Advertisement
Johnny Costa's Ristorante

Johnny Costa's Ristorante

Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
+1 760-325-4556+ Add website
Hours
Tue
5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Wed
5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Thu
5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Fri
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sat
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Improve this listing
Reserve a table
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Is this a seafood restaurant?
About
From the classic Italian music to the candlelit tables, the nostalgic atmosphere at Johnny Costa’s Ristorante feels like traveling back to mid-century times. It’s no wonder Frank Sinatra was once a regular at this fine Italian restaurant, where his favorite juicy steak & clam dish are named in his honor. The Costa family continue the legacy of late chef-owner Johnny Costa, who was pals with Sinatra when he moved to Hollywood from New York in the 1960s, a decade later served as the singer’s personal chef at his desert home. Costa’s pedigree lives on in his legendary recipes, including his veal saltimbocca & classic cioppino. Voted Best Italian by Palm Springs Life Readers! Johnny’s son, Head Chef Vince Costa & his cousin General Manager, Sal Illiano continue the family tradition, perfectly executing the family recipes and delighting customers with an amazing dining experience. His brothers John Jr, Tony, cousin Chip & Vince’s sons Giovanni & Vincenzo assist running the restaurant.
PRICE RANGE
$14.00 – $71.00
CUISINES
Italian, Seafood
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles636 reviews
Excellent
375
Very good
165
Average
61
Poor
25
Terrible
10

LelandDetroit
Detroit11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • couples
It is a great pleasure to discover a true second generation family owned and fun restaurant like this. We had a great Italian vegetarian friendly meal with wonderful California Cabernet at most reasonable prices for the quality, service and ambiance. The extensive wine list is very reasonably priced with wide selections. We are in the hospitality business and marveled at how professional and well this restaurant runs. Owners are on the premises and the tasteful interior extends to a kitchen laid out for flow by folks who know their craft. Our meals were delivered hot off the stove with an attentive service by Sarah that was sensitive and not smoothing. The dining room fills with a great mix of locals and visitors from children to seniors in a seamless experience. No wonder Johnny Costa was Frank Sinatra’s personal home chef before opening this restaurant. Do yourself a favor and see why old Blue Eyes loved it. We did and we shall be back.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

timebes
Sheboygan204 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • friends
My Caesar salad was mediocre but EVERYTHING else was delicious: saltimbocca, New York strip béarnaise, penne pasta primavera, and good old spaghetti and meatballs. The small “pizza slices” in the bread basket were a nice surprise, as was the very satisfying least-cost Merlot. Daniel, our server, was attentive and full of old-country gusto. The bill for four of us, with 5 wines, was 173 before tip.
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chip1701
Plymouth1074 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • none
I would agree with other revues posted on TA that this is a busy place. If you go in knowing this, relax and have a couple of drinks it is worth it. We were seated about 5-10 minutes after our reservation time. Just enough time to sit in the bar and have a cocktail. The place was packed on a Saturday night. Our waiter was very nice about explaining the specials, taking our order, etc. (If you are in a hurry, another thing you could do is get a menu while in the bar so you know what you want to order the first time the waiter comes to your table.) We had Caesar salads which were really tasty. There was hint of heat in them that gave them a unique taste we really liked. My wife had the Steak Sinatra and really enjoyed it. I had one of the specials, Lobster Ravioli, and it was also very good. My recommendations- Make a reservation, relax and enjoy an evening in this throwback restaurant in Palm Springs.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

