We dined at Jillian's yesterday evening (Friday) with 2 friends that just purchased a home in Palm Springs and had never dined here. Jillian's is one of our favorite fine dining restaurants in the desert so we wanted to share in the beautiful experience to dine here. The courtyard is our favorite spot to be, but the inside is also lovely. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is beautiful and warm with its quaint Spanish flair.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service is impeccable with each person being friendly, professional and attentive. The food was delicious! Some of our favorites include: -Nantucket scallops (when available and this is a seasonal item that is flown in fresh) -crab tower (fresh and beautiful presentation. And of course very tasty!) -gazpacho soup (a new special lately. Chilled and fresh!) -presidential whitefish (when available...they prepare this often with other fish when the whitefish is not available and it is still delicious with all of the accoutrements) -salmon in parchment (beautiful presentation and very good if you are a salmon lover) -lobster salad (served as a special but seems to be available often) -Miso glazed shrimp -baby gem salad (new for 2026 and delicious) Their bread and butter is also very tasty. Somewhat like dessert in itself. Their desserts are delicious as well. The decadent date is one of the best desserts I have ever had, the chocolate cake is rich and decadent, and the apple dumpling is another great one. You can't go wrong at this hidden gem! read more

1st time to this hard to get into restaurant; 50/50 if I return. The good; [[HIGHLIGHT]]complimentary valet parking, beautiful setting with ambiance abound, polite and efficient front desk hosts.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] First; the bar service was a disaster. One bartender for this very large restaurant and 10-12 seats at the bar. Clearly priority was given to the hurried wait staff, resulting in a 20 minute delay to even being greeted. The 4 of us would have liked another cocktail $($120 a round, including tip) but was never given the opportunity. A BIG MISS for the type of clientele who looks for a martini, old fashioned glass of wine while waiting for table. The food, bread service was outstanding, I enjoyed the tomato mozzarella ball salad, next halibut with crab meat special. Fish was outstanding but the set up left me puzzled. Pickled beets (which I love) felt out of place. A corn side dish that tasted right out of the Libby's can and some sort of tomato coulis? Not sure, but the dish was too busy with the "extras". I would have preferred a beautiful presentation of the delicate halibut and delicious crab all by itself. The wine list is extensive and expensive. We brought a bottle to open first; $40 corking fee. I would have liked to have seen a reduced or excused fee after purchasing a $200 bottle of Pahlmayer cab. Out waiter seemed hurried as did most in the courtyard. The Bus was polite and very attentive. I understand this was one of the busiest evenings of the season with Fashion Week on El Paseo and the tennis tournament in IW....but for the prices I expected more. read more

We had a reservation for a group of 16 and put down a $200 deposit. The owner claimed that she had sent an email with a food and beverage minimum of $250/person which we did not receive. We would have had to order multiple appetizers, dessert, and beverages in order to meet this minimum. When we arrived, we let them know that four members of our party would not be able to be there, two of which had a delayed flight. We were not informed at that time that they were going to still charge us for those four people. Had they informed us of this fact, we may have just walked out and suffered the $200 deposit loss. Mind you, we never signed a contract. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We enjoyed the food, atmosphere and wait staff.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We were talking about how much we enjoyed it and we're planning on returning next year with our same group. I can guarantee you that we will not be returning there after speaking to the owner who was inflexible and seemed to not care that we would not be back. read more

We went to Jillian's for dinner on Christmas Eve and it was beautiful. The service was great and we were well taken care of. Every course we had was delicious, from the soup all the way to the array of desserts. The beef Wellington was cooked to perfection. [[HIGHLIGHT]]A great place to spend Christmas Eve.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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Beautiful restaurant! We came here with our 8 girlfriends for dinner on a Friday night and had the best time! We were seated outside and it was perfect.. The waiters were very attentive and nice - We ordered the shaved Brussels sprout salad- yummy 9/10. The crab tower was too fishy for some - 7/10. We also ordered The beef stroganoffs, bolognese, veal , pork chop, sea bass and this was all delicious 9/10- the mushroom carbonara was a bit salty and the pasta was way overcooked 7/10- my favorite part of the meal was the complimentary potato bread which was sweet, and buttery! Definitely recommend and would come back read more

