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The Godfather Table.  - Waldo's Ristorante, Palm Desert, CA

Waldo's Ristorante

4.5 (1025)
$31 to $50
Italian
74970 Country Club Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 10 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
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.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, American, Contemporary Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual

What 1,025 people are saying

Waldo's Ristorante reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Waldo's Ristorante is a beloved spot for Italian cuisine, consistently praised for its "exceptional service," "amazing drinks," and "delicious food." Patrons appreciate the "friendly and accommodating staff" and often return for the "wonderful atmosphere." Although some dishes could improve, Waldo's remains a "favorite" with "generous portions" and a welcoming vibe.
1,025 Reviews
  1. Jim

    Greater Boston3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was our first visit and we will definitely put Waldo’s on our rotation. From the moment we entered until we departed, the friendliness of the efficient staff was evident. Service was impeccable. Our food was delicious, especially the chicken parm. Also an excellent value.

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  2. William VIP

    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities24 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a great meal. Service is also great. Come back a lot.

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  3. Susan

    San Diego6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We came in for the Restaurant Week Menu and had the chicken parmigiana and the short ribs. Both were very good. Will be going back.

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  4. Chuck VIP

    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities13 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Decent portions but nothing special; Caesar ok, short ribs good, chicken parm ok, tiramisu’ & cheesecake ok

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  5. Diana VIP

    Phoenix / Arizona17 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Everything was fine until 9:25 pm when someone turned all of the lights up to the brightest level. I assume that this was to tell us to leave as they close at 9:30 pm. There were two tables left including ours and the table next to us. How much trouble would it have been to say we are closing in five minutes rather than turn the lights up? There are too many other dining options in Palm Desert where the staff isn’t rude.

    1 person found this helpful

  6. Donna

    Cincinnati / Dayton7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Waldo’s was a perfect location for going out with my girlfriends. The food was delicious. The service was impeccable and the seating location was ideal. Waldo’s always come through as a very, very nice place to go.

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  7. sue

    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities25 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    During Restaurant Week we try a new place each year. This year it was Waldo's and we were not disappointed. Everyone was happy with their meal. The service was terrific. The cream of mushroom soup was so, so, so delicious. We will be back.

    1 person found this helpful

  8. Mary VIP

    San Diego34 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 3, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Large portions! Delicious halibut dinner. Lobster ravioli enjoyable as well. Service was a little slow, but server was very pleasant.

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  9. Steve VIP

    San Diego69 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We were celebrating restaurant week and had a great time The food was excellent and the service was excellent

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  10. Mark

    Las Vegas11 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 31, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wife and I got reservations for 6:30 were seated as we came in . Prompt attention Water, Bread butter menus. Got some time to look and then both ordered wines “Nice” Wedge salad , Great dressing. Could have Split, wife ordered Chicken Picata. Swears it was to die for. I myself had Scallopini Picata with steamed veggies was Great. Good portions too. Capped of with a split Tiramisu desert that was Fresh and moist as if was just made.

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FAQs

Waldo's Ristorante is rated 4.5 stars by 1025 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities
  4. Palm Springs / Palm Desert
  5. Palm Desert

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 10 times today
Google Map for Waldo's Ristorante

74970 Country Club Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Palm Desert
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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
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