For years, I've chased the ghost of perfect Italian cuisine...from quick weekend trips to Italy for a bowl of cacio e pepe to hunting for that authentic New York Italian-American vibe in LA. Moving to the actual desert, I genuinely thought I’d have to retire my pasta cravings or start making all my favorites myself. Then, Kiki's in La Quinta happened. I have been craving bucatini for literal years, and if you know bucatini, you know it’s a tricky pasta to master. The thickness of the noodle makes achieving that perfect al dente bite a real challenge. Kiki's didn't just meet the challenge; they obliterated it. The dish was phenomenal, a culinary reunion I knew I needed. It's rare to have a craving that lasts five years, and even rarer to find a dish that makes that wait absolutely worthwhile. But Kiki's is so much more than just the pasta. They deliver on their promise of eccentric design and sincere hospitality. The service was impeccable, the vibes were elevated, and their dedication to "quality imported ingredients and locally sourced produce" is evident in every bite. It’s the perfect place for a delicious Italian classic paired with a craft cocktail. A Quick Note on Allergies: My only "feedback" is a heads-up for those with dietary restrictions: they currently offer very few, if any, gluten-free options. I made the mistake of bringing my gluten-allergic child, and the only suitable main dish was a magnificent, albeit $80, steak. LOL (Which, to be fair, was damn well worth it!). Bottom Line: If you are allergy-free and seeking exceptional Italian classics, incredible ambiance, and a genuine connection to that molto bene feeling, Kiki's is your destination. Knowing I don't need to break out the passport to indulge in one of my favorite Italian dishes makes my heart so happy. Go see what everyone is talking about!
Overview
If you're in the mood for a delightful dining experience in La Quinta, CA, Kiki's Dining & Drinks should be on your radar. Located at 46660 Washington St #8, this cozy spot offers more than just a meal-it’s a place where great food, refreshing drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere come together perfectly.
The moment you walk into Kiki’s, you’re greeted by an inviting atmosphere that blends modern decor with a relaxed vibe. Whether you're planning a casual lunch with friends or a night out with family, Kiki’s offers a versatile space for any occasion. The restaurant’s thoughtful design makes it a comfortable place to enjoy a leisurely meal or grab a quick drink after a busy day.
The menu at Kiki's is diverse, making it easy to find something for everyone. From savory appetizers to hearty mains, the restaurant brings together a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes. If you're in the mood for a fresh, vibrant meal, you can’t go wrong with their signature salads or seafood options, which are known for their fresh, high-quality ingredients. But don’t let that fool you-meat lovers will also find plenty to satisfy their cravings, from succulent steaks to perfectly cooked burgers.
One standout feature of Kiki's Dining & Drinks is their cocktail menu. Whether you prefer classic drinks or want to try something new and exciting, their drink selection won’t disappoint. The bartenders are experts at crafting both traditional cocktails and creative concoctions that suit every taste. If you're someone who enjoys a good glass of wine, you'll be pleased to find a carefully curated list of wines that complement the dishes perfectly.
Kiki's isn’t just about good food and drinks-it’s also about providing excellent service. The staff is known for being friendly and attentive, ensuring that each guest feels well taken care of throughout their dining experience. Many customers have mentioned how the staff’s attentiveness adds a personal touch, making every visit feel special.
As for the reviews, they speak volumes. Many guests rave about the atmosphere, describing it as both lively and intimate, a great balance for any occasion. The food consistently receives praise for its flavor, presentation, and the variety of options available. Whether you’re enjoying a quick lunch or spending a leisurely evening with friends, the consistent quality and experience at Kiki's Dining & Drinks make it a standout in the local dining scene.
What’s also worth mentioning is that Kiki's Dining & Drinks goes beyond just being a place to eat. It’s a community hub, often hosting local events that bring people together for a fun night out. Whether it’s a live band or a wine tasting event, there's always something going on to keep things interesting. It’s this sense of community that makes Kiki’s not just a place to grab a bite, but an experience to be remembered.
If you're in La Quinta and craving a memorable meal with great drinks in a welcoming environment, Kiki's Dining & Drinks is a must-visit. The combination of tasty food, expertly crafted drinks, and exceptional service ensures that it will quickly become one of your favorite dining spots in the area.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine listPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Healthy options ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
One of the best restaurant in Indian Wells. The food exceeded all expectations. The Caesar salad came garnished with visible anchovies. Everything you taste has the chef's magic touch including the anchovies. Delicious. The pasta is perfectly cooked. Jason, their mixologist, makes elements for their cocktails in-house for incredibly delicious drinks. Try the lavender martini! The management staff went above and beyond in many ways, at one point they brought out a balloon animal for a baby in our party. Customer service is top notch, they truly treat you like family.
We were greeted warmly by the hostess who sat us immediately. Server came by and offered us water, wished she could have greeted us and either asked or gave us a small intro to Kikis Menu since menu on website is almost completely different than what we got, plus she could have suggested drinks and/or appetizers to start. Staying on menus, they need to increase the size of font on the cocktail menu, you really need an eyeglass to see what was offered. We all decided on our drinks after a few minutes and the housemate foccacia ( which we all enjoyed specially the whipped cheese) Our entrees we selected: (1) Hanger Steak, Half Chicken Parma & Pepperoni Pizza. The Pizza came out just the way we expected nice and hot, cheese was gooey and enough pepperoni (great for only $ 25) Now the Steak while it tasted wonderful it was cold and pricey $ 43 so was the Chicken Parma $ 32, it seems they sat waiting for pizza to be ready. But everyone enjoyed the flavors of all 3 dishes. When Manager and it seemed like owners approached our table and asked about our dinner, we shared with them and they did say we should have said something about the cold plates, we just wanted for them to know it for future. We ordered Tiramisu for dessert and flavor was on point. Just wished they would not put it on a bowl, so we could appreciate the layering of the mascarpone, lady fingers etc. All flavors were great, even though items were cold, a few items were over priced, server was friendly but on my opinion needs to be trained to offered another round of drinks, offer dessert, offer after dinner drinks etc. and we asked for the check it took long to arrive. Also we arrived when around 8pm there was enough light to see it was open, but when we left the front area looked dark, maybe strip mall needs better lighting for future guest see that they are open.
Kiki’s was fantastic! Not exaggerating. Beautiful decor and even better food! Would definitely go back anytime. We split 2 items, a massive Cesar salad that was excellent, and then a huge Chicken Cacciatore that was plenty of food for both of us. Reasonably priced too. Our friend had clams and linguine that had a ton of Manila clams. Looked great! Our server, Audrey, was also very fun and super nice, great sense of humor. If I could give this experience 6 stars, I would.
We recently visited Kiki's as part of a tasting menu arranged by Dining with the Davids. While I didn't take any pictures, the entire evening was fantastic. The food was delicious! Highlights included arancini, pepperoni pizza with an amazing crust, and their chicken parm were top notch. The tiramisu is not to be missed. This restaurant is a gem and we will certainly be back. The owners and their staff are welcoming and attentive. Highly recommended.