Laurel Tree Restaurant

Dining at Laurel Tree Restaurant combines the rustic beauty of the Texas Hill Country with elegance, elevating a Frio River meal into a memorable occasion. 

The restaurant is in Utopia offering a scenic drive that sets the stage for what awaits. With a kitchen committed to farm-to-table principles, much of the produce is grown on the property, ensuring that every bite is fresh.

Founded by Laurel Waters, who studied culinary arts in France, Laurel Tree Restaurant showcases her passion for cooking. 

The menu changes weekly, inspired by what's seasonal and available, reflecting Chef Laurel's commitment to sustainability and creativity. Diners are treated to a fixed menu showcasing the best of what Texas and the world offer. 

The Laurel Tree Restaurant is designed to make guests feel at home while transporting them on a culinary journey of delight. Whether choosing after a rousing game at Utopia Golf Course or desiring curated cuisine, Laurel Tree Restaurant will not disappoint.

Vibe

At Laurel Tree Restaurant, visitors are enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth, welcome, and whimsy. The exterior, which resembles a Spanish mission, is surrounded by lush gardens and meandering paths, inviting guests to explore and relax before and after dinner. 

Inside, the ambiance is elegant and sophisticated, akin to an estate and not a restaurant. Think wooden beams, soft lighting, and tables set with precision and care. Each room has its own character, from cozy corners to a dining table for larger gatherings. 

As grand as the central area is, consider dining in a treehouse designed by the Treehouse Masters. Picture fairytale elegance that's inviting yet fit for a king, and your Texas dining experience will explode with vibrancy and memories. 

The Laurel Tree Restaurant balances sophistication and simplicity, elegance and earthiness. The atmosphere invites you to slow down, savor each moment, and immerse yourself in a culinary experience that engages all the senses. 

Whether you dine in the main house or perch in the cypress treehouse, the ambiance at Laurel Tree Restaurant will linger long after your Frio River vacation. 

Laurel Tree Restaurant: Menu & Drinks

Let Chef Laurel dazzle you with her culinary prowess at Laurel Tree Restaurant. Whether you reserve a lunch or dinner table, you're promised a menu showcasing the week's bounty that is masterfully prepared.

Because the menu changes daily, we can only supply examples of prior offerings. While the menu is limited, the artisan fare is rich with flavors, textures, and subtle nuances typically found in top-tier restaurants in major cities. 

Lunch menus typically feature four courses, starting with appetizers like candied bacon and peaches with Balsamic reduction. This is followed by a soup showcasing Purple Hull peas with cilantro and scallions, along with a Wonder cornbread muffin.

The main course often lists two options. One may be the lightly breaded chicken breast with warm avocado, corn-off-the-cob, lemon butter, and lemon-mashed potatoes. 

The second choice could be a Southern staple like shrimp and grits. This delicious comfort food features citrus-grilled shrimp and charred cherub tomatoes with ginger remoulade over garlic cheese grits. Both main course options include a side salad of mixed field greens, Asian pears, feta cheese, and Champagne vinaigrette.

Last but not least, this gourmet meal includes desserts like chocolate crème brulee with white chocolate-dipped cherries.

Dinner menus are five courses similar to the lunch offerings with the addition of a salad. One example showcases fresh Arugula with peaches, marinated feta cheese, pickled red onions, and peach vinaigrette.

The Laurel Tree Restaurant is in a dry county, so alcohol is not served. However, patrons are encouraged to bring their favorite wine, and staff will uncork and serve at no additional cost.

Each visit to Laurel Tree Restaurant unearths new treasures, making every Frio River dining experience exemplary.