Lupe is a dream. So welcoming! So kind. Friendly atmosphere lovely dishes. Would love to see some pescatarian options.
David Leach
The food was wonderful and the owners made you feel like you were eating with family.
Greg Semos
I have written a lot of reviews. Not many that are 5-Star, and not many that will go into the detail this one will. Mezzomondo is a gem, it is the single best Italian restaurant in the desert. This is a place you simply cannot miss if you are interested in a unique, delightful and memorable meal in the Coachella Valley.
It is not your standard red sauce Italian. Featuring a Northern Italy themed menu they are much more interested in delighting you than checking off all the possible combinations of pasta and meats. It is a small facility, maybe 15 tables, run by a husband and wife team. Be sure to call ahead for reservations, and do it early. NoOpen Table, you need to call and leave a message. Lupa will call you back if they can accomodate you. They can not accomodate more than 6 guests at a table.
The wait staff has been there for the 4-years we have been going, which speaks well of the owners. The wine list is limited but good. The menu has a number of favorites, but the highlight is very often the specials. Their seafood specials are always a good choice.
My better half enjoys the freshly made pasta in the pappardelle pasta with a mushroom sauce.. I have to tell you the first time I tried the pasta e fagioli (a soup) I almost cried it was so flavorful. The Lasagna is unique, and deeply flavorful.
Our favorite special was a dish of scallops presented raw and with a slightly spicy sauce. Like most things there, amazing and just the right size to satisfy without over weighing. The theory of Luba and Elio is to feed you well. And they do.
The desserts vary, but if the lemon bar is available, get it. Any pasta will delight you, it is hand made.
They are located in a small shopping strip center on highway 111 in Palm Desert. They are literally next to a 7-11 and you may drive past them the first time you go. Turn around and go back. This is a place not to be missed. This is food as good as you will have anywhere.
Andrea Armstrong
Food was delicious..great service. Lasagna and chicken marsala was wonderful.
Victoria Williams Sanger
we were craving Italian while in Palm Springs and couldn’t be happier we landed here. Ravioli was my favorite, but we cleaned every single plate that came out.
Stu Swartz
once again, they will celebrate our anniversary there with fabulous food. Great service definitely will return again soon.
Kathy Rappaport
My friend highly recommended we go to Trattoria Mezzomondo. I made a reservation, and they were booked up for over a week. We went last night and enjoyed everything - atmosphere, service, food and wine. Luba was very gracious and welcoming. I had a special seating request, and my table was waiting. We ordered a Caprese to share, garlic bread and a carafe of house red. The wine was Italian and delicious. The garlic bread was better than any I think I've had, and the Caprese a perfect starter to share. I had the Farfalle special and my husband the lamb chops. We share entrees and thought the food was perfectly seasoned. We cleaned the plates and shared the lemon tarte and I had a decaf espresso. The timing of our service was as we like. Slow but not too long. The pastas are house made fresh every day. Everything here is crafted so it's not a factory. We felt like we did in a Cafe Trattoria in Venice. This is going to be a regular spot for us to enjoy.
CG
I had the pleasure of dining here last evening. We were walk-ins, with no reservation, and they managed to seat us at the bar. You must make a reservation. We had the Mezzomondo salad (delicious with fresh lettuces, shaved cheese and a very light and beautiful dressing) to start. Their garlic bread is also out of this world. We followed with the special: asparagus and roasted fennel with shaved cheese and small yellow cherry tomatoes. Delicious delicate flavor. I had the highly recommended lasagna and my husband had the pappardelle pasta with a mushroom sauce. He loved it. both pastas were homemade from that day and you could tell...my lasagna was otherworldly. I have never had lasagna that tasted that good in a restaurant, not to mention one that didn't end up with me having massive heartburn! It was light yet full of flavor. Both were the appropriate sized portions; not too big and not too small. just perfect. I only heard out about this restaurant last month and I've had a home here for 16 years. I would highly recommend this place.
Leon Boros
This family owned Italian restaurant is a real find. We have visited each time we have attended the BNP Paribas Indian Wells tennis tournament. Getting in can be difficult so you need to book although they have rarely turned us away.
Its owners are Luba and Eilio Cavallari. Luba is Russian from Moscow and he is Greek. They are supported by Carlo.
The restaurant has only been open four years as the couple moved away from LA. Luba does front of the house and Eilio works the magic in the kitchen.
