We booked our end of year company dinner here recently. We had about 27 of us that they accomodated. They gave us a wonderful experience. Excellent service, incredible food and a gorgeous environment. Cant ask for more than that! The Presidential Whitefish tastes as special as it sounds . Looking forward to coming back read more

On December 1, my dearest friend Shirley took me out for my birthday. We sat outside Jillian's and they wanted to stick us in a corner. We checked in the courtyard and outside courtyard, and yet they didn't find us a nice table. Besides that, we saw that many couples sat at tables of four and there were extra tables they wouldn't allow us to sit at. I've been there several times and was surprised, that at this time of Covid, they would've been a little more grateful to see people like us actually dining there. It was a very special restaurant in The Past. It was so cold outside that we asked for a heater to be moved closer to us and they didn't want to. They said one other group of people MIGHT sit in that area. No one did during our whole meal. Everyone else had two heaters. THE STAFF WAS UNFRIENDLY. I believe this will be the last time I will go there. It was one of my favorites but not now. With that kind of attitude, I wouldn't be surprised if they close their doors permanently. read more

I was shocked upon arrival last night When I approached the hostess and She was not wearing a mask. She wasn't the only one. NONE of the wait staff were masked either. A flagrant disregard for State of California mandates and totally irresponsible attitude towards attempting to prevent the spread of Covid. I have dined at Jillian's many times over the years but I never will again. There are plenty of great restaurants in Coachella Valley that care about their Customers health. read more

All around horrible experience. I don't like to leave negative reviews as you can see from the majority of my previous posts . That being said this place is awful from ownership down to the wait staff. Just simply rude all the way top to bottom. My family was there for a nice weekend getaway and the wait staff was horribly rude. They would act like they're doing you a favor to get you something. What's worse is we overheard our waiter cuss at separate moments during our dinner service because the food was cold (we asked for it to be reheated) and the bottle of wine tasted like vinegar (we asked for a more expensive bottle after a tasting). He said both both F*ck and S*it as he walked away. Ownership was not accommodating they didn't care when we brought up the poor service and they did nothing thereafter except ask us to leave. As for the food itself it was so-so. If the people at the restaurant were at least polite they could pull off a 3 star rating potentially but the food is expensive ( for 8 people we spent $850), the foods nothing to write home about (so so and they couldn't even get it out hot), and they're all jerks (learn some class and don't cuss). Do yourself a favor avoid this place because cursing at customers ain't the way to run a business (even if it's under your breath ;) . You are much better off going to Eddie V's, Mastro's, or Mimos if you're looking for something nice in the area. Thank you read more

The outdoor courtyard alone is worth four stars, so romantic and dreamy. It's the perfect place for a celebration, engagement or party. The interior patio was more charming to me than the patio close to the street, but both are great. I knocked off one star because I felt the food was just ok. The $42 crab appetizer was beautifully presented but the crab was chewy and the tomato/avocado was flavorless. The shrimp dish was over cooked. The raspberry creme brûlée was fine but nothing special. The service was attentive and friendly. I would definitely return to give it another chance because the ambiance is so special. read more

Angel hair and shrimp 2 star, Shrimp tough, Sauce tasted like plain tomato sauce,Service was excellent as well as the ambiance. 5 star on those. read more

We have been coming to Jillian's for over 20 years as our go to for special occasions! We have never been disappointed, food is great, service is exceptional, generous pours, terrific atmosphere, prices are reasonable! read more

Everything here is good. Every time I come to the desert with my family (all adults) we make sure to come here. I can't say anything wrong. Make reservations well in advance. read more

Wonderful food with great service in charming old homestead. The menu is not particularly daring and they keep to the classics. What they lack in innovativeness is more than made up for by the perfect execution of the dishes. We had lobster salad, spare ribs, lake whitefish and to finish stuffed apple and crème brûlée. Every dish was perfect. As for the service, the waiter was attentive, but never a nuisance. read more

