Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Palm Springs / Palm Desert

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Palm Springs / Palm Desert? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Cielo

4.8

4.8 (3287)

$50 and over

Steak

Cabazon

About the restaurant

Cielo, is a Steak and Seafood Restaurant that celebrates a distinctly comfortable, Californian approach to fine dining. Each dish, inspired by traditional steak and seafood fare, showcases the fresh flavors of California’s farm produce and presents it with a playful sense of humor. Known for its warm, accommodating service, Cielo is a special dining experience with a casual touch. Cielo is nestled in California’s Cabazon Valley, 20 miles west of Palm Springs, and in between the spectacular San Gorgonio and San Jacinto mountain ranges. Located on the 27th floor of the Morongo Resort and Casino, Cielo is set aglow with stunning chandeliers. Cielo is quite literally a jewel at the top of the Morongo Resort and Casino.

Top review

kathleen

Dined 1 day ago

We are a business in Beaumont California and are really enjoying taking clients for dinner. Best Restaurant ever unless you drive into Palm Springs. I wish you were open for lunch for business lunches. Thank you for the great food and service.

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Popular dish

Petite Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Prime New York Strip Steak

Popular dish

Caesar Salad

Wally's Desert Turtle

4.8

4.8 (4068)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Rancho Mirage

About the restaurant

"The Finest Dining in the Coachella Valley" Offering a refreshed and re-imagined take on Modern California Cuisine. And the local response has been "Amazing"!

An Official California Dining Destination, Wally's Desert Turtle in Rancho Mirage proudly supports local Ranches, Farms and Fisheries committed to the smart-stewardship of the planet through sustainable, earth-friendly and ocean-friendly practices.

The finest local ingredients, impeccable service and exceptional surroundings always make for "A Great Night Out" at Wally's Desert Turtle.

Top review

Michael

Dined 7 days ago

Beautiful decor, exceptional service and great food. It was the best dining experience I’ve had in quite some time.

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Popular dish

Honolulu Tuna Tartare

Jillian's

4.8

4.8 (1050)

$50 and over

International

Palm Desert

About the restaurant

Romantic. Inviting. Original. Uncompromising quality.
Superb cuisine graciously served in an extraordinary atmosphere, is the unique inspiration of proprietors Jay and June Trubee.
Guests will experience a masterful Eclectic cuisine. Our menus are designed to include seasonal local ingredients, classic Jillian’s dishes and, of course, your preferences. To accompany your meal, we offer an extensive selection of fine wines from around the world.
Whether you choose one of our distinctive dining rooms or the inviting outdoor courtyard, enchanting garden or private terrace, every detail will be attended to, every need met. With everything from the menu selection to the wine pairings and flower arrangements that can be custom-designed for a most memorable occasion.

RESERVATIONS FOR 5 GUESTS OR MORE.......CALL (760) 776-8242

Top review

WalterVIP

Dined on May 22, 2025

As usual the dining experience was outstanding. Quiet with great ambience and food.

Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill - La Quinta

4.8

4.8 (17)

$30 and under

Pizza Bar

La Quinta

About the restaurant

Before Stuft Pizza gained its reputation as a top restaurant in Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, and La Quinta, Jack and Pat Bertram founded the first Stuft Pizza in Cerritos, California in 1976 after months of recipe experimentation. Starting as a small take-out only pizza joint, its focus on quality led to success. By 1986, it expanded into a franchise, with the Bertram Family operating two unique locations in the Coachella Valley since 2004 and 2014. Featuring expanded menus, full bars, HD TVs, and a welcoming atmosphere, Stuft Pizza remains a beloved family-run establishment, offering delicious pizza and great value for over 45 years. Thank you for being part of the Stuft Pizza family!

Top review

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined on Mar 16, 2025

The waiters were great and the food came out really quickly and the food was phenomenal

Mikado at Desert Springs JW Marriott

4.7

4.7 (2366)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Palm Desert

About the restaurant

The ancient tradition of the Samurai lives on at Mikado where knife-twirling chefs use fire and steam to create a mouth watering menu of steak, chicken and seafood delights. The highlight of the experience is the dazzling talents of your chef as he expertly chops, juggles, jokes and prepares an incredible meal right before your eyes. While you are led to your table through our private Japanese garden, notice the Koi swimming below and the sound of cascading waterfalls.

