Another wonderful dining experience in the Treehouse. We brought 8 bottles of great wine including champagne. No cork fees. Fantastic service. read more

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We had another fabulous lunch at Laurel Tree - had a few new items - the lemon artichoke soup was amazing! We all enjoyed the chicken divan and the salmon. The dessert was amazing as usual! This was maybe the 7th visit for us and it's always a treat. The poppies were just starting to bloom! read more

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We had a very special meal here for my big birthday weekend. It was a prix fixe menu of excellent food at a great price. The wait staff was top notch. The owner came out and introduced herself. We were able to walk the grounds and see the gypsy wagon and greenhouse. They also have a tree house dining experience for whomever manages to reserve it in advance (it's a popular option). I was impressed with how they've decorated the place so I took a few pictures. I'll also post a picture of the menu, though that changes every week. It's byob, so we brought wine and they provided corkage service. But they also offered peach iced tea and a nice cup of coffee Half of us got the quail and the other half got the striped bass. Both were very good. Veggies were perfectly al dente. The bread was fresh. The stuffed banana peppers came from their garden. The salad dressing was homemade. The dessert was a housemade cookie a la mode. And we all left quite full and very glad for the experience. read more

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Perfect atmosphere. Wonderful Christmas decorations. The food was fabulous and the service was amazing. Will recommend to others. Plus, they had fresh-brewed ice tea just like you would expect from a first-rate establishment. Already planning our return trip. read more

We were staying in Hondo for the weekend and asked our host for recommendations. She let us know about Laurel Tree and helped us with the reservation. We were very delighted when we drove in and saw the awesome exterior but were even more enchanted when we walked in and saw the unique ambiance. Each dinner is a set 5 course meal, with 2 options for the main course. My boyfriend and I decided to order one of each choice so we could try both options. Everything was great! The lemon artichoke heart soup was creamy and savory. The lemon mashed potatoes had a tart kick unlike anything I had ever tried. And the pecan toffee tartlette with whipped topping was to die for. We were able to enjoy a nice dinner and walk around and see the collection of artifacts on the property. Highly recommend this place for anyone near the area! read more

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The Laurel Tree is an incredibly unique restaurant and experience. The atmosphere was so charming and every single course was outstanding. The service was top notch. I hope to return some day. I would make a trip to Utopia just to eat there again. read more

This hidden gem is worth a special trip. The food was first rate, the service was excellent, and the restaurant itself was amazing.

We celebrated our 27 years again last night at the Laurel Tree. The place was beautiful with a nice fire roaring. We recognized several locals and got to catch up with Laurel. Our dinner was fabulous and a nice slow pace. We brought a bottle of sparkling wine to enjoy with our appetizer mushroom cheese tart. Very nice small bite. Next up was a creamy curry cauliflower soup followed by a citrus mixed green salad. All wonderful. We then opened a delightful red blend from Dotson-Cervantes to go with our main courses. (Just love BYOB places) The wife of course had the lamb chops. She loves lamb chops. I had the fish with crab and artichokes. Both very good. Coffee and a caramel corn cake made for a good ending. Such a nice place to have a long, satisfying meal. Such great service, everyone welcoming and nice. Worth the drive even if you don't live in Utopia. read more

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This being our 2nd visit, we were stunned to have Chef/Owner Laurel Waters tell us AFTER consumption we were served the lower grade, not haute cuisine Farmed Shrimp. In our book, it either is Wild Caught or nothing! Why not being transparent & list that fact in your menu? Thanks to this surprise, I can only rate at *** ! The 1st time it was 4... We all have learned about the possible dangers in Farmed Shrimp, especially since ca. 75% are farmed in & imported from Vietnam, China, Indonesia, etc. into the USA. They roughly cost 1/3 of Wild Caught, but since when does price matter, to the Chef & her Clients. WE PAY! Hey, the Gulf is not that far away, eh? Go ahead & Google "Farmed vs. WILD CAUGHT SHRIMP". Laurel, PLEASE serve the Real & Wild Caught Shrimp! Thank You.. read more