We went to Jillians for a Christmas Eve celebration. It was a memorable night for all the wrong reasons. Poor food, exorbitant and limited corkage policies, and bad attitude. Nothing says Merry Christmas like paying for Red Lobster quality scallops and watching my grandson picking at fishing swimming in an unpleasant sauce. Never again. read more

An absolute gem of a place! Everything about Jillians will blow you away. When you step through Jillians bougainvillea gates, the outside world disappears. You are transported to an intimate, Spanish-inspired, secret garden. The beautiful ambiance is enhanced by the 5 star food created by Chef Jay, every dish on the menu is delicious. The drinks & wine selection are also second to none (shoutout to our favorite bartender, John!). Every staff member is extremely professional, kind, and attentive. And of course, the Proprietor June - she puts so much love and dedication into making the experience at Jillians what it is. We are extremely lucky to have gotten to know June and Jay (wife and husband) well over the last year as we had our wedding at Jillians. It was the wedding of our dreams. The team went above and beyond for us and we now consider them like family. They treat each person like the most important person there - and you can feel how much joy they get in doing what they love. The restaurant is named after one of their amazing daughters, and there is so much pride that every member of the Jillians team has in operating with that special, unique family feel. Do not miss out on Jillians - the energy, the food, and the people here will change your life! read more

Went here as a party of 6. It was such a wonderful experience! Not only is the outdoor patio lovely with lighted garden ambiance, but it's also huge! The food was delicious and the service was outstanding!! We will definitely be going back very soon! read more

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Came to the desert again this year and dined with my wonderful valentine at Jillians on Valentine's Day 2017. Again it was a special treat. Great service, great food and we are looking forward to dining here again. Love this place. Mike & Pat Moffett Saratoga CA read more

Jillians - Wine Bars Near Me - Palm Desert, California

I was very surprised and actually shocked that the owner came over to personally reprimand me for being late and not calling . We were at a medical conference where we were speaking to a group of physicians and time ran over . We came anyway not expecting our reservation but sat at the bar. We were told we could not eat at the bar however . The wait staff were very accommodating and offered to find us a table. The owner however came over and very rudely expressed her disappointment she was not called that we would be late. She then turned us away! I found her attitude offensive and entitled. I would NEVER return to this establishment after being treated so rudely! read more

This is where my creative juices flow when writing. Lets start with when you arrive-First impressions set the tone for the evening. Greeted by a valet parker ( or parkyour own) you meander through gates straight into the ambience of an English Country Garden, complete with roaring fireplace and music playing gently in a corner. Sparklng glassware and cutlery adorn the crisp white tablecloths and a choice of white or black pristinely laundered napkins are offered depending on attire. The front desk has always 2 or sometimes 3 smartly dressed cheerful young ladies to walk you to your table where immediately a waiter will offer plain or sparkling water and a beverage -be it a soft drink or an adult one. Menus presented, guests are left to visit and enjoy each others company whilst browsing the array of offerings and specials nightly. Chef and owner Jay Trubee will come to the table to offer help and attend to special requests, this i have seen on many occasions and soon after his wife and owner June will come to make sure everything is to a guests expectations and accuracy. From freshly prepared especially flown in Fish dishes, to an assortment of Pasta, steaks, chops etc everything is prepared fresh and served with a selection of beautifully presented vegetables. I wish I could explain in detail all the dishes as I have tried many but no room here- so before I go - The recipe for Rhubarb Crumb originally made by Junes Mother ( from Scotland)served hot with Ice cream is as they say"The icing on the Cake" Theres so much more I could add but go see for yourself. Be it a romantic dinner for 2 or a special occasion with friends or family , every meal cooked , served, and presented is done with Love- a labor of Love from the kitchen to table...Thankyou Jay and June for wonderful memories and when Covid is over I will be there. read more

Loved Jillians! Beautiful outside dining. .. whitefish, bouilibaise lobster salad, gaspacho.... heavenly!! Piano bar with our after-dinner drinks. Cannot wait to return! read more

