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Palm desert restaurants

Will be staying at JW Marriott and looking for restaurant recommendations within 20 minute drive please. Italian, American, steak, salads. Also would be happy to find live music or nice patio ?

Thanks much!

Palm Desert and the surrounding Greater Palm Springs area have a variety of restaurants that fit your criteria, including Italian, American, steak, and salad options, many with nice patios and some offering live music. Here’s a detailed selection within approximately a 20-minute drive from the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa:

Italian Options:

  • Il Corso – Located at El Paseo, this upscale Italian restaurant offers pasta, seafood, and meat dishes in a beautiful outdoor courtyard setting. Great for a relaxed patio dinner.
  • Cuistot – A French-Italian fusion with refined dishes and a serene patio atmosphere. Known for its fresh ingredients and attentive service.
  • Trattoria di Angelo – Casual Italian dining with classic pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas, suitable for a low-key evening.

American & Steak Options:

  • Wilma & Frieda’s Cafe – Great for casual American comfort food, breakfast, and lunch. Offers fresh salads and sandwiches, with some outdoor seating.
  • Ruth’s Chris Steak House – High-end steakhouse with perfectly cooked steaks, seafood, and elegant ambiance. Patio seating is limited but available.
  • Fisherman’s Market & Grill – Although known for seafood, they also offer American-style entrees and fresh salads. Outdoor seating is casual and comfortable.
  • Johnny Costa’s Italian Restaurant & Steakhouse – Combines Italian cuisine and steak options in one location, with patio dining available.

Salad and Healthier Options:

  • True Food Kitchen – Focused on health-conscious American cuisine, excellent salads, bowls, and fresh options. Outdoor seating with a lively atmosphere.
  • Seasons 52 – Offers seasonal, lighter fare including fresh salads, grilled seafood, and steak. Patio seating is available.
  • Lavender Bistro & Café – Small, cozy spot for fresh salads, sandwiches, and light plates with a pleasant outdoor area.

Live Music / Patio Venues:

  • The Living Desert Golf Club / La Quinta Resort – Some venues in these resorts offer live music during dinner or weekend evenings.
  • Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar (El Paseo) – Upscale American fare with a tropical-themed patio and occasional live music events.
  • Wilma & Frieda’s or True Food Kitchen – Check their schedules; some locations occasionally host live acoustic sets.

Tips:

  • El Paseo, often called the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert,” is a central hub in Palm Desert with multiple restaurants offering patios and occasional live music.
  • Call ahead to confirm live music schedules and reserve patio seating, especially on weekends.
  • If you prefer a quieter evening with a scenic view, the JW Marriott itself has a few dining options on-site with patios overlooking the golf course and mountains.

With these options, you can enjoy a mix of Italian, steak, American comfort food, and fresh salads, all within a short drive from your resort, with several locations providing pleasant patio dining and occasional live music.

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