Because of the route we took (Palm Springs-Pioneer Town-Flamingo Springs) we felt like this place was in an oasis in the high desert. (We returned via Yucca Valley making it a lot less of a bright spot in a desolate area).
Regardless, the food, vibes, and service were very good.
We had the fried eggplant, salad Copine, chicken piccata (or Milanese) on Parmesan grits (super yum…comfort food!), and the panne cotta for dessert (the black Perry honey was insane!).
The place is small with seating inside and out.
We recommend making it an afternoon and drive there via Pioneer Town. Pioneer Town is kind of lame but the scenery en route was incredible.
Also if you are coming from Palm Springs check the weather in Flamingo Springs and make sure you are dressed accordingly. There was a 15+ degree difference.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Fried Eggplant
3/2/24: discovered the secret how Chef Nikki crisps up her dishes. Love the dishes we had today: Fried Eggplant & Tomato Chutney, Socarrat, Steak Sando, Rockfish Cake, and Chicken Piccata.
2/16/24: no slips in quality of foods and service.
2/9/23: we brought our friends visiting from home (MN). The service remains top notch (our server Tiedra was friendly and courteous). I dig my Fried Jidori Chicken (the flavors meld together nicely), my wife's Green Papaya Salad could use some mints and Thai basil to kick it over the top. Our friends enjoy the Shrimp Roll, and the Vegetarian Galette Complete. The Fried Eggplant and Tomato Chutney is as good as ever, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The Lemon-polenta-almond cake, crème fraiche, raspberries was well received, the Rice pudding, coconut-orange anglaise, pepitas was refreshing. Thank you for another good meal.
3/26/22: we introduced this place to our friends from Palm Springs. The Dried Eggplant w Tomato Chutney was a big hit! The Crispy Papas was right up there, too. We'll be back next winter.
3/10/22: we came back with our friend visiting from home. Devin is so pleasant to talk to, Jen (our server) was fantastic and Meredith got us another reservation with our other set of friends at the end of the month. A shout out to La Copine's staff and the foods.
2/19/22: Our 2nd time w 2 visiting friends - I am still amazed with the quality of the entrees and the creativity of the chef. We shared the Artichoke Toasts, Soccarat de Champinone, Shrimp Roll, Roasted Chicken Brochette, Le Burger, and the Chocolate Pana Cotta. I'd love to know how the sauce of the Chicken Brochette is made! Meredith is a fantastic server.
2/13/22: Our 1st time - Amazing foods and attentive service (by Meredith)! We made a lunch reservation to ensure a table with our visiting friends. The place was hopping when we drove up, there were plenty parking spaces. The menu was tantalizing and we ordered: Figs & Beets, Artichoke Toasts, Galette Complete, Shrimp Roll, Kippered Salmon, Soccarat de Champinone, and Duck Confit. Everything tasted delightful. Our favs were the Figs & Beets, Galette Complete, and Soccarat de Champinone. The Beignets with Coffee closed out our lunch. A gem in the high desert! We will be back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Fried Eggplant
Love the place. Reservation ahead is preferred has it gets really busy and really hard to get a table. We didn't have one and had to wait a long time. The staff is nice and fun to connect with. The food is awesome and delicious considering the location. A real gem. A little loud due to how many people are packed in (Was too cold to seat outside). Also a little too speedy for my taste if you want to enjoy your time casually.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
What a gem. Worth it to visit this place even if out of your way. Great prices for excellent quality of food. The flavor combinations will knock your socks off. I haven't eaten at much more expensive places with a fraction of the culinary artistry. I definitely recommend this place.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Beet Salad
