The Laurel Tree

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.

Went to this restaurant in Utopia, TX and it was truly a "utopian" experience. The food was decadent, the restaurant and grounds architecturally enchanting. This establishment has rocketed to the top of my Top 5 list of favorite places to dine! We were surprised (and disappointed) to find out from the owner (Laurel Waters) that this place has been in existance for eight years (disappointed because it took so long for us to hear about this place!). Laurel Tree is approximately 71 miles from our home in SATX and it is well worth the drive. This a dining happening unlike any we have ever experienced. The restaurant is only open on Saturdays. Yes, that's right, only on Saturdays, for a lunch seating and a dinner seating. Reservations only. Call several weeks ahead. There are several things that make this a unique and enjoyable dining experience. First, the menu. It is a fixed menu with one meat and one fish/seafood entre offering. The lunch menu has four courses and the dinner menu has five courses. Price for our lunch experience.....$22.95!!! All of a gourmet nature and gastronomically exquisite. Second, the way the meal is served. Every course is served at a pace that you determine. When you are seated your server schools you about how the meal will be served. You are encouraged to eat a course, then visit with your party or take a stroll through the restaurant taking in the decorations (luckily our first visit was during Christmas and the restaurant decorations were charming) then continue your meal at your pace. The idea is that your table is just that. It is your table for the duration of your meal no matter how long you take. Very relaxing. and when a course is served it is served by 2 or 3 servers so that everyone at the table recieves their course at the same time. Very efficient. As you can see by the pics in this set it is a beautiful place even in the winter. We can't wait to go in the Spring when they have wildflowers planted all over the place. We highly recommend a trip to The Laurel tree. You will not be disappointed.

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.