Had an incredible dinner here last night! Thank you to Luba and her team for the warm experience and out of this world service. Incredibly attentive to every need, this restaurant has rightfully earned its high ratings. We found that this restaurant was very affordable, especially coming from San Diego to visit. We got two appetizers, two entrees, two glasses of wine and two desserts for a total $160! Intimate setting, incomparably fresh pasta and taste/seasoning that had us pause for a moment having to make sure our vegetarian dishes indeed did not have any meat products in them. DELICIOUS! read more

Trattoria Mezzomondo - The mushroom pasta was spectacular. The noodles were so fresh I'd never tasted anything like it in a restaurant - Italian Near Me - Palm Desert, California

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My wife and I took a chance and walked in at 7. They graciously gave us 2 seats at the bar, which was the perfect spot to take in the whole restaurant. I had the Pappardelle con Porcini and my wife had the lasagna. It is not an exaggeration to say it ranked up with the best Italian dishes I have ever had. As I started to take my first bite, Elio popped out and asked me to put my fork down. To visually take in the meal and enjoy the total experience. Oh man, did that endear me to him and his passion. We are about to celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary, and this is our pick! read more

This place is the biggest hidden gem in Palm Desert! They were so kind to take in my husband and myself on a Tuesday evening without a reservation (and it was a full house)! We ordered an arugula salad and garlic bread to start, followed by the porcini pappardelle and ravioli with a tomato cream sauce. Everything was INCREDIBLE and oh so fresh! It really was the best pasta we've had, I feel all Italian restaurants won't taste the same after dining here! Can't wait to return back on our next trip out there :) read more

Trattoria Mezzomondo - Spinach and cheese ravioli, got it with the creamy tomato sauce. - Italian Near Me - Palm Desert, California

An absolute gem in the desert and worth the wait. The service was warm and impeccable- we had the garlic bread, ravioli and chicken parm. Affogato was the best we have ever had. We will be back to try that lasagna.... Shout out to Carlos, the owner's wife who was completely lovely and the wait staff. The ravioli was house made and it was evidently fresh from the first bite. Did I say we will be back? Oh yes we will. read more

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Hands down one of the best authentic Italian restaurants in the desert. I love that they are a no frills local spot serving up 5 star Italian food. The spot is casual and isn't aiming to compete with those big showy restaurants. You can tell this is a spot for the locals but if I was a tourist reading this review, I'd highly recommend you come here to check it out. Located in a strip mall area of the desert it's a very unassuming place and you could easily miss it. However, it's always busy here which shows it's grown over the years by word of mouth. I'd highly recommend calling ahead and making a reservation, especially during season or for weekend seatings. The staff here are absolutely lovely and welcoming. They make you feel like apart of the family. Super nice people work here and it's evident that they care about their customers and creating a fine customer dining experience without breaking the bank. The food was all delicious, there wasn't a bite I didn't like. I started with the pasta fagioli soup which was so tasty. Lighter in color than I expected but absolutely phenomenal, I would get this every time as a starter. For my main I went with a dinner special which was the farfalla pasta with fennel sausage. Super comforting and hit every note. Their specials menu is always the way to go. My friend got the spicy seafood pasta with squid ink pasta for their daily specials which was another standout. Their dishes here are a 10/10. Huge wine list and a small beer selection. I wish they served cocktails here but it's also not necessary, just noting if you come they have only like 2-3 cocktails / spritz but the bulk of the menu is wine. A-okay with me, just a preference. When you are in the desert you have to stop here. Delicious food and super friendly service. It's casual enough to be comfortable but the food is anything but - definitely can have a romantic date night here or special occasion gathering. Enjoy! read more

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BEST Italian food in the desert without a doubt. Small, cozy, authentic. Luba is a marvelous and funny hostess that gladly hugs all her guests upon arrival. Elio's food is smashingly delicious using the freshest ingredients and a most imaginative combination of flavors that arouse the palette. Being an Italian from NY, when I see requests for 'where's the best Italian' on social media, I typically say "my kitchen" , but no, no, no....it's hands down Elio's kitchen at Mezzomondo! read more

