Wally's Desert Turtle is a distinguished, family-owned establishment that has been a beacon of fine dining for 46 years. Our legacy began with Wally, who founded this restaurant after selling his renowned Velvet Turtle chain. Initially a French restaurant, we have evolved into a modern California cuisine destination with French influences, prioritizing sustainable and farm-to-table practices.

Now operated by Wally’s third-generation granddaughter, Wally's Desert Turtle enjoys a stellar community reputation, stable ownership, and a dedicated clientele. We honor our rich traditions while embracing innovation to attract a new generation of diners.

Operating seasonally from October to June, we offer a quintessential five-star dining experience, making us a premier destination in Rancho Mirage. Since our opening in 1978, the restaurant has flourished under continuous family ownership and is now in its third generation of success.

Join us and be part of our storied history as we pave the way for the future. Our current Chef, who has been with us for 40 years and rose through the ranks internally, exemplifies our commitment to internal growth. We are now seeking our next Kitchen Leader to continue this legacy and lead us into the future.