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We celebrated Aunt Aggie's 97th birthday here with a special menu. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There were 20 of us and we all enjoyed a lovely evening.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Especially outstanding were the shrimp appetizer and the pork chop. Dessert was chocolate cake for my husband and strawberry rhubarb crumble for me. Both were served with a fabulous vanilla ice cream and both were delicious. Next time I'd love to try the liver. Can't wait for our next visit! Service was especially good! read more

Ok Jillian's is definitely on of my top picks to dine in the desert! It just checks all the boxes for me. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It has history, ambiance, elegance, great food, and great service![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You have to try their parchment paper baked Salmon. It is always beautifully prepared and served with such finesse! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Every seat is special and magical, but I think the front lawn is my favorite![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] A fave of all us locals. You can't go wrong with Jillian's! read more

Fernando is excellent captain, makes dining so special. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The food, service and ambiance are truly amazing.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Jillians - Wine Bars Near Me - Palm Desert, California

This was the second time we went to Jillians for my wife's birthday. We were over charged the first time we went but we didn't say anything. Tonight we went back for my wife's birthday again, the service was average, and the food was not great. She sent back the fish back because it was not fresh, they made a big stink out of it, and she wanted the pork but they gave her a Filet Mignon. They didn't even acknowledge her birthday, no candle, no small desert, nothing. We will never go back to that restaurant again. read more

We recently dined at Jillian's in Palm Desert to celebrate my wife's birthday. I want to begin by saying that the food and table service were excellent. Once we were seated, our server was attentive and professional, and the quality of the meal was outstanding. Unfortunately, our initial experience at reception was extremely disappointing and nearly caused us to leave. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We were first taken to what was, without question, the worst table I have ever been offered -- a small table located in the hallway between the indoor dining room and the outside area.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It did not feel like an appropriate setting for a special occasion. I had called in advance to note that it was my wife's birthday. I understood that the restaurant does not provide complimentary desserts or celebrations, which was perfectly fine. However, I did specifically request a nice table given the occasion. When I returned to the reception desk to explain that the assigned table was unacceptable, I was told it was the only table available and that we would need to wait. We agreed to wait. What was troubling was the tone that followed. The receptionist became argumentative and insisted I had never requested a better table, even stating that many guests liked that location. Interestingly, throughout the entire evening, no one was seated there. As someone who has spent a career in the service profession, I believe first impressions and respectful communication are critical. The interaction felt rude, abrasive, and unnecessary. While the meal itself was excellent, the overall experience was overshadowed by how we were treated upon arrival. When guests are spending a significant amount of money to celebrate a special occasion, they should feel welcomed and valued. I have never written a Yelp review before, but I was so upset by this experience that I felt compelled to share it so others are aware. Because first impressions are lasting ones, I would not return to Jillian's despite the quality of the food and service once seated. read more

I am now living in Rancho Mirage for the past five years. As a "foodie" I have tried many many restaurants in the desert and I must say without a doubt the best gourmet restaurant in the Coachella Valley is Jillian's on El Paseo in Palm Desert. This restaurant was frequented by President Ford and Michelle Obama dined here and for a very good reason, it is the best restaurant in the desert! The cuisine at this restaurant is consistently outstanding. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambience is also outstanding it is a very romantic restaurant with the best gourmet food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] This combination cannot be found anywhere better in the Coachella Valley! Try this high level gourmet outstanding restaurant, you will not be disappointed!! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]First off this place is so beautiful, and the hostess was very sweet.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service however was very nonexistent. We didn't get menus until 5 minutes of already sitting at our table. The server did inform us it was his first day but come on.. for everything that went wrong.. did you not get any training? We ordered multiple items and explained to him that we'd be eating family style (sharing 5 dishes) so you'd think he'd bring up share plates? Nope, had to ask someone who only inform us that he was in fact not our server.. we were not checked on until we were nearly finished and then my friend asked for the wine menu to order wine. He never came to take our wine order...crumbs were left on the table through out our entire dining experience and dishes were piled high without being removed. We asked for the check and the dishes were still not removed. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Food is okay, service is horrible, but it's a really nice ambience.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

