Daniel's Table

Worst restaurant experience I’ve ever had. Had reservations for 6 at 6:30. Stood waiting a long time while they booted 3 guests from a table for six to a table for four and put us there. Was like they didn’t know we were coming despite the place was half empty. Had to ask for menus. Took an hour to get our order. Got salads at 8 pm. Mine had too much salad drsg. They were very small. Got our entrees at 9 pm and were the only ones left in the place. My pork chop had a lot of fat on it and was over cooked. We asked to speed things up and were ignored. waitstaff was hanging out at the bar talking to the chef. Took a half hour to get our checks . Had to ask for them too. and finally got out of there at ten pm. Our waitstaff Alexandra was confused and incompetent with the billing and the owner got involved but still we waited. Awful experience. Never going back.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 1

Once again our evening with Daniel and his staff was everything a celebration dinner could be. We were greeted cordially, and the entire experience was everything we have come to expect from this fabulous hidden gem in the valley. The food and service were spot on and our server. Alex was attentive without being obtrusive. Everything about this restaurant deserves combination as one of the best in the valley.

The premise of this restaurant is what the area needs. The reality however, is less than. Daniel's Table is located in a non-descript strip mall. The exterior has not been enhanced and the windows are covered by Black shades. Upon entering, there is no hostess station. The restaurant works with a bare bones staff and that staff has no training. The menu changes weekly. Food options are presented on a chalk board--without prices. When we asked what the prices were our server gave us a range but nothing specific. While some dishes were good others were very salty. No one asked us if we wanted coffee or dessert. We requested the check. What followed was absolutely unacceptable. We gave instructions on how to split the bill and apply charges to the credit cards. When the receipts were presented for signatures we were charged for another table. One credit card was charged twice for 2 different amounts. Credits were not immediately applied because they weren't sure how to operate the system. Ultimately, we were told to go home and they would e-mail us with the credit reversals. We had a 6:30 p.m. reservation and did not leave until 9:30 p.m. The last 30 minutes were spent trying to obtain correct credit card charges. Finally, there is a big cross affixed to the wall above the counter in the main dining room. While good food can provide a "religious" experience this as not the place for a religious symbol.

There is an unfortunate trend in most restaurants to create an impersonal atmosphere with no dedicated wait staff, QR code menus, built-in tips, and indifferent management. Chef Daniel Villanueva, the owner of Daniel's Table, delivers the refreshingly opposite experience of creating a personal and intimate atmosphere through the medium of high quality, hand-picked produce, cheeses, meats, and fish. His passion for fine wines and food makes dining at his restaurant a unique and original experience that one can actually savor and fully enjoy. Connecting with friends and lovers is central to our conscious communion with food, but it occurs rarely in restaurants. I'm happy to report that eating here brings the best of these elements together. Daniel's Table is a wonderful restaurant developed by a man whose generosity, eye for quality, and need to express his personal philosophy of care and healing is present in every soulful bite.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My most memorable dining experience! My husband and I went for the first time in August. Summer here in the desert is very slow for the restaurant industry due to the heat. Triple digits or not we were dining out for my birthday. We arrived and were greeted and seated at our table by Daniel himself. We had the whole place to ourselves which resulted in us receiving Daniels full attention. What a delight! We learned about his history in the restaurant business and his passion for sourcing out the best ingredients from local farmers and small businesses. How he develops relationships/friendships with these small business owners who take pride in the quality of their products. When it was time to choose our wine the wine list was very foreign to us. His wine list consisted of wines from Italy, France and Spain which we are not familiar with. Daniel asked what we preferred in a wine, opened a few bottles and allowed us to taste before we selected. After choosing our entries he then shared how he prepares the protein and the sauce in great detail. Both my husband and I love to cook so this was such an enjoyable treat. He then topped off the evening with a slice of his mouth watering flourless dark chocolate cake. Let me tell you, when I say mouth watering, I literally mean that! As we were finishing our desert, a large group of people came in. We realized what a special experience we had with Daniel as now he would be focusing his attention on the next table. Cheers to Daniel for the most meaningful dining experience!?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I don't like writing critical reviews, but: I had read on another website someone's recommendation which said Daniel's Table is of Michelin quality. It is not. We were there on a Tuesday - a slow restaurant day for sure - but there were only 3 tables of two diners each including us. They appeared to have a single cook, a working owner, and a server/busser/dishwasher who was working her first day. Daniel's Table is located in a strip mall and they did work to make the interior of the facility as appealing as possible - including fresh flowers on all tables and a pretty cool blue concrete finished floor. We arrived at 6:45 and waited for our water, wine and 1st course salad. Our 3 course meal took almost exactly two hours. The food was interesting: flavors were good; the execution was lacking. Cost was $79 per person prix fixe. We had a bottled of red wine that had a huge markup price at $89. Total, tax & tip included, was $311. The value is lacking. We would not return.

Amazing gem in an unsuspecting area. Amazing service and food. Unlike anything I have had in the area. The owner and chef is extremely hands on and is very dynamic and friendly. Feels like you have been invited into someone's home to have the best meal of your life. Don't miss this place!!

Danial has personally tended to our table during my mom’s birthday and he has made it into an unforgettable experience for my mom and I. Thank you Danial and I wish you all the best.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Honestly, this was one of the best dining experiences we've had in the Coachella Valley. Chef Daniel is deeply passionate about sourcing ingredients, and his enthusiasm for the culinary arts is contagious. We went here on a date night, and it was a 10/10 experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great atmosphere and great service. Nothing like having the chef personally greet you and even explain the menu then go back and cook it! We will be back again. Everything was unique qnd prepared with quality!

Great lunch!! I can't wait to try out dinner! I've been to Daniel's Table twice for lunch now and cannot say how amazing it is!! Farm to table, great service - everyone is a VIP from when you step in to when you leave! Food ingredients are the best, you can taste the freshness and see the art in its presentation! I haven't had a meal this impressive in some time, I HIGHLY recommend Daniel's Table! Vegetables, fish, sides, all are to die for!! Chef is present and will take a moment to chat, genius and a master at his skill!

Daniel's is certainly an experience, the ultimate romantic, elegant dinner, with the most unexpected, and flavorful menu. Everything is fresh, farm to table goodness, the recipes are innovative, and Chef Daniel pairs your wine with each course perfectly. You want to go in for the evening, no rush, and enjoy the feast. We're already planning our next dinner at Daniel's Table.

Do not get fooled by the strip center location, Daniel's Table is a gem. The food was excellent. Daniel Villanueva, Chef, hands on approach makes certain your meal is the best.

Just had lunch yesterday and it was amazing. Chef created some great flavor profiles. I will definitely return.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellence. Quality. Delicious. Fresh ingredients creatively crafted bursting with flavor. No ordinary plates here. Chef Daniel takes his offerings to another level. 1st course grilled dates, 2nd course micro greens, 3rd course pan seared barramundi. My partner had: 1st course crab cakes, 2nd course almost 1924 Caesar, 3rd course crispy soft shell crab. All plates were outstanding. Flavor, freshness, quality and creativity shine. One of the best meals we've had. Service was attentive and gracious. Atmosphere is welcoming and conducive to conversation. We will return.