is the intimate Chef’s Table which seats 6-8 people comfortably, as well as the Meritage board room, a private room overlooking our beautiful patio that seats up to 30.
  • Private Party Contact: Kathy Hernandez (760) 779-0123

Getting there

  • Cross Street: Cook Street
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Parking Details: There is ample public parking for the restaurant.
A word from Cork Tree Restaurant
Cork Tree Restaurant is built around California products. Local ingredients are used whenever possible and wines of the West Coast, particularly California, are featured.

The wine list is always a work in progress, with a balance of well known wineries, as well as boutique wineries.
…> Cork Tree enhabits a style rich in California elegance. Large and round booths privately encased in wood and fabric provide intimate spaces for conversation and romance, while providing views of the understated glamor of the dining room. Trees and a natural cascading fountain make the Cork Tree Patio wind-protected and well-appointed for dining under the stars. Additionally, depending on the size of your celebration, two private dining options await.Continued
Foodspotting photos
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Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Service
Diner Reviews
  • "Great food. The scallops and lemon risotto was amazing. Great wine. Great service and ambiance"
    Dined on 4/15/2014
  • "The Cork Tree is an outstanding restaurant. It is expensive and, for this reason, we save it for special occasions. The menu is innovative and the food is exceptional. "
    Dined on 4/15/2014
  • "Our group of six sat at the cozy chef'a table. The live music was not intrusive and was condusive for conversation. The menu was varied enough for everyone's taste. The halibut was perfectly cooked. We all agreed it was worth a return trip."
    Dined on 4/14/2014
  • "We have never been disappointed at this wonderful restaurant. Everything we have tried we have enjoyed immensely. On this trip we had sea bass (Chilean) and it was the very best we've ever had. Outstanding flavor and cooked perfectly. Can't wait to return"
    Dined on 4/12/2014
  • "Really nice place, we were here to meet my dad while he was attending a conference, the got us right in and treated our two kids great!"
    Dined on 4/10/2014
  • "We never miss Cork Tree when we visit Palm Desert. It's a first class restaurant with fist class food and service and has now gained an extra star for their PATAGONIAN SAUTÉED SEA BASS, Miso Ginger Marinade, Diced Yukon Potatoes, Watercress, Shiitake. It was absolutely wonderful melt in you mouth fusion."
    Dined on 4/10/2014
  • "The food was very good but our server was haughty. It was like he was trying to act like he was in a very exclusive job, but it came out unfriendly and snobbish. I asked it the wait staff was union, but was not so the management needs to work on the customer interaction with the waiter. We will not be back. If you want to track who the waiter was we were there 4/8, spent $83.00 and receipt said terminal 3."
    Dined on 4/8/2014
  • "Though it was highly recommended, we found this a bit disappointing. A steak was tough and a daily special was sauced strangely. The ambience and service were both pretty good."
    Dined on 4/7/2014
  • "I must admit that although this is one of my favorites, I was disappointed in the food this time. It was not well prepared and did not come close to previous experiences. My favorite, Sea Scallops, has been changed and is now served with Risotto which was pasty. Another in our party ordered the lamb (over priced at $343.00) which was unevenly cooked. The service was satisfactory but not outstanding. I will hesitate before returning."
    Dined on 4/6/2014
  • "If this was the first time we visited this restaurant, it would have been our last. Luckily, we have been there several times before and had a much more favorable experience. It basically was the waiter. He was not attentive, responsive or very capable. He did not even introduce himself. Three of the four people in our group enjoyed their food, but the fourth was disappointed in the California bouillabaise. Too soupy and not enough seafood."
    Dined on 4/4/2014
  • "Although there were a couple of hickups in service, the staff made up for it, so all was great! You must try the mushroom risotto. The asparagus soup is sensational. The duck was done to perfection and the pork shank, succulent. Even with the busy bar, the bartender got us set quickly and was very friendly and attentive without being pushy."
    Dined on 4/4/2014
  • "The service was prompt, helpful and courteous. The food was much better than I had expected. I would return to see if the experience can be duplicated"
    Dined on 4/1/2014
  • "All 5 stars. Super staff, from the bartenders at bar to our waiter. I had the scallops which were excellent - perhaps the best I have ever had. My husband had the special striped sea bass, which was amazing too. We highly recommend Cork Tree and look forward to going again next time we are in the desert."
