Dining and Restaurant Search

The Desert’s Most Highly Awarded Restaurant - Wally's Desert Turtle

The Mirage Bistro — A Casual Experience in a Classic Location

By Andrea Matcham

To savor unforgettable continental cuisine in the most exquisite restaurant in the Desert, Wally’s Desert Turtle is a must. This most highly awarded restaurant is the proud recipient of the prestigious Mobil Travel Four Star Award, AAA Four Diamond Award, and the DiRoNA Award, to name a few. Founded in 1978 by Wally Botello of the famed Velvet Turtle chain, Wally’s is now owned and operated by his son Michael and his family.

Entering amid twinkling lights, you will be swept away by the spectacular design by Steven Chase. The beveled mirrored ceilings, Peruvian artifacts, and hand-painted murals create a serene environment that invites guests to savor the delicious cuisine and fine wines. Popular signature dishes at Wally’s include the Sautéed Imported Dover Sole Amandine and Roasted Colorado Rack of Lamb. For dessert, a chocolate or Grand Marnier soufflé is a perfect ending to a fabulous dining experience. Wally’s also offers nightly specials, as well as three-course prix fixe menus.

Now this established desert tradition offers the best of two worlds: elegant fine dining in a sophisticated setting and a more casual experience at The Mirage Bistro. This quaint new restaurant located to the left of the main entrance to Wally’s emits a Mediterranean “Café Del Mar” ambiance. The Mirage Bistro serves moderately priced, delicious fare, including Roasted Beet Salad, Calamari Scallopine, and Blue Crab Cocktail Tower. For dessert, relish a Warm Chocolate Lava Cake.

For private functions or special occasions, two semi-private rooms offer intimacy while enjoying the fabulous Wally’s experience. If you wish total seclusion, there is the intimate Sable Room or elegant Mirage Room. For the ultimate party, the entire restaurant is available for your dining and dancing pleasure or Wally’s catered events will take this beautiful dining experience into your home or venue of choice.

Wally’s Desert Turtle and The Mirage Bistro serve dinner nightly. The always-popular Friday Fashion Show luncheons start at 11:30 a.m.

A visit to the desert would not be complete without the experience of Wally’s Desert Turtle, the area’s fi nest restaurant for the past 34 years, or The Mirage Bistro, the desert’s newest casual dining experience.

Wally’s Desert Turtle & The Mirage Bistro
71775 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
760-568-9321
www.Wallys-Desert-Turtle.com • WallysTurtle@earthlink.net