New to the area and not sure what to expect. It was my birthday and put 'Farm to Table' restaurant in Yelp and found the Laurel Tree. I live in Kerrville and it was a beautiful drive, but a little scary in the dark on the way back to town. I walked in and was blown away by the EU decor. The tree house in the back is just a marvel. Flat price $69, excellent food and service was great. The only option was the protein (lamb or fish). We had one of each-everything was delicious. The host/owner/chef came by to say hi. Everything was fresh and yummy 10/10. There is an option to bring your own wine (almost every table did). If your wanting an adventure, don't mind driving, and not afraid of dark country roads this is your place!!!! Open only on weekends, check hours for availability. read more

This is an outstanding Restraunt. If you want to treat a guest, spouse or to a magnificent meal in an unforgettable setting where the wait staff and chef pay attention to detail; you will want to experience a meal at The Laurel Tree! read more

Delightful meal, lovely environment, terrific staff! Chose this restaurant to celebrate a birthday while in the area hiking. What a treat! The food was amazing! It's a 5 course prix fixe menu that changes every week. The chef/owner Laurel greeted every table and made us feel so welcome. It's a lovely property and we were invited to walk about prior to our meal. They don't turn tables -- your reserved table is yours all evening, so you can take your time and truly enjoy the evening. Each course was delicious! Laurel clearly has a passion for all she does! Our server was very attentive and sweet! We will certainly return. Oh -- it's BYOB so stop by a local winery and bring something yummy! read more

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I've been wanting to dine at this restaurant for some time! I was finally fortunate to get a reservation for Saturday at lunch. We planned on spending the weekend in San Antonio and it's about 1 1/2 hours to Utopia We got there early, so to kill some time we drove to Garner State Park. The views are fantastic going there in the Hill Country! We got back in time, entered and we were greeted by Mrs. Waters. Wonderful lady, and we talked a bit while she seated us! They are only open on Saturday for two meals that day only. The menu is fixed and like some of the best restaurants in Paris, you have a choice of two main options and lunch is a four course meal. The evening meal is 5 courses. The name Laurel Tree is a unique name and the chef/owner is Laurel Waters. The interior design is wonderful and in back of the restaurant they have a huge oak with a tree house you can rent for a private meal. Just amazing! You find out Laurel was trained in France and worked under three great French Michelin ranked chefs! She learned her craft exceedingly well and I feel has bested them with her own spin! The food reminds us slightly like what we've had in Paris, but what is amazing is, she puts a local spin using many things available in her area! The appetizer started with an edamame hummus over a crispy won ton and a strawberry with a delicate balsamic glaze. What a great start! The next course was a Lady cream peas with cilantro and scallions with a Wonder cornbread muffin. The soup was so delicate with the perfect amount of cilantro and scallions. My vocabulary is too limited in how good it really is. The main course, you had a choice. My Wife likes lighter fare while I enjoy something with more seasoning, so---she went with the lightly breaded tilapia filet with artichoke hearts, capers and lemon butter! My choice was the jumbo sweet pepper stuffed with cumin beef with roasted tomatoes, sweet onion and cheddar Jack cheese! Both had roasted garlic mashed potatoes(a favorite) ! Also mixed greens with watermelon feta cheese and a champagne vinaigrette! Oh Lord it was wonderful!!!! The fish, my Wife chose was perfect for her, my sweet pepper was the perfect choice for me! The little subtle flavors I can taste are just amazing! The last was desert with a Heath Bar almond cookie with fresh peaches, ice cream and mint flowers. Oh so sinfully good! The wait staff was impeccable, the atmosphere is magical and I can't wait to go again! You can tell the whole experience is a labor of love! We know the menu changes from week to week. I promise you a meal you will always remember and cherish! We got there very early and in 30 minutes every table was full! While I know Utopia may be off many peoples Radar, but if you know your in the area, we were in San Antonio, make a reservation well in advance! You won't be disappointed!!! A foot note, I rarely give 5 stars, Laurel Tree is one of three! read more

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Always fresh, delicious. A perfect blending of Country French and Texas favorite. The resteraunt just by itself is really interesting with an eclectic collection of art, sculptures, and bits of the chef's travels. The property has wonderful green houses where fresh herbs are grown for use in the dishes. The Treehouse Is an amazing feature as well! read more

Came here today and all I can say is WOW. Everything was outstanding. The food was delicious and melted in your mouth. Service was great. The best part is the treehouse and decorations! read more

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Fabulous dinner/lunch spot. When the weather is nice reservations fill up FAST!! It is definitely worth it though. read more

The Laurel Tree - Salad Near Me - Utopia, Texas

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Everything about our meal was wonderful. Attentive staff, delicious food and beautiful surroundings. Well worth the 2 hour drive.

