Ristorante Mamma Gina
This Zagat-rated restaurant serves up the finest Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner. The lunch menu has appetizers such as calamari, carpaccio, fried zucchini and caprese salad made with fresh heirloom tomatoes and mozzarella. Soups, salads and panini give guests plenty of choices for a lighter fare. Classic pasta dishes like ravioli, spaghetti and gnocchi round out the menu.
All of the appetizers, salads and soups listed on the lunch menu are also available for dinner. In addition, there are hearty dishes that incorporate chicken, including Pollo alla Cacciatora, along with veal, duck and filet mignon. Seafood is also available, including salmon, Lake Superior whitefish, scallops and shrimp.
Ristorante Mamma Gina
73-705 El Paseo
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 568-9898
www.mammagina.com
La Spiga Ristorante Italiano
La Spiga is a Zagat-rated, Tuscan-style fine dining experience that offers diners a beautiful view of the mountains, in addition to three outdoor gazebos. All the food is made fresh with the finest organic ingredients. In addition to classical Italian dishes, La Spiga offers a full list of wines from vineyards located around the world. Diners looking for a quiet evening can chat with friends over a cocktail and appetizers at the bar, where they can even order from the regular menu.
La Spiga Ristorante Italiano
72-557 Hwy 111
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 340-9318
www.laspigapalmdesert.com
Castelli's Ristorante
This bistro is reminiscent of Tuscany, and the small, intimate dining rooms are perfect for a romantic dinner. Plenty of Italian classics are served, such as antipasti, marsala, lamb, chicken, risotto and an array of fish dishes. Diners can finish off the meal with an Italian dessert like caffe Americano, spumoni or tiramisu.
Castelli's Ristorante
73-098 Hwy 111
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 773-3365
www.castellis.cc
