Kitchen In The Desert

Kitchen in the Desert is a very nice spot for dinner. The food is really good, and the drinks are equally enjoyable. The overall environment is very pleasant, and we really liked the vibe of the place. Although some of the outdoor heaters weren’t working, the staff managed the situation well, ensuring we were comfortable. I would recommend making reservations before going, as it can get busy. Another plus is that there’s plenty of free roadside parking available. A great spot for a relaxed evening with good food and drinks!

- Manas Sarkar -

I never write reviews but the experience was so great, I feel the need to say something— everyone’s incredibly hot & nice here. Food was really tasty & the energy was great. Shout out to Bree, (thanks for helping search for my phone), the server w the double framed glasses, & the bartender who also works across the street. Thank you girls for being so sweet

- Mackenzie Viera -

Kitchen in the Desert was hands down my favorite restaurant during my brief stay in Joshua Tree. The food was delicious, hearty, and clearly made with love. When I found out the chef was Trinidadian, I already knew we were in for something good. We shared the jerk chicken and lamb pops, along with sides of brussels sprouts and coconut rice, and we demolished every single bite. Everything was incredibly flavorful and perfectly prepared. For dessert, we finished with a slice of pear and salted caramel cream pie which was absolutely delicious. Their ice cream was vegan and nondairy, and you could barely taste the difference. Such a treat. The service was also wonderful. Our server checked in on us frequently, made sure we were comfortable and warm by ensuring the space heaters were working, and even provided blankets. The level of care and hospitality truly elevated the entire experience.

- Dania Joseph -

I was leery at first, at the idea of carribbean type food in the . Butttt they exceeded my expectations. Food was delicious i got the shrimp plate with coconut rice it was well seasoned and the rice was perfect my drink was the daiquiri, amd i got an affogatto for desert. I ATE EVERYTHING! i am really picky as well. Now for service, I sat at the bar and my bartender was amzing she gave me great suggestions, was super attentive. She was generally nice. I would definitely go again

- Coleen Gabrille -

We spent one night in Twentynine Palms and we're looking for a place to eat around 7pm that had vegetarian options. It was a Monday night and a few restaurants in town were closed. We found Kitchen in the Desert listed with high reviews but weren't expecting too much. We were pleasantly surprised to approach the restaurant and see a glowing outside seating area. Because the place is about a block from the main highway there wasn't traffic noise. We were offered a blanket on our way to be seated in case we got chili in the late October air, and there was also a tall propane heater next to each of the outdoor tables that could be lit if needed. Each table has a small LED lamps with just the right amount of light, and there was a soft warm glow above us from string lights that criss-crossed the seating area. This would be a great place to go on a romantic date as it was quiet with interesting acoustic music playing in the background. I think maybe they weren't expecting so many people on a Monday night because there was only one server that we saw and it took a while for him to come and get our drink order, but we were pleased with the interesting selection of drinks that were available and when they finally arrived it was worth the wait (old fashioned and a whiskey sour). We were thirsty and one of the options was filtered tap water which was served from a wine bottle that they left at the table for refills. Unfortunately they were out of two of the three things we decided to order (the brussel sprout appetizer and the jerk chicken entree). Because one of us is vegetarian and the other only eats birds and fish, that left basically two options for us but we weren't disappointed. I ended up getting the fish plates which came on a bed of nicely seasoned coconut jasmine rice (with only a subtle coconut flavor). It was $43 and definitely worth it! The flavor was phenomenal and everything was perfectly cooked. My husband had the shiitake mushroom toast as a main course and it was a generous portion and also delicious. The chef at this place really knows what they're doing. This would be a great place for any foodie to seek out who wants an exquisite meal and unique, interesting ambience, or just someone who once a nice meal that is worth what you pay for it.

- Natalie C -

Cool find. A little pricey and meals are tasty but no frills meaning no sides with your entree. Enjoyed avocado toast, crispy onion smash burger and interesting beef choices. Cute general store. Love the plush Joshua Tree for sale. Super cute.

- Suzy Keidel -