For 38 years, Castelli’s Ristorante has been a true gem in the desert dining scene, and it’s easy to see why it has stood the test of time. From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed into a warm, relaxing atmosphere that feels both elegant and inviting. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in, slow down, and genuinely enjoy the experience.
The service is excellent and attentive without ever feeling intrusive. The staff clearly takes pride in what they do, making guests feel valued and well cared for from start to finish. It’s refreshing to dine somewhere that understands hospitality at this level, a professional, polished, and genuinely friendly. And you can even speak Italian to them, if you want.
And then there’s the food, phenomenal across the board! The extensive menu offers something for everyone, and every dish is prepared with care and flavor. Portions are generous, ensuring you leave satisfied (and likely with leftovers). Castelli’s isn’t just a meal, it’s a dining experience that keeps people coming back year after year. If you are an Italian food lover, put this stop on your bucket list, you will not leave disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lynn Milano-Sieving
Everything about this this place was exemplary! From the fantastic waiters who were we attentive to our needs, to the water boy who kept our water glasses filled at all times, to the other fellow who came around to scoop up the crumbs. It was apparent this was no ordinary restaurant. We were being treated extra special! Not to mention that, coming from someone who likes to cook, the preparation of each dish was absolutely fabulous! I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. I look forward to returning. As a Italian American myself, I felt very at home. Bravo - five stars!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Price Sullivan
This restaurant is amazing. I wish I found this place long ago.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu Cake, Clam Sauce
Jim Lochhead
A busy, popular, fine dining experience. The food is very well prepared and presented, the service excellent and attentive.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
John Griffin
Amazing Italian food, the best I’ve ever had, and we spent a week in Rome last year! The service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was an escape to another time and place. Highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
John Doro
Hayden and Braulin were stellar hospitality professionals at this classic Italian dinner spot. Fettuccine Alfredo cannot be missed, complimentary garlic bread baskets, and many delicious steaks and chops. Do not miss this restaurant!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stephan Thomas
One of the best Italian food I have ever had.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brynlee
Best Italian food we’ve ever had! Great service. Yummy food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nick Zacherl
Expert execution, classic ambience, I will gladly and eternally return :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Deborah
Very loud this night. Service was frantic and fractured with multiple mistakes. Not up to their usual standard this night.
We spent our 23rd anniversary here. We spent our very first anniversary here back in 2004 and have been back 18 times for anniversaries most of them with Server Miguel, He is the Best of the Best! Must mention Tony and Sergio as well they are all like family! Castelli's is without a doubt, the finest independently owned Palm Desert restaurant that is 20+ years or older. Ask for Miguel!
GINA BRADBURY FOX
Fabulous family run restaurant with great atmosphere, food and service. Shame it’s so far from the UK! Worth the trip.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
George
Party of 7 celebrating birthday. Service, food, ambiance were perfect which is why we keep coming back for special occasions.
Dr . Harry
Beautiful dining rooms and splendid cocktails, as well as a large menu and pleasant service. This is one of our "go-to" restaurants when dining prior to an event at the McCallum Theatre!
Maureen
There were so many attentive servers waiting on each table. The place was packed and it seemed like someone checked on us every five minutes. So well-managed. The spaghetti with sausage was delicious, the sauce was perfect. The Chianti was so good. We were too full for dessert, but coming back again soon to try the tiramisu. Bravo.
For 38 years, Castelli’s Ristorante has been a true gem in the desert dining scene, and it’s easy to see why it has stood the test of time. From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed into a warm, relaxing atmosphere that feels both elegant and inviting. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in, slow down, and genuinely enjoy the experience.
The service is excellent and attentive without ever feeling intrusive. The staff clearly takes pride in what they do, making guests feel valued and well cared for from start to finish. It’s refreshing to dine somewhere that understands hospitality at this level, a professional, polished, and genuinely friendly. And you can even speak Italian to them, if you want.
And then there’s the food, phenomenal across the board! The extensive menu offers something for everyone, and every dish is prepared with care and flavor. Portions are generous, ensuring you leave satisfied (and likely with leftovers). Castelli’s isn’t just a meal, it’s a dining experience that keeps people coming back year after year. If you are an Italian food lover, put this stop on your bucket list, you will not leave disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everything about this this place was exemplary! From the fantastic waiters who were we attentive to our needs, to the water boy who kept our water glasses filled at all times, to the other fellow who came around to scoop up the crumbs. It was apparent this was no ordinary restaurant. We were being treated extra special! Not to mention that, coming from someone who likes to cook, the preparation of each dish was absolutely fabulous! I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. I look forward to returning. As a Italian American myself, I felt very at home. Bravo - five stars!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This restaurant is amazing. I wish I found this place long ago.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu Cake, Clam Sauce
A busy, popular, fine dining experience. The food is very well prepared and presented, the service excellent and attentive.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Amazing Italian food, the best I’ve ever had, and we spent a week in Rome last year! The service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was an escape to another time and place. Highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hayden and Braulin were stellar hospitality professionals at this classic Italian dinner spot. Fettuccine Alfredo cannot be missed, complimentary garlic bread baskets, and many delicious steaks and chops. Do not miss this restaurant!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of the best Italian food I have ever had.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best Italian food we’ve ever had! Great service. Yummy food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Expert execution, classic ambience, I will gladly and eternally return :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very loud this night. Service was frantic and fractured with multiple mistakes. Not up to their usual standard this night.
Restaurantji Recommends
We spent our 23rd anniversary here. We spent our very first anniversary here back in 2004 and have been back 18 times for anniversaries most of them with Server Miguel, He is the Best of the Best! Must mention Tony and Sergio as well they are all like family! Castelli's is without a doubt, the finest independently owned Palm Desert restaurant that is 20+ years or older. Ask for Miguel!
Fabulous family run restaurant with great atmosphere, food and service. Shame it’s so far from the UK! Worth the trip.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Party of 7 celebrating birthday. Service, food, ambiance were perfect which is why we keep coming back for special occasions.
Beautiful dining rooms and splendid cocktails, as well as a large menu and pleasant service. This is one of our "go-to" restaurants when dining prior to an event at the McCallum Theatre!
There were so many attentive servers waiting on each table. The place was packed and it seemed like someone checked on us every five minutes. So well-managed. The spaghetti with sausage was delicious, the sauce was perfect. The Chianti was so good. We were too full for dessert, but coming back again soon to try the tiramisu. Bravo.
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