Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge
American restaurant · Indian Wells ·

Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge

American restaurant · Indian Wells ·

Modern American dishes, craft cocktails, patio, and great views

Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by null

Information

44500 Indian Wells Ln, Indian Wells, CA 92210 Get directions

$50–100

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Information

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44500 Indian Wells Ln, Indian Wells, CA 92210 Get directions

+1 760 501 2582
kestrel.kitchen
@kestrelkitchenindianwells
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@KestrelKitchen

$50–100 · Menu

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Last updated

Dec 10, 2025

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Celebrity Chef Richard Blais Is Opening a Restaurant in Palm Springs | Eater LA

"Opening this fall at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, Kestrel marks Richard Blais’s first restaurant in the Palm Springs area and will offer classic American dishes elevated with his signature molecular techniques — think liquid nitrogen margaritas — alongside dry-aged steaks cooked over a wood fire, local produce, and other self-described nutritious fare that Blais says isn’t just a restaurant “but a lifestyle.”" - Matthew Kang

https://la.eater.com/2024/7/25/24206085/celebrity-chef-richard-blais-indian-wells-restaurant-opening
Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge

S. S.

Google
Loved, loved, absolutely LOVED our Kestrel experience last weekend! Chef Blais was not there but the staff was superb, the food exquisite, and the ambience stellar. I had the seabass with curry which was velvety smooth with rich flavor. We WILL BE returning to share the experience with my parents and sister.

Vesna P.

Google
We had such a wonderful brunch today. Our family was excited to visit this new restaurant & it didn't disappoint. Lots of options for picky 10 & 14 yr olds, gorgeous view of the golf course/mountains, deliciously prepared food, and DK was so welcoming & kind... he made it a great experience! We can't wait to go back.

Brittany K.

Google
We had the most amazing time here for dinner. We sat outside on the patio with an incredible view and had the best experience. I never fill out these forms, but our server Mo was so impeccable and the food and ambiance was so impressive that we had to share. Great vibe, great food, amazing service — what more could you want? We’ll be back!

Eric L.

Google
Pretty views and ambiance. Great attention to detail and decor. Amazing service and team effort... Justina and Anthony are super awesome!! We are local, and will be back. -Was a an incredible first visit!! The food is of course, top notch! The sea bass, crab cakes, poke bowl, caesar salad, carrot cake, and craft cocktails; are all so gooooood!! Thanks again!! Hope to see you soon. Update 6/16/2025: Never cease to amaze us. Refreshing watermelon gazpacho. Incredibly light and fluffy deviled eggs. The sea bass is to die for... Have it every time I'm here. Thanks Tommy, Anthony, Justina! (And the whole crew!!) -You're awesome! Keep it up through our slow summers! See you very soon 🤗. Amazing Brunch too!! A must have Sunday staple! Excellent job! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Well, we've been back a few times now, And WOW 😲! ... They never cease to amaze us. The dinners and Mother's Day brunch we've been to, are off the hook! Many thanks to Michelle, Tommy, Anthony, Mo, Justina, and the whole team 🙏🏼. And thank you Mr. Blais... For an incredible dining experience. -Keep it up! We'll make sure everyone knows of your strong presence in the valley!! So glad you're here. Incredible ambience, service, and food. Appreciate you! See you soon.

Maurice W.

Google
I rarely give 5-star reviews, but Kestrel: A Richard Blais Kitchen absolutely earns it. From the moment I walked in, the service was warm and attentive without being overbearing. Every dish was creative, beautifully presented, and bursting with flavor—you can tell there’s real passion behind the menu. And I have to mention my new favorite cocktail, the Kestrel 75—perfectly balanced, refreshing, and the kind of drink you can’t stop thinking about. The stylish atmosphere, incredible food, and thoughtfully crafted drinks make this a must-visit.

leslie E.

Google
I had been wanting to try this since the remodel and addition of top chef winner Richard Blais. It did not disappoint. The room was lovely and our food delicious. I had the smash burger with fries and she had fish tacos. We both loved our meal. Servers were attentive, and the price was reasonable. I will definitely return…

Sharon S.

Google
We came as residents of the area and fans of Blais. It was a beautiful experience sitting at the bar and having delicious food and conversation with our bartender, Candace J.! She made terrific recommendations and was on top of everything in a professional and friendly way. We will be back to meet Blais and visit Candace soon!

Luis S.