Overall, we loved this. First of all, we didn't have reservations. Apparently you need to make them well in advance. However, we were able to sit at the bar. The food was great, we got to meet the owner, service was fantastic. It felt very much like a family owned restaurant. There were many families in there of all ages. The majority of items are homemade from scratch. Ambiance was warm and welcoming. They recommend it lasagna for first time patron and that did not disappoint. In fact, it was absolutely amazing. And the calamari steak. I don't know if I've ever seen that on a menu before before. It was so delicious. I forgot to take a picture until we were halfway through eating it. lol. read more

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Love love love this place...one of my favorite places in Studio City. So glad they followed us to the Desert! Fresh, delicious food and Luba is the best! read more

From the first bite, the dish announced itself as exemplary--balanced, confident, and immediately shareable. It became the reference point of the table, discussed long after the plates were cleared. I entrusted Carlos (who I adore) with selecting my entrée, a decision made without hesitation. The staff is incredibly educated on each dish, and Carlos makes the most spectacular suggestion: the Beet Ravioli. His guidance always feels intuitive and assured, reflecting a dining room that understands intention as well as appetite. Service at Trattoria Mezzomondo is polished and professional, marked by genuine pride in the establishment. The staff engages effortlessly with both regulars and visitors, creating an atmosphere that is welcoming without sacrificing precision-- they treat you like family and, for me, the feel is mutual. Having watched this restaurant grow, it is remarkable how it has retained its core identity. Its commitment to authenticity--rooted in a reverence for craft and tradition--has sharpened my own expectations of cuisine, making neighboring establishments diminutive by contrast. The Chef demonstrates remarkable command across the menu--combustible genius. From the most restrained preparations to dessert, each plate is thoughtfully executed, with clarity of flavor and disciplined presentation. I travel often, Italy included, and yet Mezzo distinguishes itself not by imitation, but by authorship. This is the type of excellence that precludes replication. Each dish is shaped by the senses, seemingly satisfying a singular culinary vision. It's more than a meal, it's art. Why go here? Because they introduce you to something genuinely special: a new way to experience familiar flavors. Their take on traditional dishes blends the unexpected into a desperately welcomed harmony of ingredients. There is a clear distinction at work here, evident at every level of the dining experience. It would be unsurprising to see Mezzo recognized with a MICHELIN Star distinction soon. read more

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Phenomenal food, exceptional service, and a wonderful atmosphere. From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations. Trattoria Mezzomondo delivers an outstanding dining experience and is a must-visit when in the area. read more

very small portions for the price. As you sit down they offer you garlic bread, what they don't say is that you have to pay for it. This is not a problem to pay, provided you know in advance. Garlic bread not great, no fresh taste. Desserts not made in house, as we were told by server. read more

Best dining experience I've had. Carlos is an incredible waiter and makes you feel like family. We ordered the the mezzomondo salad, ravioli, and marsala. The marsala was the winner. Also the barbera is a delicious red. Lemoncello and affogato for dessert. Love everything about this place. read more

Trattoria Mezzomondo - Affogato - Italian Near Me - Palm Desert, California

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If you know, you know--and if you don't yet, Trattoria Mezzomondo is exactly the kind of place you hope never changes. Tucked into a Palm Desert strip mall, this is true old-school, family-run Northern Italian cooking, quietly run with care by Luda in the front of house and her husband in the kitchen. No online reservations, no gimmicks--just a phone call, handwritten specials, and a level of hospitality that feels increasingly rare. From the moment you walk in, you're treated less like a customer and more like a family member they're genuinely happy to see. The food matches that warmth. It's refined without being fussy--exceptionally fresh, clearly thoughtful, and executed with precision. We ordered heavily from the nightly specials, and every dish felt like something you'd expect from a much more formal (and expensive) dining room. The sole meunière was delicate and perfectly balanced. The standout, though, was a salmon in a blood orange peppercorn sauce--unexpected, bright, and cooked to perfection. It converted someone who doesn't even like salmon, which says a lot. Even something as simple as the beef carpaccio felt elevated. The presentation--with Gran Padano, avocado, and a beautifully fresh dressing--managed to make a familiar dish feel completely new. It's the kind of menu where you immediately start planning your return before the meal is over. We barely had room for dessert, but shared a torta della nonna al limone--light, gently citrusy, and not overly sweet--exactly the right note to end on. Places like this are why people say to support small businesses--but more specifically, they're why you want to. It's personal, it's consistent, and it's done with genuine pride. In a town with no shortage of dining options, this is easily among the best--and still somehow feels like a secret. read more

