Cork Tree - Palm Desert

I absolutely love this restaurant and can’t wait to return. Highly recommended!

One of my favorites! You absolutely have to try the beet salad, basil martini, and the bread and butter! The service is excellent, and the food is consistently good!

We had a wonderful experience at the restaurant, thanks to the inviting atmosphere and excellent service. The drinks were fantastic, and the food was exceptional. I ordered the duck breast, which was cooked to perfection, while my wife enjoyed the short ribs and loved her dish as well. The Old Fashioned was impressive too—kudos to the bartender! Overall, it was a fantastic dinner to celebrate my birthday.

After selecting alternative dishes, the troubles continued when the restaurant failed to remove the duck from our bill, leading to an incorrect charge of $40. When we brought it to their attention, the resolution process was anything but smooth. They informed us that the refund would take 2 to 3 days to process, and, without prior notice, they recharged us the correct amount, which totaled almost $400. It was clear that Cork Tree Restaurant does not focus on providing exceptional dining experiences or catering to special celebrations. Instead, it seems to attract patrons who are willing to spend large sums on a single meal. In contrast, our visit to Cliffside was a delight—outstanding food, impeccable service, and a lovely atmosphere, all at a surprisingly lower price point. The differences between our experiences at Cork Tree and Cliffside underscored the importance of attentive customer service and quality dining. Cork Tree’s attempts to make amends, which included offering a gift card or voiding our bill, felt insufficient once the damage to our honeymoon experience had been done. As retail store managers ourselves, we understand customer service standards and that mistakes can occur. We’re not ones to make unreasonable complaints; we've dealt with our fair share of difficult customers. However, the series of errors at Cork Tree resulted in a significant amount being held on our account during our honeymoon, without any prior notice or a clear resolution. In conclusion, if you're in search of a remarkable dining experience, you might want to consider places like Cliffside, which prioritize exceptional service and high-quality cuisine without the steep prices associated with Cork Tree Restaurant.

This elegant restaurant is situated in upper Palm Desert. It features a cozy bar with an old-world charm and attentive, skilled bartenders. The wine selection is excellent. The menu showcases the high level of quality you would expect from such a refined establishment, offering fantastic steaks and seafood. The service is impeccable. This eatery is owned and operated by a well-known local family with a legendary reputation in the restaurant industry.