Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Indian Wells

Price
Regions
Areas
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating options
Accessibility

19 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Morgan's in the Desert restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2968)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • La Quinta
Booked 22 times today
Morgan's in the Desert, nestled in the heart of La Quinta, is a true gem for farm-to-table cuisine enthusiasts. Praised as "absolutely the best restaurant in all the Coachella Valley," Morgan's showcases the rich bounty of the region with an emphasis on simple, healthy dishes crafted through traditional cooking methods. Patrons rave about the "memorable dining experience" with dishes that are "deliciously prepared to perfection." Each meal is a celebration of local produce and flavors, making every dining experience unique and authentic. As one diner aptly put it, Morgan's is not just a meal; it's an "enjoyable experience" where the quality and authenticity of farm-to-table cuisine shine brilliantly.
A photo of Twenty6 restaurant
4.3
Awesome(967)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • La Quinta
Booked 19 times today
Nestled in the heart of La Quinta Resort, Twenty6 is a gem that embodies the spirit of Contemporary American cuisine with a commitment to local and sustainable sourcing. Celebrated for its chef-driven, modern American dishes, this restaurant continues the legacy of exceptional service established in 1926. Diners consistently praise the quality of the meals and the impeccable service, with remarks like, "the food was outstanding" and "the service was perfect." Whether it's the Impossible Burger for lunch or the seared salmon that "fell apart wonderfully," Twenty6 ensures a culinary experience that is both authentically American and delightfully innovative. Join the chorus of satisfied patrons who recommend Twenty6 for anyone seeking a standout dining experience in Contemporary American cuisine.
A photo of Wally's Desert Turtle restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3778)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Rancho Mirage
Booked 26 times today
Wally's Desert Turtle in Rancho Mirage epitomizes the essence of Californian cuisine, offering "The Finest Dining in the Coachella Valley." This celebrated establishment delights patrons with a "refreshed and re-imagined take on Modern California Cuisine," earning rave reviews for its commitment to sustainability and local sourcing from ranches, farms, and fisheries. Diners consistently praise the restaurant for its exceptional dishes, such as the perfectly cooked Dover sole and the heavenly soufflés, encapsulating the local flavors and innovative culinary techniques that define Californian dining. The ambiance, highlighted by live music and elegant decor, rounds out the truly Californian dining experience, making every visit to Wally's Desert Turtle "a great night out."
A photo of DSRT CLUB restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(545)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • La Quinta
Booked 18 times today
DSRT CLUB in La Quinta is a seafood lover's paradise, where the essence of vintage dining meets contemporary culinary delight. Praised for its "remarkable and memorable meal" experiences, the restaurant shines with dishes like the "delicious" Crispy Skin Branzino and tender scallops, which are a consistent favorite among diners. The vibrant ambiance paired with "exceptional service" enhances the enjoyment of meticulously prepared seafood dishes, making every meal a luxurious affair. Guests laud the variety and innovative preparation, noting the octopus and mussels as standout selections. DSRT CLUB is truly a "not-to-miss restaurant" for authentic, high-quality seafood cuisine in the heart of La Quinta.
A photo of Lavender Bistro restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(6699)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • La Quinta
Booked 57 times today
At Lavender Bistro in La Quinta, indulge in the epitome of American dining where the culinary craftsmanship turns every meal into a celebration. Known for its "unforgettable dishes," Lavender Bistro uses only the finest meats and freshest organic ingredients, ensuring each dish is a homage to traditional American flavors with a modern twist. Diners rave about the "best oysters ever had" and the decadent halibut special, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality. The charming patio setting, adorned with twinkling lights and accompanied by live music, creates a magical dining experience that is both "beautiful and spectacular." As a beloved gem in La Quinta, Lavender Bistro is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and luxurious American dining adventure.
A photo of Cuistot restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2860)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Palm Desert
Booked 8 times today
Discover the unparalleled charm of Cuistot in Palm Desert, where the essence of French American cuisine is celebrated with finesse. Nestled at the scenic crossroads of Highway 111 and El Paseo, this culinary gem has consistently garnered top accolades, including a perfect 100 for food by Conde Nast Traveler and high Zagat ratings. Guests rave about the "outstanding meal with superb service," and the "exceptional dining experience" featuring classics like Dover Sole and the beloved mushroom soup. Cuistot's elegant dining rooms and starlit terrace overlooking a desert oasis provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable meal that masterfully blends Californian flair with French sophistication. Whether it's for a special occasion or a delightful dinner, Cuistot promises a dining experience that is both "absolutely spectacular" and authentically French American.
A photo of Mélange Restaurant & Bar at the Chateau Lake La Quinta restaurant
4.2
Awesome(1310)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • La Quinta
Booked 3 times today
Mélange Restaurant & Bar at the Chateau Lake La Quinta is a bastion of Continental cuisine, celebrated for its commitment to quality and authenticity. Nestled in the picturesque neighborhood of La Quinta, this lakeside dining gem utilizes the finest ingredients sourced from local Californian farms, ensuring each dish is both fresh and flavorful. Patrons rave about their dining experiences, with comments like, “The food was delicious!” and “The ambiance was lovely!” underscoring the exceptional quality of the meals and setting. Mélange's dedication to modern Continental cuisine with a creative twist, coupled with their attentive service, makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking a premier dining experience in the Palm Springs area.
A photo of Jillian's restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(994)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Palm Desert
Booked 3 times today
Jillian's in Palm Desert offers an unforgettable international dining experience that captures the essence of global flavors. With a reputation for "uncompromising quality," the restaurant consistently receives glowing reviews for its eclectic cuisine. Diners rave about the "exemplary food" and "impeccable service," highlighting dishes like the "best halibut" and "sumptuous" Lake Superior whitefish. The ambiance, whether in one of the elegant dining rooms or the enchanting outdoor courtyard, further enhances the experience, making every meal memorable. As Elizabeth Glover puts it, it's "one of the best meals we have ever had in the United States." Whether for a special occasion or 'just because,' Jillian’s is a top choice for those seeking exceptional international cuisine.
A photo of Bellatrix restaurant
4.5
Awesome(883)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Palm Desert
Booked 5 times today
Bellatrix in Palm Desert exemplifies the pinnacle of American cuisine with its elegant dining and a backdrop of a championship golf course. Renowned for its meticulous service and exceptional menu, Bellatrix offers a dining experience that is both luxurious and deeply rooted in American culinary traditions. Guests rave about the "outstanding" prime rib special, the "fabulous" Japanese Black cod, and the extensive, well-priced wine list. The ambiance of dining under the stars or enjoying lunch with sweeping views adds to its allure, making every visit memorable. With glowing testimonials like "Everything is always first class!!!" and a commitment to quality, Bellatrix is a must-visit for those seeking the best in American dining.
A photo of Mole Palm Desert restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(258)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Palm Desert
Booked 20 times today
Molé Palm Desert in The Shops on El Paseo is a beacon of contemporary Mexican cuisine, offering an extraordinary culinary experience that blends traditional flavors with modern flair. Each dish, from the Guaca-crab "jaracho" to the Colorado lamb shank adobo, is crafted from scratch with an impressive array of ingredients, such as the 32-element molé con pollo, ensuring authenticity and depth of flavor. Guests rave about the "out of this world" food and drinks and the "very unique and different" approach to Mexican dining. The elegant atmosphere and exceptional service complement the innovative menu, making Molé a must-visit for a "different level" of Mexican cuisine. As one review puts it, "The best Mexican Restaurant in Palm Desert! Great food and exceptional service!"

