Restaurants
Augusta at Plaza Roberge' - Augusta, "In the Heart of the City", Combines architectural drama and a continental menu with fresh ingredients simply prepared, expertly seasoned, and artistically presented with an emphasis on healthfulness. Impressive double doors open to this sweeping two-story restaraunt. A loft-like dining area overlooks th e more intense activity of the lower dining room, where an exhibition kitchen plays center stage in a fascinating culinary show. "Ausgusta was created for fun and enjoyment, where guests can return many times, discovering new artwork and gastronomic pleasures with each visit." Plaza Roberge' venues are available for private parties and corporate functions. Augusta is open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested. A
73-951 El Paseo
Palm Desert, CA 92260
For Reservations call 760-779-9200
Bellini Bar & Ristorante - There are restaurants that serve Italian food and then there are Italian restaurants, the difference being one not of simple presentation, but of atmosphere and taste. When you walk into Bellini Bar & Ristorante, Carlo and Marylena Pisano's Zagat Survey - rated El Paseo eatery, there is no mistaking that you are in an authentic Italian restaurant. The Pisanos have succeeded in creating a fashionable menu with traditional and eclectic dishes that span the length of Italy, course to course. It's the house specialty veal, prepared in several entrée variations, that is the foundation by which Bellini has earned its reputation. New this year is an expanded bar where wine enthusiasts can order the finest Italian wines by the glass, and a special bar menu featuring a variety of delicious appetizers especially selected to compliment the wines. Dinner reservations are recom mended. Full bar with bar menu, patio dining, entertainment. beautiful courses designed by Michael Hurdzan, Dana Frye and John Cook with large lakes, desert wasteland and bunkers featured throughout.
73-111 El Paseo
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Phone: 760-341-2626
Cafe des Beaux-Arts -  One of the desert’s most — frequented restaurants, Café des Beaux-Arts brings the amiable fare and relaxed ambiance of an authentic French sidewalk café to El Paseo.
As the name means “Café of Fine Art,” changing exhibits of exceptional artwork from neighboring galleries grace its walls. For lunch, find delectable salads and sandwiches with a Mediterranean-French touch, and classic specialties such as Quiche Lorraine, Coq Au Vin, pastas, and crêpes. Dinner expands with even more appetizers, salads, pastas, and vegetarian dishes, as well as Café des Beaux-Arts’ signature dishes: Bouillabaisse, Seafood Couscous, Seafood Feuillete, and Chicken Breast with Portabello Mushroom and Sherry Sauce. The children’s menu introduces some gourmet French ideas — such as ham and cheese crêpes.
Another popular French tradition proudly maintained at Café des Beaux-Arts is the Prix-Fixe dinner from $34.95 to $42.95. Select your own three-course meal with an appetizer, entrée, and delightful dessert. Enjoy un petit déjeuner Friday through Monday mornings from 8 a.m. Choices such as scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, filled crêpes, and Mediterranean-style frittatas are served with lightly toasted French baguette.
Open for breakfast during the weekends, and for lunch and dinner daily, Café des Beaux-Arts also accommodates private parties. Ample parking is located directly behind the restaurant.foothills of the lndio Hills.
73-640 El Paseo
Palm Desert, California 92260
Phone: 760-346-0669
Castelli's - Enter the doors of Castelli’s and you’ll believe you have just stepped into a small bistro in romantic Tuscany. Soft lighting, lace curtains, dark, warm woods, an abundance of fresh flowers and greenery set the tone for a wonderful dining experience.  Now entering its 19th season serving award-winning beef, veal, lamb, pasta, and seafood dishes, Castelli's has perfected an already outstanding level of service, delicious food, and fine wines.
Try the specialty of the house, Fettuccine Alfredo, as an appetizer or have it on the side with their scrumptious Osso Buco, the Filetto Marsala, an eight-ounce petite filet mignon, charbroiled and topped with a sauce of Marsala wine and portabello mushrooms, or their 18-ounce Veal Chop - heaven on a plate!
Part of the fun of dining at Castelli's is discovering Chef Brian Altman's seasonal specials and having your dinner cooked exactly to order, whether it's Baby Rack of Lamb, Australian Lobster Tails, or their famous Costoletta de Malaile, two juicy pork chops charbroiled and served with a sherry wine glaze and fresh baked apples.
After dinner, sip a Cappuccino Romano and linger over a classic Italian dessert, such as Tiramisú, New York Cheesecake or Spumoni. Absolute perfection!
