Waldo's Ristorante

Name: Waldo's Ristorante
Address: 74970 Country Club Dr, Palm Desert, CA, United States, 92260
Telephone: (760) 423-6061
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.3

4.3

484 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

Welcome to our home!
Waldo’s was founded by restaurateur Waldo Cesoni with the intention of becoming “the destination point” for a true Italian culinary experience.

The restaurant pays homage to the essence of the great Italian American restaurants of mid-20th century in New York, where delicious, exceptionally well-prepared food was served in settings that were simultaneously elegant, comfortable, and unpretentious.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 9, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Italian, American, Contemporary Italian
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(760) 423-6061
Website
https://www.waldosristorante.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual

Location
74970 Country Club Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Neighborhood
Palm Desert
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Calamari$16.00
Off the charts. Marinara Sauce. So fresh. So good!
Fried Zucchini$15.00
Our exclusive fried artichoke hearts. Marinara Sauce
Artichoke Hearts From Heaven$15.00
Tutti-Gusti Antipasto Misto$24.00
Roasted Peppers & Sausages$18.00
Fantastico!
Carpaccio$26.00
Thinly-sliced filet with arugula, capers, shaved parmesan. An Italian Classic
Fried Polenta$12.00
Fontina, mushrooms, touch of garlic, marinara sauce
Garlic Bread or Bruschetta$10.00
Empanada Trio$16.00
One beef, one spinach and two cheese homemade empanadas. Served with Marinara sauce

Insalata, Zuppa & Contorni

add grilled free range chicken to any salad $8

Mr Cesare$15.00
Classic Caesar salad
Spinaci Bellisima$15.00
Spinach, Walnuts, red onion, shaved parmesan with sun-dried cherries
Beets "Vicenzo"$16.00
Beets, Mixed greens with fresh goat cheese
Prosciutto with Melon$18.00
Sliced of melon wrapped with Prosciutto
Waldo's Wedge$16.00
Iceberg Lettuce, Chopped Tomato, Crumbled Bleu Cheese with Bleu Cheese Dressing
Caprese Burrata$16.00
Fresh Burrata, Tomatoes & Basil
Soup of the Day$10.00
Sausage, Chicken or Meatballs$8.00

Pasta

Capellini "Vito"$20.00
Angel hair pasta, capers, basil, garlic, spicy-hot red peppers sauteed in extra virgin olive oil, wow!
Capellini alla Checca$20.00
Angel hair with delicate basil freshly-diced Romans and garlic sauteed in extra virgin olive oil
Puttanesca$22.00
Caper, anchovy, black olive, onion, hint of garlic mix in the most incredible sauce, a naughty little penne you will start to crave in the night. You'll be hooked!
Fettuccine Alfredo$22.00
Simple, incredible!
Fettuccine Zingara$24.00
Chicken, sausage, peppers in our famous ossobuco sauce. Everyone loves this! A real winner!
Fettuccine Bolognese$24.00
Fettuccine with a savory red meat sauce
Linguine Rustica$24.00
Fresh mushrooms, sausage, chicken, sauteed in a creamy and truly delicious champagne sauce
Spaghetti Carbonara "W"$24.00
Spaghetti pasta tossed with pancetta, pepper And black olives
Cannelloni$24.00
Ground veal, ricotta. Choice of sauce
Manicotti$24.00
Spinach, mushroom, ricotta. Choice of sauce
Lasagna$24.00
meat lasagna with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan
Ravioli$24.00
Choice of veal, chicken, or cheese. Choice of sauce: marinara, alfredo, Bolognese, aurora pink sauce
Eggplant Parma$22.00
Oven Baked Eggplant topped with Marinara Sauce and Mozzarella Cheese
Gnocchi al Piacere$20.00
Our gnocchi served "your way" with any sauce you like: Pesto, marinara, Alfredo, you name it!
Orecchiette Lucera$24.00
Little ear-shaped pasta, sauteed with Italian sausage, a little garlic, rapini, and arugula. Give this a try!
Spaghetti and Meatballs$26.00

Di Mare

Lake Superior White Fish$28.00
Butter, dill weed, onion, and garlic pepper
Salmon$35.00
Waldo's shining star! A real and true treasure!
Clams$30.00
Manila Clams with Garlic, basil & Butter. Choice of red or white sauce
Halibut$32.00
Cooked to perfection. Choice of Picatta, Lemon butter or Checca Sauce!
Fish of the Day
Ask what is the catch of the day
- MKT

Vitello

Lombatina alla Boscaiola$45.00
The finest and freshest veal chop available, prepared with our special porcini and champion mushroom sauce. An amazing, once in a life time, feast of a meal!
Cotoletta Parma$45.00
The classic veal Parmigiana. Created using the finest veal available, served on the bone. The outstanding dish has become our signature. Take one bite, and fall in love!
Scallopini Piccata$35.00
Delicate has to be the word, created with tender care using fine white wine, capers, and lemon-butter
Scallopini Marsala$35.00
It is the high-spirited, beautiful marsala wine with the in credible marriage of freshly prepared porcini and champignon mushrooms that create this outstanding culi nary experience
Veal Saltimbocca$35.00
Topped with Fresh Sage, and Prosciutto ham. Served with Veggies

Pollo

All of our beautiful and delicious chicken dishes are prepared with fresh, hormone-free, California free-range chicken. That's our way!

