Wally's Desert Turtle

“Came here for Restaurant week. The best meal we've ever had. Service was impeccable! Complimentary valet parking. Had escargot. Simply the best! Also had crab stuffed shrimp. Really Great and cooked perfectly. Husband had caesar salad and short rib. ALL the food was fabulous! Highly recommend! The traveling saxophone player added to the lovely ambience. Everyone was friendly and attentive, from the bread server, the wait staff, to the Manager who checked in to make sure all was going great. Total class! Don't miss the opportunity to eat here!”

“If you’re in Palm Springs and haven’t been to Wally’s Desert Turtle, you are truly missing out on one of the finest dining experiences in the desert. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels elegant yet welcoming—perfect for a special night out or just treating yourself to something exceptional. The service is absolutely top-tier. The staff is attentive without being intrusive, incredibly knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about making your experience memorable. And the food? Simply outstanding. Every dish is beautifully presented and crafted with care, using high-quality ingredients that you can taste in every bite. You can tell this isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. From appetizers to dessert, everything is thoughtfully prepared and absolutely delicious. What really sets Wally’s apart is the consistency. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, they deliver excellence every single time. If you’re looking for incredible food, impeccable service, and a truly special dining experience in the Palm Springs area, Wally’s Desert Turtle is a must. Highly recommend!”

“In an increasingly turbulent and fickle restaurant world where they come and go, it’s rare to find this caliber of hospitality and decadence that endures the test of decades. The reason is clear, currently the third generation of the same family passionately oversee and operate the establishment. You will likely find the owner there any given weekend, as did we. Each table is met with a team of efficient and doting attendants, in and out exactly when you need them and always nearby. The decor is truly timeless and opulent, an ode to the old Hollywood charm that must have once existed in these parts. Live jazz music persists. Dinner enchants. My wish is that nothing change here for future years.”

“The atmosphere was lovely and the service perfection. Food was overall quite good. I had the short ribs which I enjoyed, as well as the arugula salad with the ricotta, which was pretty good. The only disappointment was the soufflé. It was so light and airy in texture that it lacked substance. I much preferred the chocolate lava cake. Oh, and my lemon drop martini was delightful.”

“I do not like leaving bad reviews but this was not a good meal. We were surprised given it was highly recommended. The service was sporadic and the decor needs an update. The food tasted as bad as it looked. I hope they have better nights.”