This is by far the best Italian restaurant in Palm Desert and beyond! The Pappardelle, Sole (special) and Chicken Marsala are absolutely fabulous! All our friends love it as well. The hostess, Luba, is so welcoming, gracious and wonderful! This tratorria is a must!! read more

if you're looking for an amazing authentic Italian restaurant, you must check out Trattoria Mezzomndo. It's a family owned and operated restaurant open Thursday through Sunday just for dinner and it sure is a special treat. The lasagna is divine. It says it comes in a benchamel sauce, but it's lightand the noodles are thin, homemade and cooked to perfection with a thin layer of red meat sauce. Mamma Mia! The lemon tarte was devine. read more

Handmade pasta, yes please. This place is amazing! I felt so lucky to sneak in at the bar without a reservation. Everything tasted amazing (I lived in Italy for a year) and authentic. The staff was so friendly and nice. I did notice many locals come here. I had the ravioli and it did not disappoint. They had a specials menu that also looked great, with fish, scallops, etc Make a reservation now! If I'm town I would definitely return. read more

Perfect date night spot for people who love home made Italian food in a family owned warm vibe. No notes, the flavors were immaculate from garlic bread to the desserts, and the customer service was like a warm hug from a long lost auntie. We wish we lived closer and would be here all the time, a must try. read more

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I of course, have to post another review since we ate here again! If you haven't been to Trattoria Mezzomondo in Palm Springs, you are seriously missing out! From the moment you walk in, you're treated like family. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the handmade pasta is a true fine dining experience. The lasagna literally melts like butter, pure comfort on a plate. The calamari steak? Absolutely phenomenal and an absolute must try. And don't even get me started on the desserts! Fresh, decadent, and instantly transport you straight to Italy. Every bite here feels like a labor of love. Highly, highly recommend! read more

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I like staying in the Palm Springs area overnight on the way to an annual trip to Newport Beach. I always look for a dinner "treat" then. My visit the other night to Trattoria Mezzomondo has raised the bar for those times. Decided on Italian and of course checked Yelp for some possibles. Trattoria Mezzomondo will now be my "go to" for next year and beyond. Fairly small place which immediately felt inviting and welcoming by the wife/husband owners. She clearly takes care of the front, and as a solo diner, I appreciated the way I was treated as if I was a party of 12. I'm a sucker for eggplant, so it was easy when she described one of the specials, Paccheri Melanzani - tomato sauce, eggplant and smoked mozzarella. And bonus points for offering a half order (two pieces) of garlic bread. That's taking care of a solo diner! And of course a glass of wine. Kudos for not pushing for an expensive glass. Regrettably no room for dessert. Maybe next time! read more

The best pasta and lasagna sine my Nona was alive!!! The owners are terrific. The wife explains the menu better than anyone I've ever heard (makes you want everything she describes) and her hubby is the wonderful chef! Dining area is small and reservations are required so plan well ahead. They do not have a full bar here. But still one of the best in the desert!!! read more

We read about the food .... and stopped in with our 2 dogs, Enzo and Isabella, who were immediately given a fresh bowl of water by our fabulous server Carlos. We ordered and really enjoyed the Pasta e fagipoli bianchi - it was one of the best we've had. The mezzomondo salad was lightly season which really allowed the flavors of the greens, pears, cheese to come through. The pappardelle and ravioli are wonderful homemade dishes that the most picky will love. Highly recommend any night of the week. read more