If the owner wants to extract a cancellation fee of $150 per person for a party of 25 reduced to 18, that should be made clear to the patrons at the time the reservation is made I've eaten at high end restaurants all over the world and never encountered a surprise fee like this. I would never go back. That level of audacity on the part of a restaurantor has never been encountered, not in New York, Paris, London, Singapore etc with the multitude of excellent choices, why would I or any else subject themselves to such extortion. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Food, service and ambience were exceptional.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]There were 8 of us and we had a great time dining outside on the patio.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Would highly recommend Jillian's for a special occasion. read more

Went to Jillian's for the first time for a Birthday although the food was good it was nothing spectacular and pricey our server John was totally obnoxious . At a fine dining Restaurant to have an impolite server like him is a complete & utter shame & speaks volumes of the venue hiring crew . He was so loud and rude to a couple of us . We would ask him a question & he would shout out the answer real loud embarrassing us just for asking . I asked for my drink he said he would get it & totally forgot about it i kept waiting till i finally had to ask someone else . No apologies or anything . Worst experience ever for a venue like Jillian's. Never going back . I remember another friend of mine complaining about how rude servers were there & she said she was never going back there again i couldn't understand why . I know now . C' mon Jillians do better with your hiring staff . Train them to be high class servers to be polite and service with a smile . read more

Jillians - Wine Bars Near Me - Palm Desert, California

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A Heartbreaking Valentine's Dinner at Jillian's in Palm Desert My husband was promised a very special Valentine's dinner. What we experienced felt like turnover management disguised as fine dining. For $175 per person (with a $100 prepaid deposit), we expected an intimate, thoughtfully paced evening. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Instead, we were seated at a small table in a hallway that served as the primary traffic corridor for guests entering, exiting, and accessing the restrooms -- hardly romantic ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] A mandatory 20% gratuity was automatically added, yet the service felt rushed and inattentive. Courses were delivered and removed at breakneck speed, often before we had finished. The next plate arrived within minutes. Wine was splashed carelessly into glasses. Our entrées arrived barely warm and too rare. After a single bite, I was asked whether I wanted mine boxed. Not once did anyone ask how the meal was. The salad was wilted. Dinner and dessert were served in quick succession, and the final course -- a glass of champagne -- was delivered long before we had finished the bottle of wine we had ordered, leaving it sitting as we finished our wine. We deliberately took our time to enjoy the wine we had ordered, refusing to rush through it to match the pace at which the food was being pushed out. It felt as though we were being processed rather than hosted. We paid $574.20 for what amounted to a timed dining sprint, and I ultimately brought my entrée home untouched. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Beautiful charming restaurant. All rooms are so elegant and inviting for dinner[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. [[HIGHLIGHT]]A beautiful courtyard to enjoy dinner too[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Bar is lovely.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Attentive staff and food divine. First class and always a favorite of ours when we visit Rancho Mirage. Reservations a must for dinner. Highly recommend this restaurant. Will not disappoint. read more

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This was our first time at Jillian's and it was exactly what we expected. The service was superb. Our waiter was fun and gave some great suggestions on food. The "bus" person was also very attentive. Water glasses were never empty. The food was outstanding. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We sat in the "bar" room, so we had the piano. It was a bit noisy, but no complaints.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Outside would be beautiful, but the night we went, the winds did not cooperate.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