Mikado at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is known throughout the Coachella Valley and Southern California as the leader in authentic Teppan-Yaki Dining.

But it doesn’t stop there! East meets West at the ultimate sushi bar where you can relax and enjoy the freshest foods and a signature martini or sake. Celebrate an intimate gathering or a private function up to 140 guests at Mikado where the food is the show! Arigato!

"Please note that Mikado Restaurant reservations are not inclusive of a boat tour."

Top review

RobertaVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Love, love Mikado! Setting is fabulous: food excellent:

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Palm Desert

4.7

4.7 (4099)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Palm Desert

About the restaurant

Now Open: We look forward to serving you soon.

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Palm Desert, CA serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.

Top review

Stacie

Dined on Jun 4, 2025

You can’t go wrong with Ruth’s Chris. Always delicious, always great service - it’s a win win!

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The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage

4.7

4.7 (3280)

$50 and over

Steak

Rancho Mirage

About the restaurant

The Steakhouse, recipient of the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star award, and winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence consecutively since 2007, is this stunning Rancho Mirage resort’s fine dining restaurant. Earning accolades such as the AAA Four Diamond Award, the Palm Springs Life Best of the Best, and the OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award. The Steakhouse, is a Wine Spectator award winning restaurant. Guests can now enjoy a private dining room, & inside patio and a gorgeous bar.

Sunday Brunch also available 10 am - 2 pm. Featured items include Steak Benedict, Golden Eggs, Prime Rib Eye and Crab Cake Benedict.

Top review

RoccoVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Service was great. Prices/value are on high side. Steak sizes would be better for most at less than a pound. This a great spot and would be a go to spot high end dinner.

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Popular dish

Prime Rib

Popular dish

Filet Mignon Benedict

Popular dish

Lobster Bisque

SO.PA at L'Horizon Resort and Spa

4.7

4.7 (769)

$50 and over

Californian

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

An ADULTS ONLY destination by Reservation. SO•PA has a NO PETS POLICY.

Decadent, refined, and intimate, SO•PA offers a unique alfresco dining experience. Join us for dinner in an intimate outdoor setting under the stars as Chef Igor Krichmar presents the seasonally enticing menu. Your elegant, yet relaxed evening includes world class cocktails and a sophisticated, yet approachable wine cellar curated by our in-house Certified Sommelier. You won't want to miss an aperitif or digestif at our exclusive fire pit and poolside bar. VALET is COMPLIMENTARY.

**2024 Winner of Diners Choice Award**
During cooler climate weather, SO•PA maintains its temperate and warm ambience with strategically placed heaters in addition to our intimate alfresco firepit.

Top review

BrianVIP

Dined on May 3, 2025

Some of the best food in the desert. And beautiful outdoor dining area for warm (but not too hot) evenings. It’s very expensive but if that’s not a factor, I highly recommend it.

The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs

4.6

4.6 (1648)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

Discover The Steakhouse, Palm Springs’ premier place to dine. Explore an *a la carte* menu featuring perfectly aged prime cuts and fresh seafood – all cooked to perfection. Enjoy the exquisite dining experience of The Steakhouse in the casually elegant indoor atmosphere or amidst incredible views on the Mediterranean inspired outdoor patio. The award-winning wine list will compliment your dining experience.

Top review

Brian

Dined on Jun 4, 2025

Great food, service and quality as always. Out 5th trip to the steakhouse.

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Pinzimini- Westin Rancho Mirage

4.1

4.1 (1123)

$31 to $50

Italian

Rancho Mirage

About the restaurant

Pinzimini provides the guest with an experience of dining in a modern, energetic atmosphere while enjoying a menu featuring a variety of high-quality grilled meats, exceptional salads, and simple pastas containing accents of Tuscan-style cuisine. All meals begin with our signature Pinzimini Bread Service and Chef's amuse, which is an old Italian ritual where extra virgin olive oil is infused with rosemary, sage, oregano, garlic and/or sea salt, and is served with fresh, crusty bread for dipping.

Top review

rafael

Dined on Apr 16, 2025

Great food and service. Everything was excellent. Waitress was very helpful and gave great service.

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