Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Indio

Was in town for the holidays and took a friend here for a birthday dinner. Really enjoyed the whole experience. Had a 6:15 reservation and was seated pretty close to on time. Was happy they sat us near the sushi bar, as the noise level in the main dining area was very loud. As a sushi lover I will say the quality of the fish was excellent, very very fresh. Our server was busy as a bee but was very nice and attentive to us. We had ZERO complaints about the evening. Will definitely dine here again next time I'm back in town.

The Bistro has the best steak in the Coachella Vslley. It’s our favorite place for a special occasion. We always share a meal. We shared a Caesar salad which was plenty as shared and brought to us already divided. For a $12 fee our shared entree was divided in the kitchen. Shared the 12 oz filet and we each selected our own sides (full size portion) with left overs brought home. Steak was melt in your mouth tender! Justin was our waiter and knows what he’s doing. Professional yet friendly! Afterwards always move to the bar for a chocolate espresso martini served by the best bartender ever-Adrian. Always enjoy great conversation with him and he makes fabulous drinks!! Only criticism we have is we find it very strange that reservations are always only available very early or late. Never during the prime dining hour -6 to 7 even when the restaurant is not busy. This applied to us last night. Could only get 5:15 or 7:30 ??

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.

This year is the first time we have been unable to have Christmas Eve at home with our friends. I need to have back surgery and cooking is an extremely difficult chore so my husband suggested we dine out and treat our friends of 30-40 years for a lovely dinner at LG’s. Well when you are going to spend that kind of money for dinner for seven, you want it to be extra special and it truly was. We ordered the Caesar salad and watching the server prepare it was a real treat. I realize that on a busy night like Christmas Eve that the preparation of a Caesar salad at the table is really going the extra mile. We truly appreciated that. We ordered several steaks and some Sea Bass and everyone raved about how perfectly cooked the steaks were and my sister and I had the Sea Bass. It was cooked to perfection. And what can you say about the side dishes. They are always exceptionally delicious. LG’s is one of our most favorite restaurants in the desert and it was a wonderful choice for Christmas Eve. Our waiter said he had been there for 10 years and you could certainly tell how well trained he was. He kept the drinks flowing and we waited on nothing. About 4 years ago we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary there in that lovely room downstairs with around 40 guests and again the food and service were exceptional. Thank you for making our Christmas Eve so special this year. There are hundreds of other restaurants here in the desert we could have chosen to show our friends how extra special they are to us but the choice of LG’s was the perfect choice. Thank you for contributing to a very Merry Christmas for all of us.

This was our first visit. It was wonderful, and to discover it inside a casino along I-10 made it even better. I will be back next time I am in the La Quinta area.