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Best Restaurants for People Watching in La Quinta

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11 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Twenty6 restaurant
1. Twenty6
4.2
Awesome(986)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • La Quinta
Booked 35 times today
When Walter Morgan first opened the La Quinta Hotel in 1926, his dream was to provide a welcoming desert escape for his friends and family. Throughout the ensuing decades, that dream has blossomed, and today TWENTY6 sits at the heart of La Quinta Resort providing the time-honored hospitality that Mr. Morgan so loved. Our focus is chef-driven modern American cuisine, using local, sustainable sources whenever possible. Our passion is providing exceptional service, our hallmark since 1926.
A photo of The Nest restaurant
2. The Nest
4.6
Exceptional(3317)
Price: Expensive
• Continental • Indian Wells
Booked 61 times today
The Nest is Indian Wells' most famous restaurant and lounge. We've been serving fine guests, celebrities, golf and tennis legends since 1965. The reasons for our exceptional longevity and acceptance are delicious food, wonderful, warm atmosphere, great entertainment, and generous refreshments, along with the service you would like to receive all the time .... RESERVATIONS ARE FOR FULL DINNER IN THE DINING ROOM ONLY. Reservations for only cocktails, just desserts, or appetizers will be cancelled. The Nest enforces a strict upscale dress code. We do not allow beachwear, gym attire including sweatpants, sweatshirts or hoodies. Athletic apparel, jerseys, beanies, bandanas, backwards ball caps, oversized or baggy clothing are prohibited. No excessively revealing clothing will be allowed. Clothing emitting offensive odors is not permitted to be worn anywhere on the property.
A photo of Vicky's of Santa Fe restaurant
3. Vicky's of Santa Fe
4.6
Exceptional(2472)
Price: Expensive
• American • Indian Wells
Booked 58 times today
Now Open 7 Days a Week. Indian Wells' award-winning Restaurant, noted for its outstanding American cuisine, has been consistently awarded "Best Hot Spot", "Best Live Music Venue" and "Best Bar Scene" by OpenTable. Established 1989. Owner Marc Laliberte likes to say, "It's not just the place. It is the people. Our guests become friends & family." A menu of prime steaks, fresh seafood, rack of lamb pair with any number of sides. A walk-in wine cellar features California wines from well-known winemakers to select boutique vintners. At the spacious center bar, signature cocktails shake up. Entertainment in the Lounge Room with a live music program by desert legend John Stanley King. Electrifying performances every night, two sets on Fridays & Saturdays, 9 Sets in 7 Days. No Cover. Please visit vickysofsantafe.com for the Live Music Schedule Now-June 2025. Dinner Reservations required in Dining Rooms and the Lounge. 5pm-9:30pm. Open 7 Days a Week.
A photo of Ernie’s Bar and Grill at PGA West restaurant
4. Ernie’s Bar and Grill at PGA West
4.6
Exceptional(441)
Price: Moderate
• American • La Quinta
Booked 12 times today
Ernie's is an "open to the public" Gastro-Pub located at PGA West, overlooking the famous Stadium and Nicklaus Tournament courses. The hallmark of Gastro Pub fare is that it takes adventurous twists on familiar food, all made from scratch with palette arousing ingredients. Ernie's offers both a casual and refined atmosphere that welcomes the casual beer drinker, the wine enthusiast or the hipster looking for a cocktail. The restaurant consists of booths, low and high top tables positioned to provide people watching, sports on various TV’s or take in golf course views. The large patio provides both outdoor living room furniture and table dining. Two gas fire pits provide and area to relax, unwind and socialize.
A photo of Mastro's Steakhouse - Palm Desert restaurant
5. Mastro's Steakhouse - Palm Desert
4.6
Exceptional(4461)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Palm Desert
Booked 72 times today
Mastro's collection of sophisticated, classic Steakhouses and Ocean Club seafood locations are recognized for their combination of world-class service, highly acclaimed cuisine, and live entertainment in an elegant yet energetic atmosphere. A truly unparalleled dining experience.
A photo of Eddie V's - Palm Desert restaurant
6. Eddie V's - Palm Desert
4.8
Exceptional(3553)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Palm Desert
Booked 85 times today
Eddie V's Prime Seafood is a luxury dining destination known for the seafood flown in from pristine waters around the world, as well as its premium hand-carved steaks. Dishes are artistically prepared and feature an ever-changing array of seasonal seafood, along with critically acclaimed prime center-cut steaks broiled to perfection. The restaurant's award-wining wine list, which has been recognized by Wine Spectator, has more than 300 wines curated by Eddie V's very own Advanced Sommelier. In the V Lounge, guests can sip classic and creative cocktails, and enjoy signature appetizers against a backdrop of live music trios.
A photo of Kitchen 86 restaurant
7. Kitchen 86
4.4
Awesome(347)
Price: Expensive
• American • Palm Desert
Booked 42 times today
Kitchen 86 is a local favorite for indoor and outdoor dining on El Paseo in the heart of Palm Desert.Featuring a deliciously eclectic menu, exceptional service, and a contemporary vibe.Indulge in our ever-changing menu that includes seafood, steaks, lamb chops, salads, pasta, house-made curry, ramen, wood-fired pizzas, and shareable small plates.We serve breakfast and brunch daily with bottomless mimosas and plenty of delicious menu items including vegan and gluten free options. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or a late-night meal, you’re sure to please your palette at Kitchen 86. We use only the freshest ingredients, with many of our menu items being organic and locally sourced.Our Ultra Lounge is the perfect place to gather with friends for happy hour or a late-night cocktail and food until 1am.86 Live, our state-of-the-art entertainment stage, features live music, DJs, and stand-up comedy.
A photo of Larkspur Grill at HOTEL PASEO restaurant
8. Larkspur Grill at HOTEL PASEO
4.4
Awesome(595)
Price: Expensive
• American • Palm Desert
Booked 15 times today
Welcome to Larkspur Grill!We are now accepting reservations! Experience the ultimate dining destination in Palm Desert, conveniently located near the chic El Paseo shopping district. At Larkspur Grill, we bring a modern twist to classic California cuisine, crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Join us on our patio to savor delicious dishes and refreshing cocktails while soaking in the stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains.For groups of 6 or more, please contact the restaurant directly, and we’ll be happy to assist with your reservation.Live entertainment Tuesday - Saturday 6pm-9pm***To maintain the integrity of our live entertainment program an entertainment fee of $6.00 per person will be added to all checks during performance nights.***The entire party must be present to be seated. We kindly request that guests limit the number of checks per table to no more than two.
A photo of Babaloo Lounge restaurant
9. Babaloo Lounge
4.3
Awesome(346)
Price: Expensive
• Gastro Pub • Palm Desert
Booked 4 times today
We are a gastropub specializing in Cuban and Peruvian flavors. While still adhering to age old family recipes, we strive to be innovative and open minded, just as our ancestors were when these flavors were first imagined. Here at BaBaLoo, we want to take on this multicultural challenge by providing the most authentic dining experience that Lake Havasu City and Palm Desert have to offer. Cuba and Peru are rich in history, and nothing tells that tale better than their diverse flavor combinations. We take ideas from cuisines around the world; Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Caribbean, and African flavors have heavily influenced Cuban and Peruvian food throughout history.
A photo of The Fix On El Paseo restaurant
10. The Fix On El Paseo
4.5
Awesome(432)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Palm Desert
Booked 3 times today
We are a California style Bistro serving Breakfast Lunch and Dinner, we take pride in serving only the freshest ingredients. We offer pet friendly al fresco dining. We have the best patio on El Paseo directly across from the Gardens On El Paseo. We will be offering a special pre-fixe menu on Christmas Eve. Please join us!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • TeresaVIP
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •9 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Good food, good service, and beautiful views from outside dining. I wish they had on their website they didn't service breakfast on Sundays after 10:30.
    More info
    Ernie’s Bar and Grill at PGA WestPrice: Moderate• American• La Quinta
    •
    4.6
  • Marianne
    Hawaii •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The food at La Quinta is always fresh and delicious ad Twenty Six is no exception. It was so nice sitting out on the patio!
    More info
    Twenty6Price: Moderate• Contemporary American• La Quinta
    •
    4.2
  • Ernest
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I’ve been coming to Vickie’s for years. It’s been about 8 years since I last made a visit. Valentines Day 2025 was my second visit in the last month. We will be back again on March first for another Bday celebration. I can’t think of a better place to dine in the desert. Our hostess Mercedes was amazing! She had great recommendations and was very friendly and attentive. We look forward to our next visit in a few weeks.
    More info
    Vicky's of Santa FePrice: Expensive• American• Indian Wells
    •
    4.6
  • colleenVIP
    Orange County •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We booked dinner for Valentine’s Day because they did not have a preset menu. We started with cocktails then shared a really nice meal. The servers were pleasant and food brought out when we wanted. They did not rush us on a busy night! It was lovely.
    More info
    Mastro's Steakhouse - Palm DesertPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Palm Desert
    •
    4.6
  • CarolVIP
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •51 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    WOW! Didn’t disappoint! The double cut pork chop was amazingly tender and delicious. The short ribs were also extremely flavorful. Dodi, of course, is the ultimate hostess with a delightful staff. They all made us feel quite special on our anniversary!
    More info
    The NestPrice: Expensive• Continental• Indian Wells
    •
    4.6

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