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: 4.5

4.5

549 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

Sep 22, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 3 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

What 549 people are saying

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

4.4Food
4.7Service
4.4Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

549 Reviews

JR
JamesR
Memphis/West TN
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent and so was the service! We will return!
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M
Mags
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were celebrating a special occasion so we wanted to dine somewhere special. Waldo’s was the perfect choice! This was our second visit and there will definitely be more visits to Waldo’s.
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g
gunner12
Palm Springs
21 reviews
vip
4.0
21 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food4service2ambience4
This was my first visit to Waldo's were I was disappointed. The food was good as usual, but our server seemed more interested in chatting with his co-workers than waiting on us. I'll go back but it was not up to standard.
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WS
WadeS
Palm Springs
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience4
This was the first time I had been to this location and found it to be a very attractive place. We were greeted at the opened door by the hostess who took us to our booth in the corner. A waitree appeared almost immediately and brought water and bread and we ordered two splits of Champagne to celebrate a birthday. The splits arrived and we toasted the celebration and ordered our meals. After talking for only a few minutes, our dinners arrived. We had the Pasta Rustica and the Eggplant Parm. Both were scrumptious. Our desert for the celebration was a nice sized slice of a most delicious chocolate cake covered with chocolate syrup and lit with a sparkler. Quite a pleasant surprise; then everyone sang "Happy Birthday". All in all a very satisfactory evening and a delicius dinner and dessert! Will definitely come back again! Thank you all!!!
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VM
VectorMan
Los Angeles
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time at Waldo's. We had the Short Ribs & Linguine Rustica. Both were very good. Short Ribs were super tender and full of flavor. Carrots & string beans were good, although the beans were a bit tough. Linguine sauce was rich & tasty, with generous portions of chicken, sausage, & mushrooms mixed in. The bread that came with the meal had a crusty outside & soft inside - perfect. Our Server, Allen, was on top of everything, making sure we had what we needed. Can't wait to come back & try a different entree.
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JN
JohnN
Palm Springs
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
As usual, Waldo's didn't disappoint. Three friends who haven't dined here before accompanied us last night. Everyone was very pleased with their meals and experience. The half-off wine bottle sale was a happy surprise. Our server (Erica?) was delightful and took great care of us.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and food! From the minute we walked in we were greeted and every staff member was on it. They functioned like a well oiled machine.
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k
kimmy
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall2food2service4ambience3
Chicken was dry - ordered angel hair pasta but got spaghetti. We were told at 7:45 that the kitchen closed at 8:00. We felt rushed to leave. Music shut off and lights turned up while we were still eating.
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RS
RoseS
Palm Springs
8 reviews
vip
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Ambience and soft classic music was lovely, wine list was good. Menu attractive. Food average. Caesar salad was horrible. Service excellent. Dessert and coffee delicious.
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CS
CallieS
Palm Springs
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Party of 6 all raved about how delicious their dinners were.
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F
Formerdodger
Palm Springs
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Waldo's was a nice surprise. The owner's other restaurant Backstreet Bistro is one of my favs and geographically closer to me but decided to try this newer place for the Italian. The 3-course special of Veal Parmingana had a nicely flavored house sauce over a large, thinly pounded cutlet. it was not overcooked. My friend ate her entire piece of Salmon, said she loved the house glaze over it and the veggies were fresh . Spouse had the Canelloni which was not cheesy, to his delight. Other guest enjoyed the baked Lasagna. I am going back for the Lake Superior Whitefish, not seen on the menu anywhere else around here. There is a nice Bar, and separate bar seating, which looked comfortable. The atmosphere is traditional and on the quiet side, which is nice to be able to hear your dining companions. Wine selection good, especially the Italian Chiantis but many popular selections. Friendly staff. Very cool birthday candles if it's a special celebration. Would recommend for couples, small groups and date night, or as an alternative to dining at the Marriott across the street.
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M
Marge
Palm Springs
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
