Best Restaurants with a Scenic View in Palm Desert

La Quinta Cliffhouse offers a dining experience as captivating as its stunning location. The approach to the restaurant sets the tone for the evening—meandering through a beautifully lit pathway surrounded by rugged rock formations and desert flora feels like stepping into a hidden oasis—with a grand water feature. Once inside, the warm ambiance and classy decor only elevate the anticipation for the meal. Starting with appetizers, the calamari was perfectly crispy with a delightful dipping sauce, while the tuna appetizer delivered fresh, bold flavors with an artistic presentation. For mains, the salmon was flawlessly cooked, its buttery texture complemented by mashed potatoes and gravy, and French green beans. The braised ribs were melt-in-your-mouth tender, rich with deep, savory flavors, and the crab pasta was a creamy, indulgent treat, perfectly balancing sweet crab meat with al dente noodles—perfect al dente! Every dish was presented like a work of art, showcasing the chef’s attention to detail. Pairing the meal with a glass of crisp, effervescent Prosecco added a celebratory touch to the evening. La Quinta Cliffhouse delivers not just a meal, but an experience—combining incredible flavors, stunning presentation, and a setting that feels magical. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable dining adventure.

Excellent service by our waiter Raphael! Chef was on his game tonight! Wonderful from start to finish! Chef’s name I think Darrell? Or Darren? Beautiful ambiance goes without saying. I highly recommend!

Our party of four dined outside and had a wonderful Christmas dinner! Service was excellent, ambiance was lovely, and food was delicious, although it seemed a little overpriced for Mexican food. However, it is the historic La Quinta resort, so highly recommended for a special occasion!

Christmas Eve dinner was delicious! I had the shrimp pasta, which was rich and buttery. The pineapple lemon drop was also very good.

The waiter was very enthusiastic and the food was amazing per usual. We were disappointed that our table was not ready when we arrived when I think I made the reservation weeks ago. I did have a dog, but they didn’t seem to mind. There were plenty of tables outside and we ended up in the corner. A couple after us got a better table right in front of ours.