Google
We came for Chef Richard Blais food and stayed longer for the service. Customer service can break or make a restaurant visit. We visited Kestrel this oast Saturday, May 31, 2025. This visit is memorable not just because of the amazing food but also because the service transformed into a perfect example of human kindness when it transcended the transactional nature of business and connects with customers on a deeply empathetic and human level, regardless of race, economic status, etc. Our waitress, Coreena, a sweet, hard-working woman, delivered a superb service along with Tony, a dining room server with a friendliest and humble disposition, made this one of those moments you'll never forget.

David Gambill ..

Yelp
we continually have an excellent experience at Kestrel is a family favorite. after 40 years of celebrating Thanksgiving in the desert - we just booked this years turkey day at kestrel. thank you Justina - you are amazing!!!!!
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Maureen H.

Yelp
We've been coming to The View and now Kestrel for 10 years and Wow it's unbelievable! Best customer service, delicious food! I went last night alone because husband couldn't come from San Diego. I literally sat outside on the sofa (so comfortable), under the heater but then a manager came out and turned fire pit on. It was such a relaxing night. Happy hour is $11 glass of wine (excellent) I ordered the burger (added avocado and bacon) it was delicious and huge! I don't like fries but it comes with them and holy cow they are so good! The best part was Vinnie he was so good he knew I was working on my phone, relaxing and enjoying my food and wine so he would come over to check on everything but just the right amount of time. Also, Anthony was his helper and he was so good and would clear dishes and always asked if I needed anything also. The remodel in there after Richard Blais took over is beautiful! The place is now a romantic restaurant! We come out every other week so we will be there! Thank you!
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Beatrice B.

Yelp
Kestrel truly impressed our table of four with its creative blend of American, Mexican, and Italian influences. We started with their table-side liquid hydrogen margarita -- not only a fun presentation but also perfectly balanced and refreshing. For appetizers we ordered the tortilla chips that are seasoned with lime peeled sea salt and paired it with the salsa roja and guacamole topped with cotija cheese -- a flavorful and elevated take on a classic starter. For entrées, we tried the smash burger, the catch of the day, and the pasta of the day, which happened to be a rich short rib and mushroom stroganoff. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and packed with flavor. Dessert was a standout -- the Medjool carrot cake was moist, spiced just right, and the perfect way to end the meal. The service was impeccable from start to finish. Special thanks to Senior Food and Beverage Manager Justina Alvarado, who was absolutely delightful and made wonderful recommendations throughout the night. Her attentiveness elevated the entire experience. Kestrel offers nightly specials featuring new pasta dishes and a rotating catch of the day, giving us plenty of reasons to return soon. A truly amazing fine dining experience -- highly recommended!
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Holly M.

Yelp
We were driving through Palm Desert on the way back from vacation and checked Yelp for a lunch spot. I found Kestrel Kitchen and noticed it was a Richard Blais restaurant. We have been to his restaurant La Zozonna in Scottsdale so we made a quick U-turn and went to Indian Wells for lunch! Kestrel Kitchen is located in the Indian Wells Golf Resort right off Highway 111. We walked upstairs and noticed how large and airy the restaurant is with outdoor dining, lounge seating and the main restaurant. The views of the golf course and property are beautiful. There is a large bar that looks out onto the back patio and golf course. It was quite hot out so we sat inside. Our server Alexandria was very pleasant and attentive. We arrived 10 minutes before brunch ended (1:00pm) and they would switch to their regular lunch menu, however, Alexandria said we could still order off the bunch menu. We ordered the loaded crispy potatoes for the table. The potatoes were topped with caramelized onions, herbs and a Catalina sauce. These were crispy and tasty. I ordered chilaquiles with poached eggs. The eggs were a little more runny than I would prefer. I would have liked the sauce to be a little spicy but it was seasoned well and the flavor was good. You can add short ribs to the chilaquiles if you like for an additional cost. My husband ordered the breakfast burrito. It came with a side of fruit. He said it was very good. We enjoyed the restaurant and felt the prices were very reasonable. Stop in if you are in the area and looking for a nice relaxing restaurant with a view and great food. Parking is free and it is located right off the 111.
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Samantha G.

Yelp
Wonderful place! Our server, Valentina, was sooo nice and helpful. It was my grandmas birthday and she was so sweet and kind with her. The prime rib was excellent and we loved our drinks! The space is open and has a clean aesthetic. We loved it and will be back!
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Hilary Jane C.