If you want some real, homemade Italian food, you must come to Trattoria Mezzomondo! We actually came here since I've tried several other Italian restaurants in the Palm Desert area and wanted to try something new. The staff here are amazing! As soon as you walk in, you're greeted as if you you've been dining here forever! They make you really feel as if you are part of their family. Of course, the reason we are here is for the food. They had a mixture of traditional Italian cuisine and creative dishes that I haven't seen at other Italian restaurants. Definitely order some of the daily specials! Had the clam chowder, garlic bread, and Hokkaido scallop carpaccio as appetizers, chicken marsala, grilled lamb chops, lasagna, and calamari steak as main courses, and gelato affogato, pears with lemon and shaved grana padano, and lemoncello flute sorbetto as dessert. This actually isn't your usual Italian restaurant where you're completely bombed out after eating here. Everything was very light, yet really tasty. Best part is that homemade Italian pasta! My only thing is that I wish the portions were a little bit bigger, but that's about it. Glad we came here, would love to come back! read more

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The place was highly recommended to us but after dining there can't say we'd recommend. Quite a tiny place and you are pretty jammed in. The wife of the chef(lovely lady) does it all except serve... wine list just fair and pours average... food was not hot and very expensive... runners and bussers were there but not extremely warm and engaging... overall below how we like to dine... we had an Italian/American restaurant for 45 years and know good... Welcoming warm and excellent food... generous pours and a list for all tastes... read more

The food was good but very small portions. Our server was delightful but we were totally surprised when charged for bread and a refill on a soda drink. When we sat down the server asked us if we'd like bread. We said "sure" assuming it was complimentary as most restaurants do. Same with the soda refill. If they are going to charge for bread and soda refills they should tell customers upfront. We didn't appreciate the nickel and diming and likely won't be back. read more

As a NYC gal , who grew up on home cooked Italian cuisine, I was more than delighted to with the food at this gem of a restaurant. The limited menu allows for perfection in each dish. It is family owned and operated with Poppa in the kitchen and Momma steering the ship in the front. The service is friendly and efficient. The prices are fair given the quality' of the food. The place is small and quite popular, so you need to make a reservation. read more

This little strip mall restaurant is rated 4.7 on Yelp. Surely that must be a mistake, we had to go and see for ourselves. OMG, this place is fantastic. We love Italy and know what Italian food should taste like but this place was "upper class" Italian cuisine. I had the Scollopine di Pollo with the mushrooms and Cream sauce. My wife had the nightly special Sole. Her fish was lightly floured and fried to perfection and was served on a bed of delicious white beans. My chicken Scollopine was delicious. The dish came out hot, the chicken was pounded out and I cut it with my fork. The crème sauce was served with ribbon pasta and was amazingly flavorful. I could eat this dish every night for the next year, but then I'd have to go to Weight Watchers. I've never had anything quite like it before. When in Italy we usually don't go to higher end restaurants so we haven't experienced this before. Based on the quality, the prices are quite fair. Just a note, the server in the dining room covers all the tables with the help of two assistants. She and the chef were from the Lake Maggiore area in Northern Italy. We stayed a Stressa a couple years ago and shared pictures of the famous White Peacocks. These are truly nice people who love sharing great food with their guests. Sadly, we live in Las Vegas so we can't go here regularly. Don't miss out on this place. Final note, call well ahead for reservations. It is popular for very good reason. read more

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Sorry I have no photos of the food but leaving a review was not on my agenda, yet I would be remiss to not do so. What an amazing discovery of this most extraordinary little family-owned Italian restaurant tucked away in Palm Desert. To say the food was exceptional would be an understatement -- the homemade pasta was sublime, the dessert was just the right kind of fluffy, and the personalized service from the owner made the evening unforgettable. The cozy, intimate setting encouraged conversation not just at our table but between guests -- and yes, if you stick it out through the whole video, you'll see the entire restaurant serenade me with a birthday song. This hidden gem is something special. Make your reservations now -- you'll thank me later. #mezzomondo To say the food was exceptional would be an understatement - homemade pasta was sublime & personalized service an evening unforgettable. read more