My daughter ordered the short ribs, that I had had previously and they were the same - melted in your mouth! Delicious. I decided to try the lasagna and was disappointed. It was a large portion but mainly layers of pasta. There was very little ricotta in it and the center was a bit hard and couldn't cut it with a fork. perhaps their style doesn't require ricotta? It was my second time in the restaurant. The first time my son ordered the osso bucco and it was excellent, as were the short ribs I ordered. I am anxious to try the other meat dishes, but would not order the lasagna. Sorry.
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DS
DianaS
Palm Springs
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Both the food and service are awesome. I love the ambiance
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O
Oldfinallywanttorelax
Los Angeles
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience4
Very welcoming and accommodating. My pasta was warm and the meatballs not so. My wife was pleased with her meal. Nice atmosphere but on the cool side temperature wise and the background music was loud. But it looks like a fun place, nearby tables are real close. No Coca Cola only Pepsi.
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KM
KathleenM
Palm Springs
43 reviews
vip
2.0
43 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall2food1service2ambience2
The Prosecco cocktail and wine selection was great - but that was about it. I had Eggplant Parmesan and it was terrible! The eggplant was not breaded. It was simply strips of eggplant and ricotta cheese. My sister has the Ravioli - the sauce was not great and filling was boring. I didn't want to make a fuss, so I just didn't order anything else. The manager came over and offered something else, but it just wasn't worth the wait. I almost never give poor review - just choose not to review. I can't let this go. There are better places in the desert.
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JC
JenniferC
Palm Springs
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Fabulous food & service. I liked that our server made suggestions. VERY loud but that’s ok. Italians try to out talk each other. 😁😁 Wine prices were very fair
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d
deggo1
Las Vegas
43 reviews
vip
5.0
43 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
It was our first time trying out Waldo’s for our anniversary and been wanting to go for a while and happy we did 👊 we had a reservation and got right in ordered the special bottle of wine for $20 it was a pretty good wine too the food was good but service was great 👍 recommended to some of our family and going back for sure.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience4
Super cute decor but tables are very close, very loud. Food was just ok. Sorta bland. Hears the table (because it was so close) say same thing, bland. I feel for the price should get better quality. Maybe a nice dipping oil for the bread and some spice/flavor to the dish. Let me be clear was not awful. Just foe the money expected more.
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G
Glenn
Palm Springs
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sorry, I don't have time for all these reviews but I'll make an exception for Waldo's. I can't find fault in anything we've experienced. I tend to order a lot of Bolognese sauce and theirs is exceptional as it is not overly thick. There's a nice tomato sauce aspect to it. 50% off bottles of wine are an exceptional value.
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C
Chas
Palm Springs
129 reviews
vip
4.0
129 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Nice evening with friends enjoying good food and conversation. Staff was courteous and helpful as we inquired about menu selections. We’ll be back for sure 👍
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ST
SherryT
San Diego
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always love Waldo’s …great food and service! Connie was our server and she was awesome!
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JN
JohnN
Palm Springs
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Waldo's continues to not disappoint. This visit I ordered the Veal Marsala. It was delicious--veal was tender and the mushroom sauce was excellent. Service was great; the new manager stopped by our table a couple times to see if we were enjoying our experience. The dining room was busy but the noise level was very comfortable last night.
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OR
OrianaR
Las Vegas
14 reviews
vip
3.0
14 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
The staff is pleasant and the restaurant is nice. Unfortunately, I have eaten here twice and the food is underwhelming.
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AW
AliceW
Portland
38 reviews
vip
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on August 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our second time at Waldo's and we were just as pleased with the service and food as our first experience. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the food is excellent.
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DN
DateNightDiners
Palm Springs
19 reviews
4.0
19 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Waldo's is our go to for a local, quick Carbonara fix! Along with their outstanding Caesar Salad, food is always consistently great. 4 Stars for this visit - we had a reservation, restaurant was 10% full if that, and we were seated at the smallest two-top table right next to the bar. We asked to be moved and were, staff just didn't have a great night I guess, but we'll be back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix
10 reviews
2.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 9, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience3