One of my favorite restaurants in all of the desert. There isn't anything I don't love about this place. Our server was so attentive which I really appreciate. The ambiance is always so special whether you decide to dine inside or on one of their lovely patios. And our food the other night was absolutely delicious. We split a lobster salad as a starter but honestly I could eat a full one for dinner and be perfectly happy. Also had the superior white fish, with a pastry top and hollandaise sauce... to die for. Their most popular dishe! And my husband had the rack of lamp... so perfectly cooked. Our guest had the pork loin and said it was awesome. An Espresso gelato for desert... what a perfect evening. Thank you Jillian's read more

Came from my mom's birthday and you can tell that she had an amazing time with that big smile. It was our first time there and all the locals recommended it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I appreciated the staff and the ambience.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We had a live singer during our time there we were seated outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Both the waiter and the buses were very hands-on. I myself had the short rib while my mom had the pork chops and my dad had the veal Bolognese. Will be posting photos of the food on another post. read more

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My husband and I in our group of friends have eaten their twice once in March once in April and I have to say this restaurant is top notch. The food and service is absolutely outstanding. There were six of us, we each ordered something different and everybody raved about their food. Old world, elegance, and chef created dishes that I can't say enough about. Also, the Bartender makes the best raspberry lemon drop I've ever had!! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]A beautiful restaurant with fabulous food and service.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We enjoyed our 35th wedding anniversary evening. Our first time dining experience will turn us into repeat customers. Trousers only for men is just fine. read more

We went for a birthday celebration with 9 people. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The outside patio is beautiful and it was a lovely evening.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our service was good but the food was average and expensive. We started with soup and salad and the soup was lukewarm. Entrees were just ok. The filet was not tender the veal chop was not flavorful. Too many good restaurants in town. I wouldn't go back read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambience in this restaurant is lovely in both courtyards that romantic and inviting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service is impeccable, although can be a little stuffy. The problem is their food. It is mediocre and overpriced. My lobster salad arrived with a few measly pieces of lobster and a pile of over dressed bland greens. My bison steak was delicious, but the sides were tasteless. We were a table of six of which all of us said after the meal - Meh. This was a special birthday, and the restaurant did not even recognize it either. There are plenty of other really good restaurants in the valley to choose from. Don't make this one of them. read more

Get the salmon, 10/10 sooooo good and [[HIGHLIGHT]]great ambiance as well[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. They want me to leave a review that's at least 85 characters which honestly isn't as easy as I thought it would be lol read more

Jillian's stands for Jillian's of a$$holes. Charged 150$ for 4 guests that couldn't make it due to a FLIGHT DELAY and landed 2 hours after the reservation. How can they hold that against us? No respectable fine dining establishment would ever do this, owner is cheap and money hungry. Wait staff was good, owner and manager different story. read more

We had a large party of 16 however 4 people could not come due to flight cancellation--at then end of the meal we were hit with a surprise charge of 150$ pp. No compassion or leeway with the owner. Ruined an otherwise great evening. We will NOT be coming back. In no other high end restaurants around the world have we ever been hit with such obnoxious fees. DO NOT GO. read more

What an absolutely amazing dining experience. We go to Jillian's 2-3 times a year. Went in November 2024, and then recently on 1/21/2025. Been going since the 90's. Fine dining at its best. The ambience is something to behold. The history of this restaurant is spectacular as well. Not enough superlatives to describe. Ask your server about the Lake Superior whitefish, and the history behind it. Todd R. read more

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Fresh seafood, delicious entrees and a very expressive menu with nightly specials. Everyone in our party thoroughly enjoyed their dinner. The service was outstanding and the ambience was enchanting. Looking forward to our next experience at this beautiful establishment. read more

