Augusta (French Continental)
73951 El Paseo, Palm Desert 779-9200
Designed by Denise Roberge to compliment her existing gallery, it incorporates one-of-a-kind artwork with a warm, engaging atmosphere. From locals, seeking a quick bite and a cool refreshment, to visitors appreciating delicious food in an outdoor setting, Augusta’s patio is sure to please. Inside, with it’s inviting lounge and impeccable service, diners will enjoy simple food of exceptional quality, freshly prepared in Augusta’s kitchen. ($$$)
Castelli’s “King” of Fettuccine ( Northern Italian)
73-098 Highway 111, Palm Desert 773-3365
Authentic Northern Italian cuisine served in a charming cottage-like atmosphere or on the candle-lit patio overlooking the bustling city night-life. Some of the recipes date back some 100 years and have been passed on through the family for generations. They include our favorites, fresh pasta, veal, seafood, and beef and chicken specialties complemented by an extensive wine list. ($$)
Cuistot (French)
72595 El Paseo, Palm Desert 340-1000
A contemporary French restaurant showcasing the culinary talents of Bernard Dervieux, the chef’s chef. Born in Lyon, France he was trained by the internationally famous Paul Bocuse and Roger Verge. Now delighting his fans at Cuistot with his own unique style and using only the freshest ingredients, he creates classic specialties - soups, salads and entree of veal, Chinese duck, seafood, beef and chicken, plus wonderful egg and pasta dishes and more. Dinner jacket is recommended to the gentlemen. Two private dining areas, 20-person and 40 person. ($$$)
The Falls Prime Steakhouse and Martini Bar
Two location options:
155 South Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs 416-8664
78-430 Highway 111, La Quinta 777-9999
A top-notch steak house featuring prime steaks, applewood-smoked Prime rib served from a custom tableside carving cart, Colorado rack of Lamb, fresh fish and chicken. The Falls offers a bar with complete wine selection from its glassed in wine cellar as well as the famous Martinis of which The Falls’ bartenders can concoct over one hundred different recipes. 2 private rooms, one that can accommodate 80 and one that can accommodate 50. ($$$)
Flemings Steakhouse
“The River” 71-800 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage 776-6685
The newest steakhouse in the desert. You sense it whenever you are there, an ongoing celebration of food, wine and the company of friends. The lively spirit of people enjoying the best in contemporary steakhouse dining. The steaks, featuring prime beef, are aged, fresh cut daily and flavorful. Salads and sides are generous and indulge with the fantastic desserts. Everything from the innovative wine list to the open, stylish atmosphere invites the best of times, and a dining experience you won’t soon forget. ($$$)
Jillian’s (International and Regional Cuisine)
74155 El Paseo, Palm Desert 776-8242
Jillian’s cuisine offers the best from Italy, Southern France and Americas Southwest. Featured selections include aragosta con vermicelli (chunks of Pacific lobster in a heady sauce of cognac, tomatoes and cream), Renaissance pork (tenderloin of pork braised with red wine, fresh plums and figs) and grilled breast of free-range chicken (roasted garlic fresh slivered artichoke hearts). Full bar is available as well as private and patio dining. Jackets preferred but not required. ($$$)
Las Casuelas Nuevas (Mexican)
70050 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage 328-8844
This moderately priced family Mexican restaurant that is touted as the most popular in the desert. Entrees include an array of authentic dishes from burritos and chile rellenos to specialties such as includes carne asada and enchiladas suza. Full bar and patio seating available, two private dining areas 40-60 person and 60 or more. Casual dress code. ($$)
The La Quinta Cliffhouse (California Cuisine)
78250 Hwy. 111 La Quinta 360-5991
The Cliffhouse is dramatically located halfway up the historic mount Point Happy. Diners may view the surrounding mountains from large picture windows or dine on terraces carved into craggy granite outcroppings. A variety of rooms are available for large group dining. Menu selections include fresh fish of the day served Szechwan style or with a citrus glaze, aged filet mignon and marinated rack of lamb. Many entrees are prepared in the heart-healthy fashion. Full bar and extensive wine list available. Collared shirts are required for the men. 90-100 person private dining area. ($$)
LG’s Steakhouse (American)
Two location options:
74225 Highway 111, Palm Desert 779-9799
255 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs 416-1779
Specialties of the house include the now famous eight-bone rack of lamb, prime rib and lobster, free range chicken breast. Full bar is available. 60 person Sundowner private banquet room. Dress is casual. ($$)
Mortons of Chicago (American)
74880 Country Club Dr. Palm Desert 340-6865