Food was mediocre at best. Had to send the eggplant oarm back but server was prompt at resolving the issue. Got the vibe that preparing good food wasn’t a priority during the low season. Staff was bleaching the floors as we were finishing our wine and dessert, and this was at 8:30. Half price wine promo was the only plus.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was great. We had a late reservation and they were very accommodating to our large party.
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J
Jory
Palm Springs
36 reviews
vip
2.0
36 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall2food1service2ambience4
I've been to this restaurant many times and it keeps getting worse. We ordered the white fish. It was very overcooked. We sent it back but the fish was just off. I'm not sure I'm going back
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LC
LindaC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 3, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Our first time to Waldo’s, we had delicious food! We had the special which included Caesar salad, lasagna and choice of dessert. The portions of food were plenty and we chose the cheesecake. The lasagna and cheesecake were by far one of the best we have tasted. Highly recommend that special!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Yosemite
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, excellent service. We’ll be back
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KM
KristiM
Palm Springs
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on July 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our third visit and the food and service continue to be very good.
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LP
LeeP
Palm Springs
45 reviews
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Second time eating at Waldo’s, this time with a group of five. And everything was excellent, particularly the cuisine and the service. All my friends enjoyed their meals as much as I did, and we plan to return again soon.
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JD
JimmyDee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Celebrated a Birthday, and had the time of our lives. Highly recommend this place to anyone.
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DA
DoloresA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We enjoyed our first visit, being the neighborhood We will be return.
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TJ
TJD47
Palm Springs
54 reviews
vip
5.0
54 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Three of us celebrated my daughter's birthday last night, and the Waldo's crew made it very special. From the attention we received even before the birthday girl arrived, to the ordering of drinks and appetizers, to the suggestions for our vegan girl, the evening was made so special, mostly due to the attentions of Amanda, our main server. The amazing surprise at the end of the meal was the Roman candle on the complimentary birthday cake (flourless chocolate, delicious). Salads were great, vegan pasta was delicious, chicken piccata was wonderful. Only sour note was the veal piccata: overcooked the veal, came out dry and a bit tough. Chef can do a much better job on this. Otherwise, a delightful birthday dinner for us! Waldo never disappoints.
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TE
TomE
Palm Springs
138 reviews
vip
5.0
138 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall5food5service3ambience3
Excellent food with large portions. Server was friendly, though I would have liked a second glass of wine midway through my entree, and she was nowhere to be found. A general comment that I notice with most restaurants now is that they virtually never offer to refill your coffee. I suppose they are anxious to have diners clear out after their meal so they can turn the table.
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J
Judith
Palm Springs
61 reviews
vip
4.0
61 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Waldo's food is excellent, as is the service. The veal parmesian was outstanding. Great desserts. Not the place for you if you want quiet conversation! Seating is very close and the noise level can be intense. But all in all it's a great restaurant with great food and service.
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ER
ERent
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall2food1service5ambience2
There are better Italian restaurants out there that are better and cheaper... pasta is pasta and should not break your bank account.
Waldo's RistoranteResponded on July 25, 2023
"Pasta is pasta?", with that thinking why go to a steakhouse when you can have the same steak for a 3rd of the price??
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R
Robert
Palm Springs
11 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Lake Superior Whitefish was paper thin…resembled a flattened filet of sole.. restaurant very nice and good service… will give it another try
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GT
GeorgeT
Washington DC
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on July 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service.
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Safety precautions

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

FAQs

Waldo's Ristorante is rated 4.5 stars by 549 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

Sep 22, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 3 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

Popular dishes

Lasagna

Salmon

Spaghetti Carbonara "W"

Menu

What 549 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

FAQs

How is Waldo's Ristorante restaurant rated?

Is Waldo's Ristorante currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information