Yelp
Charming spot to have dinner, or belly up to the bar for tasty food and drinks. Gorgeous views, wonderful ambience and fun bartenders and servers who are professional and sharp. I love the chocolate mousse for desert the best!
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Thelma A.

Yelp
I was excited to try Kestrel Kitchen since I'm a fan of Richard Blais' culinary style. But this missed the mark. I was hoping the desert would finally be able to boast some upscale dining! I can only assume Chef Blais hasn't been here lately, to ensure the dishes are coming out he intended. Service was good. But cocktails and cocktails a touch watered down. We started with the beets by Blais and the Brussels sprouts which were actually delicious, but most everything else fell flat. My friends enjoyed the Hamachi. We had the cauliflower fondue, which has absolutely NO flavour. Tasted like steamed cauliflower...which essentially tastes like nothing. I mentioned this to our server and she brought the Boursin mashed potatoes as a replacement...also no flavour. Couldn't taste any Boursin, and, I hate to say it, but they tasted no better than dehydrated mashed potatoes. My friend had the pan roasted sea bass, which looked beautiful. She said the fish was cooked well and the sauce was really lovely. My other friend had the fried chicken lettuce wraps which is huge and bigger than an app, and the steak frites...he was less than impressed by the steak but liked the fried chicken. I had hoped the pasta of the week might be the only other veg entree option (other than the Moroccan tagine), but nope. The dessert menu lacked excitement, so for the first time in ages, we didn't order dessert. I was really hoping Kestrel Kitchen would impress but instead, it follows suit with many desert restaurants...it's just ok.

Shelley B.

Yelp
I have been following Richard for many years and was excited to have a nice romantic dinner with my husband last night. I even asked if Richard was there that night but they said he'd be back Dec 18. We were greeted and went to the bar for a cocktail. When our table was ready we went to the dining room. We each had Prime Rib and my husband added a the lobster tail. The prime rib came out too rare but we really don't like sending food back. My husband's tail was overcooked and taken back and the next one was raw. The Resturant was beautiful but very empty for a Saturday night. They made everything right as far not charging us for the lobster and one of the Prime rib dinners. The staff seemed to be very busy but didn't come by to check on us. I was so disappointed. I was surprised that they have been open so long. The kinks should be out by now. I'd like to come back and give it another try when they have it more together. Hopefully Richard will make it good, so we can come back. Thank You, Shelley Brown

Will E.

Yelp
Thanksgiving Buffet. A nice space with an incredibly competent and friendly staff. Food selections were assorted and good. The "maybe" is based on a turkey themed buffet which ended up costing over $260 for 2 including a charged 20% tip when the server basically only served drinks. An example of charges having nothing to do with cost but what they can get away with.
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Jay A.

Yelp
Finally got to try Kestrel Kitchen today. They've been open for 8 days now. Decor is lovely. We sat outside, enjoyed a fresh breeze over the golf course. Solid 5-star comfort and decor. Matt, our server, was terrific. Quite knowledgeable for a new establishment. The food is what makes this a five-star review. SHRIMP COCKTAIL with guava horseradish $21.00 4 absolutely perfect shrimp, chunks of cucumber and granny smith apple cubed and the most delicious dipping condiment. Lovely combo. We should have ordered 2, forget sharing. The guava horseradish did something magical to the classic cocktail sauce. My comment: 'First time I had a great shrimp cocktail in the Coachella Valley. I loved this dish. It alone will get me to return. AHI TUNA POKE BOWL mango, avocado, sushi rice, eel sauce, pickled ginger, and wonton strips $23.00 Fantastic poke bowl. The eel sauce did wonders for the bowl. I believe there was seaweed as well, though not listed. It was all delicious. Just the right size portion. I enjoyed every last bite. Guaranteed I will order this again. Had a couple of WELL GIN and tonics at $10.00 each. Surprisingly good, served in lovely glassware. Dan had this amazing Desert Sunset cocktail. Presentation was magnificent. Will definitely return. Numerous menu items interested me.
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Dakota D.