I had their lasagne, with melt in your mouth pasta, a wonderful blend of meats, and a delicate tomato sauce that is not overly acidic, and compliments rather than overwhelms the dish. The service was old world. Attentive but not intrusive. Overall I would say that it embodies justifiable pride without a trace of arrogance. The lights were dim but bright enough, the music was subtle and soothing. Overall, this place was something I did not expect to find, and am so glad I did. read more

Trattoria Mezzomondo - Lasagne from Heaven. - Italian Near Me - Palm Desert, California

Small restaurant with a friendly environment. The food is great. The chef was celebrating his 70th birthday party and the restaurant was giving away free samples of drinks. Unfortunately, we did not make a reservations, but they were able to squeeze us in. I appreciate their hospitality and great food. Gotta try it. It's a plus. read more

The food was delicious fresh pasta and the service was amazing. Carlos greeted us and was so nice to us. We had our 5 year old daughter with us and it is always difficult in a nice restaurant with a young child. He gave her an Italian soda gave her paper and pens to entertain her. The owner was so nice and recommended dishes that were delicious. Carlos surprised our daughter with their delicious gelato. Highly recommend this place!! read more

Trattoria Mezzomondo - Italian Near Me - Palm Desert, California

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This is the most wonderful restaurant I have been to in a very long time. The staff are wonderful and the restaurant makes you feel like you're one of the family when you visit. Plus, the food is outstanding! Everything is so fresh and the pasta is homemade daily. What a gem of a restaurant. I can't wait to go back. read more

Always great pasta in a warm and welcoming environment. Book ahead. This place is very popular.

We have been there a few times and it is definitely a review overdue. their food is amazing. Our favorite is the lasagna. They always have daily special written on clip board. But wait for the owner come explain it. She is so good we feel like everything sounds delicious! People are very nice over there. We ended up chatting with our neighbor about travel and golf for half an hour! Book in advance. It is very hard to get table in the same week. read more

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Incredibly good food with super table service. Very small busy place with lots of very happy diners. Second time in a month and can't wait for next time. read more

This is such a treat after suffering through all the valleys so called Italian restaurants to finally find one that has it right. They are passionate about the food and it shows. Everybody works together to get it right. The only issue is availability, they are always booked and they have earned that the old fashioned way. read more

Order off of the daily special menu. They often have some very creative dishes. Make sure you make a reservation as this small location is always packed. I like to get there early at 5 when it's still quiet and I get a chance to chat with Luba and listen to her descriptions of the specials for the evening. The lasagne is so light and delicate, the calamari is like steak and I can not resist the desserts. I love watching the old Frank Sinatra movies running above the bar area. The food never disappoints and Luba remembers everyone. read more

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Overpriced!! Lasagna was OK, but small portion for the price. Paid $25 for a small bowl of mediocre clam chowder. Freshly made pasta but cannot justify going again with these prices. read more

How have I lived in Palm Desert and never stumbled into Trattoria Mezzomondo?! Small, charming, and authentic to the core. Our friend Chef Brick pointed us here, and WOW--best tip ever. Tender calamari, dreamy lasagna, and salmon with pasta so fresh you can taste the love in every bite. (Yep, all pasta is made in-house.) Finished with a silky lemon tart topped with shaved pine nuts -- the grand finale I never knew I needed. Order the house wine. Trust me. It's like a magic "pair with everything" potion. ** Chef Elio hails from Milan, while his wife Luba is from Russia. She describes the dishes so vividly that it makes you want to try everything on the menu! read more

We love this restaurant. The owners are amazing. So very nice. The husband, who is also the chef, makes outstanding meals. My husband is obsessed with the lasagna - the pasta melts in your mouth! I love every meal I've tried there from the appetizers to dinner. The garlic bread is to die for. Can't wait to go back. It is literally a little gem and very popular. Be sure to make reservations!! read more

The wait staff are family or devoted employees. The menu was outstanding with a variety of Italian offerings. Very intimate setting. Can't wait to go back! read more