Menu highlights include USDA prime, aged grain-fed, Porterhouse steaks, New York strip sirloin, Filet Mignon, Maine Lobster and a various selection of desserts and cocktails. Jackets are recommended for the gentlemen. 10-120 person private dining area. ($$$)
Le Paon (French Continental)
Highway 74, Palm Desert 568-3651
Le Paon “the Peacock” is the perfect choice for an elegant and memorable dining experience. This four-star multiple wining restaurant was named one of California’s top 40 restaurants. Le Paon combines “Old World” elegance with Classic French Cuisine. Savor the specialties of Chef Eddie Babai, trained in classic cooking at the Cordon Bleu in Paris and at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Piano Bar in Lounge. 3 private dining rooms, 48 person, 70 person, 100 person. ($$$)
Le St. Germain (French Mediterranean)
74985 Highway 111, Indian Wells 773-6511
The original Le St. Germain restaurant in Los Angeles, longtime host to those in the music and movie business, closed in 1988 and reopened in Indian Wells in 1995. Le St. Germain offers an expanded Southern French menu with Mediterranean influences – Colorado Rack of Lamb, half Long Island Duck on the spit and seared Atlantic Salmon, luscious French pastries. Le St. Germain was named one of the best in the country for its wine selections by Wine Spectator this year. Private dining room and bar. Dinner jacket is recommended to the gentlemen. ($$$)
Le Vallauris (French Continental)
385 North Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs 325-5059
Dine in a charming and historic Country French-style home in an elegantly relaxed atmosphere frequented by celebrities and social figures. The lush courtyard and traditional dining room are the settings where guests enjoy selections of roasted veal chop with porcini mushroom sauce, crisp duck breast with pear William sauce and roast free range chicken with corn, basil tomato risotto. Full bar and wine list are available. Elegant casual dress. ($$$)
Pacifica (Seafood)
73505 El Paseo, Palm Desert 674-8666
Great new restaurant in Palm Desert with very relaxing environment and great patio dining. Featuring Chef’s signature dish of 8 ounce Sugar Spiced King Salmon and seared rare Ahi Tuna. This restaurant offers other fresh seafood and beef and chicken options as well. ($$$)
Palomino Euro Bistro (Pacific Northwest & Mediterranean Cuisine)
73101 Highway 111, Palm Desert 773-9091
The atmosphere is causal and the menu eclectic. Best selling signatures include spit-roasted garlic chicken, Dungeness crab cakes, fresh salmon, and wood oven roasted prawns. Also popular are the cracker thin, oak fried roma style pizzas. Full bar is available. Dress is casual. ($$)
Ristorante Mama Gina (Italian)
73101 Highway 111, Palm Desert 568-9898
Featuring authentic Italian cuisines, this restaurant offers a comfortable atmosphere. The menu includes a variety of appetizers and a large selection of pasta dishes including capellini piero (angel hair pasta with pieros special sauce) and a baked rigatoni. Other entrees include pollo alla, salmon griglia, and a scalloppa alla Vadostana (veal cutlet Vadostana style). Full bar and extensive wine list. Dress is causal. 50 person private dining area. ($$)
Ruth’s Chris Steak House (American)
74040 Highway 111, Palm Desert 779-1998
This steakhouse has won many prestigious awards in the Palm Springs area. Ruth’s Chris restaurant serves the finest corn fed, midwestern prime beef and other premium cuts. The menu is a la cart, resulting in greater control in the presentation of food. For those who do not desire steak, the menu offers other selections in chicken, fresh seafood and lobster. Full bar is available. Dress is causal. 30-45 person private dining area. ($$$)
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
73505 El Paseo, Palm Desert 341-3560
A classic 1940’s Chicago style steakhouse, offers steaks cut to order in-house and cooked to perfection. The specialty of the house is a 20-ounce Bone-In Kansas City Strip. Sullivan’s offers a variety of fresh seafood options and cold-water lobster tail. All entrees served with Sullivan’s trademark salad. Full bar service and a 16-35 person private dining area. This restaurant requires payment at time of service. ($$$)
Tommy Bahama’s
El Paseo at Larkspur, Palm Desert 836-0188
Tommy Bahama’s, the original purveyor of island lifestyles, is a unique combination of full service restaurants and men’s and women’s retail clothing store. The menu is American bistro with a tropical twist. The legendary hospitality features unique appetizers and entrees such as Fresh Blackened Mahi-Mahi, and desserts from the islands. Private Patio Dining for 240 people. ($$)
Wally’s Desert Turtle (Continental)
71-775 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage 346-2441
Upon entering this elegant setting, patrons are swept away by the spectacular interior designs highlighted with bi-level mirrored ceilings, Peruvian artifacts and hand-painted murals. Continental cuisine is presented with a French flair and includes specialties such as roasted duck and rack of lamb and Norwegian salmon. Entertainment. Private rooms for up to 60 people. ($$$)