Yelp
Came to Kestrel for lunch today and it did not disappoint. Located on the Marriott (Renaissance Esmerelda) property in Indian wells you'll find plenty of parking and the grounds are well kept and the restaurant is located on the second floor above the golf Service: 5 stars! Service is 5 star. Matt Alms was our waiter for lunch and he was very kind to share his knowledge about the menu items and weigh in on our drink choices. Busboys and busgirls ensured used plates were taken away promptly; the empty glasses were either refilled or taken away. Shrimp cocktail: 5 stars 4 meaty shrimp(s) and just the right amount of cocktail sauce. Lemon wedge and cucumber/apple bits on the side round this appetizer off quite nicely. Wycliff Brut Sparkling wine: 4 stars Very good sparkling wine! At 7 bucks a glass, how could I say no? Blais burger: 3 stars This burger wasn't bad. It wasn't great either. It was alright. The beef itself was cooked just fine, but there wasn't much flavor in the beef itself. The monterey jack cheese added another layer of neutral flavor and I don't think I received enough of the Catalina spread that was supposed to accompany the burger. The shredded lettuce and plain bun solidified the 3 star rating. The boldest flavor on this burger was the slice of white onion, but I could get white onions at home. Again, the burger was alright, but not really good/great. I would not order this again and I think that if Richard Blais is going to put his name on a specific dish, he should either revamp this burger or pick an entirely different dish. Desert Sunset: 4 stars I took a gamble and chose the desert sunset cocktail: Astral (reposado) tequila, lavender syrup, grapefruit juice and lime juice. The flavor itself was good. But it was also sweet. I'm more of a tequila and soda kind of guy and like I said, I took a gamble and ordered a special cocktail. For 24 bucks I was a little let down, but I'm chalking this up to my personal bitter palate. Next time I'll opt for a regular well drink or perhaps some wine. Overall I would come back to Kestrel and I look forward to doing so. The ambiance is quite nice, the staff is very friendly and very attentive. If you haven't been to Kestrel yet, I encourage you to check it out.
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Alex G.

Yelp
Kestrel was a very strong 4. I believe it could have been a 5, it may have been because of the choices we made. We had the hamachi, crab toast, Brie and fig bread, and the prime rib. The bread will be in my dreams and the prime rib was the best prime rib I have found in the states(Alberta still wins). The baked potato that came with the prime rib was very basic. For this type of place and the prices you pay I would have liked to seen it elevated a bit more. The other two were a bit of a let down. The crab toast was overly mustarded and the hamachi was good but a little light on the flavor and didn't have the best knife work; for the price the hamachi was not worth it. Our server was awesome, and the place was very cozy. I felt like the staff took pride in their work. I never once had to think about asking for water.
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Sophia H.

Yelp
pscale restaurant with their take on American classics/fusion for lunch including prime dip, chicken sandwich, burgers and salads. It was a beautiful day so we chose to sit outside in the shade with a view of the mountains and golf course. They have a mist system that was turned on to keep us nice and cool outside. We ordered the prime dip, poke bowl and tuna arepa. The prime dip was underwhelming. It is served with only meat unless you add onions and cheese at an additional cost. The poke bowl was my favorite dish. It was served with a variety of toppings including mango, seaweed salad, ginger, avocado. The ingredients were fresh and made for the perfect bowl. I didn't know what I was expecting from the tuna arepa, but I was surprised by the portion especially since it costed more than the poke bowl. We tried the Kestrel 75 and Desert Sunset as recommended by our server. These drinks are very aesthetically pleasing and had a sweet tone to them. If you are a fan of citrus and grapefuit, I would recommend desert sunset! Guava cheesecake is a must try! The sugar crackle was satisfying to crack, and the dessert wasn't overly sweet. We also learned from our server that the restaurant incorporates recipes from other chefs, and the guava cheesecake is one of those recipes! Our server was very attentive and checked up on us frequently. Overall, lunch was okay. Dinner might be a better option with the options for seafood and cuts of meat.
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Sheryl L.

Yelp
We were a party of 5 with puppy on the patio for lunch. I think a 3.6 for over all experience is about right. It's a big two story building with nice decor inside and a large patio outside. The hostess is friendly and the service was very good. However, the only really good dishes were the potato soup and the smash burger with bacon. The fried chicken lettuce wrap said it was to share but it was served unattractive with two large pieces of lettuce and dry chicken covering some veggies on the bottom. My fries were good but my burger didn't have much flavor. The server said the tostada had white meat chicken but it was dark meat and lacked flavor. Jorden loved his smash burger. I don't think I'll be rushing back any time soon I'm sorry to say.

Gabriella V.