a-travelin-foodie
United States1078 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • couples
Average fried mozzarella, aberage steak and below average seabass. Then we had a surprise charge of $3 each for a "caesar upgrade." When offered blue cheese, Italian or caesar on the romaine salad that came with our entrees, we both chose "caesar" not knowing there would be $3 upcharge each -- shame on them. Would not bother coming here again. Choose another place, this will be average to below average food at a well above average charge. $20 corkage. Lackluster wait staff with better than average buss staff. Sad.
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Iambic
Vancouver511 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021 • none
We used to debate which provided the better fine dining experience: Costa’s or Spencer’s. Not any more. Costa’s has slipped. Both have similar menus with similar prices. Based on our recent visits, the similarities end there. When we arrived at Costa’s at the time of our reservation, a table wasn’t available even though the house was far from full. It then took a half hour before a server came to take our orders. It may seem a little thing but the table at which we sat was uneven, causing the surface to wobble whenever anyone curt with a knife. Spencer’s starts you off with warm dinner rolls; Costa’s did not provide bread. Spencer’s Caesar salad was elegant: long leaves, with the dressing drizzled on; Costa’s was chopped with the greens drenched in dressing. For the most part, our group thought the entrees at Costa’s were equal to those at Spencer’s, but the overall experience left us disappointed. There are too many restaurants in Palm Springs that provide consistently good service to go back to the ones that don’t.
Written 23 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hugemaniac1
210 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 • none
I've been dining at Johnny Costa's for years. Normally food and service are superb, which is why this review is difficult to write. We had a 7:15 reservation and found that our server disappeared for prolonged periods of time. Our food order finally went in at 7:41 pm and we did not see our soup and salad until almost 40 minutes had passed. By that time we were so irritated no matter how good the food, the wait had ruined the evening. I surmised that some sort of melt down had taken place in the kitchen. I brought this to the attention of the manager who was conciliatory but did not provide an acceptable resolution. I've never experienced this at another Palm Springs restaurant. We will be dining elsewhere in the future...
Written 12 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CathyGNice
Palm Springs19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • none
One of my closest friends alerted me months ago that this is one of her favorite restaurants in Palm Springs. Knowing her excellent taste (no pun intended) I tried it soon afterwards, then a few weeks ago, and last night for a final "test". It passed with flying colors. It's a good menu, my veal saltimbocca was excellent, and the three friends with me all were enthusiastic about their meals. We booked for an early table in order to get to the theatre on time, and the service was fine. By the time we left at 7:00 every table was taken... so be sure to make a reservation when you go.
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

kottmar
Clarkston85 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • none
We were so glad to be able to dine here without a reservation. We were treated so well, we are still talking about it. Our server was normally the front of the house mgr. He was amazing. We asked several questions and he was spot on in his recommendations. One of us ordered sausage and peppers, the sausage was homemade and the gravy was to die for. The other person ordered based on recommendation that Seafood Portofino. It was filled with huge scallops, shrimp, lobster tail and more the sauce slightly spicy was full of flavor. I had the lobster ravioli. It was complex and filling. The rose sauce lingered. We all had ceasar salads, they were authentic and memorable. We ended the nite with Lemoncello Tira misu. We are talking about this amazing experience. I felt like I was back in the old days in NYC whispering my order and watching mama in the background stir the gravy
Written 23 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chicagonative_7
1005 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2021 • friends
Our reservation was for outside but the tables were full and they offered us a table indoors....? The current restrictions prohibit indoor dining but they seem to have decided to go their own way. We are fully vaccinated and therefore ate inside.... for the first time in a year. The ambiance was nonexistent with empty tables and wide open spaces. The staff wore masks and the service was pleasant. Food was close to a four but the rule bending dropped it to a three. Salads were ok with a nondescript house dressing and a strong blue cheese dressing.... the bread was a nice touch and tasty when it arrived hot. The sausage and peppers on penne was fine but unremarkable. Mild Italian sausage and a sweet red sauce. The chicken Marsala had a nice mushroomy flavor and was tender. The pasta side was uninspired with a watery sauce. Drinks were strong and reasonably priced. I’m sure the evening would’ve been better all round when things again return to normal.
Written 13 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

