Indian Wells Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Indian Wells

April 14, 2018 Weston Hennigan

Indian Wells is a city in Riverside County, California, in the Coachella Valley. Incorporated in 1967, it lies in between Palm Desert and the resort town of La Quinta. As of the 2013 census, the city population was 5,165.
Things to do in Indian Wells

1. Nest

75188 US Highway 111, Indian Wells, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92210-8344 Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night, Drinks SGD 33 - SGD 33 +1 760-346-2314
Excellent
52%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 262 reviews

Nest

Reviewed By Muskoka21 - Toronto

We arrived on a Monday night - first timers... not sure what to expect but all in all it was a great lively place serving good food at good prices. Not one of the outrageous steak houses that seem to be popular in the area. Servers were very efficient and pleasant. Wine list good and reasonable. We wandered into the bar area after dinner and of course it was an older set of people all having a really a good time. Nothing I wouldn't expect for the area. The owners are present and very very pleasant.. great job and keep it up!

2. La Quinta Cliffhouse Grill and Bar

78250 Highway 111, La Quinta, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92253-2074 Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks SGD 39 - SGD 41 +1 760-360-5991
Excellent
55%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

La Quinta Cliffhouse Grill and Bar

From the moment you approach the Cliffhouse you are surrounded by the dramatic sights and sounds of this desert destination. Jutting from a massive rock outcropping above the desert floor the Cliffhouse is renowned for its spectacular views across the valley and providing a lively, casual destination to enjoy a menu of American classics with innovative preparations focused on premium steaks and seafood at great prices. The historic ranch house ambiance complete with a massive fireplace, expansive windows and rustic beamed ceilings creates a warm welcoming environment from which to gaze at the magnificent mountains, share a meal and conversation and stay awhile. The menu highlights vibrant flavors from the valley along with a generous selection of fresh fish and seafood. The wine list has been thoughtfully chosen to complement the food and provide reasonably priced selections including rare and limited bottles.

Reviewed By lookin4luxury - Albany, Oregon

This was a special dinner for us. Complementary valet parking and a visually interesting structure/waterfall display. Reservations are recommended and the sunset is popular. We had salmon, ribeye and scallops. All were amazing. We were easily done in under an hour from driving on the property. Attire was casual but people had made an effort--resort casual with heels for example. Expect $40-50 per person but worth it given the food quality and artful prep.

3. Brandini Toffee

42250 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92270-4432 Seating, Takeout, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards American Dinner SGD 176 +1 760-200-1598
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 125 reviews

Brandini Toffee

Brandini Toffee is a manufacturer of gourmet almond toffee sold online and through our retail stores in Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs and Cabazon, CA. We also serve coffee, ice cream bars hand dipped in dark chocolate and rolled in toffee, vanilla and chocolate toffee shakes, toffee popcorn, toffee and chocolate covered pretzels, and more. Ask about our private label program for your business or event.

Reviewed By beeperVancouver - vancouver

I was invited to a 10:30 tour of Brandini Toffee. Paul, a fantastic guide who knows the background of the company, leads tours Monday - Friday. I didn't expect to be amazed at the story of its founding, and the absolutely fantastic products used to make everything, and the quality standards throughout the business. Brandon Weimer first started making toffee at 12 years old. Then, he and Leah Post needed to raise money for a trip to Italy in their sophomore year of high school, and they were astounded at how fast their delicious toffee sold, and that they raised more than they needed to pay their share of their trip (their parents paid for half and they had to pay for the other half). Not the usual story of the beginning of a business--right?

Today their clients include Ralphs Grocery Stores, Costco, Whole Foods, their outlets, on-line, and stores worldwide. The cleanliness of the manufacturing facility shows quality perfection standards. The products used in producing the products are top quality. There is real butter--no oil substitues--, yummy chocolate, and wonderful popcorn with several types of toffee and other things added so that there are several popcorn varieties. The popcorn is made in a machine, but basically, this is a hands-on operation and definitely there are no robots...just hardworking employees. Join the well known stars like Oprah and Martha Stewart who have the products on their "A" lists. You can join the "frequent shopper" list to get points, and rewards.

Once you try the products, you will never want to stop enjoying them, and sharing them with family, friends and clients. I usually have a lot of willpower, BUT, not with the Brandini Toffee products. This is an A+ company that is run with high standards, creativity and love to produce the best toffee products available in the world.

The business and store are in Rancho Mirage, and are in the shopping center across from The River on Bob Hope. Lots of free parking, and 10% off after the tour. This is an award winning company. After our tour, Brandon came to meet us--very unique and wonderful to have the boss come to meet the tourists.

4. Ristorante Mamma Gina

73705 El Paseo, Palm Desert, Palm Desert, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92260-4328 Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Italian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night SGD 59 +1 760-568-9898
Excellent
62%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 830 reviews

Ristorante Mamma Gina

Ristorante Mamma Gina has been a landmark in Florentine cuisine in Italy since 1956. Thirty years later, in 1986, California residents were able to get their very own taste of Italy as Ristorante Mamma Gina made its way to the United States.Since then we have been serving the desert with the best Italian food you can find on this side of the world. We pride ourselves on our authentic Italian cuisine, kitchen, and service. With white linens and a very classy atmosphere, Ristorante Mamma Gina is the perfect spot for your next date night or family get together. Bring your next special occasion to Ristorante Mamma Gina. Our Wine Room and Lounge are available for small private parties. For an intimate gathering our Wine Room accommodates between 10 to 18 people comfortably. For larger groups our Lounge accommodates parties up to 60 people. We have 4 sample menus to choose from, or you can always create your own. We're the next best thing to Italy itself! Come in for a traditional and authentic Italian dish. White wine with barrel on vineyard in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy Thinking of traveling to Tuscany, Italy for the real deal? Weekly or monthly rentals available at great apartments in Florence and Villas in Chianti area. We know just the right spots to travel and of course eat! Additional Business Information: Happy Hour: 4pm-close Dinner: 5pm-close Early Bird Special: 5-6pm