Luba is very warm and friendly. She is enthusiastic and a natural salesperson. She might appear a little over the top but frankly if anything she undersells how good her husband’s cooking is. Both Luba and Carlo immediately remembered us from a year previously and Carlo even remembered where we had sat. We got some free Prosecco and a glass of wine. You remember these acts of kindness.
We spoke to Eilio for the first time on this occasion. A real gentleman as well as wonderful chef.
We have now eaten their six times over three years and never left a scrap of food. They hit new heights this year with their Farfallae pasta with sausage and fennel. The portions are not large (which suits us Europeans) but the taste is exquisite. The home made gelato cannot be missed and other highlights include a cheese mushroom polenta starter and any of the chicken scaloppine main dishes.
We have eaten at numerous Michelin restaurants in London. This beats the lot in terms of taste and customer service.
The very best in Palm Desert.
David Lasman
The best northern Italian restaurant in southern California is a must experience
This is a small, lovely gem in a little strip mall across from El Paseo. The owners run the front of house and the kitchen. They are wonderful people, wonderful hosts and you feel like you are eating in Northern Italy. I could not imagine going to the desert without at least one night here. Don't miss it. You will be very pleased. Always call for a reservation. It will also keep you informed of any seasonal closures! It's the best.
Wonderful experience. Food, Ambience and Service was amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vrajesh Tripathi
Top notch service. Pasta melts in your mouth. Will repeat if visiting Palm Springs again. Lots of vegetarian options! Don’t let its location fool you. This is a must visit if in town!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Garlic Bread
Marthina Booysen
Amazing restaurant! The pasta was so fresh and the owners went out of their way to make you feel comfortable and welcome! Excellent vibes and an all around wonderful place for authentic Italian food. I would 100% recommend this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eddie Gomez
Elio and Luba are beyond wonderful. The intimacy of the restaurant is wonderful. The food on the menu or on the specials list was delicious. Luba and Elio perform as if they are making dinner just for you!!!
Will go back many times after this first experience dining with them last night.
This will become our go to Italian restaurant in the Desert.
Thank you, Luba & Elio.
🥂🥂
Lupe is a dream. So welcoming! So kind. Friendly atmosphere lovely dishes. Would love to see some pescatarian options.
The food was wonderful and the owners made you feel like you were eating with family.
I have written a lot of reviews. Not many that are 5-Star, and not many that will go into the detail this one will. Mezzomondo is a gem, it is the single best Italian restaurant in the desert. This is a place you simply cannot miss if you are interested in a unique, delightful and memorable meal in the Coachella Valley.
It is not your standard red sauce Italian. Featuring a Northern Italy themed menu they are much more interested in delighting you than checking off all the possible combinations of pasta and meats. It is a small facility, maybe 15 tables, run by a husband and wife team. Be sure to call ahead for reservations, and do it early. NoOpen Table, you need to call and leave a message. Lupa will call you back if they can accomodate you. They can not accomodate more than 6 guests at a table.
The wait staff has been there for the 4-years we have been going, which speaks well of the owners. The wine list is limited but good. The menu has a number of favorites, but the highlight is very often the specials. Their seafood specials are always a good choice.
My better half enjoys the freshly made pasta in the pappardelle pasta with a mushroom sauce.. I have to tell you the first time I tried the pasta e fagioli (a soup) I almost cried it was so flavorful. The Lasagna is unique, and deeply flavorful.
Our favorite special was a dish of scallops presented raw and with a slightly spicy sauce. Like most things there, amazing and just the right size to satisfy without over weighing. The theory of Luba and Elio is to feed you well. And they do.
The desserts vary, but if the lemon bar is available, get it. Any pasta will delight you, it is hand made.
They are located in a small shopping strip center on highway 111 in Palm Desert. They are literally next to a 7-11 and you may drive past them the first time you go. Turn around and go back. This is a place not to be missed. This is food as good as you will have anywhere.
Food was delicious..great service. Lasagna and chicken marsala was wonderful.
we were craving Italian while in Palm Springs and couldn’t be happier we landed here. Ravioli was my favorite, but we cleaned every single plate that came out.
once again, they will celebrate our anniversary there with fabulous food. Great service definitely will return again soon.