Yelp
Loved this place! We loved the music and the place had a great atmosphere. Staff were so kind and attentive. Our bartender was Vinny and he had great recommendations and made the best drinks. The decor was top tier and the drinks were incredible, not to mention the view. Didn't have a chance to try out dinner, but definitely would recommend coming for a cocktail! Cant wait to come back because the menu looked amazing.
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Melinda T.

Yelp
I met a colleague for lunch at Kestrel, not aware that this is Richard Blais' signature restaurant. My son has pointed out that I wasted the opportunity to eat something amazing since I ordered the cobb salad which is definitely 4/5 (hard to give a 5 star to a cobb salad) but in retrospect I should have ordered something more interesting such as the ahi tuna poke bowl which my lunch partner had. If this was not a business lunch I would have asked for a bite! The view from the restaurant is pretty overlooking the golf course and the mountain skyline. We ate inside and the a/c was a little high since I was wearing a sleeveless dress. If given the opportunity i will go back to try some other items!
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James S.

Yelp
Waited a LOOONG time for cocktails. Poke bowl made person in party with us SICK. Service was spotty and not very unprofessional. Huge disappointment. Place needs a lot of fine tuning to be a success.
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Dennis W.

Yelp
Our party of five met at Kestrel Kitchen with anticipation. It wasn't in hopes of seeing the namesake's perfect hair, but more to savor some cuisine. The Cesar salad was lukewarm, slightly wilted, with sourdough croutons as hard as jawbreaker candy. Did they soak the lettuce in dressing? While I do enjoy anchovies, these were on the "oceanic" flavor of the spectrum. The libations were adequate, but no one said, "Wow." The six and one-half ounce sea bass was cooked perfectly, but looked like a minnow when plated. It wasn't enough for a meal, even with the coconut rice. I found the claim of its size dubious at best. As a public service announcement I will simply tell you not to try and eat the burger, that is unless you enjoy something as dry as the Sahara with little to zero flavor. The fries were cold and simply reminded me of something you'd find at the bottom of a McDonalds bag. I thought you couldn't mess up bolognese sauce, but I was wrong. Chunks of carrots? Really? Pieces of beef and pork? Is this a meat SAUCE or just something whipped up in a pan and plated with linguini? It felt like false advertising. Call it something else. The service was on point. Everyone enjoyed the key lime cheesecake! It's tangy, creamy, crust of graham crackers turned our collective frowns upside down. At least the dinner ended with a smile. "Take a good look" - GW
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Lisa Marie G.

Yelp
Second Time's a Charm at Kestrel! This was our second time dining at Kestrel, and this visit was just as memorable--if not more--since we brought friends along to experience it with us. The ambiance is effortlessly elegant with soft lighting, a cozy layout, and a warm, welcoming vibe. We were seated indoors but still enjoyed stunning sunset views right from our table--such a treat! We kicked off the evening with a round of their signature cocktails--the Desert Sunset, Love Lucy, and the Kestrel 75--each beautifully crafted and unique. One of us opted for a classic vodka martini (no vermouth, twist of lemon), and it was made to perfection. For dinner, we ordered the pan-roasted Chilean sea bass and the New York strip steak, both cooked exactly to our liking and bursting with flavor. To share, we had the hamachi and roasted Brussels sprouts, which were equally impressive. Our guests chose the Prime Rib and Chicken Marsala, and they were raving about their meals all night. Service was attentive and friendly--our server offered great recommendations and made sure we were well taken care of throughout the evening. Final thoughts: Fantastic food, lovely ambiance, great cocktails, and a perfect place to bring friends or enjoy a date night. We'll absolutely be back--especially for those golden hour views.

Monica K.

Yelp
There was nothing Richard Blais about the brunch. All six in our party thought the food was subpar. The restaurant is nicely decorated. Service was very good, but ultimately it comes down to the food.
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Trisha B.

Yelp
Yes, fabulous new restaurant with an original menu that is super tasty. Service is excellent and the ambiance is peaceful with a designer vibe. Their beet pear salad is soooo yummy. A celebrity chef is the mastermind behind this new extraordinary culinary experience. Sooo good I ate there twice in a 72 hour period....lol. You should try it...you will love it!
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Katrina L.

Yelp
Love this place... it is such a hidden gem! Took my Dad out for lunch date and he was very impressed. The restaurant is beautiful, service was outstanding and the food was delicious! We will be returning!
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Dining With The Davids F.

