Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in La Quinta

This was a fabulous dining experience. We sat outside next to a roaring fire, which set a lovely mood for a romantic dinner. Our server Brandy was spectacular — so knowledgeable about the menu, and attentive without being hovering. She even apologized for a smudge on a wine glass, and said, "I'll stop bothering you now" when she was being simply delightful. The food was exquisite, topped only by the lovely finish to the night as we met the head chef and his sous. You will not regret one second of dining here!

Our first time to Lavender’s, and we throughly enjoyed our evening experience. We were greeted by managers as we entered, took us to the patio and thanked us for being there, that’s a surprise these days! Great service by all the staff, nice live music and the atmosphere was comfortable. Nice menu, served as we requested and didn’t feel rushed. It was a birthday dinner for my wife and they had a nice card and little gift at our table. We plan to make Lavender’s part of our ‘rotation’ for dinner spots……

As always a real winner. Favorite restaurant in the desert. suburb food. All four of us had excellent cuisine from appetizers, dinners through deserts. We eat out frequently. Our waiter was excellent. Down to even clearing our wine glasses during our appetizer course so we’d have more room. The background music enhanced the evening not like some other restaurants where the musician thinks they are doing a concert. We come back again and again. Wish they had a loyal diner program. Thanks for always exceeding expectations.

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.

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!