    Dined on 3/30/2014
  • "I had the seafood bouillabaisse which is so wonderful that I want to pick up the bowl and drink every bit of the soup. It is hearty and delicious you won't be hungry when you finish. Love this restaurant and love the cozy booths which makes it easy to focus on your friends. It is not too noisy but do make reservations early."
    Dined on 3/31/2014
  • "Cork Tree has an outstanding menu, which was expertly executed for all our guests."
    Dined on 3/29/2014
  • "We've eaten here several times and this time they missed the Mark. The service was unattentive and our server forgot a part of our order. It appeared that she had more tables than she could handle. The food was good but not great. I think I'll choose one of the other many restaurants in the area next time."
    Dined on 3/28/2014
  • "Fortunately we have friends and relatives who visit Palm Desert every year, which gives us a chance to visit our favorite restaurant. The Cork Tree has never failed to delight us in the four times we have been there. Can't make up your mind which wine to have? They will let you taste first. It is hard to choose from the appetizer list but the duck tacos and the escargot in a puff pastry with short ribs get rave reviews. We shared the pork shank, the specialty of the house, and it melts in your mouth. It is marinated three days in advance and is just delicious. So are the vegetables. Our friends shared the rack of lamb and found it wonderful too. If they ever open one in San Diego we will be first in line."
    Dined on 3/25/2014
  • "We've been coming to the desert for many years, and this was the best meal we've ever had while visiting. Our group had the rack of lamb, the duck breast, and a fillet, and all were exceptionally good. The waiter was fantastic and knowledgeable, the wine was outstanding, and the whole evening a delight. We'll be back for sure!"
    Dined on 3/27/2014
  • "We started the meal with Duck Tacos and Artichokes stuffed with blue cheese. Both were big hits but the favourite hands down were the tacos. The 36 hour pork shank was delicious along with the veggies. Mashed potatoes were not my favourite. My mom and her friend shared the New York steak and said it was cooked to perfection. We shared the creme brûlée trio and gelato sorbet trio for dessert. Both were excellent. Sean our server was personable and helped us out ordering appetizers and recommended the tacos. Overall dining (we were in a booth) was excellent."
    Dined on 3/27/2014
  • "Our second visit this month. Both time the food was wonderful, beautifully presented and delicious. Great service both time but Nicholas was particularly helpful our first visit. Our out-of-town visitors were most impressed."
    Dined on 3/26/2014
  • "We waited almost 20 minutes for our server to acknowledge us. Then the service was at best fair throughout the evening. We did mention this to the manager who was apologetic and paid for our drinks. The food was excellent which made the night pleasant. We will go back because the server was the problem not the restaurant."
    Dined on 3/24/2014
  • "This restaurant has great food and service. But it is located on a very busy corner, so the noise of traffic going past is rather high. The restaurant did what it could by building a waterfall and a stone wall - and even adding live music the night we were there - but the traffic noise is still pretty bad. And, the flies - oh, the flies! They were awful. So, if you're going to eat at the CorkTree, perhaps it would be best to eat indoors."
    Dined on 3/17/2014
  • "First time and won't be our last! Delicious food, great service!! Loved our evening there!!"
    Dined on 3/22/2014
  • "Expected a lot more... menu pretty limited, table by door was not good, waiters bumped into us, noisy. For the money, compared to other Palm Desert dining, this would be pretty far down;. salads and bread were probably the best things, excellent wedge and cesear salads."
    Dined on 3/21/2014
  • "I have eaten at this resaurant about 6 times and it is always great!! 5 stars all round! My only fault with the Cork Tree is that they shut down for the summer! But I guess if you work hard and consistently serve great food, then you deserve a break!!!"
    Dined on 3/22/2014
  • "My wife and I have been enjoying our visits to the Cork Tree in the past and our latest visit was as enjoyable as in the past. After having drinks in the bar with a great bartender, Richard, we were actually escorted to our table a little bit earlier than planned, which was fine with us. My wife ordered the house specialty, the Pork Shank with bone, and I ordered the New York strip steak. Both meals, including the salads, were presented very nicely and cooked perfectly. The meals were outstanding, as always. We even broke 'tradition' and ordered a nice little sorbet dessert dish, which we split. We'll definitely be going back."