Yelp
At Dining with The Davids, we don't just try a dish or two--we bring a group of food lovers, known as our Taste Buds, and order a wide selection from the menu so we can truly experience what a restaurant has to offer. At the end of the night, everyone votes for their favorites. Our reviews reflect the collective opinion of the group, not just one person's take. With that in mind, here's our experience at Kestrel in Indian Wells. We were excited to visit Kestrel, the newest restaurant from celebrity chef Richard Blais. Given its location in one of the wealthiest towns in California, we expected an elevated dining experience with bold, creative flavors. While there were certainly some standout moments, a few elements fell short of expectations. The highlights: * The restaurant itself is stunning, with multiple dining areas and a welcoming atmosphere that's great for groups. * The liquid nitrogen margaritas were a hit--fun to watch and well-balanced. * Two appetizers stood out: the Fromage Blanc with Wild Mushrooms & Truffle and the Hamachi with Blood Orange Ponzu & Pickled Serrano--both beautifully executed. * The best entrée was the Pan-Roasted Chilean Sea Bass with Coconut Rice, perfectly cooked with a flavorful tomato-ginger sauce. * For dessert, the Carrot & Date Cake was the clear favorite--moist, well-spiced, and a great way to end the meal. Where things missed the mark: * Service was slow. Our dinner stretched to five hours (these events normally take 2.5-3 hours to complete), with a significant delay in sorting out the checks for drinks. The verdict: Kestrel has a beautiful space, a fun cocktail menu, and some fantastic appetizers, but there are still some kinks to work out in both execution and service. Would we return? For drinks and small bites, absolutely. But if you're expecting a flawless fine-dining experience, it's worth managing expectations.
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Laurence K.

Yelp
What a great addition to the Desert beautiful space very modern outstanding staff and food to boot. Palm Caesar, ricotta fig and hot honey, shrimp pasta and poke bowl were all amazing. Giant portions mist thins can be shared we will definitely be back

Dan L.

Yelp
Food was delicious. View and seating are comfortable. Service is fantastic. Food was fresh.

Matrissa C.

Yelp
Improve Everything. Star Chef my butt!! Richard Blais probably not really involved in menu choices or recipes. I won't go back. This restaurant under any management over the last 15 years has ALWAYS disappointed us. The view is beautiful, so how about making some great food now?!
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Bob P.

Yelp
I think I had high expectations for this place, given its address and the celebrity chef whose name caught my eye when looking for an ideal birthday celebration venue. Sat outside, nice view of the mountains in the distance. The golf course is under construction and not especially scenic. Food: grilled shrimp was fine as an appetizer. I ordered the Chicken Marsala for my entree, the chicken was as tough as a recent SNL skit and it took me some doing to cut through it. The plate was skittering around the table. The chicken looked more like a schnitzel. The Marsala sauce was okay, not offensive but also not above average. The waiter recommended the Marsala dish over the Moroccan Tagine. The look on his face spoke volumes. My husband ordered the special halibut. He reports the fish was dry and the tomato jam on top did not really add anything to the flavor of the dish. We like eating outdoors when we can...the patio has a lot of potential....with its Moroccan inspired cuisine, you could do a lot with the patio to create a welcoming environment. There was no real nods to decor to speak of, stark overhead lighting. The interior of the restaurant looked much, much nicer and we regretted sitting outside. Sit inside if you can. The wait staff were efficient and attentive, pleasant. They hit all those marks. What was missing was the sense that we had chosen, we thought, an above par birthday celebration special experience and restaurant. In that regard it fell short. I would not go back.

Susan H.

Yelp
Dinner at Kestrel--Richard Blais Kitchen & Lounge in Indian Wells. Beautiful setting with a relaxed vibe and stunning golf course views--perfect for any occasion. The food was delicious and well-prepared. The pan roasted Chilean Sea Bass melts in your mouth; the Steak Fiites was tender at Medium Rare. While the menu is limited, everything we tried was cooked perfectly, flavorful and satisfying. Prices are reasonable, especially for the quality and location. Great value overall. Service was friendly and attentive. Tommy provided excellent table service--professional and welcoming. Highly recommend!
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Thomas H.

Yelp
Been to this spot twice now since it opened and enjoyed a lunch and dinner. I had the smash burger for lunch and the pork chop for dinner. Both very good. Additionally I tried my wife's heart of Palm Caesar and almost couldn't stop eating it. Fries cook perfect as well. Yukon masked potatoes were also tasty. Good friendly service. They did a good job on the renovation the restaurant looks great.
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Tina B.