Jillians - Halibut' - Wine Bars Near Me - Palm Desert, California

Great food, exceptional service, and very nice courtyard vibe. The heaters were turned on so it was nice and toasty despite the chilly weather. My wife had the pappardelle bolognese (if i recall correctly) and i had the double cut pork chop. While I felt hers was a bit bland and lacked in flavor, my pork chop was outstanding. We finished up with a scoop of mango sorbet to cleanse the palate. The serving staff is amazing. From the very warm and friendly hostess that sat us, to the busser that did not allow our water levels to reach empty, to the very professional and informative waiter. Kudos to them collectively as a team. Jillian's is a treat. read more

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The ambiance is lovely and the service is impeccable. However, our entrees didn't taste like much (we got the trout and the veggie pasta). It's possible that they do better with the meat dishes. Very pricey. read more

A lovely throw back to a time where people went out and got dressed up and was served food that was full portions. The service was wonderful. A lovely evening with friends. read more

HIGH END. Great food, attentive service. The semi-outdoor atmosphere was also delightful. read more

The team has the best service in the valley. The food was delicious and service with Jose was great we celebrated our 61 anniversary that night . We have been going to Jillian's for 20 years. Frank & Kathie read more

Outstanding in every respect! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambience, menu, presentation, and service are all as close to perfect as we have experienced.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Sat @ bar. Bartender could not have been nicer or more helpful. We were suddenly told we were being seated and a waitress literally started grabbing our drinks out of our hands. One drink spilled on my gf's new outfit(w/berry juice). Table was lovely /waiters were fabulous. Food was truly disappointing. Salads had literally almost rotten tomatoes. The "homemade" mozzarella was sour and tasteless. My fish was super dry and tasteless. My husband's meal was over salted. My gf's meal of risotto was not amazing. Her husband did enjoy his scallops. Btw the "owner" never offered to replace spilled $$$ cocktail or offer to pay for cleaning. Very disappointing. Not what was expected!!!! Will not be returning. read more

My evening started with host knocking my delicious blueberry drink all over me & my lime green pants. She was so anxious to try to "help" & put our drinks on her tray. Splat! NO apology. I went to bathroom to unsuccessfully try to clean my pants. When I came out, I said... "A little advice. You need to chill..." I was going to tell her to slow down & not grab at drinks when customers don't now what she is doing. Boom! The woman claiming to be the owner steps up & threatens to cancel my reservation... Tells me never to talk to her staff. Insane. She said she would pay my dry cleaning bill. But never came to our table. She never apologized about my pants. Never replaced my drink. I have NEVER had such AWFUL service. She was totally out of control. Now to the rest of our evening. Burrata salad had so much potential but tomatoes were over ripe & smushy. All 3 orders. Risotto was "ok" at best. My husband said B minus. Sea Bass was overcooked. :( On a positive note, our server was extremely gracious & very professional. Ambiance is very nice. But if you are going for food, many other options!!! read more

Lovely Delicious The service was impeccable and the setting has old world charm. It was a good choice for a special event. I loved the pork chop read more

Went here for Christmas Eve dinner and the prix fixe menu was delicious!! The service was AMAZING! Would definitely recommend!

Went for first time for special birthday. Owner had an attitude from the minute we walked in the door. We asked to sit on the front patio since it was a special occasion, but she proceeded to take us to the courtyard patio. She gave us a choice of 2 tables both butted up against a wall. My wife would be staring at a wall!! They had a nice empty table by the greenery, and when asked, she told us that table was already reserved! Well we had reserved an outside table as well!!! She could see we were clearly upset about our first time at the restaurant, a special birthday, and wanting a nice table. She just didn't care! I said to her, "it's obvious you don't give a shit about your customers" and we left! I have never been to a restaurant with such an uncaring, rude, owner!!! We went and had a fabulous dinner down the street, and will never return to this overpriced, rude owners place!!! There are so many wonderful options for beautiful, romantic restaurants!! Do yourself a favor, go to Lavender's or Arnold Palmers or La Spiga!!! read more