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

Waldo's Ristorante

4.3
4.3
484 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
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

2 people

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

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

Popular dishes

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

NoiseEnergetic

Sort by

  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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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  11. 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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  12. 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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  13. 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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  14. 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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  15. 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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  16. 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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  17. 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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  18. 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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  19. 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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  20. 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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  21. 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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  22. 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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  23. 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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  24. 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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  25. 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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  26. 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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  27. 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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  28. 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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  29. 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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  30. 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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  31. 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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  32. 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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  33. 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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  34. 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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  35. 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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  36. 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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  37. 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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  38. 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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  39. 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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  40. 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

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 17 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–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

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