The Coachella Valley brims with impressive luxury dining and accommodations. Famed chefs journey here, and set up shop, to cook for Hollywood stars, dignitaries, and moguls. Experience savory meals prepared by skilled artisans, or nosh on flavorful interpretations of fine desserts and pastries.
Executive Chef Pascal Lallemand Wally’s Desert Turtle’s French fusion menu is a wonder to behold. Tempt your tastebuds with entrees ranging from veal osso buco to wild mushroom ravioli. The other celebrated wonder to behold at Wally’s is its ambiance. Dine amid the glow of the wood-accented dining room, as the relaxing sounds of classical music and standards play in the background.
71775 Hwy. 111, Rancho Mirage.
760-568-9321
www.wallys-desert-turtle.com
For a tantalizing exploration of contemporary European dining, try Castelli’s Ristorante. The menu infuses a burst of wildly irreverent tastes and pairings including Pollo Michelangelo — succulent, charbroiled chicken breast, prepared with a Dijon mustard sauce, garlic, mushrooms, white wine and a pinch of spice. Mangia!
73098 Hwy. 111, Palm Desert.
760-773-3365
www.castellis.cc
While few eateries can operate under the distinction of being Cary Grant’s former guesthouse, Copley’s can. Chef Andrew Copley is the genius behind savory favorites like sesame-seared tofu and Oh My Lobster. Copley doesn’t stop there; his dessert menu boasts warm apple crumble, and crispy chocolate ravioli, among its assorted sweets. Copley’s is located between downtown Palm Springs and its chic Uptown shopping district. The secluded location is perfect for a romantic evening or a festive special occasion.
621 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
760-327-9555
www.copleyspalmsprings.com
Dine at IW Club for an experience like no other. This posh restaurant overlooks 36 holes at Indian Wells Golf Resort. Chef de Cuisine Cale Falk crafts dishes from items at their peak of flavor. The braised short rib sliders burst with flavor and complement the tobacco onions and house-made chips served with them. Patrons delight in the atmosphere of dining in this luxe setting, with the crème de la crème of Coachella Valley surrounding them.
44500 Indian Wells Ln., Indian Wells.
760-346-4653
www.iwclub.com
Reserve a table at Spencer’s Restaurant, then prepare for dining at its finest. Chef Eric Wadlund, co-author of Palm Springs Flavors, honed his craft under the tutelage of Chef Jerry Zackerski at Madison Club in Wisconsin. Now, his knowledge of food and passion for turning each meal he creates into a masterpiece has led him to Spencer’s. The restaurant offers a delightful Prix Fixe menu, loaded with favorites including pan-roasted Norwegian salmon and Chinese-style Kung Pao calamari, as well as an extensive breakfast, lunch, and dinner roster.
701 W. Baristo Rd., Palm Springs.
760-327-3446
www.spencersrestaurant.com
Contemporary and modern, Workshop Kitchen+Bar sets itself apart from the rest of the pack by marrying style with sumptuous cuisine, for a pitch-perfect dining experience. Workshop is adored for its hip vibe and appeal to the urbane art and music crowd. Another cherished component of Workshop’s appeal is its extraordinary cocktails like the Palm Springer — vodka, fresh pineapple juice, house-made grenadine, and angostura bitters. For something with a bit more kick, try El Diablo. This specialty beverage contains mescal vida, house-made ginger beer, lime juice, crème de cassis, and tapatio. Pair yours with faro risotto and grilled Colorado lamb chops.
800 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
760-459-3451
www.workshoppalmsprings.com
From the first sight of its comforting fireplace, to the simple elegance of the mahogany-colored seats that hug each patron like an old friend, La Spiga Ristorante Italiano is one of Palm Desert’s most charming culinary experiences. Experience the majesty of romantic Florence, or sink your teeth into the robust flavors of Napoli with Chef Vince Cultraro’s tempting rack of lamb, or housemade sausage.
72557 Hwy. 111, Palm Desert.
760-340-9318
www.laspigapalmdesert.com
BluEmber at Omni Resorts Rancho Las Palmas has been celebrated by its patrons for years. Chef Billy Deaver’s culinary wonderland is just as renowned for its California elegance as it is for the imaginative meals on its menu. You’ll love the ambiance, its location, and items such as pasta primavera or pan-seared striped bass so much, you might have to plan another trip — just to experience the rest that the Coachella Valley has to offer.
41000 Bob Hope Dr., Rancho Mirage.
760-862-4581
www.rancholaspalmas.com