My friend highly recommended we go to Trattoria Mezzomondo. I made a reservation, and they were booked up for over a week. We went last night and enjoyed everything - atmosphere, service, food and wine. Luba was very gracious and welcoming. I had a special seating request, and my table was waiting. We ordered a Caprese to share, garlic bread and a carafe of house red. The wine was Italian and delicious. The garlic bread was better than any I think I've had, and the Caprese a perfect starter to share. I had the Farfalle special and my husband the lamb chops. We share entrees and thought the food was perfectly seasoned. We cleaned the plates and shared the lemon tarte and I had a decaf espresso. The timing of our service was as we like. Slow but not too long. The pastas are house made fresh every day. Everything here is crafted so it's not a factory. We felt like we did in a Cafe Trattoria in Venice. This is going to be a regular spot for us to enjoy.
I had the pleasure of dining here last evening. We were walk-ins, with no reservation, and they managed to seat us at the bar. You must make a reservation. We had the Mezzomondo salad (delicious with fresh lettuces, shaved cheese and a very light and beautiful dressing) to start. Their garlic bread is also out of this world. We followed with the special: asparagus and roasted fennel with shaved cheese and small yellow cherry tomatoes. Delicious delicate flavor. I had the highly recommended lasagna and my husband had the pappardelle pasta with a mushroom sauce. He loved it. both pastas were homemade from that day and you could tell...my lasagna was otherworldly. I have never had lasagna that tasted that good in a restaurant, not to mention one that didn't end up with me having massive heartburn! It was light yet full of flavor. Both were the appropriate sized portions; not too big and not too small. just perfect. I only heard out about this restaurant last month and I've had a home here for 16 years. I would highly recommend this place.
This family owned Italian restaurant is a real find. We have visited each time we have attended the BNP Paribas Indian Wells tennis tournament. Getting in can be difficult so you need to book although they have rarely turned us away.
Its owners are Luba and Eilio Cavallari. Luba is Russian from Moscow and he is Greek. They are supported by Carlo.
The restaurant has only been open four years as the couple moved away from LA. Luba does front of the house and Eilio works the magic in the kitchen.
Luba is very warm and friendly. She is enthusiastic and a natural salesperson. She might appear a little over the top but frankly if anything she undersells how good her husband’s cooking is. Both Luba and Carlo immediately remembered us from a year previously and Carlo even remembered where we had sat. We got some free Prosecco and a glass of wine. You remember these acts of kindness.
We spoke to Eilio for the first time on this occasion. A real gentleman as well as wonderful chef.
We have now eaten their six times over three years and never left a scrap of food. They hit new heights this year with their Farfallae pasta with sausage and fennel. The portions are not large (which suits us Europeans) but the taste is exquisite. The home made gelato cannot be missed and other highlights include a cheese mushroom polenta starter and any of the chicken scaloppine main dishes.
We have eaten at numerous Michelin restaurants in London. This beats the lot in terms of taste and customer service.
The very best in Palm Desert.
The best northern Italian restaurant in southern California is a must experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lasagne, Garlic Bread
Restaurantji Recommends
This is a small, lovely gem in a little strip mall across from El Paseo. The owners run the front of house and the kitchen. They are wonderful people, wonderful hosts and you feel like you are eating in Northern Italy. I could not imagine going to the desert without at least one night here. Don't miss it. You will be very pleased. Always call for a reservation. It will also keep you informed of any seasonal closures! It's the best.
Dietary restrictions: Very accommodating...
Wheelchair accessibility: Ground floor
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Scallop Carpaccio, Ceaser Salad, Lasagne, Clam Pasta, Chicken Parmesan, Garlic Bread
Wonderful experience. Food, Ambience and Service was amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Top notch service. Pasta melts in your mouth. Will repeat if visiting Palm Springs again. Lots of vegetarian options! Don’t let its location fool you. This is a must visit if in town!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Garlic Bread
Amazing restaurant! The pasta was so fresh and the owners went out of their way to make you feel comfortable and welcome! Excellent vibes and an all around wonderful place for authentic Italian food. I would 100% recommend this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Elio and Luba are beyond wonderful. The intimacy of the restaurant is wonderful. The food on the menu or on the specials list was delicious. Luba and Elio perform as if they are making dinner just for you!!! Will go back many times after this first experience dining with them last night. This will become our go to Italian restaurant in the Desert. Thank you, Luba & Elio. 🥂🥂
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