Kitchen in the Desert brings a fresh, inviting take on New American dining to Twentynine Palms, blending familiar comfort with a vibrant Caribbean influence that gives every visit its own distinct character.
This charming cafe has become a destination for guests looking for more than just a meal — it offers a thoughtfully prepared experience built around flavorful food, welcoming hospitality, and a setting that feels both relaxed and special.
From juices and smoothies to comforting plates, happy-hour drinks, and late-night bites, the menu is designed to satisfy a wide range of tastes while still feeling distinctive and memorable.
Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, settling in for dinner, or enjoying solo dining, Kitchen in the Desert delivers the kind of quality that keeps guests returning.
The atmosphere adds even more to the experience. With a fireplace, live music, a great beer selection, great cocktails, a great dessert menu, and a strong wine list, the restaurant creates a lively yet comfortable place to gather.
Guests can enjoy outdoor seating, dine-in service, takeaway, kerbside pickup, delivery, and on-site services, making it easy to enjoy the restaurant in the way that works best for them.
It’s also well suited for casual meetups, cozy evenings, romantic dinners, and trendy outings, while catering, counter service, table service, and seating options help make every visit smooth and convenient. The presence of a bar on site, Wi‑Fi, free Wi‑Fi, gender-neutral toilets, and accessible restrooms further reflects a thoughtful approach to guest comfort.
Kitchen in the Desert is also built with accessibility and ease in mind, featuring a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating, and toilet so more guests can enjoy a welcoming dining experience without hassle.
Dinner reservations are recommended, and reservations are accepted, which is especially helpful given that there is usually a wait — a clear sign of how popular this spot has become. Customers have responded with strong support, giving Kitchen in the Desert a 4.10 out of 5 rating based on 1,768 reviews.
Conveniently located at 6427 Mesquite Ave, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, and accepting credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, it offers both quality and convenience in one appealing destination.
For those seeking a memorable New American restaurant with character, comfort, and a distinctly local feel, Kitchen in the Desert stands out as a place worth returning to again and again.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at Kitchen in the Desert
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
Hear from our valued guests
I had gotten the Pear Pancakes earlier today with their Lemonade as well and i'm most definitely coming back! My server was Syd. She was very sweet and so funny, also very quick with service and helpful! I would definitely recommend kitchen in the desert to anyone.
Really cool outdoor dining experience with different types of cactii around you and good music to go with the theme! Loved all the food we ordered. Pear pancakes and Apple pie were the highlights 🙌
On a road trip from LA to Houston with my daughter and this place was an absolute gem on the first night. We had the puttanesca (lovely fresh sauce, and beautiful blend of flavors) and also the shrimp and bok choy with a side of coconut rice (which was a fantastic pairing that felt like hints of Thai curry with Caribbean citrus and a slight touch of heat.). Everything was delightful. Such interesting flavor pairings, and definitely all fresh and “from scratch goodness!” Highly recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Went for brunch and absolutely loved it. Kitchen in the Desert has such a cool laid-back vibe with a beautiful outdoor setting. The food was fresh, delicious, and really well done — perfect brunch spot after a morning in Joshua Tree. Great atmosphere, friendly service, and one of those places that feels special the moment you walk in. Stylish, relaxed, and worth the visit. Would definitely come back next time I’m in Twentynine Palms.
First time here and it was incredible! The food was great!! Came for my brother’s birthday and couldn’t have been better. The environment was nice and beautiful. Will definitely come again when I’m in town!
Kitchen in the Desert was hands down my favorite restaurant during my brief stay in Joshua Tree. The food was delicious, hearty, and clearly made with love. When I found out the chef was Trinidadian, I already knew we were in for something good. We shared the jerk chicken and lamb pops, along with sides of brussels sprouts and coconut rice, and we demolished every single bite. Everything was incredibly flavorful and perfectly prepared. For dessert, we finished with a slice of pear and salted caramel cream pie which was absolutely delicious. Their ice cream was vegan and nondairy, and you could barely taste the difference. Such a treat. The service was also wonderful. Our server checked in on us frequently, made sure we were comfortable and warm by ensuring the space heaters were working, and even provided blankets. The level of care and hospitality truly elevated the entire experience.