Two years ago I was staying at the cowboy house with my groom's men. It was the night before my wedding and we saw the Laurel Tree on tree house masters. We called and left a message asking if we could squeeze into the restaurant for lunch before the wedding. Laurel called is back after speaking with her friend at the cowboy house. She offered us the tree house dinning room due to a cancellation. At the lunch she thank us for our service, as I had served with most of my groomsmen during my first tour in the middle east. Not only is the restaurant and atmosphere amazing, but the staff and energy are contagious. You can truly tell that the story and experience is a valued goal. This year I booked the tree house for our anniversary. Not one thing had changed. My wife and I enjoyed a day that seem part of a story book. I wish I could do more than say thank you. read more

My mom and I visited The Laurel Tree, it was about an hours drive and totally worth it. We arrived early and walked around the property, there are fun things to see at every corner. Upon entering the restaurant we were greeted warmly and sat right away. Our server, as well as others were very friendly, stopping to chat while making sure we had everything we needed. Our food was delicious from the first course to the last. We enjoyed every bite. The portions are enough to fill you up but the flavor had us wanting more. Laurel came by our table and spoke with us for a little while, her talent in the kitchen is fantastic. We can't wait to go back and reserve the tree house for our next visit. read more

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Made reservations 2 months in advance for a retirement celebration and just to get together in an elegant setting with friends. My 2nd visit and was looking forward to introducing The Laurel Tree to my friends. We arrived at 11:25 for lunch (6 of us), and much to our unparalleled surprise, we were invited to dine IN THE TREEHOUSE! Wow! Just the best. What a great experience - the staff was superb, the food: Most Excellent, The Tree House...priceless. Strolling the grounds between courses, the splendor and serenity. Did I mention that Laurel (her own bad self!) came to visit with us? The day couldn't have been better (unless I win the lottery). We'll definitely be back! Love it. read more

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Me and my family stopped by here on our trip to the Frio River and it did not disappoint. We made a reservation about 2 weeks before our trip for lunch and we all had a great experience. Honestly couldn't find a reason to complain even if I tried. The staff and owner were extremely friendly and very attentive; food was well presented and all four courses were very tasty. One of the best parts about my experience was how beautiful the restaurant was. From the bathroom to the backyard I was stunned at how awesome The Laurel Tree was. Only problem I did have though was trying to find the place because the address on yelp was a little off but that is no knock on the restaurant itself just a minor inconvenience on getting there. 10/10 would recommend to anybody traveling to the area on vacation just be sure to make a reservation and try to get a table in the tree house! read more

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Amazing and creative food, excellent service and the house is just beautiful! Can't wait to come back again!

The decor alone is worth the scenic drive in the country! The food reparation is impeccable and Chef's patisserie skills are really the highlight of the meal! The crust on the tartlette, the cheese biscuit with the soup and the pistachio "cookie" for dessert were absolutely fantastic! An eclectic blend came together for a very enjoyable experience! read more

The Laurel Tree - Sweet pepper with cumin beef - Salad Near Me - Utopia, Texas

Laurel Tree is hands down my favorite destination dining choice. Laurel and her team are the best and her dishes are Devine ! Feels like coming home and enjoying quality time with ones you love because Laurel and her team love to make you feel special with her creative menu offerings. read more

My mother treated me to a birthday day dinner at Utopia. This establishment is only open on Satiurdays, and ONLY takes reservations. They fill up fast, so plan ahead of time. It's an interesting atmosphere when you walk in. Definitely not a traditional restaurant by any means. The menus are all fixed for that night. For $49, you get an appetizer, soup, salad, entre, and dessert. Since I tend to have a big appetite, for an extra $20, they brought me out a second appetizer. The night I went, they had both mahi mahi and breaded pork tenderloin. It was difficult to choose, so I opted to try both. I personally preferred the mahi mahi, but both entrees were quite delicious and thoughtfully cooked. Had I known the menu in advance, I would have brought a different choice of wine than red wine. And that brings me to wine - because this restaurant (and probably Utopia) is in a dry district, it's all BYOB. Yup - you can bring whatever wine you'd like to enjoy with your meal, and there's no corkage fee. Waitstaff also bring out glasses and a corkscrew so you can enjoy your wine. The grounds are interesting. At any time during your meal, you can get up, explore the grounds, and come back down to finish eating. As others have mentioned, there is no rush by waitstaff. Your table is yours for the entire night. Laurel, the owner/chef, also came to our table and others to check on what we thought of the meal. I found this very classy, having been to nicer establishments and not received this level of service (which should be the norm). While this establishment doesn't have a formal dress code, plan on dressy casual attire Jeans are okay, so long as they're nice. They have a hat/coat rack, for those of us who come in with a cowboy hat on. I would definitely come back here in the future. Although I'm still giving 5 stars, my only con is that the portion sizes are small, taking into account that most people don't eat as much as I do. read more