Jillians - Wine Bars Near Me - Palm Desert, California

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There are some good restaurants in the Coachella Valley many of them in Palm Springs, but there are very few great restaurants. Jillian's is the exception. It is and has always been one of the great dining establishments here in the desert. The quality of the food, the attentiveness of the staff and the delightful presentations of dishes are the best. If you want to celebrate a birthday or special occasion they will go out of their way to make it a memorable one. Their Rack of Lamb is one of the best in the desert and the Filet Mignon is like butter-very tender. If you are a fish lover try the Lake Superior White Fish. I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Impeccable service, outstanding cuisine beautiful grounds and lighting . Jullians was a fun dining experience shared with dear friends, definitely will return. Valet a plus. read more

If you're looking for some old world charm and romance, this is the place to come. Low light, good wine, a tried and true menu, and a pretty open-air patio in the center complete this elegant, out of the way spot. Definitely good for a big date night, and the ambiance makes it perfect for the holidays. While the building is modern hacienda style, the feel is intimate and timeless. Personally, I love the patio out front, where you can sit with a glass of champagne in front of a fireplace and look up at the sky. Sure, you won't be able to hear the classics coming out of the piano bar, but you can always go back inside and request your favorite Sinatra tune. Indoors or out, if you can't charm your date here, ya got no game at all, pal. read more

A fabulous experience at Jillians. Truly a wonderful dining experience inside and out. The patio is lovely when the weather permits. The service was excellent and friendly. Wine list and cocktails were exceptional and the food was fantastic. A must in Palm Desert! read more

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I've only been to their Thanksgiving dinners so I can't really speak for their regular dining experience. It's a Desert staple. And sure, you'll be dining with the gray haired crowd. Senior citizens love this place, and who can blame them? It's a very upscale restaurant. There's a dress code- no shorts and it's recommended, but not required, for gentlemen to wear a jacket. Most of the higher end restaurants in the desert area have dress codes as well as the private clubs. So put on your Sunday best, be open minded and enjoy the evening. Our Thanksgiving meal was wonderful. There were three choices besides turkey. They also offered fish, pork and steak. Along with the bill they serve you a complementary plate of chocolate dipped strawberries, dates, fruit, and various cookies, so you may want to skip dessert. read more

5 stars for exceptional service and outstanding food preparation. Cocktails were cold and tasty after a day of golf. Lobster salad app was sublime. Spicy corn chowder was very flavorful. Entrees were great. One pasta dish and one Walleye fish special of the house. The " Decadent Date" dessert was rich and sweet. Wow!! Our server James had a great personality and really seemed to enjoy talking to us and making suggestions. Valet parking but a few spaces in the bank lot in front if you want to self park. This is more of a dressy place and has prices commensurate with the food and service level. We ate in the " house" portion of the restaurant but the patio dining seems to be more desirable and popular. Enjoy. read more

What a great place to eat! Restaurant is beautiful, staff was very good and the food was amazing! Was part of a large group, but I had 2 of the specials that night, lobster salad (was beyond good) and the braised short rib. Both delicious!! Everybody else loved their choices as well. Apple dumpling for dessert was good. Jillian also provides a nice plate of dried fruits, dates and strawberries, very good, just wish I wasn't so full. Our group was last to leave, but never felt rushed. Love this place! read more

Jillians - Lobster salad - Wine Bars Near Me - Palm Desert, California

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My fiancé and I went here for his birthday. Amazing experience. Amazing service and amazing food. A must try, you'll have a wonderful night!

Well fourth time here sat inside by pianist our Server Fernando was excellent For food we had Brussel sprout salad which was excellent and the special tomato mozzarella salad with basil And pine nuts which could of been better the tomatoes were ice cold almost to the point that they froze so the texture of the tomatoes had broken down too bad it would of been a better dish For wine 2013 Domain Drouhin which was delicious Entrees Stroganoff excellent The special white fish a little too much flour in the breading It was deceived to us as a dusting but was a bit heavier sort of overpowered the delicate fish. We also had the Sea bass cheeks which were good but then again why coat them in flour with a heavy hand ? It really takes away from the flavor of the fish . Having been turned away with shorts on I was surprised to see a man at the table next to us in shorts . When I Asked the senior hostess she replied in a smug manner well he had long pants when he came in He must of changed ? Not a very good response and totally unprofessional Food 3 stars Service Fernando 5 stars Management zero stars read more