Everything here is just magical! I’ve been several times now. The food is always amazing! No notes! The staff is so accommodating and welcoming! Doug has been my server three times now and I just adore him! He knows his wine and always has the best recommendations!
We had the most beautiful dinner at Kitchen in the Desert — truly one of those rare experiences where everything just feels right. From the moment we arrived, the host and our waitress were incredibly kind and attentive. We had a courtyard table right next to a heater (thank you for honoring our note!), blankets were available, and we were completely comfortable while watching a gorgeous desert sunset. The ambiance was quiet, intimate, and peaceful — perfect for a date night. The food was phenomenal. Every dish tasted like it was cooked just for us — thoughtful, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. We left absolutely stuffed and happy. Parking was easy since we arrived right at opening, and the reservation-only setup made the whole experience feel calm and unrushed. This was hands-down one of the highlights of our Joshua Tree trip. So good that we were at dinner and already planning to come back for breakfast in the morning (those pear pancakes and patata are calling 😍). Highly recommend for anyone looking for an elevated, cozy desert dining experience. We’ll definitely be back.
Very cool restaurant in 29 Palms California, near the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. It’s a small somewhat eclectic menu, but everything we sampled was delicious. We got the smash burger, jerk chicken, and sautéed broccolini. The smash burger was perfectly prepared with cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and jalapeños. The jerk chicken was nicely smoked, tender, and had just the right amount of seasoning. All of the food was nicely portioned. We finished with a Dutch apple pie and olive oil cake, which were both wonderful. The cocktails were also top notch. After a day of outdoor activities in JoshuaTree, Kitchen in the Desert is a welcome piece of civilization for a nice meal, cold drink, and friendly service. Highly recommend.
If I could give more than 5 stars, I absolutely would! We had to wait an hour since we didn't have a reservation and I wouldnt chance a thing!! They have multiple gorgeous spots to hang out while you wait, plus a little general store that is fantastic!! All of the food and all the drinks were incredible!! I don't remember what all we had, but I know the mushroom dish was an all around favorite! We shared dishes and that made it so much more fun! I truly can't suggest going here enough!
Common questions about Kitchen in the Desert
Kitchen in the Desert is located at 6427 Mesquite Ave, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, United States, Twentynine Palms, CA, United States.
You can reach Kitchen in the Desert by calling +1 760-865-0245.
Kitchen in the Desert has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 1768 customer reviews.
Kitchen in the Desert features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Kitchen in the Desert features the following from the business: Identifies as Black-owned.
Kitchen in the Desert features the following service options: Outdoor seating, Kerbside pickup, Delivery, On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in.
Kitchen in the Desert features the following highlights: Fireplace, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great dessert, Great wine list, Live music, Serves local specialty.
Kitchen in the Desert features the following popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining.
Kitchen in the Desert features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Comfort food, Happy-hour drinks, Healthy options, Late-night food, Small plates, Spirits, Vegan options, Vegetarian options, Wine.
Kitchen in the Desert features the following dining options: Lunch, Dinner, Catering, Counter service, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
Kitchen in the Desert features the following amenities: Bar on site, Gender-neutral toilets, Restroom, Wi-Fi, Free Wi-Fi.
Kitchen in the Desert features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Lively, Romantic, Trendy.
Kitchen in the Desert features the following crowd: Groups, LGBTQ+ friendly, Tourists.
Kitchen in the Desert features the following planning: Dinner reservations recommended, Accepts reservations, Usually a wait.
Kitchen in the Desert features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
Kitchen in the Desert features the following parking: Free parking lot, Free street parking, Plenty of parking.
Kitchen in the Desert features the following pets: Dogs allowed, Dogs allowed inside, Dogs allowed outside.
Business Features
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