The last time we were in the area, we heard about the Laurel tree but since they were only open on Saturdays, it didn't work out to drop in. So, when we returned to the area we made it a point to check the laurel tree out and it did not disappoint. Made reservations and showed up to find a really cool restaurant way out on the middle of nowhere in UTOPIA! :) We were seated and told that our table was ours for the night and that we should feel free to roam the grounds in between courses, etc. So, we enjoyed some soup and a small muffin before wandering outside to check out the 'ALice in Wonderland' esque decor. It's too bad little kids are not welcomed here because they would be in heaven with all the mini ponies, cars, trucks, etc. If you are in the area and have a Saturday night open I'd definitely recommend it. read more

The lemon butter is so good They have mastered this dish everything's so delicious . Not bad for the cost , I had initially thought it would be overpriced due to the surroundings but it's actually not expensive at all. The staff is very friendly arm and welcoming. read more

The Laurel Tree - Treehouse Dining in Texas - Salad Near Me - Utopia, Texas

Wow that was a strange experience. Gorgeous environs with stunningly creative decor. But man that was a weird experience. Super nice staff but man....all of the fanfare for a store bought roast beef sandwich on a croissant and some grapes. I've had better food on an airplane. But worth a drop in if you're going this way. read more

We visit Utopia not for the food (see Lost Maples Cafe) but for the hiking. So when researching our latest trip in advance, we were really excited to see that a visit to the Laurel Tree might help us satisfy some actual foodie interest on this trip. While driving. you might think you've passed it but trust that it is VERY obvious, there are like a million lights from the road in. You just can't miss them. The atmosphere is interesting. The backyard is wild...we kind of felt like we were in a David Lynch film...the truly ancient tree the restaurant is presumably named after sits out there and is flanked by a million interesting (what appear to be ) found items, from amusement park animals to old bathtubs. The inside is *very* french country, a little over the top for my taste, but cute. All that said, our meal started out great. The fixed price is the only option on the menu, so if you don't want to eat it, you need to tell them when you make reservations (which is recommended as they are only open one day week...what?). We really liked the appetizer, soup and salad. The butternut squash soup was amazing and its basil pesto muffin accompaniment also great; the pear, goat cheese and arugula salad was great. Unfortunately, after that, the entree was a particularly significant letdown. We ordered the rainbow trout and when the dish arrived, it was not rainbow trout but salmon!! Fishy, day-too-old salmon at that. With lemon mashed potatoes- weird- and soy ginger veggies (what? isn't this place French?). Unlike the first three courses, which had been very carefully presented, the entree looked as though it had been plopped on a plate at Luby's. The portions were also enormous; it seemed they had suddenly thrown the french aesthetic out the window in favor of the midwestern one, which might explain while they ran out of trout. Just to confirm we weren't crazy, we brought it back to Austin (I was full anyway) and took it to the quality seafood fish monger, and he confirmed it is indeed salmon. It would have been four stars since the first two courses were nice and the atmosphere is really cool, but you can't just switch out a fish without informing people... read more

When my husband and I decided to visit friends in Utopia, he immediately went online to see about sites, points of historical interest and, of course, restaurants. The Laurel Tree was the first hit. He was intrigued by the photos and very impressed with Laurel's credentials and culinary creations. Once we found out that our friends had eaten there, we decided immediately that we wanted to eat there. My husband and I are ardent Francophiles and the Provençal style of this establishment had great appeal to us. The restaurant itself transports you immediately to a charming inn in Provence and is beautifully and authentically appointed. Laurel, the owner, greets each visitor personally and puts you immediately at ease. And, the food, oh the food! It is Provence meets West Texas and the fusion is a joy to behold. The menu changes every week and is dependent on what is in season, and she uses only the freshest of the fresh. Considering the calibre of haute cuisine, I find the price to be extremely reasonable. You should really take the time to try this lovely gem. I promise you will not be disappointed. read more