Jillians - Domaine Drouhin - Wine Bars Near Me - Palm Desert, California

Perfection! We had our company holiday party here and cannot wait to book another. They were so accommodating to our requests, very professional. The service at dinner was better than any other restaurant I have been. The food was fantastic! Chef Jay put together a wonderful menu. Overall fabulous restaurant and experience! read more

It's great that Jillian's has had the ability to remain open even when they were required to shut down.. they somehow managed to skirt getting caught by the Health Department. My husband and I enjoyed one of our first dates here 11 yrs ago and he surprised me with a trip to Palm Desert to relive this experience. My family winters yearly in PD and we've had many meals here. We received a phone call to confirm our reservation 3 hrs before arriving. We arrived a bit late and they'd given our table away. My husband is not a fussy man but felt unwelcome from the moment we arrived. We were sat not long after though and ordered our meal and the server opened the special wine we'd brought. We both ordered their specials, he had Halibut, I ordered pasta and asked to add chicken or prawns if possible. He came back saying that they didn't have chicken (odd because it's on the menu) but could add prawns (which conveniently had a huge up charge). When the check arrived, the simple pesto pasta came to $50 That's $8 per prawn.. plus $40 corkage fee?! Don't get me wrong, we're regulars at places like Nobu and staying at the Ritz down the way.. money wasn't really the issue. It's how we were treated at the door and when I called back to speak to management.. we were simply another non-local toss off that didn't matter. I will share this with mum and her friends and we will not be returning. (As a fellow restaurant owner, each shrimp cost $1. I do your job and know exactly your intent, and we won't be coming back) read more

This is the most impressive food that I have had in the Palm Springs area; Arnold Palmer's would be the second, though Palmer's is much more low-key. Jillian's is set in a renovated old adobe set back from a courtyard, with several tables in each room. From the valet parking to the host and wait staff, service is impeccable. The food is a blend of what one might call New American and Old American--some contemporary offerings, but nothing outrageous or overly trendy, and a strong classic French influence. The bar and wine list offerings are extensive; unlike some similarly priced restaurants in the area that shall remain nameless, a Chopin gimlet here is made with Chopin vodka and actual fresh-squeezed lime juice, not Rose's lime syrup and a false promise of freshness. I went with family and cannot remember all the items we had, but everyone was completely satisfied and as nearly all of us take cooking seriously, we can be quite a critical bunch. My brother had them split the fresh oysters and oysters Rockefeller half & half, which came out as an impressive set of plates. The oysters Rockefeller are a little heavy on the Pernod for the classic recipe, but no less delicious for that. I am generally a fan of liver and other organ meats; Jillian's calf's liver was probably the best I've ever had. It was thinly sliced, perfectly seared on the outside while meltingly tender on the inside--almost like foie gras--in a brown sauce with bits of bacon and onion. This is definitely a restaurant for regulars. The crowd is older and somewhat formally dressed, but the staff know many of the customers by name. Jillian's blends an old school elegance and comfort with moderately contemporary tastes and so achieves what many area restaurants aspire to but fail to achieve. I look forward to going back soon. read more

Owned and operated by a husband and wife this has need the finest restaurant, in my opinion, in the desert and when I had an event dinner the obvious choice. We had cocktails on the patio on front and then escorted my guest to the private dining room which is reminiscent of a small chalet. We had an appetizer comprised of three of their top selections, shrimp, a large cheese stuffed puppet, and a cannoli stuffed with meat and cheese. We had an open selection for the entree as well as desert. Wonderful wines and remarkable service made this another night to remember! Thank you Jon and June! read more