Open for dinner nightly from 5:30 p.m. Reservations suggested. Catering and banquet facilities are available.
73-098 Highway 111
Palm Desert, CA 92260
For Reservations call 760-773-3365
The Chop House –Taking the entire dining experience seriously — food, service, and atmosphere — Kaiser and Lee Morcus, founders of the Kaiser Grille restaurants, have created another signature concept with their two Chop H ouses: Palm Springs and Palm Desert. Personal attention to every detail shines. As a testament to their success, The Chop Houses are among the elite Prime Time Top 10 Steakhouses of America. The Chop Houses are sanctuaries for steak aficionados, those who know, “The meat is sweeter on the bone.”
The array of USDA Prime aged steaks and chops includes Kansas City bone-in New York, bone-in filet mignon, cowboy rib, and Porterhouse steaks, as well as double pork chops and rack of lamb. All meats, aged and butchered in-house, are grilled the classic way at lower temperatures longer, allowing juices, tenderness and flavors to develop fully.
Rock walls and rolling columns of hand-fired, curved brick greet you at the entrance in Palm Springs, with an interior reflecting nature’s best. The spectacular exhibition wine cellar inventories more than 3,500 wines. Soothing colors and indirect lighting enhance an open-air patio on Palm Canyon Drive, the intimate interior rooms, and a dramatic two-story atrium. Design features at Palm Desert combine cherry-wood paneling,  warm, curved booths, and tasteful modern art throughout the restaurant’s dining areas with a large lounge to begin or end your evening.
73-111 El Paseo
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Phone: 760-341-2626
Jillians's - Romantic. Inviting. Original. Uncompromising quality. Superb cuisine graciously served in an extraordinary atmosphere, is the unique inspiration of proprietors Jay and June Trubee. The Trubees’ winning combination has earned Jillian’s many accolades including a feature in Gourmet Magazine and the Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” since 1994. They attribute much of their success to their loyal staff, with most having been with them since 1986.Jay's Culinary Institute of America training and travels in Europe and the United States have inspired his imaginative, eclectic cuisine. All pastas, breads, and desserts are made fresh in-house daily. He is also responsible for their extensive wine list. His love of the art of cooking paired with fine wine and the desire to continually strive for perfection distinguishes Jillian's.
Serving dinner with live entertainment Monday through Saturday from 6 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended. Seating up to 200, Jillian’s is available for private parties, weddings and corporate events.
74-155 El Paseo
Palm Desert, CA 92260
For Reservations call 760-776-8247
Mallard's – The Sang brothers grew up in restaurants, bussing tables and doing kitchen prep as part of their family's business. When Richie graduated from USC with degrees in corporate finance and marketing, and Brookes worked his way up the family's corporate ladder, the brothers knew it was time to strike out on their own. Says Brookes, "It feels natural to be in a restaurant."
An extensive menu of 75 items includes everything from wood-fired pizza to succulent prime rib. Everything is made from scratch, from the sauces to the salad dressings. Regional specialties are highlighted on a special menu that changes monthly to showcase meats and seafood with fruits and vegetables of the season.
Mallard’s restaurant in Modesto has maintained its reputation as the place to go for 20 years. The Sang brothers have every intention of building on Mallard’s well-earned reputation for welcoming guests with great, authentic food. Open for lunch and dinner daily. Don’t miss Sunday brunch.
73-101 Highway 111
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Phone: 760-773-5757
Ristorante Mamma Gina -  Though Ristorante Mamma Gina is praised for its sunny, easy elegance, it's the excellent and authentic cuisine - the pride of three generations of Pierattonis - that has earned it the most accolades.
The Pierattoni family mantra: "Use only the best and don't change authentic recipes." Everything, including the bread, all desserts, and most of the pastas, are made on the premises. Only olive oil is used for cooking. True to the region, there is a bounty of simple but skillfully prepared grilled fishes, poultry, and meats and several risotto dishes, one featuring lobster. And where else could you get Tuscan specialties such as an appetizer of Empolese, freshly marinated and thinly sliced artichoke hearts served with shaved Parmesan cheese, or Pappa al Pomodoro, a tomato bread soup?
The outstanding food and attentive service, combined with an extensive wine list, has earned Mamma Gina numerous California Writers Association and Epicurean Rendezvous awards and praise in the 2004 Zagat Survey as a "breath of Tuscany." For a real breath, ask about Mamma Gina's Bed & Breakfast offered in a 14th-century villa in the hills of Florence.
73-705 El Paseo
Palm Desert, California 92260
Phone: 760-568-9898
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