Yelp
Great food, great service, and beautiful restaurant! We dined at 7:30pm on Saturday night and the restaurant was maybe at 25% capacity. Where is everyone? Get down here and try this restaurant! What are you waiting for?
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Scott L.

Yelp
Somewhat far from PS but we decided to give it a try as it had been featured and maybe just recently revamped? (it is close to all things BNP Paribas Tennis) Thoughtful dishes, friendly and attentive service. Especially liked the beet salad - delicious and refreshing. Cod was great. Prime rib was decent but not awesome. Carrot cake dessert was delicious. We didn't try the Liquid Nitrogen Margarita ($130, serves 4) but we watched it being served tableside from a cart by 2 people with masks and gloves, and it looked amazing.
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Cheryl G.

Yelp
We are huge fans of Richard Blais from going to the Crack Shack in San Diego. His higher end restaurant in the Indian Wells Golf resort is just amazing. This is hands down the best French dip, like in the same breath as Phillipis in DTLA. The espresso Martini made my day, it was perfect! The outdoor seating is wonderful, there is a bit of renovation going on at the course, but it takes nothing away from the ambience, and the amazing vistas. Just an amazing lunch and will be returning for a run at the dinner menus
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Kelly F.

Yelp
I am a huge fan of Richard Blais fan! And that is why I am so disappointed Service was slow, but the room was lovely. The Hamachi and crab cake was delicious but the plating on the Crab cake was terrible. The sauce could have been in a ramekin instead a blob covering have the plate. Looked like yellow mustard, but tasted ok. The French onion soup was good but no crusty bread. Took forever for the Cesar to get the table but it was good and fresh. The prime rib was good but the baked potato's needed a little more care in the choosing. Not to be a sour puss but this had the potential to be our "walk to" weekly dinner spot and it missed the mark in a big way.
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tracey s.

Yelp
This restaurant is a hidden gem. The atmosphere and view are beautiful. It's under new management and the service and food are wonderful. Looking forward to live music and events that are upcoming.

Anna A.

Yelp
My husband and I recently had dinner at Kestrel for our 36th wedding anniversary! This place is gorgeous! From the decor to the views, it is truly amazing! We were seated by Bailey, a sweet and beautiful host with a warm smile that immediately made you feel welcome! Even though the inside was gorgeous, we chose the outdoor dining due to the full moon. What a killer view! We then were instantly greeted by Mo our server, ordered our food and drinks and settled in. We were also greeted by Nick and Justina two of the managers to make sure and let them know if we needed anything during our anniversary dinner. My husband and I were treated like royalty! Between the food and drinks and the attention of the staff, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect experience! The highlight of the dinner was the liquid nitrogen margaritas done tableside! So cool to watch and possibly one of the best margaritas I've had! Thanks to the bartender, Vinnie, for the show! Mo was an amazing and knowledgeable server and a shoutout to the bussers, Tony and Derek, for their promptness and attention to our every need! Another shout out to the Chef, Juanito. The manager, Nick, brought him out so we could thank him personally for a perfectly cooked filet! So tender and delicious! We were also treated to a complimentary mouth watering dessert in celebration of our anniversary! Yum! From the filet mignon, to the pork and shrimp egg rolls to the amazing margaritas, to the top notch staff, I can say it was one of the best dining experiences we have had! Thank you, Kestrel! We will be back soon! Anna & John
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Christine A.

Yelp
New restaurant in the Indian Wells Golf Resort. Great drinks, great food and the service is good. Located upstairs it has indoor and outdoor seating. There is a bar and some private areas for groups. Try the crab hashbrown and the spicy tuna for appetizers. I had the steak frites and the steak was so tender. My friend had the prime rib. The drinks were refreshing, I had the Kestrel. Yummy. Go and enjoy yourself and have great time!!!
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Dee Dee S.

Yelp
We went for dinner tonight Manager was really kind and well informed about the delicious menu. We had ribs and prime rib. End cut was delicious. Split a great salad Cesar salad with roots of Palm really yummy. Had some lobster with the prime rib. Our waiter was also very kind and knew the menu really well. I think his name was Ricardo. Great service. Thank you we will be back. Damian and DeeDee

Mike C.