Jillians is our friend's favorite restaurant, so my husband and I joined them for dinner when we were all staying in the area last weekend. We made reservations for 7PM; we arrived and were seated promptly. The restaurant was full but you didn't get the feeling that anyone was rushing, no one was waiting, etc. Our table was lovely and well situated. There were five in our party; most had pasta dishes but another lady and I both ordered entrees. She had the petite sirloin and loved it! I ordered salmon in parchment - I saw it served at another table and it looked intriguing. Everyone also had either the Caesar or house green salad; both were beautifully presented and tasty. But WOW....my salmon was fantastic. One of the best meals I have ever had. I am raving, yes, but it was that good. The salmon was cooked perfectly; it came in a parchment pack with julienne veggies and creme fraise. Also on the plate were a serving of carrots and broccolini; and a very nice array of other items: potatoes au gratin; beets; corn; ratatouille. Just about a tablespoon of each, but they were delicious. I thoroughly enjoyed the meal; everyone else was very pleased as well. The service was warm but professional overall. The server was very attentive, answered all of our questions. The pace of the meal was perfect, we weren't sitting wondering where our dinners were, nor did we feel rushed. I have to say though, that the way in which they cleared the plates was very annoying. Instead of removing them one by one, as you'd expect, the bus person stood at the table and stacked about 10 dishes or more in a huge pile on his arm. Quite a feat, but not acceptable for a fine dining establishment. Much clanking and banging right by our heads, kind of felt like Denny's. To top it off, a somewhat drunk woman decided to join the pianist and stage a singalong. She was very off key, very loud; she and the pianist were laughing loudly and seemed to think it was all a great time. So great food but a really unfortunate ending to the evening. I would have given them 5 stars otherwise. This place is elegant, they need to train their staff to clear the plates as well as they serve them. And instruct the pianist that this is not a karaoke bar. read more

Loved it great food , service, ambiance , was amazing and piano player Steve was so good he is a keeper

I was looking forward to dining here as friends had recommended highly. I was there on a Tuesday evening last week and it was indeed a beautiful setting. I felt the tables were safely spaced and the outdoor heaters were ample. Ordered a scampi dish with pasta. It came in a marinara sauce which was not how it was described on the menu. Good but not anything like description. The waiter never mentioned the change in preparation. Also ordered a cocktail and it was just "ok". Not difficult to make it was a Cosmopolitan. It was very "syrupy" .. I will try again but will confirm that my order will be as the menu describes. read more

Our dinner was top notch, and always has been at Jillian's. Mark was an attentive server last weekend. However, we're sitting in a ticket stub with no marks on the stub indicating a scratch. Our driver's side door has a 12" x 18+" chalky scrape after retrieving our car from the valet on the premises. The manager walked my husband through the property, to prove-- not a rock, not a half wall there. Joy ride? The disabled parking spot at our hotel allows no parking spot to the left side. We found the damage in the daylight the next morning. No resolve, not cool... read more

Jillians - Wine Bars Near Me - Palm Desert, California

The setting is gorgeous, the crowd is older and stuffy and service was good (but a little confused since we had what felt like 3 different main servers who didn't seem to be communicating). If you are looking for amazing food that is fresh and delicious- don't waste your money here. I had a "fresh" dungeness crab tower to start ($25) that was served in what tasted like a half of tub of miracle whip (the menu didn't mention this) The crab didn't taste or look fresh - but hard to say since it was smothered to death. I had the chicken champignon ($32) as my main meal and it had zero truffle essence. It was bland with a side of soggy vegetables and the entire plate felt like something you would expect from a banquet hall. My table also ordered the filet (don't bother) and the salmon which was the best plate that we ordered. I would never go back here. read more

5 stars. amazing food. great service. the ambiance is amazing. highly recommend trying.