What a lovely surprise. The atmosphere and staff are perfect. The food is perfect. I was blown away by the salad and soup courses at dinner. They had a heavenly balance of flavors. I cannot wait to go back! read more

The Laurel Tree is open only on Saturdays and you should plan on making reservations. There is absolutely no rushing by wait staff. You are welcome to enjoy your dinner slowly and view the lovely grounds. If you want wine, you must bring your own bottle. We were lucky to come when the fields of poppies were in bloom. The menu is prix fixe, with choices for your entree. My favorites were the lightly curried cauliflower soup w/a warm Mediterranean muffin and the arugula salad with champagne vinaigrette. I did not enjoy the dessert, which was banana crepes w/strawberries. But, I'm not a big fan of bananas. The chef came by our table and we had a very nice chat. The atmosphere is a comfortable French Country home. I'm looking forward to sharing this restaurant with many family and friends in the future. read more

The Laurel Tree - Lovely poppies - Salad Near Me - Utopia, Texas

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What a great place! We were there on the night that Chicken Wellington and Tile Fish were prepared. I opted for the chicken, my girlfriend opted for the fish. Up until the main course was served, it all started with a salmon nacho, then the best tomato soup I've ever had, and a salad. All of these were absolutely delicious. My chicken was delicious with a wonderful pastry around it with mushrooms inside with the chicken. My girlfriends fish was also wonderful. Very delicate, and great texture. Probably one of my favorite places I've been to, and totally unexpected as it's in the middle of nowhere. Outside is a wonderful collection of gardens and eclectic sculptures and geegaws. Dessert was also great, it was layered icecream/sorbet. Now, if I could just find a reason to go to hill country again. read more

Want a surprise?! Come to Utopia on a Saturday and discover The Laurel Tree. Creative food, service and atmosphere.....NEVER a disappointment, always a joy! Bring your favorite wine and enjoy a true dining experience. read more

Outstanding dinner in the most unexpected place. Open Saturdays for lunch and dinner by reservation only. Menu changes every Saturday depending on what the chef/owner finds fresh and what strikes her fancy. Well worth the effort to drive out for a memorable experience in one of the most beautiful areas of Texas. read more

We loved the European experience with fine dining and the most enjoyable meal prepared to perfection! The experience was perfect for our Anniversary! read more

The place to go to if you are in the garner state park area! I went there for the first time a couple of years ago, and now I go every time I am out there. Amazing food. Unique atmosphere. read more

Stepping out for a bite to eat? You could drop into Per Se in New York--arguably the finest restaurant in the City. About $1000 for dinner for two. Plus airfare. Or you could stick closer to home, making your reservations at The Laurel Tree in Utopia, Texas. Utopia is a little bitty town in the Hill Country, some 85 miles from downtown San Antonio. Chef/owner Laurel Waters graduated from Le Cordon Bleu, Julia Child's alma mater. And it shows. Two of us had lunch at The Laurel Tree for about $50. Iced tea to drink. The food is excellent. Worth every penny. And worth the stressless drive. I have zero connection to Laurel or The Laurel Tree. Just a fan, who likes to give credit where credit is due. Try 'em. I think you'll like 'em. Very much. read more

LOVED IT!! Unique, different, slower paced atmosphere, food was great. Prix fixed menu was actually nice, make reservation!, only open Saturday's, very relaxed, French flare.... Only one star removed because the main entree had a little too much lemon, marinated artichokes, vinegar, and capers covering everything, plus lemon potatoes in addition.....couldn't really get a break from those ingredients on main dish. HOWEVER, I STILL LOVED EVERYTHING ON MENU!! It was just a little much. Dessert was great, white chocolate tart...just GO for a different change of pace, great food and amazing wait staff. Seems like most restaurants in the hill country do not offer anything other than a cold counter to go stand at to order your fried food..uggg THE LAURAL TREE is not typical Texas!! go try read more

Wow! That's the first thing that comes to mind. Absolutely stunning venue only eclipsed by the friendliness of the staff and the most delicious lamb chops I've ever eaten in my life! I'm only sad that I didn't read that it was a byob, but I didn't really miss the wine as I went through the culinary tour that is the Laurel Tree. The owner, Laurel, came to every table and visited with each guest. Totally worth any drive. read more