Reviewed By MissMoorea - Naples, Florida

We dined at Mamma Gina’s recently on a trip to Palm Desert. Since we had dined at its wonderful sister restaurant in Italy, it was a no brainer for us to dine at the U.S. based restaurant. One diner in our party has food allergies, however, so finding something suitable here was not an easy feat. The gluten free calamari was delicious (coated with cornmeal) but no sauce would work b/c of dairy allergies. The chopped salad was okay. Gluten free pasta wasn’t an option either b/c we were told that every single pasta sauce on the menu contains dairy. Our recommendation is to offer at least one allergen-friendly sauce - perhaps marinara. Our server didn’t seem interested in servicing our friend with allergies so he recommended dishes that sounded undesirable or rather bland. Our friend ordered the branzino but really wanted pasta so she was clearly disappointed. Our entree choices were good but not fabulous. We’d definitely try some of the other dishes we were considering if we were ever to dine here again. Management did make an effort to stop by and check in with us which was appreciated but we did not care for our server, which impacted the overall enjoyment of our meal.

5. Lantana

44600 Indian Wells Ln, Indian Wells, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92210-8707 Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Takeout, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Full Bar, Free Wifi American, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 39 - SGD 39 +1 760-674-4165
Excellent
55%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 176 reviews

Lantana

Reviewed By Ola M

I had breakfast here 3 mornings in a row. Very nice, efficient and friendly service. I had different items every breakfast and everything was very good, fresh and tasty. Coffee is good too.

6. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant

73505 El Paseo, Palm Desert, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92260-4343 Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards American, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks SGD 41 - SGD 66 +1 760-674-8666
Excellent
60%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Pacifica Seafood Restaurant

Reviewed By lb33wonka - redondo beach

I am it feels and tastes like they just caught and made my fish . I had the salmon and it was too die for . The sides are big enough for two people to share . Make reservations in advance and sit outside

7. Eureka

74985 US Highway 111, Indian Wells, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92210-7136 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks +1 760-834-7700
Excellent
35%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 256 reviews

Eureka

A collection of America's best. Eureka! Features an elevated American selection of craft beer, whiskey, regional wine, & locally sourced ingredients.

Reviewed By Wanda R - Arizona

The location of this restaurant is convenient. There is plenty of outside seating plus adequate inside seating. They are known for their craft beers and local wines and have a nice selection. The menu is very limited but adequate. The restaurant is extremely loud as they play loud techno music, and have high ceilings with nothing to absorb sound.

8. Cafe Italia

74901 US Highway 111, The Village Shopping Center, Indian Wells, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92210-7134 Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Italian, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner +1 760-773-3080
Excellent
45%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 198 reviews

Cafe Italia

Reviewed By Vivere731 - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

My wife and I went with another couple not knowing what to expect other than knowing that they had "singing waiters". I will start with the food. I was disappointed with my caprese salad and my wife's house salad. The salads seemed to be pre-made and refrigerated. They tasted bland to me. So, I was not optimistic about the entrees. Fortunately, the entrees were very good. I had sand dabs piccata. The fish was tender and moist, not overcooked. The sauce was very good and not overwhelming. The vegetables were quite good. My wife loved her chicken piccata. Our friends enjoyed their entrees as well. On to the singing... It was fun and very well done. My only disappointment was that the guests at one of the tables never stopped talking so we could all enjoy the brief intervals of entertainment. It is a small place that has the feel of a neighborhood restaurant. The noise level was moderate. I would definitely go back, but would order an appetizer rather than a salad.

9. Wilma & Frieda's Cafe

73575 El Paseo Ste C2310, Palm Desert, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92260-4385 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi American, Cafe, International, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +1 760-773-2807
Excellent
65%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 575 reviews

Wilma & Frieda's Cafe

Reviewed By bigsur221 - Chicago

Wonderful breakfast again here, for our third visit. They have a wide, inventive menu. Daughter had churro waffle which she said was great, I had a wonderful omelette and wife had eggs Benedict. Everything was great. Would for sure go back.

10. La Brasserie Bistro & Bar

78477 Highway 111, La Quinta, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92253-2076 Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover Bar, French, European, Contemporary, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Drinks SGD 13 - SGD 45 +1 760-771-4400
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 269 reviews

La Brasserie Bistro & Bar

Brasserie [bras-uh-ree], the French term for brewery, refers to an unpretentious restaurant that serves drinks and classic Parisian bistro food. La Brasserie Bistro & Bar is an authentic French bistro that juxtaposes sophistication, charm and casualness with a high-energy environment. Patrons are enveloped by the authentic style and comfort from the moment they walk through the door. The menu features fresh and traditional bistro cuisine prepared by the highly experienced, award winning French chef and owner, Emmanuel Janin. The chef/owners’ European influence is evident in every aspect of La Brasserie Bistro & Bar. From the ambiance, to the courteous service, and of course the food and wine; this family owned and operated bistro will be everyone’s favorite neighborhood eatery. The goal of Emmanuel and Kara Janin is to bring a traditional French bistro to La Quinta, and it’s called La Brasserie Bistro & Bar on the southwest corner of Highway 111 and Washington Street

Reviewed By Jim W - Carmel, California

Our first experience at La Brasserie was memorable for sure. We were seated exactly at our reservation time by a friendly and very professional hostess. The service from our waiter to the several people assisting with water, bread, etc. was absolutely top drawer. We split...MoreJim, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are so happy you enjoyed your dining experience at La Brasserie. We look forward to serving you again.

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