Pollos$30.00
Piccata! Marsala! Cacciatore! Mama mia!
Pollo Parmigiana$30.00
Waldo's shining star! A real and true treasure!
Pollo Santa Fe$30.00
Delicately sauteed breast of fresh chicken, simmered with artichokes and lemon in the most incredible white wine sauce you will ever experience!
Country Club Pollo$30.00
This sauteed tender breast is served with eggplant, Prosciutto, fontina cheese, and bathed in our incredible cognac cream sauce! Oh boy!

La Cosa Nostra

Oso Bucco di la Nonna$46.00
On-Bone, veal shank, slowly braised with all the good stuff. Just order it!
Rack of Lamb$35.00
Pan seared to your liking, topped with our Burgundy wine reduction sauce with Mint Jelly on the side. Served with Veggies
Short Ribs alla Italiana$38.00
Slowly braised to perfection. Served with Veggies and Love!
Lobster Ravioli$35.00
Served with our Famous pink sauce!
La Cotoletta Milanese$45.00
Only the finest fresh veal, gently pounded, lightly breaded, and carefully sauteed to perfection. Served with Arugula and cherry tomatoes

What 484 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3

4.3 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.4Service
4.2Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Energetic

Sort by

l
likeeatingout
Palm Springs
45 reviews
5.0
45 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience3
Went for restaurant week. Nice selection and a whole lotta food for the money. We both took half home and just barely had room for the huge slice of tiramisu. Tables are a bit close together so moving around was a bit tricky. Service was attentive and everyone seemed to pitch in as needed.
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CG
CindyG
Orange County
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a fantastic experience at your restaurant last night! The server was excellent! She made our friend’s birthday very special for her. Everyone’s dish was prepared perfectly and delicious. Even though it is restaurant week, the food was perfect and it altered to meet a special criteria. The tiramisu was fresh and delicious as well as the cheesecake. Can’t wait to come back for more! Thank you for being so customer focused.
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GM
GeorgeM
Palm Springs
8 reviews
vip
3.0
8 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall3food5service3ambience3
We were told that evening Waldo ‘s was offering 50% off a bottle of wine. So we bought one. Well. We got home. Checked the bill and didn’t receive it. We called. Waldo’s said come by and we’ll give you a gift card. Lol
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t
thescbaguy
Orange County
85 reviews
vip
5.0
85 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent food, and excellent service by Erica. The Lobster Ravioli was outstanding, with a tarragon-infused pink sauce that reminded me of the Lobster Newburg I used to get on the East Coast when I was a kid. The New York Cheesecake dessert is served in a massive portion, easily shareable by two people. Nice wine list, heavy on Italian varietals, with many offered by the glass. Don't miss the last 3 pages, which appear to be a private collection of $1000+ wines. Someday, when I win the lottery ... All in all, a very enjoyable evening.
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PP
PattyP
Las Vegas
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was terrific. The service attentive. We’ll be back!
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W
Wikipu
Palm Springs
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
lovely ambiance, delicious food, outstanding waitress (Barbara), good value especially with 1/2 off bottles of wine and Carlos (the manager) was going around making sure everyone was happy. Looking forward to going to Happy Hour there !!
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R
Raylaf
Palm Springs
65 reviews
vip
5.0
65 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
We visited the restaurant during Restaurant Week. They had several options available for this week. I had the lasagna and it was very good. My wife had the lobster ravioli and I tried it and it was the best lobster ravioli that I have ever had and I am from New England. The restaurant was very busy requiring a reservation on a Sunday night. The noise level was a bit high as the tables were very close. The staff were very busy but attentive. Overall a great meal.
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EP
ErinP
Los Angeles
7 reviews
vip
1.0
7 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall1food2service1ambience5
This is our third time at this restaurant prior visits we were very happy however last night they didn’t have enough help! We waited over 45 minutes for our food. Our waiter never came and asked if we wanted any more drinks or filled our water glasses. Are meals were average at best. My girlfriends chicken piccata was terrible didn’t have any sauce or capers We asked to have a the corkage removed since we had to wait so long and they would not do it! In fact, they were very rude to us
Waldo's RistoranteResponded 3 days agoSir, please next time do not go behind the bar to pour yourself a beer. It’s rude and disrespectful to the restaurant employees that are there to take care of you. Thank you.
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j
jeffm
Central Coast
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our second visit and could not be more pleased. It was also nice to see the "Snow Birds" leave as it was much easier to make a resy and the restaurant was not near as noisy.
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g
golfbug97
Los Angeles
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful! We will be back again. Food and service was top rate.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My wife & I loved this place! We came here to celebrate our anniversary. It's the details in the food and service that makes this place amazing. We had linguine rústica and fettuccine zíngara and they were delicious!
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KG
KGW22
Palm Springs
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on May 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our second visit to Waldo's and we enjoyed it thoroughly. It's a new go to place
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BB
BarryB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everyone in our party enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Our waiter Edward provided excellent service.
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LS
LynnS
Los Angeles
52 reviews
vip
2.0
52 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience3
This is our 2nd and last time dining at Waldo’s! Both times we had reservations at 7:00. When we arrived we were asked to wait in the bar area for our table. It took forever so we just decided to order from there! Finally at 8:10 our dinner arrived! The service was absolutely horrible but they were all very nice. I had the special linguine and clams and it had about 6 clams with undercooked pasta in a heavy butter sauce, not a favorable wine sauce. Many people were not as patient as we were and just left, with some very harsh words to the manager. We won’t go back…there are too many great restaurants in the desert and unfortunately, Waldo’s isn’t one of them.
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F
Fine
Phoenix
69 reviews
vip
1.0
69 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
This is the third time I made a reservation and when I arrived we were asked to wait 30 minutes because our table wasn’t ready. When I said I had reservations the host was very rude, so we left and will never return.
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D
Dorie
Los Angeles
11 reviews
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 18, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
The food was mediocre . Service not bad…we come to the desert twice a year. I don’t think we’ll be eating at Waldo’s.
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A
Anon
Seattle
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 17, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