    Dined on 3/21/2014
  • "Have heard rave reviews from trusted friends. Now I know why!"
    Dined on 3/16/2014
  • "We had a table of 6 and everyone really loved their meals. Everything about Cork Tree restaurant is A+"
    Dined on 3/15/2014
  • "We had a great dinner at this restaurant. The food was delicious great consistency & flavours. Nice presentations. The Lobster Bisque amazing. Corn Chowder fantastic. The scallops superb. Wine list very well structure for the style if food. The service was top notch. Highly recommend this restaurant. Servers & Maitre attentive & fast."
    Dined on 3/17/2014
  • "Great for outdoor dining unless sand storms are bad!"
    Dined on 3/17/2014
  • "The perfect spot for an after tennis soiré. Great food. Loved the mushroom ravioli."
    Dined on 3/15/2014
  • "The food we had was very good but when we sat down the waiter told us that they were out of the Seabass. They had replaced it with Halibut. While we got our drinks and chatted the waiter again came over again to announce they were out of the Halibut. My husband and I love fish and were very disappointed that this happened. The waiter felt terrible but it wasn't his fault. We will still go to the restaurant but hope to have a better experience next time."
    Dined on 3/16/2014
  • "I thought the restauraunt was a grat venue, we were greated and led to our table promptly followed by attentive pre-order service. My concern was my wife ordered a steak without the sauce and it came with the sauce on it. She mentioned it to the waiter and he said "my bad" and I can take it back but she said she would try it anyway. After a couple of bites she decided the sauce was not to her liking and stopped eating the steak we saw very little of the waiter after that until everyone in the group was done dining and he appeared to help clear the table. My wife with a complete steak left on her plate told the waiter the sauce was to strong for her, he noded and removed the plates with no comment."
    Dined on 3/15/2014
  • "Arrived and were immediately seated despite numerous parties waiting for a table. Service was friendly, timely and knowledgeable. Salads were fresh and tasty. Entrees were delicious and beautifully presented. The pork shank (one of their signature dishes) was outstanding! Will definitely return."
    Dined on 3/9/2014
  • "The restaurant was full, with a waiting list, when we arrived so we were glad we had reservations. Within moments we were shown to our table. We were seated at a table near the kitchen, inches away from the next table. It appeared that generally the tables were jammed together. The restaurant itself was very noisy. With a steady stream of servers, often pushing Rollie's, rushing by to the kitchen it felt like we were eating in Grand Central Station or a crowded food court. I do have to say that our meals were very delicious. However, for the overall experience, it was overpriced. This is not the restaurant for a quiet relaxed dinner where you would expect to pay a bit more. I cannot recommend this establishment."
    Dined on 3/14/2014
  • "The food was very tasty! I had the Sea Bass, it was cooked perfectly! The beet salad was yummy! The cocktails were delicious too! The service was fabulous! It's a little spendy but worth the price! I would recommend it highly!!"
    Dined on 3/11/2014
  • "Busy Sunday night. Lamb was good, scallops were undercooked Ordered and then waited 1/2 hour for salad then another 1/2 hour went by before we were served dinner. We would give them a second chance. Maybe it was just an off night."
    Dined on 3/9/2014
  • "As always, a wonderful restaurant. Love the atmosphere. Lamb was tough, but they were very apologetic and replaced it the the pork shank. The fish was fantastic. Our server, Beth couldn't have been more friendly, personable, and professional. Overall, a great experience, and we'll go back."
    Dined on 3/8/2014
  • "Overall, the food and ambience was great. The manager and host stopped by to make sure everything was fine. We had a wonderful table outside on the patio near the waterfall which was wonderful. We had heard that they allow you to bring your own wine for a reasonable corkage fee ($30)? Since we were celebrating a special occasion, we purchased an exceptional bottle of wine and brought it with us. The male waiter seemed a little miffed that we brought our own wine and our service went downhill from there. Besides that, everything else was wonderful!"
    Dined on 3/7/2014
  • "We are from Texas and eat here every time we visit. The food is excellent and the staff is so friendly. I recommend Cork Tree to everyone I hear is coming to Palm Springs."
    Dined on 3/8/2014
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Diners' Choice Awards
  • Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities Winners
  • Best Service
  • Palm Springs / Palm Desert Winners
  • Best Service
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