Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Palm Desert

Wally's Desert Turtle is the most beautiful restaurant in the Coachella Valley and the finest dining experience I've had anywhere. We had a 6:00 reservation for dinner and started at 5:00 in the bar when they open. We were so comfortable sitting in the bar and frankly, that menu appealed to me more, so we just stayed where we were and listened to their charming musician as he wowed us playing a saxophone and another reed instrument at the same time! I ordered the mushroom soup, the breadbasket, and a Caesar salad. The first two items were delicious, but the salad tasted very fishy, and I had requested no anchovies. I've had their Caesar salad before, and this dressing was not balanced. Husband had the chicken dish from the regular menu. It was my birthday, and they brought over a bread pudding dessert with a candle when we finished our dinner and when it came time to pay the bill, they didn't charge us for the salad. It's a beautiful, elegant, delicious place to be and you will be lovingly cared for by their very professional staff. The Friday fashion show luncheon is a fun thing to do sometime.

Our meals were really good. We had some flatbreads, salads (huge) and hot sandwiches. The service was great. We sat outside under heaters and enjoyed the holiday decorations and a huge, glorious Christmas tree. Fantastic night.

Wonderful meal with great service and ambiance. Will be back

First time dining. Just pulling up the driveway and seeing the beautiful Christmas tree was a precursor to an absolutely lovely evening. We sat at a table by the bar enjoying solo, piano player and vocals. Bryant doubled as waiter and bartender. He his team could not have been more tremendous. The food was exceptional, especially the cauliflower appetizer & Faroe Islands Salmon. Highly, highly recommend. 

Just as we expected Bellatrix was festive and we had a fantastic time. From the time you enter, the door is held open for you. Every staff member are friendly and pleasant. The restaurant has beautiful views if you sit outside and is nice and comfortable inside. The menu has great selections and usually there are specials. We had the beef street tacos, the blackened salmon arugula salad and the warm butter cake. Everything was perfectly prepared. The staff really care about the customers and want to make sure every patron has a great time!