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Anniversaryvip
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •24 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Always a five star experience for us when we eat here . Love the decor and the vibe !!! Food was delicious , we both had the surf and turf and the lobster was delicious. We normally don’t order lobster when we go out because it is usually lacking in flavor else where but not here it was cooked to perfection and the flavor was delicious. We told our waitress to tell the chef how wonderful it was and he came over to the table . We had the mussels appetizer and it was delicious too !! The sauce was so good I wanted to take it home !!! Excellent service and look forward to eating dinner here again !!! Thank you !!!
    More info
    DSRT CLUBPrice: Expensive• American• La Quinta
    4.8
  • Elizabeth
    Los Angeles •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Our Anniversary and Thanksgiving fell on the same day this year. Due to Lavender Bistro's reputation for amazing cuisine and our dinner date was on Thanksgiving, the place was very crowded. Even so, the hostesses and servers were very cheerful, and efficient. Our table was beside one of the beautifully lighted trees. It was hard to decide which appetizer and entree on the menu to pick, since they all looked delicious. We were pleased with our choices. We will definitely be returning.
    More info
    Lavender BistroPrice: Expensive• Californian• La Quinta
    4.6
  • Mylene
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Amazing evening at Morgan’s, food is delicious and perfectly portioned, our server Marilynn was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. Thank you Morgan’s for a wonderful experience!
    More info
    Morgan's in the DesertPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• La Quinta
    4.6
  • Taravip
    Nashville •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    What a total gem! We are mid 50's and while the typical crowd may be older, we appreciated the excellent service, the owner greeting us at the door and checking on us during dinner, the super professional server, and the outstanding food. Seabass, sole and souffle were amazing!
    More info
    Wally's Desert TurtlePrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Rancho Mirage
    4.7
  • Andrea
    Atlanta Metro •13 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    What a beautiful place to dine, we ate outside and our server was very friendly and courteous. The food was good but not exceptional. The prices were a bit high,
    More info
    Twenty6Price: Moderate• Contemporary American• La Quinta
    4.3

Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in Indian Wells

Discover the vibrant culinary landscape of Palm Springs and the surrounding desert cities, where Contemporary American cuisine takes center stage. Nestled in the scenic realms of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and Indian Wells, a diverse array of dining establishments offers a unique blend of modern American dishes, crafted to perfection with innovative twists. These restaurants pride themselves on using locally-sourced ingredients, reflecting the region's rich agricultural heritage and commitment to sustainability. The dining scene in this area is renowned for its sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, providing an ideal setting for both casual outings and special occasions. Each establishment features expertly curated menus that highlight the creativity and culinary skills of renowned chefs, ensuring an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a traveler seeking culinary delights, these restaurants offer a taste of contemporary elegance and regional flavors that cater to every palate. Enjoy the essence of American dining with a distinct, local flair in the heart of California's beloved desert cities.

  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo