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Kitchen in the Desert, Twentynine Palms, CA

Kitchen in the Desert

4.5
4.5
466 Reviews
$31 to $50
Caribbean
Top Tags:
Kitchen in the Desert is a Caribbean and New American restaurant located just outside the Twentynine Palms entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. We pride ourselves in making high quality food from scratch using fresh ingredients and providing a comfortable environment to enjoy it in. We have a full bar plus beer and wine and are open nightly from 5 to 10pm. Please be advised that all reservations are for outdoor seating, so please dress accordingly.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 24 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Caribbean, American
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 7:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 7:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (760) 865-0245
  • Website
    https://www.kitd29.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Location
    6427 Mesquite Ave, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
  • Neighborhood
    Twentynine Palms
  • Cross street
    6427 Mesquite Ave, Twentynine Palms CALIFORNIA 92277
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Outdoor Firepit, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 466 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities

    Innovative

  • Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities

    Healthy

  • Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Palm Springs / Palm Desert

    Innovative

  • Palm Springs / Palm Desert

    Healthy

  • Palm Springs / Palm Desert

    Great for outdoor dining

466 Reviews

  1. BrianZ

    Orange County

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food, drinks, and service were great. It's a bit pricey but an overall awesome place.

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  2. Courts

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    AMAZING FOOD AMAZING EXPERIENCE! shoutout to doug for sharing his passion for hospitality with us! food came out fast and hot! (spicy)! yum!

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  3. kimberlyw

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved it! Love everything about it! So amazing !!!!

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We love this place! The service was excellent! The portions are small which is fine but it does make the meal more expensive since we ordered extra dishes. On the down side, the last 2 times I’ve been there, they were out of items that people in our party really wanted. Overall great food, great service, lovely desert ambiance!

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  5. Arisha

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    I recently dined at Kitchen in the Desert with high hopes of enjoying a delicious meal, but unfortunately, my experience left me feeling quite disappointed. The overall ambiance, décor, and taste of the food were pleasant, but the temperature of the food and service left much to be desired. To start, I ordered a dish that was described as "straight from the oven." However, when it arrived at my table, it was evident that the food had not been properly heated. The dish was cold at the center, which was a major letdown. On a more positive note, the restaurant had a decent selection of drinks, and the dessert was enjoyable. However, these positives couldn't overshadow the shortcomings of the overall dining experience.

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  6. HalieM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was 10/10. We got a few different items to share as a group of four and everything was so fresh and tasted amazing. The drinks were delicious and the service was excellent! Definitely a great restaurant.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    The food is great as usual. nothing to add other than the menu has changed. It’s mostly “small plate” shareable items which is important for those that frequent the establishment with different expectations.

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  8. RachelO

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was 10/10. The restaurant was very busy but the staff did a great job communicating and making the experience great. Would recommend to anyone

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  9. PaolaB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Inside is way too loud, it’ll be more comfortable if you lower the music to be able to chat

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, environment, and staff. Will be back again.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was an experience. So worth the drive and kept us full post meal during the meteor shower in the desert.

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  12. lolajp

    Yosemite

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Really liked the menu options and appreciated diverse vegetarian options. Doubles was really tasty. I'm not sure the food lends itself to tapas style, so we each got our own dish and that worked out fine. If we had been hungrier we would have needed to order another dish, because dishes are small plate/sharing size. The food is really good though. The patio is great.

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  13. Bebs

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was unusual and fantastic! I loved the beet salad..I will try to replicate it! Thank you!

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  14. CristinH

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This restaurant is a gem, and I will now be going every time I’m passing through the 29 palms/Jtree/Yucca area!

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  15. EricaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Kitchen in the Desert was amazing! Easy to find, beautiful location, great service and excellent food! The Gumbo was delicious, and the steak was the best we’ve had, ever. Wonderful atmosphere and meal - we’ll definitely be back!

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  16. Nikki

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a special place! Fantastic food and vibes :) Would definitely come back!

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  17. Jazmin

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 31, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    The food was good but nothing special. Outdoor seating was nice at sunset and they have misters to keep cool. Staff was not as attentive as we would have liked being that we had reservations right when they opened and there were not that many guests there to say that they were too busy.

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  18. Patarask

    Los Angeles

    154 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    154 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Really great food - not a single dish was off the mark. Didn’t expect much with the heat and outdoor seating but atmosphere was very laid back and easy, even for a young child!

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  19. MichaelC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 24, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Lovely setting and great, unusual food. Exceptional service by a very busy wait person. Everything was perfect until we got the bull. $400 for eight people, including three kids!! That is outrageous! The problem is the drink prices, non alcoholic drinks while good and creative were as much as out $15 margaritas. And those, while large, were not worth $15. Those are New York prices and are unmanageable in a small desert town on a hot night with a damp table with a picnic bench on each side. Quaint and cute but not worth the fare. I will not be going back until drink prices are moderated. Only two of our party of eight had alcoholic drinks. I left stunned. A white week in Venice beach and we never paid that much. Lift an unfortunate bad taste in our mouths and a huge hole in our pocketbooks,

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  20. AlexandraP

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food options are limited but every dish we ordered was phenomenal. Wish I had time to eat there more than one night before heading back to NY.

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  21. Jess

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Server was great but food was later then should have been. He apologized for the inconvenience but being outside seating at 100°, we didn't want to enjoy the ambience that much. I'm sure it wasn't a common occurrence, that's why I still gave four stars. I would definitely go again and recommend to try once at least.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Oasis in the desert. Amazing food, eclectic menu, relaxing arrangement, and great staff. A definte must try when in 29 Palms!

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If you’re considering KITD, this is your sign to make a reservation! The creative soul of 29 Palms really shines through in this restaurant/venue with delicious food to top it off! The decor and design of this place is inspiring and such a wonderful vibe to enjoy great company and share a memorable meal.❤️ Cannot wait to come back for a night-time visit to see all the wonderful decor with mood lighting! Timing when temps are reasonable for outdoor dining is important for having a great experience here, as most seating is outdoor with cover and misters. Wait staff is mostly friendly, our waitress and hostess was genuine and kind. Our food was fresh tasting, clean and well cooked. The best ribeye I’ve had in recent memory. Great chimchurri flavor with a perfectly cooked crust, melt-in-your mouth perfection! Brussels sprouts, hen-in-the-woods and beat salad were all consistently fresh and seasoned just right. The chicken sandwich is to die for, great portion with nice diverse flavors for condiments. The spicy sauce has a LOT of heat, FYI, so maybe omit the sauce if heat ain’t your jam. Perhaps the most surprisingly amazing part was desert, which were Fried Oreos…just incredible! Great to share, you have to save room for at least one!

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  24. JohnM

    San Diego

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 12, 2023

    overall5food4service3ambience5
    Really great experience! This is our third time coming to KITD and it’s becoming a yearly excursion. No matter where we are in the world, we’ve made it a point to fly into Palm Springs, stay for a few days, and get a delicious meal at KITD one night. Food was great, particularly the ribeye and the hen in the wild starter. The only mark against them would be the service - it was good by any standard, but we felt bad that there was one server for 6-7 couples. Besides that, excellent dinner and you’ll see us again next year!

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  25. caleyt

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice outdoor seating, all of the dishes were excellent, and our server was really great :)

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  26. Erica

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    if you would like a great outdoor ambience vibe, kitchen in the desert is a place to go.

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  27. NerrisaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Food was so good and fresh. Loved all the veggies we ordered. Jerk chicken was good, the fried chicken was decent, nothing extraordinary. My kids and husband loved the smashed burger and chicken sandwich. We were with our kids so we had to eat in the outdoor seating because indoors is 21+. But even though it was hot, they had water misters outside to keep us cool which my kids also enjoyed walking through, so that was a win for us. Fried Oreo dessert was a hit with everyone. Overall, I enjoyed the food and experience and would eat there again.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Despite the scorching temperature exceeding 100F outside, we had a delightful experience dining outdoors in the cool shade. Our highlight was undoubtedly the surf and turf special, featuring succulent chimichurri shrimp and a perfectly cooked filet mignon. The flavors were simply outstanding, leaving us so impressed that I couldn't resist inviting the chef to our table to personally convey my compliments. To my delight, the chef graciously obliged and took the time to greet us. In addition to the main course, we relished a refreshing beet salad that offered a delightful balance of flavors. To complement our meal, we savored a bottle of chilled Rose, which perfectly complemented the summery ambiance. When it came to dessert, we indulged in a slice of delectable key lime pie that was truly exceptional. The tangy and creamy combination was an absolute delight. Overall, our experience at this restaurant was exceptional. We are eagerly looking forward to returning the next time we find ourselves in Joshua Tree. It's an unequivocal 100% recommendation from us.

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  29. DebraC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I just loved the homey atmosphere and ambience. The food was absolutely delicious and really awakened our taste buds. We were there last night and are going back tonight and it will be a challenge not to order the exact same dishes even though we want to taste other things. Highly highly recommend Kitchen in the Desert 1,000%!

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  30. DannyM

    Palm Springs

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 25, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    A unique night out that was more an experience than just a meal. Setting and staff were as much part of dinner as the food

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved this place! The vibe was great & the food was amazing! Definitely recommend 100%

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  32. User

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience1
    scenery is beautiful. i still had to wait 15 minutes after my reservation. service could have been way better and the food was minimal and not worth the price. i also noted a birthday and they forgot about it.

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  33. NathanielC

    Palm Springs

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From start to finish, an excellent experience. Wonderful ambience with eclectic music and a true desert paradise vibe. Our server Doug was amazing, quick, attentive, talkative and polite. (Plus the fact that we’re both originally from Ft. Lauderdale was an awesome twist) The food was out of this world! Growing up in a place that serves Caribbean food, I’m picky about it. It blew me away!!! I had the Fried Chicken, Collard Greens and Sweet Potatoes with Apple Chutney. I wish I had taken a plate to go. Tremendous Flavor, Crispy Chicken, Savory Collards, and the Apple Chutney was the perfect compliment. I will tell as many as I can about this Jewel of the desert! Nate C.

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  34. SamanthaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    KitD is my favorite place to eat in 29 Palms. The atmosphere and ambiance is so nice, and despite being outdoor dining it is so quiet. The food is fantastic, well portioned and priced, and their cocktails are specially curated (presentation is everything... get the cucumber martini). My party went there for my birthday, and I was even surprised by the server with birthday shots and a dessert even though we didn't tell them it was my birthday - it was just really above and beyond and appreciated!

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  35. kimberlyw

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love the scene at this restaurant ... so fun! Love every server we have had too ... really nice and friendly.

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  36. Apryl

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is our favorite place for a truly amazing meal every time we visit Twentynine Palms. Everything about Kitchen in the Desert is a wonderful experience. Atmosphere, music, beverages, staff, and food is always at peak performance!

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  37. Wowahsj

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 19, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience3
    Food was fantastic! But on the other hand, the service was horrible. Had a reservation, and ultimately got said 35 minutes after the reservation. Once we got sat, it took 20 minutes for someone to come to the table and we were helped after people who were sat later than us.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 19, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Amazing experience. Just make sure to plan to take your time and have a leisurely meal and soak in the ambience.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Palm Springs

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience2
    So, the menu was extremely limited. The food was okay. Getting our food took a VERY long time and it was overpriced. We made reservations. While other tables had plates and silverware neatly set up for other customers, our table for 4 had simply silverware wrapped in napkins dropped randomly on the table. The hostess, seating us outside in the sun (which was okay and expected), offered to put up the umbrella for much-needed shade but then walked away to help other soon-to-be customers. It wasn't until when the party seated about 15 minutes after us at the next table asked for the umbrella did a different employee open the umbrella for us all. With the room temperature water in a carafe, getting our drinks about 20 minutes after being seated, and watching customers who arrived after us to get their food waaay before us we should have known. The icing on the cake you ask? Another customer was sat at the table next to us who had a dog (no biggie, I'm a dog LOVER and we have 4 of our own). While this customer waited to be seated that dog showed unwarranted aggression (lunging viciously) toward other customers, however they sat this customer and their dog right next to other people. While my 9 year old son was returning from using the bathroom with my husband that dog lunged snarling at my son. Absolutely unacceptable! Stevie Wonder could see that dog was lunging at a number of people before the customers and their dog were seated. The customers bringing a dog like that to a restaurant AND the hostess sitting that dog around others was irresponsible and put people and that dog in extreme danger. To that dog's owners and the hostess... do better... just do better. Needless to say, this place lost local money here. I will not return for the overpriced food, sitting under tattered sun shades waiting for the staff to assist with a smidgen of umbrella shade or drinks or food or desert... and I will definitely not return to fend off a rabid pink-puppy-sock wearing pooch.

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  40. ELinLA

    Los Angeles

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had brunch here for the first time. The friend chicken sandwich and smoked salmon toast were fantastic. We ordered the pear pancake for the kiddos but they are picky as all heck. I thought the flavoring on the pancake was beautiful and nuanced. I told the waitress I wished they had smaller portion to add on as a dessert. The dish is huge! So if you are a diner who prefer simple fare, you might have a bit of trouble finding something they like. Otherwise, HIGHLY recommend the menu here. And drinks were top notch also. Great coffee too. Tip: Come early if brunching. It gets hot out quick in the dez!

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FAQs

Kitchen in the Desert offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (760) 865-0245.

Kitchen in the Desert is rated 4.5 stars by 466 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 24 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Kitchen in the Desert

6427 Mesquite Ave, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    6427 Mesquite Ave, Twentynine Palms CALIFORNIA 92277
  • Neighborhood
    Twentynine Palms
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 7:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 7:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Caribbean, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Outdoor Firepit, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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