Just simply can't say enough wonderful things about this "Jillian's" It's definitely a life experience in dining From the time you enter the Courtyard We were sat at a beautiful table... Wow, just give it a try... Dress appropriately.... read more

My review isn't for the food or the service, but rather for the lack of empathy and professionalism. We had a reservation that I change from 6 to four people. The night before our reservation we received a call that my brother who was a 911 responder had passed from cancer complications. I understand they prepped a table for four, but it's not like they lost money because the restaurant was not sold out, Quite the contrary. This is the cost of doing business in the restaurant industry. I will make sure this review gets known to everybody out there because I've never experienced such a lack of professionalism read more

Been sourcing new places for my parents rentals so hit this place up for dessert on my way from Palm Springs. Superb decor and the most friendly staff so far I've encountered on my restaurant reviews for this area. They were winding down with the chef, singer and everyone relaxing at the bar. The chef got up, suggested a plum tart and off he went to make it for me. The piano player got up and played my favorite song. The bartender made me an amazing manhattan. They made me feel like I was an old friend. Exceptional and can't wait to dine here. read more

Jillians - Wine Bars Near Me - Palm Desert, California

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Probably my 8th time eating at this overrated expensive locale with uNinspired dishes. We eat here only because our 95 year old relative likes it. So many better places in the desert eSpecially for the money. read more

Wow well where do I start! FIRST impressions are everything! Made a reservation for my anniversary last Friday morning for 7 PM requesting to sit in the courtyard at 7:00PM as it is our 25th anniversary. I have never been to Jillians & made our reservation with OpenTable. I received a call today, May 3rd from a girl (assuming a hostess as the owners were not in) telling me that they could not accommodate us until after 8:00PM if we wanted to sit there. Told me that she didn't see it until today & that is what happens when you reserve online! Huh! Does OpenTable know this! Since when is your reservation compromised by using OpenTable? She said she "just" saw the reservation, (5 days later mind you) and they are already filled up!!! Used this as the excuse as to why we had to change it to 8:15. I cancelled the reservation & reminded her that I am a new customer. DIDN'T care! So I decided to call back to talk to the owner. Girl answered again & of course owners are not there. New story she tells me (and got quite snitty with "are you going to allow me to explain to you what is going on!" She says that they only seat @ 5:30 and 6:30 PM in the courtyard! Tells me they do two seatings.That they NEVER seat anyone @ 7:00PM in the courtyard!!! Huh??? What do you think a reservation is for! And where does it state that there are two seatings on your website OR OpenTable???I am a NEW....yes NEW customer, and I don't appreciate the short rudeness of this girl or the ridiculousness of what she told me. She actually said well I just got around to seeing the reservation! So this is our fault? Story kept changing....So guess what Jillians, NOT a good first impression! Do I really want to eat here? NOPE! You need to get a new hostess and stop the pretentiousness! UPDATE! So I was told I could speak to the owner after 3:00PM today so I called @ 4:55PM. New hostess with heavy accent tells me oh the owners & manager are not in tonight it is their day off! Huh? When I pressed I was then told that June had emergency surgery & is home. Then she tells me that they allow 2 hours for you to eat in courtyard and then you have to leave for second seating!! Yep! They have the nerve to tell you that. Your meal is actually "TIMED"! Lol....Very tacky to say the least. So which is it, is the owner there or not? Surprise....owner calls me between 5 and 6 & says he heard I wanted to speak to him! So again...this hostess lied as well telling me he wasn't there. I told him yes, that I did & that I didn't appreciate all the lies I was being told. Instead of him being professional and asking me what these were he had the nerve to say to me & I quote: " I came out of the kitchen & I'm not liking this conversation!" My response was, of course you don't! You don't want to know what the issue is! He began to get nasty so I hung up. Real class behavior by Jillians. So if they lie about this stuff are they lying about the food? For the prices they aren't worth the aggravation. I'm not eating anywhere that is controlling how long it takes me to have dinner. Bye! Maybe the retirees are willing to put up with this nonsense. Judging from the mixed reviews & pics of food ( 1980's & 90's plating) I'd think twice before eating here. What a fiasco! I use OpenTable all the time as do many of my friends. Not worth all the hassle. PS: Just got an email that they cancelled my reservation as I write this!! Lol....Uh... I cancelled it earlier today. Get a clue. Guess he had to have the last word! Lol... read more