Service was not up to regular standards. While very nice and pleasant but we had to ask two times for water but nobody seemed aware if we wanted refills, and I never did get the drink I ordered. (but I didn't get charged for it either). Waitress was very pleasant. Food was delicious.
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a
alanc
San Francisco
5 reviews
vip
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 17, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience4
Food was tasteless and overcooked. Won’t be back until they change the chef.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Palm Springs
72 reviews
3.0
72 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience2
We have eaten at Waldo's once before and we liked it so we thought we would ry it again with friends who have not been here. We were very disappointed. The Fettuccine Bolognese was very bland as was the Alfredo Fettuccine. The eggplant Parmigiana was not as good as last time. The Chicken Alfredo was reportedly good not great. We had reservations but were seated in the bar which was very noisy with loud music and talking. We asked to be moved but were told the only table available was very cramped. When we left all tables were empty so I know they were not that busy and could have accommodated us. We will most likely not go back.
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I
Indiobill
Palm Springs
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2023
overall2food3service1ambience1
Went for Mother’s Day and restaurant was crowded and so noisy we couldn’t hear normal conversation at our table. Serving staff was overwhelmed and it took a full hour to get our food, which turned out to be ordinary at best.
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BB
BobbieB
Palm Springs
12 reviews
vip
2.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2023
overall2food2service5ambience3
We were in a crowded little room. Two large parties on our right and left. Hot, noisy and crowded. Food was mediocre. Waitress was very nice. Bread was delicious.
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SG
SteveG
Palm Springs
17 reviews
vip
3.0
17 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall3food2service2ambience5
My meal did not come out with the others at my table. My eggplant parmesan wasn't as good as in the past. It was mostly hot gooey cheese and very little eggplant.
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RG
RandiG
Palm Springs
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food,great service.Wine a little pricey..Good for a splurge
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G
richG
Los Angeles
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very good food. You’ll have some to take home. Popular. Place is small so a rez is good to have
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JR
JohnR
Los Angeles
53 reviews
vip
5.0
53 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The Caesar salad was excellent. The halibut was fresh and tender. We would definitely return.
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BJ
BJDLRL
Palm Springs
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
After having a wonderful birthday celebration dinner at Waldo's in December 2022, I decided to do the same for my visiting Michigan cousin's 75th birthday last night. We visited the bar for a pre-dinner cocktail and were royally treated with generous, very tasty drinks by Charlie. After we were seated, Erica provided friendly, efficient, and fun service for the remainder of the evening. She helped in our decisions from the tasteful menu, and happily allowed us to make small substitutions (my pasta with pesto rather than marinera). They had a nice variety of wine-by-the-glass that we immensely enjoyed with dinner. After we finished, Erica served us a fantastic and large slice of chocolate cake with a lit sparkler in celebration of my cousin's birthday. Admittedly the jovial restaurant-wide conversations are "energetic," one of the elements we truly enjoyed. We were still able to carry on our own intimate chat without disturbing others, or being disturbed by theirs. We will return to Waldo's over and over. My cousin said it was the best birthday celebration ever!
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p
pippy
Palm Springs
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A very pleasant experience we sat at the bar and had some great martinis then went to dinner the staff were excellent and the food was superb. I will go back to this restaurant, I booked through Opentable which made it so easy to book a time to suit my needs. Thank you everyone for a wonderful evening out
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L
Leslie
Palm Springs
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on May 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our third time there….great food and great service . We will be back
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C
Chick
Palm Springs
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A local gem for Italian Food. Nice ambiance , good service and fair pricing.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a fabulous find. Service, ambience, food all were excellent. Special kudos to James at the bar - he’s the best !!!
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DW
DWellser
Denver
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Once again - Waldo's proved it is the best Italian Restaurant in the Coachella Valley. So glad it has opened across the street from our favorite resort; Marriott's Desert Springs Villas. We will be back for Mother's Day.
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A
Andi
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience5
This restaurant was interesting. It was buzzing and had a great ambience. Our server was personable, helpful and efficient. But the food was disappointing, the presentation was not great. I was surprised
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s
suzanne
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Waldos is always wonderful. The ambiance, food and service has never disappointed.
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P
Packrat
Palm Springs
29 reviews
vip
4.0
29 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Prompt seating. Interesting food and wine menus. Excellent food. Attentive service.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Palm Springs
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time here. MUST have reservations, fills up quick. Wait staff was great as well as the food. Half off wine was a welcomed surprise. Will add this to our restaurant rotation.
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MF
MegF
Los Angeles
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
always great !! Loved the wine specials too ! The food was excellent
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A
Andrew
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everyone loved all entrees. Server was outstanding. Best eggplant parm I have ever had! Can’t wait to return !
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AH
AliH
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service This was my second visit to the restaurant.
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KS
KathyS
San Francisco
27 reviews
vip
3.0
27 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2023
overall3food2service2ambience2
We were here last year when they first opened and I had a fabulous salmon special. So good that when I got home from vacation I called the restaurant to Find out if I coujd get the recipe for the great sauce tgat was on the salmon. This year we returned to overcooked, dry, tasteless salmon with linguine marinara. Not a good fit either. How about over a bed of succulent mashed potatoes for example. Doubt we will return. :(
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience4
Food was marginal. Disappointed in the barely dressed and warm Caesar salad, overpriced entrees.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily

FAQs

Waldo's Ristorante is rated 4.3 stars by 484 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 9, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

74970 Country Club Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Additional information

Neighborhood
Palm Desert
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Italian, American, Contemporary Italian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.waldosristorante.com/
Phone number
(760) 423-6061

Waldo's Ristorante

Make a reservation

Additional information

Lasagna

Ravioli

Cannelloni

Antipasti

Calamari$16.00

Fried Zucchini$15.00

Artichoke Hearts From Heaven$15.00

Tutti-Gusti Antipasto Misto$24.00

Roasted Peppers & Sausages$18.00

Carpaccio$26.00

Fried Polenta$12.00

Garlic Bread or Bruschetta$10.00

Empanada Trio$16.00

Insalata, Zuppa & Contorni

Mr Cesare$15.00

Spinaci Bellisima$15.00

Beets "Vicenzo"$16.00

Prosciutto with Melon$18.00

Waldo's Wedge$16.00

Caprese Burrata$16.00

Soup of the Day$10.00

Sausage, Chicken or Meatballs$8.00

Pasta

Capellini "Vito"$20.00

Capellini alla Checca$20.00

Puttanesca$22.00

Fettuccine Alfredo$22.00

Fettuccine Zingara$24.00

Fettuccine Bolognese$24.00

Linguine Rustica$24.00

Spaghetti Carbonara "W"$24.00

Cannelloni$24.00

Manicotti$24.00

Lasagna$24.00

Ravioli$24.00

Eggplant Parma$22.00

Gnocchi al Piacere$20.00

Orecchiette Lucera$24.00

Spaghetti and Meatballs$26.00

Di Mare

Lake Superior White Fish$28.00

Salmon$35.00

Clams$30.00

Halibut$32.00

Fish of the Day

Vitello

Lombatina alla Boscaiola$45.00

Cotoletta Parma$45.00

Scallopini Piccata$35.00

Scallopini Marsala$35.00

Veal Saltimbocca$35.00

Pollo

Pollos$30.00

Pollo Parmigiana$30.00

Pollo Santa Fe$30.00

Country Club Pollo$30.00

La Cosa Nostra

Oso Bucco di la Nonna$46.00

Rack of Lamb$35.00

Short Ribs alla Italiana$38.00

Lobster Ravioli$35.00

La Cotoletta Milanese$45.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

Cleaning & sanitizing

FAQs

How is Waldo's Ristorante restaurant rated?

Is Waldo's Ristorante currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information