Help needed for Palm Desert/Springs fine dining for VIP clients
 

Please help!!! I am in desperate need of an amazing restuarant that will wow my clients- will be staying at JW Marriott resort. Any interesting places with local charm or uniqueness? If not- just somewhere with excellent food and service- please no chain restaurants/

Anyone heard of Omri and Boni, Wally's or the Cliffhouse?

Some friends have been to the Cliffhouse and they really loved it. I have not been. Wallys is a very expensive, Contintental type restaurant. Don't know much about it, but it has been there for many years. I know you said no chains, but they do have a Ruth Chris there and a Flemings, and a Mortons, and most business people I know really like those places. Excellent steaks, good food, great drinks. Can't beat it. There is also a Roys, also a chain, but top of the line, across from the River.

Why don't you call the concierge at the Marriott and pick their brain. They would know. There are many resorts in the area and they would know if some of them have great restaurants or not. They are a great source for information, IMO.

If you want to stay on the premises, Tuscany in the JW Marriott is a beautiful restaurant with excellent food. But for something unique, go for Johannes in Palm Springs. It is described as "California-European".

Le St.Germaine is also wonderful for French Food.

All good suggestions. Cliff House is fun in the nice weather to sit outside by the waterfall, but it is not a Wow restaurant, we go there every Easter break with the family.
Wally's is the only place requiring a coat and tie in the desert, Omri and Boni is newer and good, as is LG's Prime Steakhouse in Palm Desert. We like the Fall's Steakhouse in La Quinta, as well as Desert Sage. We've had sunset drinks at Arnold Palmers in LQ, but have not dined there.

The food at Cliff House is uneven, but the view is great.

Wally's just isn't my kind of place. Maybe if the clients are in their 60's or 70's they would like it.

Omri & Boni has an trendy decor and great food (kind of Middle Eastern Mediterranean).

Another place that fits the bill for unique decor and excellent food is Augusta in Palm Desert. And then there is Cuistot, but I haven't been to the new location.

Another vote for Johannes and Le St. Germaine.

Desert Sage in La Quinta is closed, unfortunately. It was an excellent choice.

Azur at La Quinta Resort is definitely fine dining, although the decor could be characterized as maybe a bit austere. The setting at the hotel, however, is very good and nice for a pre or post-dinner walk through the gardens surrounding the original casitas.

Omri & Boni is also a local favorite of ours.

Other thoughts are Jillian's, Le Valleuris.

I like Palmers and go there somewhat frequently, but would not call it fine dining, nor would I refer to Cliff House or Roy's that way.

Wally's is an old desert tradition and it can be an older crowd, as someone said. Still, the food is excellent and when last I was there I think I wore a sport coat, but not a tie. I don't know of any other restaurant in the desert that still has that requirement.

If you go to LGs in La Quinta, request to be seated in Joe's section for a fun experience by an old pro.

GL,
PSL

I would suggest ~Jillian's~ located on El Paseo Drive.
Jillian's is a real find amidst desert resort bistros. The decor here is elegantly rustic, with cottage-y dining rooms, doors, windows, and porches that open up to a center court with palms lit with twinkle lights.
You won't be disappointed.

Francie

There is no comparison...Cuistot stands out! You must try their mushroom fume. As others have said other very nice restauants are Johannes or Jillian's. Wally's Desert Turtle is quite nice, but I felt a bit excessively priced. I agree with the other that though we enjoy appetizers and the bar at LaQuinta Cliffhouse and the meals are filling..it is not quite as much the fine dining experience.

I would not suggest Cliffhouse for clients. Try Jillians in Palm Desert, it is quaint, lovely and great food. Johannas was a good suggestion also.

Someone has recently crossreferenced this thread so I thought I would add that Omri and Boni's is closed! :(

Love Le Vallauris in Palm Springs..
Gorgeous 1920's home with a lovely patio and outstanding french food!

www.levallauris.com

Omri and Boni reopened under new owners as 'Amore', an Italian restaurant.