N3065LKdebbies
Abingdon363 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • couples
Had such a lovely Valentines dinner here. My husband and I were treated so nice , service, food, and ambience were perfect! We had a cocktail in the bar as our table was made ready. Great bartender, engaging even though was a very busy evening. I had changed our reservation at last minute including this being a very busy evening, we were given a wonderful table for our lovely evening. Loved our server!! I wish i could remember his name. We had a shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, shrimp linguine with tomatoes, and lasagne. All were excellent! Since Johnny Costa has been Sinatra’s personal chef, I tried the Dean Martin martini! Yum! We had the best Valentines Day thanks to all of the staff!
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mgard11
Thousand Oaks112 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021 • none
After eating there, someone told me it was Frank Sinatra's favorite restaurant in Palm Springs. Having now eaten there, I can see why. The waiter, the adult beverages, the food, the ambiance were all perfect. My favorite part of the meal was the basket of bread. I'm sure they make it there but, if they don't, please tell me where it comes from.
Written 10 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RICHIE
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • none
Went there last night after the parade of lights. The ambience , service and food were top notch. Started off with cocktails that were well prepared. Our charcuterie appetizer was delicious and enough for four to share. My veal Marsala dish was the best I had since moving from N.Y All other members of the dinner party were extremely happy with their meal. So nice to have a great dinner. Will be eating here again
Written 6 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lsura N
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • couples
Very very disappointing. We had been looking forward to this restaurant . From the time we walked in till the time we were presented our bill was 43 minutes. Our appetizer, a Caesar salad - was brought to us within four minutes of ordering. Very lack lister. Extremely heavy on the anchovy paste No sooner had we put down our forks that we had our main course delivered . No Sooner had I put down my fork with the main for the dessert list was brought. The problem with this, though, as my husband was still eating his main course. Once we decided not to have dessert, our bill was brought to us immediately and I still had half a glass of wine left. Very very disappointing. I had the chicken Parmesan and it was paper thin and had no flavor. My husband enjoyed spaghetti and meatballs. I had to say one positive thing about the whole meal was that bartender gave us a very heavy pour on the red wine. Very disappointing
Written 10 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Werner R
Mission Viejo215 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022 • none
This restaurant is at the far end of the downtown area, but on the main strip. Parking is in the back and free. This place has a very extensive history of movie stars eating here and their Italian food is fantastic. Wife had lobster ravioli special and I had angel hair pasta with 4 large shrimp. All great! our waiter was Wes, a 16 year veteran and most friendly and professional. Great old school atmosphere and they also offer a patio in front if you prefer. Inside and outside were packed when we went! Highly recommend!
Written 16 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Victor B
Tucson4908 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • family
This is a very nice upscale restaurant that is not too pretentious. The drinks were fun…like the Dean Mar-tini, the wine list great and good Italian Peroni draft beer. The food was mostly amazing, especially the Angel hair pomodori, lasagna and chicken Marsala, but the veal piccata was to “lemony”! Our server, Ferial, was fast and friendly and helped make the night fun. It’s pricy but quality. VictorB
Written 17 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

…
Showing results 1-15 of 626
Best moderately priced restaurants
See all
Sponsored
EIGHT4NINE Restaurant & Lounge
American • $$ - $$$
Closed now
Purple Room Supper Club
American • $$ - $$$
EIGHT4NINE Restaurant & Lounge
American • $$ - $$$
Closed now
Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar & Store
American • $$ - $$$
Closed now
La Perlita Mexican Food
Mexican • $$ - $$$
Closed now
Tac/Quila
Mexican • $$ - $$$
Closed now
Elmer's Restaurant - Palm Springs
American • $$ - $$$
Closed now
Tyler's Burgers
American • $$ - $$$
Closed now
Farm
French • $$ - $$$
Closed now
Rick's Restaurant & Bakery
American • $$ - $$$
Closed now
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing

JOHNNY COSTA'S RISTORANTE, Palm Springs - Updated 2025 Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Reservations - Tripadvisor

All Palm Springs HotelsPalm Springs Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Palm Springs
Things to Do
All Palm Springs RestaurantsRestaurants near Johnny Costa's Ristorante
FlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars