Cork Dork

Review summary

1. n

   nancy VIP

   Los Angeles8 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   My husband and I have been to Cork Dork at least a dozen times now. We've seen the restaurant evolve, and while we keep coming back for the food and a few key people, there's a certain inconsistency that's become increasingly noticeable. Let's start with the bright spots, because they truly shine. Chef Danny is a culinary magician. Every dish we've had has been consistently delicious, showcasing innovative flavor combinations and perfectly portioned servings. The prices are more than fair for the quality you receive. And don't even get me started on the desserts! Their bread pudding is a masterpiece, a decadent treat we look forward to when it’s available. Plus, their wine selection is truly impressive. Options by the glass you rarely find elsewhere. Our experience is further elevated by two exceptional employees: Rosie, the bartender, and our server Lindy. Rosie is a ray of sunshine, always greeting us with a warm smile and crafting the most fantastic drinks. She remembers our preferences and makes us feel like valued guests. It was our first time meeting Lindy, but was equally outstanding. They were engaging, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, offering helpful recommendations and making our dining experience truly enjoyable. Rosie makes amazing cocktails. Unfortunately, there's a flip side to this story. The manager, while not outright rude, has never shown any recognition of our long-term patronage. It's a small thing, but after dining here, more than a dozen times, it feels impersonal. We've never felt particularly welcomed by him, and his demeanor often lacks the warmth we experience from the rest of the staff. Despite this, we continue to return to because Chef Danny's food, Rosie's hospitality, and the overall excellent service outweigh the managerial shortcomings. If you're looking for fantastic food, unique wines, and a genuinely friendly bar experience, this place is worth a visit.
   

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2. M

   Matthew VIP

   Hawaii7 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 26, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Best restaurant in Westlake village. What a gem and the chef/owner is great guy.
   

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3. L

   Lars VIP

   Los Angeles4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 22, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Amazing food, nice ambiance, great service, never too crowded (which really surprises me). Drinks are a bit pricey but I understand the place has to turn a profit. I’ve been at least 25 times and will continue going. Bob (head waiter) is super knowledgeable about wine and very helpful on all selections.
   

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4. B

   Beverley-Ann VIP

   Chicago3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 15, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Another outstanding meal, this one to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
   

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5. K

   Keith VIP

   San Francisco6 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on February 15, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 1

   Valentines Day dinner. Sat in a tent in the parking lot. Sucked. Food was below average. The server was great, but the experience was bad. Won’t be back.
   

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6. B

   Brenda

   Orange County3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 13, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Cork Dork is one of our favorite restaurants! Excellent every time! Last night we had the pate & dates appetizer, short rib & grilled branzino, granache cake with hazelnut, all were delicious! We had the pleasure of meeting Chef Danny, he & his team are fantastic! If you haven’t been, we highly recommend!
   

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner VIP

   Los Angeles1 review

   5.0

   Dined on February 11, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Cork Dork is the absolute best and has been our favorite restaurant and regular go to place for the past year. We literally go 1-2 times every week. The food is incredible. Service is excellent. Our favorites are the burrata and heirloom salad, cauliflower, broccolini (no longer have), tacos, steak skewers, baba’s chicken. And of course the bread pudding dessert. Cork Dork is insane. It isn’t cheap but the quality justifies the price.
   

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8. J

   Judith VIP

   Los Angeles23 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 8, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   As always, the food was creative and delicious. The service excellent and the overall Vibe was friendly and warm. And we made two New friends who sat at the next table!
   

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9. J

   Jennifer VIP

   Central Coast20 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 8, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Fantastic! It was so good! Love we could get different ounces of wine and such an extensive list. Our sever knew everything and she gave us wonderful guidance.
   

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10. L

    Lisa Marie VIP

    Palm Springs23 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Cork Dork – A Wine Lover’s Haven in Westlake Village A true gem in Westlake Village, Cork Dork is a must-visit for foodies and wine lovers alike. We’ve dined here many times, and it remains one of our favorite local restaurants—for good reason. The Experience Cork Dork effortlessly blends charm, warmth, and an elevated dining experience. The ambiance is inviting yet sophisticated, with a passionate focus on wine that sets it apart from other spots in the area. What truly makes Cork Dork stand out is that it’s the only place that offers 2oz pours of some of the finest, most exclusive wines—a dream for those who love to sip and savor the best without committing to a full glass. The Food Every dish we ordered was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully executed: 🍴 Charred Carrots – smoky, sweet, and full of depth 🍴 Creekstone Farms Short Rib – fall-apart tender, rich, and indulgent 🍴 Grilled Branzino – light, flavorful, and perfectly cooked 🍴 Prime Skirt Steak – juicy, expertly seasoned, and seared to perfection 🍴 Smokey Gem Salad – crisp, fresh, with just the right amount of charred goodness 🍴 Sweet Potato Gnocchi – pillowy soft, with a hint of sweetness balanced by savory flavors 🍴 Crispy Cauliflower – golden and crunchy, a must-try appetizer 🍴 Truffle Fries – addictively crispy with just the right amount of truffle essence 🍴 The Dork Burger – a perfectly executed burger, juicy and packed with flavor The Wine With a stellar wine list, we indulged in some truly exceptional selections: 🍷 Handwritten Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley – bold, structured, and beautifully layered 🍷 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley – deep, rich, and impeccably balanced 🍷 Veratone by Alto Moncayo – a stunning Garnacha with complexity and spice 🍷 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Ten – velvety, expressive, and simply exquisite Final Thoughts If you love impeccably curated wines, top-tier food, and a welcoming yet upscale atmosphere, Cork Dork is a must-visit.
    

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