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Wally's Desert Turtle

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating:
  • A summary score based on quality, quantity and age of traveler ratings.
5 of 5 stars 10 ratings
10 ratings
5.0 of 5 stars
5
4.0 of 5 stars
1
3.0 of 5 stars
0
2.0 of 5 stars
2
1.0 of 5 stars
2
TripAdvisor Popularity Index:
  • Measures overall traveler satisfaction based on ratings, reviews and other sources.
#28 of 71 restaurants in Rancho Mirage
  • Cuisines: American, Barbecue, European, Steakhouse, Continental, Contemporary
  • Average price*: $ 75
Traveler Description:
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TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

Reviews of Wally's Desert Turtle

( 1-9 of 9 )
1 of 5 stars
alover
Apr 25, 2008

I agree with the low marks given by other commentators here - this place is overly advertised and fails to deliver on it's promises. Do not let it's marketing & "awards" deceive you (or your wallet). I too was highly disappointed with the restaurant - causing uncontrollable sighs throughout the meal, thinking & wishing what it could've been. It did... more

1 of 5 stars
Rancho Mirage, California
Jan 3, 2008
4/4 found this review helpful

We had just bought a weekend home in Rancho Mirage, and I planned (what I had hoped would be) a nice birthday dinner for my husband. I did everything that I was supposed to do: (i) I reserved well in advance for a Saturday evening at 7:30; (ii) I personally visited the restaurant and spoke with the maitre d'; (iii)... more

Dec 26, 2007
1/2 found this review helpful

I've been to Wally's maybe four times over the past six years. Yes, the menu and decor don't seem to have changed much since it opened in 1978, it caters to the "walker set", and probably is a bit overpriced for what it is (relative to comparable restaurants in any large city). Yet… it’s a beautiful place anyway and has... more

5 of 5 stars
Austin, TX
Jun 13, 2007
3/3 found this review helpful

This is a great restaurant that serves classic, continental food and has courteous, professional service. It makes no difference that yes, it's old school in its decor and cuisine. (Tony and Carmela would be at home here, for sure.) The food is excellent. I love the fact that it's unapologetically dedicated to its client base: well-heeled LA types who've had... more

2 of 5 stars
rancho mirage
Jan 5, 2007
0/2 found this review helpful

Beautiful place, reminds one of an old Ritz or Four Seasons dining room on the east coast. Menu, however, is ancient. The people are old and the food is from a bygone era. Time to hire a new chef and update the food choices. By the way, I had their white fish which was tasteless. more

4 of 5 stars
Orange County, CA
Dec 26, 2006
2/2 found this review helpful

I'm not sure how this restaurant became number one in Rancho MIrage. I tried it because of the reviews, but now I'm a bit leary of trip advisor reviews. It would help if the reviewers could indicate their age. I agree that the service is excellent and so is the food, but the ambience is a bit tacky (old Las... more

5 of 5 stars
lbogan
Dec 3, 2006

I loved this place- from the decor to the service- and the dover sole is amazing more

Jan 1, 2006
2/2 found this review helpful

There is a good reason that Wally's has been around for sooooo long. It's ambiance and service will take you back to another time when gracious dining was more common! You must try the fresh sole almondine. Yes, I know it's the desert--but dont' let that spoil your taste for this wonderfully prepared dish. The wine list is extensive and... more

Dec 29, 2005
2/2 found this review helpful

For the past 4-5 years, our family has dined at Wally's on Christmas Eve and every year I have the same thing: the Sauteed Filet of Beef with their black peppercorn sauce. Not only has it been consistantly the best meal I've had, but I believe it keeps getting better year after year. The beef was so tender and cooked... more

Reviews of Wally's Desert Turtle

(1-9 of 9)
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Wally's Desert Turtle Address

71775 Hwy. #111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Tel: (760) 568-9321
* Restaurant price information is based on meal cost per person, excluding drinks, tax and tip.