Yelp
Candace is consistently fabulous, she makes great drinks that are delish and flawlessly presented. Food is delicious, good size portions and great tasting. We will be back!

Marilee L.

Yelp
Wonderful surprise. Beautifully remodeled and very pleasing. The service was fabulous, the food (lunch) was outstanding. My husband had a hamburger the he said was incredible and I had a Cobb salad, it was so delicious. We will definitely be back.
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Cliff S.

Yelp
Today, we were warmly greeted and seated for lunch. Service was exceptional, our server (and other staff) regularly checked in on us. She had the smash-burger and fully enjoyed it. I had the ahi sandwich and enjoyed the flavor, but found the mealy texture off-putting. Glasses of Daou cabernet were priced just slightly under the bottle price at Costco. I'm not sure we'll be back.

Will C.

Yelp
Ambiance...nice. Service...meh, took way too long to get a beverage. Food...what are they thinking! I ordered chicken Marsala. What I got was a heavily breaded chicken cutlet that was drowning in a mushroom gravy. I doubt the sauce had even been passed over by Marsala wine much less included in the dish itself. Institutional food and even that was bad.

Greta T.

Yelp
Had my birthday dinner there last night. You have got to try the Chilean Sea Bass. Definitely the best I have ever had. I couldn't identify the seasoning in the sauce, but it was fabulous. Plate licking worthy. (I resisted) I enjoy watching the cooking show with Richard Blaise, so that was another attraction to give Kestrel a try. We asked for a dessert to take out as a gift for our dog sitter and they suggested the carrot cake. The sitter just called to thank me and said it was "amazing." They made my birthday feel very special and we will be back again whether or not we are celebrating!
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Jeanette S.

Yelp
Ambiance was beautiful for date night on the terrace...service was a lil slow but our server was super friendly and attentive...food was fantastic until dessert...we had the upside down pineapple cake and it was worst than something out of a box...highly recommend just don't save room for dessert!

Dominique C.

Yelp
Amazing Location with the view on the golf course The food was so fresh and tasty. The service by Carlos was outstanding! The wines list is wonderful! The Chardonnay from Ferrari Carano winery was divine. We absolutely love the Spicy Tuna Arepa for the appetizers and the Super Taco Salad and also the Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl... so delicious. Do not miss the Almond cake .. a must. What a place .. A GEM

Craige B.

Yelp
Wonderful dining experience, we are fans! Artistry & service exceeded our expectations.

Laura L.

Yelp
Had an amazing dinner last night at Kestrel Kitchen! We started off with the Pork and Shrimp Rolls then I got Pan-Roasted Chilean Sea Bass and my husband got Filet Mignon. We split the Skinny Fries and Crispy Brussels Sprouts. Everything was delicious! The Sea Bass and Filet literally melted in your mouth and the Crispy Brussel Sprouts were fantastic! The service was great and it's a really beautiful restaurant overlooking a golf course. I would definitely eat here again and recommend this place to anyone looking for a good meal!
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Rita W.

Yelp
This place is wonderful! We got there and got greeted by Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause ... amazing! Then we got inside the restaurant and everybody was very friendly, the place is beautiful, the food was absolutely delicious , and of course, Santa and Mrs. Clause were walking around the restaurant making sure everybody was happy. We also took a picture with them. They sure made our night very special

Phyllis J.

Yelp
It felt as though we were in a cafeteria. Long tables, and acoustics that magnified the sounds of large parties at long tables. Our dinner choice of Pan-Roasted Sea Bass was disappointing. It was flavorless, and the ginger-spiced sauce was overwhelming and not a good sauce to serve with a delicate fish, nor did it make up for the lack of flavor in the Sea Bass.

Brett G.

Yelp
As big fans of Richard Blais, we were excited to try this restaurant, but unfortunately, it was a letdown. We dined there for the first time on 2/28 with reservations and, based on our experience, wouldn't return. The service was painfully slow. We watched as our cocktails sat on the bar for 15 minutes before being brought to our table. My wife ordered the filet mignon medium rare, but it arrived well-done and cold. She also ordered the fondue cauliflower, which sounded great in theory, but by the time it reached our table, the cheese had solidified into a blob that had to be cut with a fork--definitely not the rich, creamy side we expected. While this won't stop us from trying other Richard Blais restaurants, this particular one is a pass for us. There are much better places to explore if your visiting Indian Wells. Try Morgans.